Churon Winery: Stay and Taste

The Churon winery estate in Southern California’s Temecula wine region is more than just a spot to taste the wines produced from its vineyard’s eleven acres. It’s a place to stay as well as taste; the property includes The Inn at Churon, designed to look like a French chateau. The Inn offers plush suites and rooms with great vineyard views to go with its French furnishings and paintings.

Churon is far from the only winery to offer accommodations on site. The idea of winery sleep-overs is something of a trend. From Temecula to Paso Robles to Napa, within California alone, a winery stay is not uncommon. The beauty of this kind of an arrangement is simple: no need to worry about designated drivers when tasting, and the opportunity to taste in a leisurely fashion throughout a stay. And staying at a vineyard doesn’t mean roughing it, certainly not at The Inn at Churon.

Each of the nineteen rooms and five suites at The Inn at Churon have balconies that overlook the gardens, vineyards, and fountains on site; they have marble bathrooms and soft beds. Though it’s less than six miles from the heart of downtown Temecula’s historic core, it feels a million miles away – or possibly across the Atlantic. European style marks the entire property, and sitting on the balcony in the sometimes foggy morning light it is easy to think you’re in Tuscany instead of Temecula.

While the furnishings and buildings are fine-tuned to make guests think of European elegance and history, the full made-to-order breakfasts that are included in any visit to the winery/resort are decidedly American, and set the stage for a relaxing stay on the grounds. While tastings are available from 10-4:30 to the public and guests, an evening wine reception only for guests takes place in the property’s grand tasting bar. The tastings are unlimited, but the best part is being a member in a “secret” club, a part of a refined setting for tastings after the sun goes down, and day-trippers go on their way. Guests receive a personalized wine glass souvenir, hors d’oeuvres are passed, and sippers linger.

So the setting is stellar, but what about Churon’s wine? Churon’s stand-outs include their 2013 Chardonnay, which is moderately dry and clean, with lingering notes of both peach and apple. Among reds, it’s the 2013 Petite Sirah, an award winner for the winery, that makes a lasting impression. With both a taste and aroma of rich berries including cherry and blackberry, the wine also has a hint of spicy pepper in its dry finish. Sweet wine lovers can find something to love here, too. The 2012 Passionate Peach is one sparkling option, with its sweet peach taste. Churon’s Gold Nectar blends Muscat and Chardonnay in another award winner. The combination is sweet but not cloying, with floral and herbal notes.

Churon is close to several other area vineyards as well, and strolling to neighboring properties can be a great way to fill an afternoon. Baily Winery is justifiably proud of its Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted from the oldest vineyards in the area. Dry, rich, warm, and smooth, there are herbal and floral notes including a distinctive edge of mint in Baily’s popular red. Their dry, light Reisling is another favorite, with summery fruit notes that hint at apricot and peaches. Europa Village and Bel Vino wineries are also nearby.

All in all staying at a winery is a bit like a night at a museum. There’s the wonderful sense of an experience that not everyone else has, and a quiet, after-hours hush that suggests contemplation – over the complementary bottle of wine Churon places in each guest room, perhaps.