Temecula, California 72-Hour Vacation

DAY 3

To get a sense of the land and terrain from above, there's nothing better than hot air ballooning. A Grape Escape offers early morning rides from the parking lot of Wilson Creek winery. You'll climb high in the sky and cruise mere feet over live vines. Bring a jacket and a hat (the hot air is right over your head, and you will feel it). Afterward, the complimentary Continental breakfast also includes a glass of the winery's famed Almond champagne. Other balloon tours include Sunrise Balloons and A Balloon Adventure.

If you'd prefer to stay on terra firma, consider a guided tour on the Grapeline shuttle or private limo service, but be sure to choose one with good winery relationships; often times it's essential for limo groups to make advance reservations. A unique alternative is the Sunrider Jeep Wine Tour, which is limited to six passengers and affords personalized service and a custom itinerary. You'll hit about four wineries on the day tour (or three on the evening tour)—and you won't have to drive!

Leonesse Cellars

Meet your four-wheel-drive ride at Leonesse Cellars, which produces an impressive selection of wines, ranging from Bordeaux blends to the only Cinsaut port (a traditional Portugese varietal) in California. Your VIP sit-down tasting (part of the Jeep package!) includes reserve wines and an accompanying cheese plate.

The next stop is Keyways Vineyard & Winery, the only solely female-owned winery in Southern California. It's known just as much for its comfy couches and well-appointed restroom as it is for a mix of sweet and serious wines.

Depending on your agenda, Cougar Vineyards may come in third today. Owned by a couple who first started making wine in Texas, continued in Seattle, and have now settled here, Cougar produces everything from Italian varietals like Primitvo to "pink" table wine.

A good last stop before lunch is Filsinger Winery & Vineyard, another area pioneer whom also has the distinction of being the man to invent the formula for Neosporin. Once he got out of the science business, he created the winery, which he now shares with his son. Both the bottles and tasting fees here are very affordable for the area. Don't leave without trying the champagne. It's one of the few in the region that isn't flavored with citrus or nuts.

You'll head back to Leonesse for lunch at this point, with spectacular outdoor-only dining (there are misters!) and dishes like lamb lollipops, Tuscan bread salad and grilled pork chops.

If you're not on the jeep tour, a good lunch alternative is Ponte Winery's Smokehouse Restaurant. Items include wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and heavier entrées like bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Advance reservations are suggested. Wines here include Italian varietals like Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, along with sweet tastes and sparkling selections.

Ponte Winery's Smokehouse Restaurant

You can probably sneak in one or two other wineries after lunch. Two good suggestions are Wiens, specializing in "big reds," and small-case producer Palumbo —the Rosé and Merlot are particularly impressive.

Should you decide to spend another day away from wine tasting, the Temecula Creek Inn is a gentleman's favorite for 18-hole championship golf. Nearby Lake Skinner is a fun option for family outings; recreational options include fishing, swimming and boating

For a girls-only getaway, consider the world-class spa at South Coast Winery. You can opt for signature facials like the GrapeSeed hydrating treatment, a relaxing massage, or even the Vino-Vinyasa wine tasting-themed yoga class. Whatever you do, don't leave without sampling the wines.

The Vineyard Rose restaurant's dinner menu also happens to be one of the premier fine-dining options in the Valley. Cal-Italian favorites include cioppino, Alaskan king salmon, oven-baked ricotta cheese ravioli and four-pepper carpaccio.

A bit more on the outskirts of town is Italian favorite Francesca's Kitchen, located a bit off-the-beaten path along Highway 79, aka Temecula Parkway. It's a local's favorite for homemade pasta and friendly atmosphere.

There's a lot to see in Temecula in just three days, but be sure to make time for R&R. You don't have to do it all at once and, if you're in a big group, you don't have to do everything together. Plus, you can always come back!

For more information, visit the Temecula Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.temeculacvb.com.