Temecula’s Annual Wine Festival: Hot Air Balloons, Music, and More
Summer is in full swing! School is out, it's impossible to grab a great campsite at that one place you're interested in visiting, the beaches are swamped, and ice cream sales are on the rise. It's the season of family vacations, kicking back and relaxing, and exploring something new in the world. If you're like us, then a cold beer or a generous glass of wine are just what your summer is screaming for - and what better place to enjoy just that than at a festival wholly dedicated to it?
An hour east of the coastal town of San Clemente (as the crow flies) lies Temecula Valley, a family-friendly city merged with an expansive wine country featuring over 40 wineries and growing. A popular hot spot on the weekends, Temecula Wine Country gives you that ideal countryside feel with access to all the amenities that the city has to offer within a few minutes' drive. Something unique to the terrain of Temecula Valley, however, is that it frequently provides the perfect weather conditions for hot air balloons to soar above the countryside. This lead us to attending an annual celebration worthy of noting: the 2017 Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.
The festival's kick-off started at dawn on Friday with a massive balloon launch, a lucky event as it completely depends on good weather. Drawing crowds at the early call time of 5AM, the skies were peppered with hot air balloons until around 8AM, offering free rides on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Local artists filled the stages throughout the day, providing musical entertainment for the masses. A local casino, Pechanga, sponsors the main stage annually, which draws bigger names like this year's musicians, David Nail and Josh Turner. Of course, numerous vendors attended, offering everything from souvenirs and gourmet food to furniture and airstream homes.
Throngs of people crowded the stages, picnic blankets and chairs dotting the area like a scene from a movie. We added ours to the mix and set up shop to people watch, an activity nearly as entertaining as watching Josh Turner perform. A note for those with kids: no need to leave them at home, as the nearby kids' Wildlife Center, rock climbing wall, inflatable bubbles, and Fun Zone make this event family-friendly!
Too many booths to count provided amazing wine and beer tastings, full glasses, and even food pairing experiences. Of course, we also had the option of creating our own beer and wine tasting experiences, as the food options were practically limitless! With Temecula Valley Wine Country nearby, it’s no wonder there were so many yummy offerings to choose from.
To wrap the day up, many of the hot air balloons were tethered to the ground and lit at Lake Skinner, creating a bright, candlelight-like glow that we found relaxing, and some found romantic. Strolling among the balloons felt magical, but attendees could simply throw their picnic blankets down on the ground and enjoy the beautiful scene from a distance, too.
For the folks who'd love to stay all weekend and enjoy the event from start to finish, camping at Lake Skinner makes spending the weekend in Temecula Wine Country accessible for any budget, so long as you plan and book in advance. Guests also have the option of staying in one of the hotels and inns that many of the wineries offer, or at one of the hotels in town.
Though the 2017 festival is over, you can still make plans for next year! We had a great time, and urge you not to miss this incredible and memorable experience. For more information on the 2018 Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, check in here.
