Temecula Trip: Day 3

After I wrote a chapter for my novel my first stop today is Danza del Sol winery, highly rated by locals and about twenty minutes inland from the 15. The journey through the southernmost part of the city is a delight for affluent equestrian lovers. The lot measurements are in acres instead of feet, and tall walls, fences and trees keep prying eyes out of some places. Even the horses get stables that are bigger than the apartments for rent, or at least it seems that way.

The winery itself is forty acres, and on the northernmost part of the property is this secluded tasting room that’s quite popular with both locals and visitors. I sampled six different wines and bought two bottles. 

The 2023 Dos Plancos on the top is a blend of 70% Vermintino and 30% Grenache Blanc that retails for $38. Below it is a 2020 Meritage that 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet France, 25% Merlot and sells for $105. You read that right. I loved the more economical 2019 version so much that I splurged on my first “Library” wine.

The drive back to the hotel was a fantastic two lane voyage through hilly wine country that made me forget about future plans to visit Napa Valley or even Tuscany. The sun was out, the winds were calm, and there was hardly any traffic on the roads. I love this place so much that I wouldn’t mind coming back for a day trip to explore more of these “hidden gem” wineries.

Once I dropped off the wines at my air conditioned room, I visited Lazy Dog for lunch. I was intrigued that this restaurant allows dog owners to bring their canine companions, and I heard the food was good. I chose an outdoor table, and once they filled up with customers I saw a German Shephard, a Poodle, a Yorkie, and a mutt. All of them got along, too.

I ordered the ginger soy salmon entree with a pink lemonade, but unfortunately it was a letdown compared to the other places I dined at during this trip. The fish was fine, but the brown rice was dry and the vegetables were undercooked. For its price point, I cannot recommend this place unless you order from the “Fuck my diet” portion of the menu.

I then returned to Macy’s to take advantage of a new jewelry sale. This diamond Bulova chronograph was marked down over $150 off its $550 price, and this English translated Japanese novel was $5 with my chai latte purchase at Starbucks Cafe.

Then… things took a turn after I returned to the hotel. I don’t know if it was the wine samples, the lunch, the chai latte or all of the above but I got an upset stomach. Thankfully I felt better by the time five o’clock rolled around.

I was unable to get an exterior photo of Rosa’s Cafe & Tortilla Factory, but it’s within walking distance of the hotel. For $10.29 you get three tacos, rice, beans, and two flour tortillas in that brown wrap. That more than makes up for my Lazy Dog experience.

For all intents and purposes my vacation is over, but I’m already planning my return. I discovered this $105 per night room is over $250 on Friday or Saturday, so I’m inclined to arrive on a Monday and check out on a Friday next time. 

When will that be? My sister is taking two vacations soon, so I’ll have to plan around her schedule.