Fantastic Temecula Winery Stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn

A winecation is always a good idea, don’t you think? I just got back from fantastic 4 day stay in Temecula and wanted to share my experience at Ponte Vineyard Inn with you. I don’t want to give away too much, but if you are looking for a winery hotel overlooking the vineyards in the middle of Temecula wine country, this is the place you want to be.

What to expect

First impressions matter! When you drive up to Ponte Vineyard Inn, it feels like you have arrived at a historic California Mission, including tiled bell towers. It is absolutely stunning.

After you make your way through the lobby, you sit down in plush armchairs to check in, and you are handed a cool glass of exquisite sparkling wine. What a way to start your getaway in wine country! Check-in is swift and fast. Instead of rattling down the list of amenities and details about checkout, breakfast time, and pool hours, they just sent you a text message with all the information later. No delay for you to hit the pool or the first winery.

Ponte Vineyard Inn doesn’t just wow you with a perfect first impression. The design and maintenance, as well as service at this hotel surprise you with thoughtful details everywhere you look. I have stayed at so many “fancy” hotels and it was all stunning and beautiful until you looked in the corners. This hotel definitely deserves its AAA 4 Diamond status.

Amenities & Rooms

Ponte Vineyard Inn has everything a luxury hotel should have and the AAA 4 Diamond designation is well deserved. I loved dipping in the pool and jacuzzi overlooking the vineyards. Another favorite spot of mine was the rose garden and lawn overlooking the pond. Perfect to sit in the shade, smell the fragrance of the roses, read a book and relax. There is also a small gym with treadmills and free weights, but I just went to go for a walk in the vineyards for a little exercise.

My King Suite overlooked the pool and the vineyards. What a view to wake up to! Each room comes with a coffee station as well as a mini fridge – perfect to keep that bottle of wine cool for later!

The beds and pillows were pure bliss. I stayed here with a group of wine and travel writers. All members of our group stay in hotels very frequently, and so many of us commented about how comfy the beds are. The only downside is that you might never want to get up, ha! And that is ok, too.

There is no spa available at Ponte, but they work with South Coast Winery next door (~5-minute walk, or you can drive), and you can enjoy massages, facials, steam baths, and saunas to your heart’s content.

Restaurants and Bars at Ponte Vineyard Inn and Winery

Bouquet Restaurant and Bar

Open for Breakfast, Brunch, and Dinner, Bouquet Restaurant made sure I had a delicious start to my day. The extensive Breakfast and Brunch menu had something for everyone. I tried the Huevos Rancheros, Avocado Toast, and Eggs Benedict, and I have to say, they know how to poach an egg! Perfectly set, yet still oozy, creamy, and delicious. I am not a sweet breakfast lover, but the Riccotta Cheese Blintz was calling to me. Maybe next time…

The Restaurant at Ponte

This restaurant is located right by the Ponte Winery Tasting Room and is open for Lunch and Dinner. I didn’t get to eat here, but I had a look at their menu and it made my mouth water. I love that they have something for everyone, including indulgent options like coffee- and lavender-encrusted filet mignon but also simpler options like Mousakka or Pizza.

The Cellar

Just off the main entrance, you can find the stairs leading down to The Cellar Bar. A mix of modern decor, vaulted ceilings, and jazzy vibes makes for a fun ambiance. Little nibbles, craft cocktails, and, of course, wine offer a great selection for a pre-or post-dinner drink.

Poolside Bar and Café

I also didn’t try this option, but I love the resort vibes you get with a poolside bar. Is there anything that puts you into vacation mode quicker than sitting by the pool with an umbrella drink in your hand?

4 Wineries in Walking Distance

Speaking of drinks. Most people come to Temecula for wine tasting. If you stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn, you have 4 wineries within a 16-minute walking radius. That makes it so much more convenient if you don’t have to drive (and no need for a designated driver or expensive wine tour!!!).

Ponte Winery

Ponte Winery is the on-property winery and the closest one to the Inn. They have a wide selection of offerings, including classic and crowd-pleasing single-varietal wines, such as Chardonnay, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and, of course, Cabernet Sauvignon.

I really love their Vermentino. I tried their “regular” one, which is light and floral, with a summery taste of tropical fruits and refreshing acidity. And then I had the Late Harvest Vermentino, which was round, smooth, and luxurious. Definitely something special for a special occasion.

South Coast Winery

If you didn’t go to South Coast for a spa treatment (which you should), you definitely have to go there for a wine tasting. South Coast Winery is the only winery that has won the Title of California Winery of the Year 5 times. A well-deserved achievement! I also love that they are a certified sustainable winery.

If you love dry Rosés, try their Grenache Noir Rose. It won several awards and is the perfect wine to sip all summer!

Also, read our full review of the South Coast Winery Resort here>>

Wiens Cellars

It feels like every winemaker in Temecula has a cool story. So does Brian Marquez, the winemaker at Wiens Cellars. Aside from killing it at Wiens, he is also a Hot hot-air balloon pilot, and yes, he took me for a flight and also poured me a flight on the same day. How cool is that?

We did a fun blind tasting at their tasting room and tried 3 versions of 6 different varietals, having to guess the grape. It was a fun experience to see three different interpretations of the same wine by three different wineries.

Bottaia Winery

Bottaia Winery is the sister property of Ponte Vineyards and is run by the same winemaker. Arnaud Debons took us on a winery tour at 6:45 AM. I guess there is never a bad time for wine, but that was definitely a first for me.

I love Bottaia’s concept. They focus on Italian varietals only and blend modern techniques with Old World traditions. I love that they do not compromise to please the crowds. There is no Cab or Chard on the menu, but you can try varietals most people have never even heard of, such as Fiano (my favorite!), a crisp and floral summer wine, or Sagrantino—a perfect red if you love deep flavors and strong tannins.

One of my favorite things about Bottaia is their blending lab workshop, which visitors can sign up for. You get to play winemaker for a day and make your own wine blend. It’s so cool. I definitely want to do that next time I am in Temecula.

Speaking of returning to Temecula. It has been 7 years since my last visit to Temecula, and the valley has changed so much. It really has come into its own and found its own style. The wines used to be mainly so-so, but now they are impressive and delicious. I can’t wait to come back to Temecula soon and it definitely won’t take me 7 years until my next visit!

If you are planning a trip to Temecula, check out Ponte Vineyard Inn. Staying at this fantastic Temecula winery hotel will take your stay to the next level, and prices are very reasonable! Book your stay here>>

This Ponte Vineyard Inn Review was written by Maria Haase for San Diego Explorer. As customary in travel writing, the trip to Temecula was hosted by Temecula Wines and Visit Temecula and the stay and experiences were free of charge. This has not influenced their opinion and the content of this article.

Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Maria Haase

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