Callaway Vineyard & Winery: A Guide to Temecula's Best Wines

Callaway Vineyard & Winery is a premier destination for wine lovers and enthusiasts alike. Located in Temecula Wine Country, this vineyard boasts breathtaking views of rolling vineyards and spectacular sunsets. The winery is home to an extensive line of premium wines, artfully crafted and produced with state-of-the-art winemaking facilities.

Visitors to Callaway Vineyard & Winery can enjoy a variety of experiences, including wine tastings and tours. The friendly and knowledgeable tasting room staff offer the perfect introduction to the winery's award-winning wines. Guests can also take a behind-the-scenes walking tour to get an up-close look at the winery's inner workings, from the vineyards to the bottling line.

Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, Callaway Vineyard & Winery is the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. With its stunning views, world-class wines, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder that this winery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

History of Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Callaway Vineyard & Winery is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Temecula Valley, California. The winery was founded in 1969 by Ely Callaway Jr., a successful businessman who had a passion for wine. Ely Callaway Jr. was born on June 3, 1919, in LaGrange, Georgia. His father worked for the family firm which owned eight textile mills in the town.

Ely Callaway Jr.'s success in business began at the early age of ten when he used money he had earned from delivering magazines to lease an acre of land on which he planted peach trees. He sold the peaches to local grocery stores and earned a profit. This entrepreneurial spirit stayed with him throughout his life and was evident in the way he approached the wine business.

The Callaway vineyards were planted in 1969, and by the early 1970s, they were one of a handful of Temecula wineries producing and selling wine. Many say that Ely Callaway helped put Temecula on the map as a serious wine-producing region.

In 1981, Callaway Vineyard & Winery became the first winery in California to produce a commercial Viognier, a white wine grape variety that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. The winery was also one of the first in the state to produce a commercial Syrah, a red wine grape variety that is also native to the Rhône Valley.

Today, Callaway Vineyard & Winery is privately owned by the Lin family of San Diego, who purchased the winery property in late 2005. The winery property now has 20 acres of Estate vineyards planted with Viognier, Syrah, Dolcetto, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Roussanne, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The Lin family owns an additional 200 acres of property at the corner of De Portola Road and Monte de Oro Road.

Location and Vineyards

Temecula Valley

Callaway Vineyard & Winery is located in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country in Southern California. The winery boasts breathtaking panoramic views of rolling vineyards and spectacular sunsets. The estate is situated on 70 acres of prime vineyard land, and the tasting room is open daily for visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery and award-winning wines.

Vineyard Varieties

Callaway Vineyard & Winery produces a variety of wines from the grapes grown on their estate vineyards. The vineyards are planted with a mix of classic and lesser-known grape varieties, each carefully selected to thrive in the unique climate and soil conditions of Temecula Valley.

Some of the grape varieties grown on the estate include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Malbec, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel, and a variety of white and red blends. The winery also produces sparkling wines, including a Brut and a Rosé.

The vineyards are farmed sustainably, with a focus on preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The winery is committed to using environmentally friendly practices, including drip irrigation and cover crops, to minimize water use and reduce erosion.

Visitors to Callaway Vineyard & Winery can enjoy a variety of unique experiences, including guided vineyard tours, wine tastings, and food pairings. The winery also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, art shows, and food festivals. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing day out in the country, Callaway Vineyard & Winery is the perfect destination.

Wine Production

Wine Making Process

Callaway Vineyard & Winery has been producing high-quality wines for over 50 years. Their winemaking process is a combination of traditional and modern techniques that result in some of the most flavorful and well-balanced wines in the Temecula Valley.

The winemaking process at Callaway Vineyard & Winery starts with the careful selection of grapes from their estate vineyards and other local growers. The grapes are then sorted and destemmed before being crushed. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, depending on the wine variety.

After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels to add complexity and depth to the flavor. The winemakers at Callaway Vineyard & Winery carefully monitor the wine during the aging process to ensure that it develops the desired characteristics.

Once the wine has aged to perfection, it is bottled and labeled. Callaway Vineyard & Winery's wines are known for their approachability, flavor, and balance.

Wine Varieties

Callaway Vineyard & Winery produces a wide variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel. They also produce several blends, including their popular Special Selection and Winemaker's Reserve blends.

Their Chardonnay is known for its bright acidity and tropical fruit flavors, while their Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied with notes of blackberry and cassis. Their Merlot is smooth and velvety, with flavors of cherry and plum, while their Syrah is spicy with notes of black pepper and dark fruit. Their Zinfandel is rich and jammy, with flavors of raspberry and blackberry.

Overall, Callaway Vineyard & Winery produces a range of wines that are sure to please any palate. Their commitment to quality and their passion for winemaking is evident in every bottle they produce.

Tasting and Tours

Callaway Vineyard & Winery offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the vineyards while enjoying their award-winning wines. The winery offers both wine tasting and winery tours for guests to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the estate.

Wine Tasting Experience

The wine tasting experience at Callaway Vineyard & Winery is a chance to sample their world-renowned wines. Guests can choose from a variety of wine flights, including the Classic Flight, the Reserve Flight, and the Winemaker's Flight. Each flight includes a selection of wines that showcase the unique flavors and characteristics of the grapes grown on the estate.

The Classic Flight features a selection of five wines, including the crisp and refreshing Chardonnay and the bold and complex Cabernet Sauvignon. The Reserve Flight includes five of the winery's top-tier wines, including the rich and full-bodied Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. The Winemaker's Flight is a chance to taste some of the winery's limited-production wines, including the smooth and velvety Meritage.

Winery Tours

Callaway Vineyard & Winery also offers winery tours for guests to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the estate. The tours include a walking tour of the lush and breathtaking estate, a visit to the vineyards, and a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process.

During the tour, guests will learn about the viticultural practices used at the winery and the winemaking process from grape to bottle. The tour includes a visit to the fermentation cellar and barrel room, where guests can see the aging process in action.

The winery tours are offered daily at 12 pm and 2 pm for $40 per person. The tour concludes with a tasting of some of the winery's award-winning wines. Guests can also choose to add a cheese and charcuterie board to their tour for an additional fee.

Events and Functions

Callaway Vineyard & Winery is a popular venue for events and functions, offering a variety of options for both wine club members and private events.

Wine Club Events

Callaway Wine Club members have access to exclusive events throughout the year, including wine release parties, winemaker dinners, and vineyard tours. These events provide members with the opportunity to taste new wines, learn about the winemaking process, and meet other wine enthusiasts.

Wine club events are held both on-site at the winery and off-site at various locations throughout the Temecula Valley. Members receive invitations to these events via email and can RSVP directly through the winery's website.

Private Events

Callaway Vineyard & Winery is also an ideal location for private events, such as weddings, corporate functions, and holiday parties. The winery offers several event spaces, ranging from intimate indoor rooms to spacious outdoor areas with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.

Private event packages include catering, wine service, and event coordination, making it easy for hosts to plan and execute their event. The winery's experienced event staff can assist with every aspect of event planning, from menu selection to decor and entertainment.

For those looking for a unique and memorable event, Callaway Vineyard & Winery also offers private tours and tastings, allowing guests to learn about the winery's history and winemaking process while enjoying a selection of the winery's award-winning wines.

Overall, Callaway Vineyard & Winery is a versatile and accommodating venue for any type of event or function. With a range of event spaces and packages available, hosts can customize their event to their specific needs and preferences.

Reviews and Accolades

Callaway Vineyard & Winery has received numerous accolades and positive reviews from both customers and critics alike. The winery has been featured in various publications, including Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, and Sunset Magazine.

In 2019, Callaway Vineyard & Winery was awarded the "Best Winery" by Inland Empire Magazine's Best of the Inland Empire. The winery has also received the "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator for its outstanding wine list.

Customers have also left glowing reviews for Callaway Vineyard & Winery on Yelp and TripAdvisor. The winery has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Yelp, with many customers praising the beautiful views, friendly staff, and delicious wines. One Yelp reviewer stated, "The wines are delicious, the views are breathtaking, and the staff is warm and welcoming. This is a must-visit winery in Temecula."

On TripAdvisor, Callaway Vineyard & Winery has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with customers raving about the stunning scenery, excellent wine, and knowledgeable staff. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote, "The wine was fantastic, the views were stunning, and the staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great time and would highly recommend this winery to anyone visiting Temecula."

Overall, Callaway Vineyard & Winery has received high praise from customers and critics alike for its exceptional wines, stunning views, and friendly staff.

Conclusion

Callaway Vineyard & Winery is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Its picturesque location, state-of-the-art winemaking facility, and award-winning wines make it a top choice for those looking for an unforgettable wine tasting experience.

The winery's commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices is evident in its solar-powered operations and water conservation efforts. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the winery and vineyards, followed by a tasting of some of the best wines in the Temecula Valley.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery's wine club is a great way to stay connected with the winery and its offerings. Members receive exclusive access to limited edition wines, discounts on purchases, and invitations to special events.

Overall, Callaway Vineyard & Winery is a great choice for those looking to explore the world of wine and experience the beauty of the Temecula Valley. Its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation make it a standout among the many wineries in the region.