| While Northern California is often sited as the wine | | | | and you can choose from any of these to make |
| region of California, the southern part of the state | | | | up your trip. |
| has much to crow about. Regardless, you have a | | | | If you choose to take the Wine Shuttle, your |
| chance to explore the hidden winery gems. | | | | ticket is good for a day's worth of transportation |
| Most people think of northern California when | | | | between the different wineries. Pick and choose |
| they imagine wineries in the state, but other | | | | which look good to you, and get off only at the |
| regions within California also produce wines. | | | | wineries you're interested in. You can also choose |
| Southern California, specifically Temecula Valley, is | | | | to purchase the Value Passport, which is provided |
| also growing as a wine production area. In a | | | | by a cooperative of the wineries and restaurants |
| warmer climate than northern California, and close | | | | in Temecula. This Passport will save you even |
| to San Diego, exploring Temecula can easily be | | | | more money on tastings and meals. Choosing this |
| combined with trips to Los Angeles or San Diego. | | | | option allows tourists and wine lovers to have the |
| The beautiful warm days combined with | | | | freedom to see whichever sites they are |
| temperate cool nights make a perfect climate for | | | | interested in without having to feel like part of a |
| wine grapes. | | | | group - but you are also drinking responsibly. |
| There are several wine excursions in southern | | | | The most popular of the wine excursions in |
| California, but by far the largest and most | | | | southern California offered by the Grapeline is the |
| affordable is the Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle | | | | Vineyard Picnic. This excursion is more structured, |
| (888-8-WINERY). Based out of Temecula, this | | | | and includes a gourmet picnic lunch as well as |
| wine shuttle is unique in the fact that you can | | | | transportation for the day. Tasting tickets are |
| make reservations to board at any one of their | | | | included with your fee (no waiting in line) and you |
| scheduled stops and depots throughout Temecula, | | | | get the advice and knowledge of the guide as |
| Escondido, Fallbrook or San Diego. Most of the | | | | well. A value pass is included with your trip, which |
| stops are at the major hotels and other | | | | entitles the holder to discounts on wines as well |
| accommodations throughout the Temecula area. | | | | as merchandise at the vineyards and wineries. |
| There are 21 wineries and vineyards in the region, | | | | |