Quick Getaway: Temecula Wine Country, Southern California

It's all about the natural beauty of the vineyards that makes Temecula's Wine Country a great place to go for a weekend getaway or just a day-long trip.

Located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, Temecula Wine Country is on the brink of expanding with several wineries having either been proposed or in the planning stages - some of which will offer resort amenities.

If you are looking for a quick getaway or are trying to plan a special or unique event, Wine Country offers beautiful settings, food, wine and the outside area boasts its own set of attractions to lure people out to this corner of Riverside County. Its location is great being only 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 60 miles north of San Diego. It is a great alternative to having to drive all the way up to one of the Northern California wineries.

Here's a list of ideas and things to do if you are out that way:

Wineries: There are too many to count and all are equally fun to visit. If you are driving from Interstate 15, exit Rancho California Road and follow the signs to Wine Country. You will start seeing the farms coming one right after the other. You will be overwhelmed, so if you're only looking to stop in at one or two wineries, it may be best to do your homework first to figure out which ones you want to stop at. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa just won an award this past summer out-performing Napa and Sonoma wineries for the big honor as Best Winery in California. So, you may want to stop in there. They've got a gift shop, restaurant, spa and wine tasting room. Tastings are $12 and you get to keep your glass. The menu to select from also offers more of a variety than other wineries. If you plan on spending the weekend in Wine Country, South Coast also has 76 villas. More information can be found at www.southcoastwinery.com.

Not too far from South Coast is the Wiens Family Cellars, a smaller winery that offers free tours on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 11:30. Tastings are $10. They've got a beautiful barrel room if you are trying to look for a place to hold a special occasion event - though the room can only accommodate a small group (around 50), but it offers a pretty unique atmosphere! More information can be found at www.wienscellars.com.

Hot Air Balloons: When you think of Temecula and wine country, most people often get the image of a hot air balloon ride. If you've got the funds to pay for it and want to make your trip an experience, definitely sign up for a ride. Most rides cost around $150 per person for just under one hour, but each company's timing and prices vary. At Californiadreamin.com, you pay $138 for a 50-minute to one hour and 15-minute ride that starts at either the La Vindemia Vineyard or South Coast Winery. The hot air balloon ride is great for special occasions though it may not be the most practical for the wallet for visitors just wanting to get a look at what Wine Country is all about.

Shopping: If you are spending the weekend, or are just out in Wine Country for the day and want to explore outside of the area, try the local retail options. The shopping choices may not be comparable to neighbors Los Angeles or Orange counties, but if you are into antiques, you may find something in Temecula's Old Town. Currently undergoing its own revitalization and redevelopment, you will find antique shops, a farmer's market and restaurants. This is outside of Wine Country, but still within Temecula. If you're spending the weekend, this may be one of your stops after visiting the spas and doing a wine tasting.

If national brands are more your thing, Temecula also has its own regular mall called the Promenade at 40820 Winchester Road. This boasts all of the typical stores you would find at a regular mall. If you don't feel like eating at one of the winery restaurants, there's a P.F. Chang's (gourmet Chinese food) and Red Robin if you're looking for sit-down places.

Pechanga: Just outside of wine country and about 15 minutes away is the Pechanga Casino. Whether you plan on spending a couple of hours in wine country or are spending the whole weekend, chances are you won't want to stay in wine country the whole time.

Pechanga is a great casino to visit and it's not that far away. The casino recently underwent an expansion and has some great places to eat. From the fast food at the food court to the fancy Great Oaks Steakhouse and Paisano's Italian restaurant, there's something for everyone.

Plus, if you don't want to spend a lot on hotel accommodations, Pechanga offers an alternative to staying in Wine Country (where it's a little pricier to stay overnight). And, if you're into nightlife activity, Pechanga has an Improv theater and other entertainment and there's always action in the casinos.