Altisima Winery

Altisima Winery in Temecula Valley, California, pairs Spanish-influenced wines with a hilltop setting on De Portola Road. More than 20 vineyard acres surround a contemporary winery with open-air decks, lounges, and vineyard views. Several local families share ownership, and the Spanish connection carries through to Gaspar’s Restaurant, where Spanish classics meet modern California cooking. This is a good fit for travelers who want lunch and a tasting in one stop rather than a quick pour before moving on.

Chris Johnson, head winemaker since 2020, brings a former paramedic’s background to the cellar, along with winemaking studies at Washington State University and experience overseeing a 1,100-ton custom-crush operation. His grape sourcing extends beyond Temecula Valley to California’s Central Coast and Northern California. The standard tasting costs $30 for five one-ounce pours, with guests choosing from the available wines rather than following a fixed flight.

The tasting room welcomes walk-ins daily, with later closing hours on Fridays and Saturdays. For a deeper look, Tour Elevado combines a guided estate and vineyard tour with five wines paired with cheeses; the 90-minute experience costs $95 plus tax and 20% gratuity and requires booking at least 48 hours ahead. The tasting room and members’ lounge are strictly 21+, while the restaurant and lawn welcome children. Pets are not permitted; service animals are the exception.