Courtesy of Global Travel Media

Thirty-six years strong, the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is a three day celebration of local wine and brews, spotlighting the beauty of the Temecula Valley and all the fun that can be found there.  A wide range of activities are offered, from hot-air balloon flights and concerts, to wine and beer tastings, food and wine pairings, arts and crafts, and commercial exhibits.  A full schedule of events will take over Lake Skinner Regional Park Friday May 31st through Sunday June 2nd, 2019.

Courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley

Early morning balloon rides are offered Saturday and Sunday, with 40-50 hot air balloons taking off at sunrise for almost an hour flight.  For an abbreviated experience, morning Balloon Tethers give the sensation of flight while briefly hovering at 50-75 feet. Billed as "Toast The Glow", inflated hot air balloons glow against the night sky on Friday and Saturday evenings, where the roar of propane burners and bright colors adds festive ambiance to the evening events.  The Balloon Glow is one of the most popular events, easily enjoyed by all, as their beauty can be appreciated on the ground.

And what is a festival without food and wine?!  Wine tasting, from fifteen participating wineries, is available all day, in addition, special reserve and boutique wines will be poured in the Reserve Wine Garden.  The best of Temecula Valley is on display with the Wine & Food Pairing seminars, where three or four courses are paired with local wines, while a chef and winery representative explain why they compliment each other and answer questions from the participants.  More wine-centric activities include stomping grapes and racing wine barrel cars.

Concerts on two stages, the Wine Stage and the Main Stage, offer lots of entertainment.  Eighteen different musical acts, including Chase Bryant, 3 Doors Down, and Big & Rich, provide the soundtrack to the weekend festival, for the full schedule, check the website for times.

There is something for everyone, a Commercial Court with over 150 vendors where you can shop, a Kid’s Faire, Craft Beer and Food Court.  Tickets are available online, with a variety of options to suit whatever activities you’re interested in.

Courtesy of Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association

Temecula Valley, voted one of the ten best wine travel destinations in 2019 by Wine Enthusiast, celebrated 50 years of commercial winemaking last year.  It’s turning into serious wine country, with over 500,000 cases of wine produced annually from over two dozen varietals.  A new generation of winemakers are experimenting with new varietals and styles, and quality wines are in abundance.  It’s a perfect weekend escape for wine lovers from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County, and one that should be on everyone’s radar.