Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend
Photo: Kelsey Knight via Unsplash
Barrel Tasting Weekend is one of the most anticipated events on Temecula’s wine calendar. For one weekend each February, dozens of wineries invite guests into their cellars to taste wines that have not yet been released — some drawn straight from the barrel.
What happens
The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association describes Barrel Tasting as an annual weekend when dozens of wineries open their cellar doors. Tastings include unreleased wines, including some poured directly from the barrel, alongside paired bites and behind-the-scenes winery experiences. It is a rare chance to taste a wine in its youth and imagine how it will develop — and often to buy futures before the wine is bottled.
2027 dates
The official 2027 page announces February 6–7, 2027, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participating wineries vary from year to year, so check the Winegrowers Association’s event page before you plan your route.
How to plan
Barrel Tasting is a self-guided wine-country itinerary, which means you choose which participating wineries to visit. With dozens of options, the best approach is to pick one area — Rancho California Road, Calle Contento or the De Portola Wine Trail — and visit three or four wineries there. Arrive early, pace yourself and drink plenty of water between stops.
Why a driver matters
Barrel tasting is, by design, a full day of wine. Having a designated driver is essential — and a chauffeur is even better. With a chauffeured 1969 Cadillac, your whole group can taste freely while your driver navigates the busy weekend traffic and parking.
Tips for visiting
- Buy tickets early; the event is popular.
- Stay on one trail to minimize driving time.
- Eat well and hydrate between tastings.
- Ask about futures if you love a barrel sample.
Who will love Barrel Tasting
Wine enthusiasts, collectors, couples looking for a Valentine’s-season getaway and groups of friends will all enjoy Barrel Tasting Weekend. Booking the '69 Cadillac for the day turns it into an event within the event: classic car arrivals at each cellar door, and a relaxed ride home with nobody behind the wheel after tasting.
Because February is cool and crisp in Temecula, bring a layer for the open-top drive — the views across the green winter hills are worth it.
Planning your visit
Temecula’s festivals and events draw big crowds, so plan early: buy tickets as soon as they go on sale, reserve dinner nearby and book hotels well in advance for major weekends. Check the organizer’s official website for the latest schedule, parking, shuttle and road-closure information, and arrive early to beat traffic. Dress in layers, since Temecula’s days can be warm and evenings cool, and bring water and sun protection for outdoor events. If you plan to taste wine, arrange a ride or designated driver — and because classic-car rentals book up quickly on event weekends, reserve the 1969 Cadillac on DriveShare as soon as your plans are set.
Best time to go
Events draw crowds and fill nearby hotels and restaurants, so book accommodation, dinners and transportation well in advance, and arrive early.
Make a day of it
A sample Temecula day built around Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend:
- Late morning — pickup and a first tasting on the nearest wine trail.
- Midday — Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend.
- Afternoon — one or two more wineries nearby.
- Sunset — a photo stop among the vines before the ride home.
Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend at a glance
| Category | Wine-country tasting event |
|---|---|
| Address | Participating Temecula Valley wineries |
| Area | Temecula Valley Wine Country |
| When | February — 2027 dates: February 6–7, 2027, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (officially announced) |
| Organizer | Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association |
| Good to know | Unreleased and barrel samples with paired bites at participating wineries; tickets required |
| Website | www.temeculawines.org/events/barrel-tasting-2027 |
Getting to Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend in a 1969 Cadillac
This stop sits in or near Temecula wine country, so it pairs naturally with a chauffeured winery day. Your driver handles the turns and the parking while everyone in your party enjoys the tastings, and the route between stops — vineyards on both sides, the top down — becomes part of the experience.
Chauffeured hire is $325 per hour with a three-hour minimum, booked and protected through DriveShare. Tell us where you want to go and we will build the route — Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend plus a winery or two, a sunset stop and a ride home.
Book the '69 Cadillac on DriveShare
More things to do nearby
- Thornton Winery Champagne Jazz Series — events & festivals
- De Portola Wine Trail Harvest Celebration — events & festivals
- 1909 — restaurants
- Baily's Old Town Temecula — restaurants
All things to do in Temecula → · Month-by-month events calendar → · Temecula wineries →
Frequently asked questions
Where is Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend?
Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend is at Participating Temecula Valley wineries, in Temecula Valley Wine Country.
When is Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend?
February — 2027 dates: February 6–7, 2027, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (officially announced). Dates can change from year to year, so confirm on the official website before you plan travel.
What is Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend known for?
Barrel Tasting Weekend is known as an annual February event when dozens of Temecula wineries open their cellar doors to pour unreleased wines — some straight from the barrel — with paired bites and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Can I arrive at Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend in a classic car?
Yes. 1969 Caddy offers a chauffeured red 1969 Cadillac DeVille convertible from $325 per hour (three-hour minimum), booked on DriveShare. We plan the drop-off and pickup around Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend and can add nearby wineries to the same booking.
Arrive at Temecula Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend in style.
A chauffeured 1969 Cadillac convertible for your Temecula day — booked on DriveShare.