For a weekend of wine, country music, and hot air balloons, we headed to Temecula for the annual Balloon & Wine Festival - and were lucky enough to stay at the stunning South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, a luxurious oasis nestled right in the heart of Southern California wine country.
Before we get into the cowboy boots and bass drops, let’s talk about where to stay if you want to elevate your weekend - literally and figuratively. We were hosted at the stunning South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, a serene oasis tucked into the rolling vineyards of Temecula wine country. Located just minutes from the festival grounds, the 63-acre resort served as the perfect home base to unwind between sets and sunrise balloon launches.
Our accommodations - a spacious vineyard-adjacent villa - opened onto sweeping views of grapevines and golden hills. The room was warm and luxurious, complete with a cozy fireplace, in-room jacuzzi tub, and private patio for morning coffee or evening stargazing. South Coast’s commitment to comfort is evident in every detail, from the triple-sheeted beds to the in-room Keurig stocked with premium coffee.
On Sunday afternoon, we visited the South Coast tasting room, where the energy was lively and the service flawless. With ample outdoor seating, friendly pourers, and a menu of award-winning wines (the Sparkling Pinot Grigio was a personal favorite), the experience captured the essence of Temecula's welcoming wine culture. The Vineyard Rose Restaurant, led by Executive Chef Jonathan Alcala, served up fresh, elevated California cuisine. We enjoyed a delicious pre-concert lunch here - refined yet unfussy - and it was a highlight of the trip.
But back to the festival: this year’s Balloon & Wine Festival lineup did not disappoint. Sunday’s crowd went wild for rising star Wyatt Flores, and Alabama's headlining performance was nothing short of legendary. Set against the pastel dusk of the balloon glow, their set was a warm, nostalgic wave that swept through the crowd like a summer breeze.
The festival is now under the oversight of San Diego-based Events.com, which also operates the annual Wonderfront Festival in downtown San Diego—and they know how to make a party. With their touch, the weekend felt expertly orchestrated, from music production to wine garden vibes to quirky interactive zones.
The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival grounds themselves were impressively designed - quirky metal sculptures, a hidden speakeasy with darts and a pool table, a mechanical bull, and three separate stages that kept the energy flowing all day and night. There was a strong country music vibe that felt more authentic than your typical commercial festival. To put it bluntly: Stagecoach is for tourists. This is for the true country fans.
Yes, the remote location and traffic logistics can be a little rough - especially during peak arrival and departure times - but once you’re on-site, the setting is magical. Whether you’re sipping a Temecula red by the wine garden, floating above it all in a sunrise balloon ride, or line dancing under the stars, this is one Southern California summer tradition that continues to raise the bar.
With the luxury of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and the down-home joy of the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival, this pairing proved the perfect blend of country soul and wine country charm. We'll see y'all next year - boots, balloons, and all.
Yes, the remote location and traffic logistics can be a little rough - especially during peak arrival and departure times - but once you’re on-site, the setting is magical. Whether you’re sipping a Temecula red by the wine garden, floating above it all in a sunrise balloon ride, or line dancing under the stars, this is one Southern California summer tradition that continues to raise the bar.
With the luxury of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and the down-home joy of the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival, this pairing proved the perfect blend of country soul and wine country charm. We'll see y'all next year - boots, balloons, and all.
