Callaway Vineyard & Winery Review
Address: 32720 Rancho California Rd. Temecula,California 92589.
Phone Number: 800-472-2377
Tasting Hours: 10:00-5:00
Region: South Coast and S. California, Temecula Valley AVA, California
Reviewer: Tara Torres
Review Date: 3/27/2013
Reviewer: Tara Torres
Rating: 4
The Review
The newly renovated tasting room on the Callaway compound offers elegance and breathtaking views you can enjoy while sipping on one of their many wines.
The Place: Callaways vines were planted in 1969 by founder Ely Reeves Callaway Jr., who also became a household name in the golf industry. Since then Callaway has grown to become one of the more sophisticated wineries in Temecula. Driving up the sloping hill towards the winery, industrial warehouses form the first impression of Callaway. The parking is ample, and it only takes a short walk to the visitor side of the winery. There the restaurant Meritage sits on the edge of the vineyard looking out over the valley. Fountains and flowers lead visitors to the tasting room, and if you’re not too thirsty, take some time to enjoy the spectacular views. The recently renovated tasting room, designed in a contemporary fashion, possesses a wall of windows to take in the views. A gift shop sits off to the side of the tasting room and offers wine related gifts. Every space was meticulous.
The Experience: It didnt take long for my first impressions of Callaway to be dramatically changed as I approached the well-appointed tasting room. Tasting tickets are purchased in the gift shop, freeing the tasting bar attendants to focus on pouring the wine, and selling you a tasting glass if you’re interested. The list of the wines to choose from was so extensive that I was glad that I splurged for the six tastes rather than the more economical four taste option. With each wine I selected, the tasting room attendant gave a dead on description of the wine. There was some lag time between pours, however the service was always friendly. The setting was so lovely at Callaway, I was reluctant to leave.
The Wines:  The wines at Callaway range in price from $18 to $48. Nine white wines were offered for tasting, with my favorite white wine being the 2009 Special Selection Chardonnay, which had notes of ginger and nutmeg. Fourteen red wines were available to taste. The 2010 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon was one of my favorites with a bold berry taste with a hint of vanilla finish. A close second was the 2010 Zinfandel. Visitors can taste four wines for $10 or six wines for $15. Wine is available for purchase online.
Insider’s Tip:  A two for one coupon is available online, which is valid Monday through Friday and offers four tastes for $15, and a variety of winery and cellar tours are available. Callaway also offers different wine events, such as Women and Wine Wednesdays, and has ample room for weddings and private events.