Stay & Play

Sunny Vineyard Escape at Carter Estate Winery and Resort

by Jennifer Merrick

Temecula Valley, whose name translates to ‘place of the sun’, is a wine region located just 130 kms southeast of Los Angeles. Its approximately 50 family-owned wineries produce an unusually diverse range of varieties from cool-climate Gewurztraminers and Rieslings to Mediterranean Syrah and Tempranillo. Each have their speciality. For Carter Estate Winery it’s their crisp sparkling wines produced using the ‘methode champenoise’ process. In other words, it’s the same labour-intensive method used to produce champagne but without the French label and price tag. Besides bubbly, Carter Estate is also renowned for their luxe accommodation that features 60 beautifully designed bungalows.

Our spacious, open-concept suite included living and dining areas and an oversized bathroom, complete with soaking tub and separate shower room. All wonderfully luxe, but the highlight for us was the private outdoor terrace with a view of the vineyard that was literally steps from our outdoor seating sanctuary. Gazing at the rows of grapes in the Temecula sunshine while enjoying the complimentary wine (included in the room rates along with breakfast), we debated the merits of just not leaving our accommodation for the next three days.

But considering how much there was to do both on and off the resort that would have been a shame. Situated on 100-plus acres, we found plenty of space to take a walk amidst the vines. Lounging around the hot tub and swimming pool, enjoying Vineyard Grill, the poolside restaurant, was another option as was learning about winemaking. The Tasting Room offered curated samples with an expansive view of the working vineyard.

Carter Estate’s sister property, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, is situated across the road and guests can walk or use their shuttle service to access their amenities. At Vineyard Rose Restaurant, we enjoyed prime cuts of steaks and seafood in the Tuscan-inspired restaurant. But the star attraction at South Coast was its Grapeseed Spa, a three-story, 17,000-square-foot oasis, featuring a saltwater pool, sauna and 22 treatment rooms. From the friendly staff and expert hands of the masseuse to the tranquil setting and complimentary glass of wine, it was the ultimate in pampering from the moment I walked in the door until I very reluctantly departed. Once again, I found myself contemplating not leaving the grounds of these properties and just luxuriating in their beautifully landscaped grounds and all the comforts and services on offer.

But Temecula Valley with its wineries, historic downtown and bucolic landscape had way too much to offer to hold these thoughts for long. Old Town Temecula transported us to a quintessential western town with its original buildings that now house creative eateries, original boutiques and antique shops.

A sunrise hot air balloon ride lifted us high above the valley for a view of the rolling hills and the pink-hued mountains in the distance. We concluded our adventure with a mimosa toast as our pilot recited the balloonist prayer: “May the winds welcome you with softness. May the sun bless you with its warm hands,” it began. As the sunshine and the breezes welcomed and blessed us, once more I dreamt about staying longer in ‘the place of the sun’.

www.carterestatewinery.com