Somerset Vineyard & Winery

Somerset Vineyard & Winery in Temecula, California, pairs amphora wines with Rhône and Spanish winemaking programs that date to 2009. Winemaker David Raffaele is the person behind those programs, while qvevri amphora tours give visitors a closer look at the winery’s clay vessels. That production focus gives Somerset a reason to visit beyond another afternoon of wine tasting.

The winery traces its roots to lifelong friendships, and its social calendar keeps that connection front and center. The annual Grape Stomp puts four-person teams around oak barrels filled with recently harvested grapes, with costumes, a DJ, food vendors, and a live band after the competition. It is a team sport, not a solemn wine ritual.

Regular tastings operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than by reservation; groups larger than 15 coordinate directly with the winery. Leashed dogs are welcome. Food trucks serve Thursday through Sunday, and a tasting-room deli case supplies cheese, crackers, and other snacks; outside food and drinks are not allowed. Thursday-through-Saturday evenings extend until 9 p.m., giving Somerset room in an itinerary beyond the usual afternoon tasting stop.