Oak Mountain Winery: A Guide to the Best Wines and Tasting Experience

Oak Mountain Winery is a family-owned winery located on the De Portola Wine Trail in Temecula's wine country. The winery is known for its award-winning wines, including its famous raspberry and strawberry champagnes. With over 30 wines available for tasting, visitors can enjoy a variety of red, white, and dessert wines.

One of the unique features of Oak Mountain Winery is its wine caves, which are the only mined wine caves in Southern California. The caves offer an unparalleled experience for guests, with over 9,000 square feet of tunnels that tunnel through Pauba formation soil. Visitors can enjoy tours of the caves, which offer a glimpse into the winemaking process, as well as tastings of the winery's signature wines.

Located in the heart of Temecula Valley, Oak Mountain Winery is one of the premier wineries in Southern California. The winery offers a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, wine pairing dinners, and more. With its beautiful location, award-winning wines, and friendly staff, Oak Mountain Winery is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Temecula's wine country.

History and Overview

Oak Mountain Winery is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Temecula wine country, California. The winery is situated on the De Portola Wine Trail, which is known for its picturesque views and award-winning wineries. The winery's sprawling vineyards, award-winning wines, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Founding of Oak Mountain Winery

Oak Mountain Winery was founded in 2000 by Steve and Valerie Andrews, who were introduced to the winemaking process by Valerie's father and uncle, who were partners in some of California's pioneer wine shops. The family's love for wine runs deep, and they have taken immense pride in serving not just as a winery but as an integral part of the local community.

The winery has won numerous awards for its wines, including the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Temecula Valley People's Choice Awards. Oak Mountain Winery's wines are made from the highest quality grapes, which are hand-picked and carefully selected to ensure the best possible flavor and aroma.

The De Portola Wine Trail

The De Portola Wine Trail is a scenic route that winds through the heart of Temecula wine country. The trail is home to some of the most beautiful wineries in the region, including Oak Mountain Winery. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys as they sample some of the best wines in California.

The De Portola Wine Trail is also home to a variety of events throughout the year, including wine tastings, food pairings, and live music. Visitors can explore the trail at their own pace, stopping at each winery along the way to sample their unique wines and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

In conclusion, Oak Mountain Winery is a family-owned winery that has become a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The winery's commitment to quality and excellence is evident in its award-winning wines and beautiful vineyards. Visitors to the winery can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the De Portola Wine Trail, which is home to some of the most beautiful wineries in California.

Winery Features

Oak Mountain Winery is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. The winery boasts a range of features that make it stand out from other wineries in the area. Here are some of the highlights:

Wine Cave

At Oak Mountain Winery, visitors can experience Southern California's only subterranean mined wine cave. The wine cave is 104 feet underground and provides a unique environment for aging and storing wine. The cave also serves as a venue for private events and weddings.

Tasting Room

The tasting room at Oak Mountain Winery is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Visitors can sample a variety of award-winning wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. The tasting room is staffed by knowledgeable and friendly wine experts who are happy to answer any questions visitors may have.

Cave Café

The Cave Café at Oak Mountain Winery offers a range of delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner in the unique setting of the wine cave. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, and entrees such as grilled salmon and filet mignon. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

In addition to these features, Oak Mountain Winery also offers cave tours and a cave distillery experience. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains while sipping on some of the best wine in the Temecula Valley.

Wine Selection

Oak Mountain Winery is known for its award-winning wines that are made using the finest grapes. The winery offers a wide selection of wines that cater to every taste and preference. Here are some of the wines that are available at Oak Mountain Winery:

Red Wines

Oak Mountain Winery's red wines are known for their rich, full-bodied flavor. The winery offers a variety of red wines, including Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Sangiovese. Each wine is made using the finest grapes and is aged to perfection. The Merlot is a popular choice among wine lovers and is known for its smooth, velvety texture and rich, fruity flavor. The Malbec is another popular choice and is known for its bold, spicy flavor. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine that is rich in flavor and has a long, smooth finish.

White Wines

Oak Mountain Winery's white wines are known for their crisp, refreshing flavor. The winery offers a variety of white wines, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The Chardonnay is a popular choice among wine lovers and is known for its rich, buttery flavor. The Sauvignon Blanc is a light, refreshing wine that is perfect for a hot summer day.

Sparkling Wines

Oak Mountain Winery's sparkling wines are perfect for any celebration. The winery offers a variety of sparkling wines, including Brut and Rosé. The Brut is a dry, crisp wine that is perfect for toasting. The Rosé is a light, refreshing wine that is perfect for a summer day.

Overall, Oak Mountain Winery's wine selection is sure to please any wine lover. Whether you prefer red wine, white wine, or sparkling wine, the winery has something for everyone.

Visiting the Winery

Oak Mountain Winery is a must-visit destination for wine lovers visiting Temecula Valley. The winery offers a range of experiences, from tours and tastings to private parties and weddings.

Tours and Tastings

Oak Mountain Winery offers tours of its vineyard and wine cave, as well as tastings of its award-winning wines. The vineyard tour takes visitors through the estate's grape vines and provides insight into the winemaking process. The wine cave tour takes visitors 104 feet underground to explore Southern California's only subterranean wine cave.

Tastings are available in the winery's tasting room, which is open seven days a week. Visitors can sample a variety of reds, whites, and sparkling wines while enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Hours of Operation

Oak Mountain Winery is open seven days a week, from 11am to 5pm. The winery is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Events and Parties

Oak Mountain Winery is a popular venue for weddings, private parties, and corporate events. The winery offers a range of event spaces, including a barrel room, a patio, and a lawn with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.

Live music is often featured at the winery, making it a great spot for a relaxing afternoon or evening with friends and family.

Reservations are recommended for tastings and events, as the winery can get busy during peak season.

In conclusion, Oak Mountain Winery is a top destination for wine lovers visiting Temecula Valley. With its beautiful vineyard, award-winning wines, and range of experiences, the winery offers something for everyone.

Amenities and Services

Oak Mountain Winery offers a variety of amenities and services to enhance your visit to the winery. Here are some of the highlights:

Dining Options

Oak Mountain Winery has a variety of dining options available for visitors. The Cave Café is open for lunch daily and offers a menu of delectable cuisine, including sandwiches, salads, and cheese plates. Visitors can enjoy their meal on the patio while taking in the beautiful views of the vineyards. In addition, the winery offers a dog-friendly policy, so visitors can bring their furry friends along to enjoy the outdoor seating area.

Dog-Friendly Policy

Oak Mountain Winery is a dog-friendly establishment, making it the perfect destination for visitors who want to bring their furry friends along. The winery offers a dog menu, which includes items like a "Puppy Patty" and "Bow Wow Biscuits". Dogs are also welcome to join their owners on the outdoor patio.

Accommodations for Groups

Oak Mountain Winery is family-friendly and offers accommodations for groups of all sizes. The winery has a large event space that can be rented out for private parties, weddings, and other special events. In addition, the winery offers tours and tastings with knowledgeable and friendly staff, making it a great destination for wine enthusiasts of all levels.

Overall, Oak Mountain Winery offers a variety of amenities and services that make it a must-visit destination in Temecula's wine country. From the delectable cuisine to the dog-friendly policy, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this family-owned winery.

Customer Experience

Oak Mountain Winery offers an exceptional customer experience with its stunning winery ambiance and excellent service. Customers have left positive reviews and feedback about their visits to the winery.

Reviews and Feedback

Customers have praised the winery's spectacular views and the quality of the wines. The winery has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Yelp, with customers praising the knowledgeable staff and the beautiful setting. One customer wrote, "The views are breathtaking, and the wine is delicious. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they make you feel welcome."

Winery Ambiance

The winery's ambiance is rustic and charming, with a speakeasy-style ambiance in the exclusive cave distillery. The winery's website is easy to navigate, with a wealth of information about the wines, the vineyard, and the history of the winery.

In terms of pricing, Oak Mountain Winery offers reasonably priced wines, making it an excellent choice for wine lovers on a budget. The winery has also offered deals through Groupon, giving customers the opportunity to try their wines at a discounted price.

Overall, Oak Mountain Winery offers a memorable customer experience, with excellent service, a beautiful setting, and delicious wines.

Special Programs

Wine Club Membership

Oak Mountain Winery offers a wine club membership for those who want to enjoy exclusive benefits and access to members-only events. Members receive a shipment of three bottles of wine every quarter, specially selected by the winemaker. They also get a 20% discount on all wine purchases and merchandise, as well as free tastings for themselves and up to three guests.

In addition, wine club members get access to members-only areas and events, such as the exclusive wine club lounge and barrel tastings. They also receive priority invitations to special events, such as the annual grape stomping party.

Educational Offerings

Oak Mountain Winery offers educational programs for those who want to learn more about wine and winemaking. The winery offers guided tours of the vineyards and the wine caves, led by knowledgeable tour guides who can answer questions and provide insights into the winemaking process.

The winery also offers classes and workshops on wine tasting, food pairing, and winemaking. These classes are led by the winemaker, who shares his expertise and insights into the art and science of winemaking.

Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a novice, the educational offerings at Oak Mountain Winery provide a unique and informative experience that will deepen your appreciation for wine and the winemaking process.

Products Beyond Wine

Oak Mountain Winery is more than just a place to sample wines. They offer a variety of products beyond wine, including distillery offerings and merchandise and gifts.

Distillery Offerings

Oak Mountain Winery's distillery offerings include a range of spirits that are distilled on site using locally sourced ingredients. The distillery produces bourbon, which is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years to achieve a smooth and rich flavor. They also produce sparkling wine, which is made using the traditional method, and strawberry champagne, which is a popular choice among customers.

Merchandise and Gifts

Oak Mountain Winery offers a variety of merchandise and gifts for those who want to take home a piece of the winery. They offer branded apparel, such as t-shirts, hats, and jackets, as well as wine glasses, bottle openers, and other wine-related accessories. Customers can also purchase gift cards, which make an ideal gift for wine enthusiasts.

In addition to the above, the winery also offers tours of their mined wine cave, which is Southern California's only mined wine cave. The cave provides a unique environment for aging wine, and visitors can learn about the history of the cave and the winemaking process during the tour.

Overall, Oak Mountain Winery offers a range of products beyond wine, including distillery offerings and merchandise and gifts. Customers can choose from a variety of spirits, branded apparel, and wine-related accessories, making it a one-stop-shop for wine enthusiasts.

Sustainability and Innovation

Oak Mountain Winery is committed to sustainable viticulture practices and technological advancements to ensure the longevity of their vines and the quality of their wines.

Viticulture Practices

The winery employs sustainable viticulture practices such as cover cropping, composting, and integrated pest management. Cover cropping involves planting non-commercial crops between the rows of vines to improve soil health and prevent erosion. Composting is used to recycle grape waste and other organic matter into nutrient-rich soil amendments. Integrated pest management involves using natural predators and other non-toxic methods to control pests and diseases, reducing the need for harmful chemicals.

Oak Mountain Winery also uses drip irrigation to conserve water and minimize runoff. By providing water directly to the roots of the vines, drip irrigation reduces water waste and promotes healthy growth.

Technological Advancements

Oak Mountain Winery has implemented innovative technologies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their winemaking process. For example, they use solar panels to generate electricity and reduce their carbon footprint. They have also installed a rainwater collection system to capture and reuse rainwater for irrigation and other non-potable uses.

The winery uses state-of-the-art equipment such as optical sorters and temperature-controlled tanks to ensure the highest quality grapes and wines. Optical sorters use cameras and lasers to sort grapes based on size, color, and other characteristics, resulting in a more consistent product. Temperature-controlled tanks allow for precise control over the fermentation process, resulting in wines with better flavor and aroma.

Overall, Oak Mountain Winery's commitment to sustainability and innovation has resulted in high-quality wines that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

Location and Accessibility

Oak Mountain Winery is located on the De Portola Wine Trail in Temecula's wine country, nestled between the coast and mountains. The winery is easily accessible from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County, making it a popular destination for wine lovers and tourists alike.

Directions and Parking

The winery is located at 36522 Via Verde, Temecula, CA 92592. Visitors can take the I-15 freeway and exit at Rancho California Road, then head east for approximately 7 miles. Oak Mountain Winery is on the left side of the road, just past the intersection of Anza Road and De Portola Road.

Parking is available on-site and is free of charge. Visitors can park in the designated parking lot, which is located near the entrance to the winery.

Local Attractions

Oak Mountain Winery is situated in Temecula Valley Wine Country, which boasts 33,000 acres and 47 wineries. Visitors can explore the vine-draped hills, panoramic views, and warm, welcoming people in the area.

In addition to wine tasting, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the area, including hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, and golfing. The winery is also close to Old Town Temecula, which offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

Amenities

Oak Mountain Winery offers free Wi-Fi to its visitors, allowing them to stay connected while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The winery also offers tours and tastings with its friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as a variety of events and activities throughout the year.

Overall, Oak Mountain Winery is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and tourists looking to explore the beauty and charm of Temecula Valley Wine Country.