SOUTH COAST WINERY
RESORT AND SPA
34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, Calif., 951-587-9463,
wineresort.com.
RATES: Basic villas start at $209 weekdays; $289 weekends. Suites are $309 or $389. $9 daily resort fee.
STAY HERE IF YOU’RE: On vacation, looking for a romantic getaway, like wine or all of the above.
IT’S CLOSE TO: not much, which makes it a great getaway. San Diego is 65 miles away, Los Angeles about 100.
THE ROOMS ARE: Large (575 square feet), sumptuously decorated and private. Ask for one in the back with a patio that overlooks the citrus orchard and vineyard. Huge soaking tub in the marble bathroom. In-room coffee and mini-fridge; free wireless Internet access. A bottle of wine is included, as are tickets to the on-site wine tasting.
THEY PUT ALL OF THE MONEY INTO: The villas and spa. Set on 38 acres, the resort has a central complex with restaurant, tasting room, shop and meeting rooms, while the 76 “villas” are a short distance away. The Grapeseed Spa features a big pool, fitness facility and second-floor treatment rooms and balcony overlooking the pool and resort. The staff is professional and accommodating.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Weekends are at a premium during high season, June-October, so you’ll pay more if that’s the only time you can go. Sunday-Thursday is cheaper and quieter. Check out the spa and golf packages for additional savings. And take home a bottle of the Wild Horse Peak Cabernet Sauvignon.
– Suzanne Brown
