One of the more beautiful wineries I saw in Temecula Valley recently underwent renovations, and they sure paid off. Miramonte feels kind of like you’re walking into a good friend’s back patio (albeit, a really wealthy good friend); it’s just so comfortable and open, and while impeccably adorned, the winery’s laid-back feel and friendly staff put you at ease. I highly recommend the wine, charcuterie and cheese pairing here (my group had five pairings). Sorrel Restaurant and Bistro does the catering for Miramonte and puts together a cohesive, interesting, and delicious cheese and charcuterie platter to match the Miramonte wines. I particularly enjoyed the Spanish Manchego, fresh strawberries, and 2012 GSM Rosé – light, flavorful, and summery; and according to owner Cane Vanderhoof, “the apricot stilton is virtually made for the Roussanne.” Vanderhoof and the Sorrel chef (Sorrel does the catering and boards for Miramonte) determine the pairings; the offerings can change seasonally or due to limited availability.

Aside from being a flat-out gorgeous restaurant, Pinnacle was Open Table’s 2012 diners’ choice winner for Temecula. The Pinnacle restaurant serves up Mediterranean cuisine that uses fresh, locally grown ingredients (whenever possible). And sure, a fan-fave (and a Tess-fave) dish is the lobster mac & cheese, which is made with penne, plenty of creamy four-cheese sauce, and huge chunks of lobster, but they also serve up healthy options and have a vegan/gluten-free menu.

At this brewery, staffers really only brew beer that they like to drink themselves. So, since they love those hoppy IPAs, you’ll fine a lot of those here. They know their business and love what they do and it shows since they’ve doubled in size in less than a year. Inside, there’s chill music playing, tinted windows, wood furniture and a great long wooden bar, and hand-drawn artwork by Ben Wiens’ son, Alec. At the bar, you can order a pint, a taste, a flight, or even stock up on some large bottles to take home. The flight is great because I got to familiarize myself with the Wiens’ impressive library of beers. I particularly liked the Descent (a black IPA with lots of complexity and a taste of chocolate to counterbalance the citrus and pine aromas), the Millennium Falconers with its great name and a citrusy, herbal spiciness, and their Bourbon barrel-aged beers, where that bourbon really seeps into the flavors. Fun Fact: Wiens Family Cellars wine club members receive a discount at the brewery.

This family-owned and run winery is home to almond champagne and Molly Merlot. At their restaurant the Creekside Grille, they’ve got a hearty menu, with tasty appetizers (I suggest the cheese plate), huge, meaty sandwiches, like the veal burger made with bacon lardons and topped off with a fried egg and bleu cheese fondue, and an unreal salted caramel ice cream sandwich (using actual bread). When you mix this gorgeous estate with a great family atmosphere, misters to make your day cooler, and a nice sampling of wines, the result is a wonderful place to stop by for lunch.

Rosie and Gerry Wilson take pride in their wine and in Molly Merlot, their micro-mini potbelly pig.