Temecula wineries worth visiting for tastings and tours

With Southern California's wine country about an hour away from San Diego, Temecula is a great place for a fun day trip with friends or for visitors in from out of town.

What's happening: There are nearly 50 wineries to taste locally made wines, learn more about the process on a tour and sip a glass or share a bottle while taking in mountain views and sunsets over vineyards.

These are some of our and Axios San Diego readers' favorite Temecula wineries:

Europa Village

• This resort offers tastings and tours at C'est la Vie, its French winery featuring a wine cave and gardens, and Bolero, its lively Spanish winery. The Italian winery Vienza is set to open in January.
• It's a "great place to taste wine but they also have a nice tapas place and it is beautiful during the holidays," Kathy C. says.

Leoness Cellars

• Take a tour to learn about their farming and winemaking, walk through the vineyards with a glass or relax with a bottle on the outdoor patio and take in the views.
• Of note: This is my personal favorite.

Wilson Creek Winery

• Visit the tasting room, take a tour or enjoy the cabanas, fire pits, garden and courtyard seating around the expansive property.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards

• Reserve a classic tasting and tour or enjoy a pizza and vineyard views with live music on Mama Rosa's Trattoria patio at this Italian-inspired winery.

• Renzoni boasts that it's Southern California's first 100% solar-powered winery.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

• While Callaway was the first winery to open its doors in the Temecula Valley, this estate has a modern feel with lounge seating overlooking the valley, a restaurant and tastings and tours available.

Pro tip: Make reservations for tastings and tours.

• But most of the time, you can just walk in and enjoy a glass or a bottle of wine outside, especially this time of year.