Danza del Sol Winery
Danza del Sol — the dance of the sun — is a fitting name for a De Portola Wine Trail winery that celebrates Mediterranean-style wines made for sharing. It is approachable, friendly and focused on value: quality wines meant for lazy afternoons, dinners with friends and special occasions alike.
The story of Danza del Sol
The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association lists Danza del Sol as established in 1980, making its site one of the longer-standing on the De Portola side of the valley. It is owned by Ken Smith, who with his wife Tina also owns nearby Masia de la Vinya. Winemaker Justin Knight makes the wines for both, with Danza del Sol producing around 10,000 cases a year.
The winery’s own philosophy is simple: affordable, quality wines in a Mediterranean style that you can share with friends and family, whether it is a quiet afternoon or a celebration.
What to taste at Danza del Sol
The list is wide and Mediterranean in spirit. The association lists Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo and red blends among the reds, and Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier, white blends and sparkling wine among the whites.
Lean into the Mediterranean grapes for the most distinctive tasting: Vermentino for a crisp, coastal white; Viognier for perfume and texture; Sangiovese and Tempranillo for food-friendly reds with bright acidity and savory character. Because the focus is on value, Danza del Sol is also a good place to pick up a case for the house.
The Danza del Sol experience
Food trucks are on site on Saturdays and Sundays from midday, and the winery offers guided tours, live music, wedding and event spaces and a gift shop. The grounds sit among the hillside vineyards that make De Portola Road such a pleasant drive.
Groups arriving by limousine are welcome daily during set hours by contacting the winery in advance — something we handle when you book a chauffeured visit.
Who will love Danza del Sol
Danza del Sol is a great fit for groups of friends, value-minded wine lovers and anyone who enjoys Mediterranean styles. Pair it with its sister winery, Masia de la Vinya, a little farther along De Portola Road, for a two-stop Spanish-and-Mediterranean afternoon from the same winemaking team — and enjoy the curves between them from the back seat of a '69 Cadillac.
Visiting on a weekend? Time your stop for early afternoon, when the food trucks are serving, and use it as your lunch break between tastings. It keeps the day relaxed and the group well fed before the drive to the next winery.
The grapes behind Danza del Sol Winery’s wines
A quick guide to the varieties on Danza del Sol Winery’s list, and how they tend to show in Temecula:
- Cabernet Franc — Cabernet Sauvignon’s aromatic parent, lighter on its feet, with red fruit, herbs and a hint of spice; it performs especially well in Temecula.
- Cabernet Sauvignon — the king of Bordeaux grapes; in Temecula’s warm days and cool nights it ripens to dark cherry and cassis with firm, age-worthy tannins.
- Chardonnay — the world’s most popular white grape, made in Temecula in styles from crisp and unoaked to round and creamy.
- Red blend — proprietary blends that let winemakers combine varieties into a house style; ask which grapes are in the current release.
- Sangiovese — the grape of Chianti — bright cherry, high acidity and an earthy edge that makes it one of the most food-friendly reds in the valley.
- Sauvignon Blanc — a zesty white with citrus and herbal notes — a refreshing start to a warm-day tasting.
Danza del Sol Winery fact sheet
| Address | 39050 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592 |
|---|---|
| Wine trail | De Portola Wine Trail |
| Established | 1980 |
| Owners | Ken Smith |
| Winemaker | Justin Knight |
| Annual production | 10,000 cases |
| Wines | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Red blend, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Syrah, Tempranillo, Vermentino, Viognier, White blend |
| Amenities | Guided tours, Wedding & event spaces, Live music, Gift shop |
| Food | Food trucks on weekends |
| Website | www.danzadelsolwinery.com |
Arriving at Danza del Sol Winery in a 1969 Cadillac
The De Portola Wine Trail is the most scenic driving in Temecula — a winding two-lane road through hillside vineyards, horse properties and oak-studded slopes on the valley’s southern side. It is the stretch our guests most often remember from the back seat of the '69 Cadillac, with long views opening at every curve. Wineries here are spread a little farther apart than on Rancho California Road, which makes a chauffeur especially useful.
Danza del Sol Winery is at 39050 De Portola Road. We plan the route, confirm any reservation or group policy with the winery, and time the drive so you arrive relaxed — and leave without anyone in your party needing to drive after tasting. Chauffeured hire is $325 per hour with a three-hour minimum; most guests pair Danza del Sol Winery with two or three nearby wineries in a four- to five-hour booking.
Book the '69 Cadillac on DriveShare
Wineries near Danza del Sol Winery
Pair your visit with these neighbors on the De Portola Wine Trail:
- Cougar Vineyard & Winery — 39870 De Portola Road
- Fazeli Cellars — 37320 De Portola Road
- Frangipani Estate Winery — 39750 De Portola Road
- Gershon Bachus Vintners — 37750 De Portola Road
See all 45 Temecula wineries →
Frequently asked questions
Where is Danza del Sol Winery located?
Danza del Sol Winery is at 39050 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592, on the De Portola Wine Trail of Temecula Valley Wine Country.
What wines does Danza del Sol Winery make?
According to the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, Danza del Sol Winery pours Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Red blend, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Syrah, Tempranillo, Vermentino, Viognier and White blend.
Does Danza del Sol Winery serve food?
Food trucks on weekends. Menus and hours change, so check the winery’s website before you go.
Can I visit Danza del Sol Winery in a classic car or limo?
Yes. 1969 Caddy offers a chauffeured 1969 Cadillac DeVille convertible for Temecula winery visits from $325 per hour (three-hour minimum), booked on DriveShare. Many wineries set their own rules for chauffeured groups, so we confirm Danza del Sol Winery’s current policy and any reservations when we plan your route.
Toast Danza del Sol Winery from the back seat.
Chauffeured 1969 Cadillac convertible tours of Temecula wine country, booked on DriveShare.