Temecula/San Diego: And you thought Southern California was just beaches, Disneyland, Hollywood and traffic jams. The list of reasons why so many people visit Southern California is long and varied, and you can now add wineries to the list. Temecula Valley, situated north of San Diego by less than an hour’s drive, and San Diego County itself now boast of some mighty fine wineries. And it’s a fun time down there.

The Temecula Valley is situated inland a bit, but at 1500 feet in elevation, the nights cool off very nicely. Nice for you, nice for the grapes. Speaking of the grapes, they’re pretty much all grown there, except for pinot noir.

Hard to beat this area for a great weekend. The world class San Diego Zoo, abundant golf courses (2008 U.S. Open was at Torrey Pines), resorts and spas, great restaurants, amusement parks for young and old. And wineries too.