Temecula California Wine Country Oasis Ponte Vineyard Inn

Temecula, California, is quickly gaining recognition as the next Napa Valley. With over 50 wineries, this comparison is far from an exaggeration. As the demand for resorts in the area continues to rise, Ponte Vineyard Inn stands out as a premier choice. After experiencing a stay at this luxurious retreat, I can confidently say this is the perfect destination if you seek elegance and serenity amidst beautifully manicured grounds.

Visit Temecula provided my accommodation, but the observations and opinions are my own.

Arrival at Ponte Vineyard Inn

After my 80-mile leisurely drive from Palm Springs, I parked directly across from the entrance of the Ponte Vineyard Inn. As I neared the double glass doors, they magically opened, causing me to smile and think, “It’s the little things that make a difference.” There was no need for a balancing act with my full arms to enter this beautiful resort.

The Ponte Vineyard Inn Lobby

I marveled at the elegance and luxury I felt upon entering. Instead of a long counter serving as a reservation area, two dark wood professional desks were on the left, with two chairs in front of them. The women behind them immediately greeted me with a warm smile, making me feel I was one of their VIP guests. During my stay, I noted they greeted all guests the same way.

While registering, I was handed a glass of bubbly—who cares, it was still early in the day—a lovely gesture. I was assigned a second-floor room and given directions on how to drive around. I parked my car practically outside my room.

My Room with a View

As I stepped into the elevator, I marveled at the floor, which was entirely covered with Spanish ceramic tiles. Once off the elevator, I walked a short distance, noticing that each room had a half-moon door mat in front of it—again, an unusual touch.

My spacious room had a view anyone would envy, for it looked out over the vineyard. As a bonus of being an early riser, each morning, I watched as hot air balloons were being filled and then took off with their cargo of visitors quietly floating over Temecula Valley.

Breakfast in Bouquet Restaurant

With a full day of exploring Temecula ahead of us, we chose to have breakfast at the Bouquet Restaurant, right off the lobby of the Inn. The coffee was superb, which is always a very appreciated bonus when traveling.

My travel companion had a bagel with lox and all the fixings for building her breakfast sandwich. I sensed this restaurant wouldn’t mess up the taste of the hollandaise sauce, so I ordered eggs benedict. I was right-it was terrific.

Exploring the Grounds of Ponte Vineyard Inn

Once you walk out through the French glass doors, you enter a beautiful world of manicured grounds, surrounded by vineyards as far as you can see.

While it would appear white roses are planted everywhere to enhance the area designated for weddings, they serve another purpose. They help keep away pests and diseases, increase the quality of the soil, and even improve the quality of the wine.

Short Walk to the Ponte Winery Tasting Room

Nothing is better on a beautiful, sunny morning than taking the short walk to the next building on the Ponte property. Admittedly, I’ve stopped here many times during my eight years coming to the Valley from Palm Springs. When I started coming it was the first tasting room on the wine trail in Temecula Valley.

Gift Shop in the Ponte Winery Tasting Room

One of the reasons I always stopped here was the outstanding selection of products in the gift shop adjacent to the wine-tasting bars. Here, you can find unique gifts, and things you might want to add to your collections. Their small releases of candles in special containers are one of their biggest sellers.

Lunch at The Restaurant Ponte

It was hard to believe, but the hunger bug was raising its head, so it was time for lunch behind the Tasting Room on their beautiful outdoor patio. My Cobb salad was more than satisfying, especially since I ordered a glass of Ponte’s Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, 2023, to accompany my meal.

The Restaurant at Ponte is also open in the evening and offers a different perspective under the dark, star-filled sky. There are plenty of heaters in winter, so you will just need a small wrap to enjoy outside dining.

Dinner at the Cellar

We spent the rest of the day exploring Temecula—who knew Temecula had an area older than then Temecula’s popular Old Town? How fascinating to learn that the Butterfield National Historic Trail ran through the area. Buildings have been remodeled and reconstructed to serve as fun community gathering places.

I digress… dinner at the Cellar in the Ponte Vineyard Inn. I had noticed the sign when I registered, but how fun it was to experience it. You can access the Cellar of the Inn by elevator or stairs just off the lobby.

As you walk in, barista tables are in front of you. It’s a place for a drink after work or appetizers, though you can have dinner in that area. We chose a linen-draped table near the bar, which was a great choice.

The food was superb, and the Cellar stays open until midnight, accommodating visitors arriving late and those wanting to meet with friends for a late dinner or a nightcap. Though it is a winery, it has a full bar so that everyone will be happy.

A Short Car Ride North from Ponte Vineyard Inn to Bottaia Winery

We learned that the Ponte Family had another property welcoming visitors, Bottaia Winery. On my way back to Palm Springs, I stopped there to see if it met my expectations after spending two nights at the Ponte Vineyard Inn.

Parking was easy. I walked through the doors and was warmly welcomed by a staff member. I had two choices: to taste wine in the Barrel Room or out on the patio. I chose the patio because it was a beautiful day and overlooked the vineyards.

There was laughter from groups and couples quietly sipping their wine while enjoying one of their famous charcuterie boards. Off to the left is the swimming pool, which non-members can reserve with a paid reservation. If you desire, you can even have your own private cozy cabana. (The pool is closed for the winter months.)

Alas, it was time for me to head back to Palm Springs. I had a wonderful stay at the Ponte Vineyard Inn and explored the other Ponte properties. The Inn is beautiful and offers fantastic customer service, and its location is superb for exploring the area.

If you want to taste great wine, stay in beautiful surroundings, and enjoy superb food, this is the location you should consider. If you haven’t been to Temecula Valley, you should definitely go before it gets too crowded, for word is bound to get out about how beautiful the area is in Southern California.