Ponte Winery
Ponte is one of Temecula’s most popular destinations: a sprawling, beautifully landscaped estate on Rancho California Road that combines a large tasting room, a well-known restaurant, an inn and a busy events program. For many visitors, it is the quintessential Temecula winery experience.
The story of Ponte Winery
Ponte Winery was established in 2003 and is owned by Claudio Ponte and partners, who also opened sister winery Bottaia nearby. Winemaker Arnaud Debons oversees production of around 13,000 cases of white and rosé and around 17,000 cases of red each year, making Ponte one of the larger producers in the valley.
The winery celebrates more than 20 years of award-winning wines and cuisine, and its blend of hospitality, food and wine has made it a cornerstone of the main trail.
What to taste at Ponte
Ponte’s list reflects the family’s Italian heritage alongside Bordeaux classics. The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association lists Arneis, Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and white blends; Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Tempranillo and red blends; and sparkling wine.
Begin with Arneis or Vermentino, then compare Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Finish with a Bordeaux-style red or one of the red blends. With so much white and rosé produced, Ponte is a refreshing stop on a hot day.
The Ponte experience
The Restaurant at Ponte is a popular lunch destination, and the estate offers catering and banquet facilities for weddings, corporate functions and retreats, as well as an on-site inn, guided tours, live music and a gift shop. The tasting room is open daily.
Ponte has a specific limousine policy: limousines and buses are permitted only with a prior reservation during a set late-morning window, party sizes are limited to eight guests, and drivers must present the written reservation confirmation on arrival. When Ponte is on your chauffeured itinerary, we secure that reservation and plan the day around the window.
Who will love Ponte
First-time visitors, food lovers, wedding parties and anyone who enjoys a lively, polished estate will love Ponte. Pair it with Bottaia for an Italian-themed day from the same family. Arriving on the late-morning window in a 1969 Cadillac sets you up for a long lunch and a leisurely afternoon on the main trail.
The grapes behind Ponte Winery’s wines
A quick guide to the varieties on Ponte Winery’s list, and how they tend to show in Temecula:
- Arneis — a rare Piedmont white with pear, almond and floral notes.
- 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.
- Merlot — a softer, rounder Bordeaux variety with plum and chocolate notes — an easy, food-friendly red and a key blending partner.
- Montepulciano — a central Italian red with deep color, plush dark fruit and soft tannins.
Ponte Winery fact sheet
| Address | 35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591 |
|---|---|
| Wine trail | Rancho California Road |
| Established | 2003 |
| Owners | Claudio Ponte and partners |
| Winemaker | Arnaud Debons |
| Annual production | About 30,000 cases |
| Wines | Arneis, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Montepulciano, Petit Verdot, Pinot Grigio, Red blend, Sangiovese, Sparkling, Syrah, Tempranillo, Vermentino, White blend |
| Amenities | Guided tours, Wedding & event spaces, Live music, Restaurant, Hotel, Gift shop |
| Food | The Restaurant at Ponte |
| Website | www.pontewinery.com |
Arriving at Ponte Winery in a 1969 Cadillac
Rancho California Road is where most chauffeured days begin, and it is the easiest stretch of Temecula wine country to string together in a classic car: the big estates sit close to one another, the road is wide and gently rolling, and the vineyards open up on both sides once you pass the first hill east of the freeway. With the top down on the '69 DeVille, it is a short, unhurried glide between tasting rooms, and your chauffeur handles the turns into busy weekend parking lots so you can step out right at the door.
Ponte Winery is at 35053 Rancho California 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 Ponte Winery with two or three nearby wineries in a four- to five-hour booking.
Book the '69 Cadillac on DriveShare
Wineries near Ponte Winery
Pair your visit with these neighbors on the Rancho California Road:
- Mount Palomar Winery — 33820 Rancho California Road
- Monte De Oro Winery — 35820 Rancho California Road
- South Coast Winery Resort & Spa — 34843 Rancho California Road
- Miramonte Winery — 33410 Rancho California Road
See all 45 Temecula wineries →
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ponte Winery located?
Ponte Winery is at 35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591, on the Rancho California Road of Temecula Valley Wine Country.
What wines does Ponte Winery make?
According to the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, Ponte Winery pours Arneis, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Montepulciano, Petit Verdot, Pinot Grigio, Red blend, Sangiovese, Sparkling, Syrah, Tempranillo, Vermentino and White blend.
Does Ponte Winery serve food?
The Restaurant at Ponte. Menus and hours change, so check the winery’s website before you go.
Can I visit Ponte 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 Ponte Winery’s current policy and any reservations when we plan your route.
Toast Ponte Winery from the back seat.
Chauffeured 1969 Cadillac convertible tours of Temecula wine country, booked on DriveShare.