South Coast Winery Review
Address: 34843 Rancho California Rd. Temecula,California 92591.
Phone Number: 951-587-9463
Tasting Hours: See website for wine tasting details.
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
South Coast Winery is the complete package: restaurant, resort, spa, and winery. Add a dose of amazing customer service, and it’s no surprise that South Coast Winery has developed an impressively loyal customer base.
The Place:  Once parked, your first steps on the grounds are breathtaking as you follow the wisteria-covered pathway to the winery, all the while enjoying the perfumed air created by meticulous landscaping. The Spanish architecture, to include a tower, is consistent throughout the compound. Once inside the tasting room, the décor turns more rustic, and the awards South Coast has won are displayed throughout. South Coast has both a restaurant, the Vineyard Rose, and a conference center with outdoor banquet seating. The large complex includes a courtyard that can be transformed into an outdoor venue for weddings and other private events with ease. South Coast offers lodging, but their private villas and hotel suites are more than just an average inn. While lodging at a vineyard isnt unique in Temecula wine country, South Coast’s Grapeseed Spa is Temecula wine country’s only full service spa.
The Experience:  The first steps towards the tasting room are impressive. The abundance of flowers and landscaping are perfect for picture taking. Upon entering the winery, visitors purchase tasting tickets at the cashier’s counter, which is conveniently located at the entrance. The bar was crowded, and the crowd was jolly, especially for a Wednesday afternoon. With customers and employees greeting each other by first name, it became clear that South Coast has a strong local following the Temecula winery version of Cheers. The tasting room attendant was a true professional. He not only maintained a quick pace to keep up with the large crowd, but did so in a relaxed and friendly manner. When asked for my choice, I simply replied, Impress me. Up for the challenge, he did just that. He went off the already extensive wine list, bringing me a variety of very nice wines to taste. On my last taste I took my glass, wandered around the grounds, and found a sunny place to sit and enjoy the nice day.
The Wines:  The wines at South Coast range in price from $14 to $52. There are nineteen white wines offered for tasting, with my favorite being the 2012 California Girl. A whopping thirty-five red wines are available to taste. The 2008 Zinfandel, with notes of berry and pepper and a touch of chocolate, was my favorite red. A close second was the 2007 Syrah. Wine tasting options include five tastes of the general selection for $15, or five tastes of the reserve selection for $18. Wine club members receive a 50% discount on tasting. Wine is available for purchase online.
Insiders Tip:  The Tasting Room states it cant support groups from limos and buses after 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. South Coast offers a wine club which includes various discounts, to include discounts on wine, stays at the villas and hotel, food at the restaurant, gifts, and spa treatments. Wine club members also a have a private tasting area to avoid the crowds. The Vineyard Rose Restaurant hosts live entertainment for happy hour, and daily tours are offered at 11am and 1pm for $40 a person.