As the changing leaves illuminate the landscape, autumn is the perfect time to experience the charm and beauty of the Temecula Valley, a premiere global wine destination with an emerging, vibrant culinary scene and welcoming, small-town atmosphere. This is the perfect time to visit one of the region’s colorful, family-friendly pumpkin farms and get lost in the twists and turns of a gigantic corn maze. Rub elbows with award-winning chefs, vintners and brewers and learn more about their crafts and methods. Find marvelous, one-of-a-kind goods and meet local artisans and shop for gifts, or stock up for upcoming holiday celebrations.
To learn more about autumn in the Temecula Valley and to plan your getaway, visit https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/fall/.
FALL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
California Wine Month in Temecula Valley
There is no better time to uncork autumn in Temecula Valley than during California Wine Month, which is celebrated every September. Many hotels, wineries and businesses will offer special activities and promotions.
CRUSH Celebrates Wine Life
One of the most popular wine country events in Temecula Valley, the Wine & Culinary Showcase, will be held on Sept. 17 at Monte de Oro Winery. CRUSH showcases live entertainment and wine from more than 30 wineries and culinary creators.
Complimentary Wine Tastings at Local Hotels
Travelers who book their stay at one of three Temecula hotels during September will enjoy complimentary wine tastings from 4-6 p.m. on select Fridays courtesy of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. Participating properties include Embassy Suites By Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Signature Temecula.
For more activities and events during Southern California Wine Month in Temecula Valley, go to https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/wine-month/.
Enjoy Harvest-Themed Culinary Creations
See what fall tastes like in the Temecula Valley. It’s prime “Maker Season” and time for crafting new flavors, vintages, and creative takes and twists on food and entertainment. Enjoy a classic fall comfort food staple like mac ‘n cheese at Baily’s, Oscar’s Brewing Company, or The Gambling Cowboy.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch and Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Guests who visit the Big Horse Corn Maze will be amazed at its size and scale. At over 11 acres, it’s the largest corn maze in Southern California! Big Horse Feed & Mercantile hosts a Harvest Festival each year from Oct. 1-31 giving visitors access to the maze as well as a huge pumpkin patch and a variety of family-friendly activities. The Big Horse store combines the charm of old-fashioned service and a rural lifestyle with a modern retail experience that even non-horse owners would find inviting and fun.
Family owned and operated, Peltzer Farms is in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country. Every fall, guests can visit its country chic, pick-your-own pumpkin patch with family activities for all to enjoy. Activities vary each year but usually include Pig Races, Pony Rides, Train Rides, Panning for Gems, Corn Maze, Face Painting, Picnic Area, and local musical talent.
Feet Don’t Fail Me Now: Time for a Grape Stomp!
Several local wineries will celebrate the fall harvest with a Grape Stomp, including Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Frangipani Estate Winery, Somerset Winery, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula Carriage Company, and more. For additional updates on Grape Stomps during wine month, visit http://www.visittemeculavalley.com/wine-month.
Temecula Carriage Company Hosts Headless Horseman Haunt
Visitors will need to hold onto their heads as they experience the Headless Horseman Haunt horse-drawn wagon ride, running every weekend in October. Legend has it that the area is haunted! Riders will encounter the Headless Horseman and a variety of other spooky sites.
Temecula Greek Festival
The Greek Festival of Temecula returns on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8-9, at the Old Town Temecula Civic Center and Town Square. Visitors will enjoy live Greek music and dancing, authentic Greek food and pastries, a Mediterranean marketplace, and a family-friendly children’s play area.
Old Town Temecula Outdoor Quilt Show
Presented by the Valley of the Mist Quilt Guild charitable organization in partnership with the City of Temecula, the 23rd annual Outdoor Quilt Show will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1 on Front and Main Streets in Old Town Temecula. Admission is free. Activities include a life auction, colorful outdoor displays and a quilter’s boutique. Local merchants will display quilts in their stores, as well.
Celebrate Persian Autumn at Fazeli Cellars
In addition to live music and Thirsty Thursday specials throughout the Fall, Fazeli Cellars will celebrate Mehregan, the Persian festival of autumn, with a customized Persian buffet and two unique events including performances by Shahla Sarshar, Ardavan Mofid, and GordAfarid. For more details, go here.
Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour: CraftHop
From Nov. 11-13, enjoy signature drinks from local breweries, meaderies and distilleries and collect a free logo glass at each stop along the way during this unique self-guided tour. Temecula Valley is a destination that celebrates the makers of the community as much as their product and invites guests to interact with them and their craft. No tickets are required for this self-guided tour! For more information, visit http://www.visittemeculavalley.com/crafthop.
CarnEvil Zombie Ball 2022
For a spirited good time, Europa Village will host its 2nd annual CarnEvil Ball Oct. 28-29. Guests will enjoy a fun and haunting atmosphere with ghoulish delights, wicked craft cocktails, a DJ, costume contest, and more! For tickets and information, visit: https://www.europavillage.com/carnevil-2022/
Carrie: The Musical
Carrie, the popular Halloween film based on Stephen King’s horror novel, is coming to the stage! Carrie: The Musical will be performed by Fine Arts Network Theater Company at Frangipani Estate Winery throughout the month of October.
Temecula’s Dark Side: Halloween Ghost Tour
Take a nighttime walking tour of Old Town Temecula and learn about the dark side of Temecula’s History, courtesy of the Temecula Valley Museum.
Spectacular Hot Air Balloon Rides
The changing autumn leaves and vibrant colors on the Temecula Valley landscape offers spectacular views from a hot air balloon. Guests begin their day peacefully floating over Southern California Wine Country and its beautiful vineyards, citrus groves, and wineries with lakes and mountains in the distance. For more information, visit Grape Escape Balloon Adventures, California Dreamin’, Magical Balloon Adventures, and Cielo Balloons. For more information, visit: https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/things-to-do/hot-air-ballooning/
Tour the Vineyards During Fall Harvest
Several all-inclusive tours are tailored for visitors who want an up-close and personal experience in Southern California Wine Country. A guided tour allows guests to enjoy the region’s bounty and learn about the region from a local expert. Self-guided tours are also available. For a variety of options, visit: https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/things-to-do/tours-and-transportation/.
Take a Trail Ride Through the Vines
Saddle up for an adventure! The trails throughout Temecula Valley’s wine country are perfect for exploration on horseback and guided trail rides are available to explore the lush vineyards from a different vantage point. Come explore the back roads of the Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. More information can be found here: https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/things-to-do/equine/.
Enjoy Live Entertainment at Pechanga Resort Casino, Wineries
After the sun sets, enjoy Temecula’s nightlife and live entertainment. For some of the best performances in the area, Pechanga Casino Resort has a full line-up this fall including Belinda Carlisle, Weird Al Yankovic, Wakin Chau, Chicago, Alejandro Fernandez, Jeff Beck, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Commodores, Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt, The Price Is Right Live!, and more. For a full schedule of upcoming performances, visit the Pechanga Entertainment web page.
Rhythm on the Vine Concert Series
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s live music concert series and wine tasting events will feature performances by Beth Hart on Sept. 1, 98 Degrees Sept. 2, The Wallflowers Oct. 6, and Yachtley Crew Oct. 7. For more information, visit: https://rhythmonthevine.com/.
Champagne Concerts
Thornton Winery will host a series of Champagne Concerts featuring Jeffrey Osborne & Darryl Williams on Sept. 17 and RNR: Richard Elliot & Rick Braun on Oct. 8. More details, plus a Friday Live Music schedule, is available here: http://www.thorntonwine.com.
About Temecula Valley & Visit Temecula Valley
Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is a year-round vacation destination pouring award-winning wines as well as craft beers and spirits. It’s where people live glass full behind the scenes and under the spotlight. Temecula Valley is made up of a community of Mavericks and Makers that are telling their stories, their way.
The emerging and evolving culinary scene, small town atmosphere, and outdoor recreation and entertainment in Temecula Valley Wine Country, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino culminate to create a spirited destination inspired by the vine.
Temecula Valley is located in the center of Southern California just 60 minutes from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs; 90 minutes from Los Angeles. Get the best rates for your stay here: https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/hotels/.
Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors. The Visitor Center is located in Old Town Temecula. For visitor information and assistance, please call (888) 363-2852 or go to http://www.visittemeculavalley.com.
