Ponte is and always has been an escape. A sanctuary to seclude oneself to when a much needed think is warranted. An oasis among a sea of vines as far as the eye can see. Luckily no great thoughts needed to come out of this most current visit, just a sheer excitement to share a love for a location.

Being able to share this sanctuary with my future husband was a treasure. I talked up the peace this place radiates as well as the fun, laughter, and memories. It’s a sanctuary me and my sister have escaped to during the blazing Arizona Summers. A place we have celebrated birthdays, holidays, and just because trips. Ponte has become an safe haven of realignment for me and my family. A home away from home. Below is my ideal one day trip we took to this small exclusive paradise.

Arrive mid afternoon

We took the short hour long drive from our sunny San Diego house up to hilly temecula. To then be happily greeted in the lobby with a glass of prosecco and sent on our way to explore the grounds. A must first stop was a late lunch at The Restaurant at Ponte. Read me gush about the calamari here.

From there we took our first of many leisurely strolls around the property, winding in and out of sidewalks, wine glasses in hand, as wispy grape vines reached for the sky. Enjoying the quiet buzzing of lazy bumble bees as they plopped from flower to flower.

We decided a tasting was in order and made our way to the back of the property where an outcropping of buildings adorn the skyline, including the tasting room. On Sundays, when the weather is nice, the reserve room has live music that fills the space.

In terms of sophisticated wine palettes I, unfortunately, am not privy to this gift. I know simply what I do and do not like with no further explanation provided. Gavin, on the other hand, is a bit of a wine connoisseur. So this outing was a little treat for him to get to taste all Ponte has to offer.

The tasting room is this gorgeous high ceiling building full of knick knacks and of course wine. It’s a fun quaint place to make friends at the bar and chit chat with locals and tourists alike that are staying on the property.

Next on our to-do list was some lounging time by the pool. You can order some light bites and some fun fruity cocktails if you need a reprieve from all the wine. We managed to catch the days last rays by the water as the sun slowly set.

Finish the evening in The Cellar

If you’re not worn out from the day at the pool and in the tasting room a quaint little speakeasy called The Cellar might have your name on it. We were still full from our late lunch so we decided to share a salad and enjoy a nightcap together. I had an espresso martini topped with a toasted marshmallow while Gavin had a Tamarindo margarita. A concoction of tequila, Tamarindo syrup, triple sec, and lime juice.

Followed by one more sleepy lap around the glowing property for good measure we then headed off to bed.

Sunrise

I awoke extra early, not for the breakfast, not for the sunrise, but to see the local hot air balloons take off. There was a small cluster just outside our bedroom patio and across the street at a neighboring vineyard. It was a crispy, quiet, and slow fall morning with a hot cup of coffee in hand enjoying the ascent of the balloons as they took flight. I was able to sit for about an hour and also watch a gorgeous sunrise.

Gavin had a lovely sleepy morning and I finally had to wake him up for one of my favorite breakfast stops, Boquette.

Breakfast reservations at Boquette

There is something so special about this beautiful patio. Maybe it’s the bubbling of nearby fountains or simply how peaceful Ponte has made its grounds, either way some of my favorite family memories have been made under this particular terrace. Its serene, shaded, has a tasty variety of breakfast options, and more importantly has coffee and a mimosa flight.

We had a plethora of drinks at our disposal this morning. From my coffee, which came with a lovely honey stir stick for my latte. Gav had a bloody mary and was nice enough to give me his olives. While I also decided a much needed mimosa flight was calling my name.

Breakfast was filling and devine as per usual. I had a huevos Rancheros which consisted of two eggs, corn tortilla, refried beans, ranchero sauce, cotija cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and avocado. I’m a sucker for any kind of hispanic breakfast option. However don’t be fooled this was a large plate and I could of easily shared this portion.

Gavin, being a simple egg man, had a create your own omelette, which he also said was delicious. Not that he’s ever met an egg he didn’t enjoy.

We sat and finished our drinks on the quiet patio. Took one last longing stroll around the now sunny property and made it back to the room to finish packing our bags

With one last stop to pick up our wine haul at the tasting room the car was finally packed full of wine and luggage. We said goodbye to Ponte in the rear view mirror as we drove away. Goodbye to another perfect night stay away and back to the tail end of our vacation in San Diego.