Wine tasting, a spa, and relaxing villas – it’s a dream come true for a girls weekend away. Sure, Southcoast Winery Resort and Spa is an idyllic location for romance, but why not just for us wives and mothers who need a break from the everyday?

Three friends and I decided to pursue some pampering this summer and that’s exactly what we got.

The location itself is not so easy to find, tucked away in the midst of several different Temecula wineries. But, once there, everything else is easy. The staff that greeted us were welcoming and professional. We were given five wine tasting tokens and directed to our own private villa. The grounds were large, but we soon found that we were literally in the midst of the vineyards themselves, truly a breathtaking scene. We even tried some of the grapes that were dangling so temptingly from the vines near our room. We felt very much like Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit.

The girls and I shared a beautiful villa, right by the pool and spa, complete with two queen beds, a marble fireplace and pull-out sofa. The bathroom had a spa tub and a standing shower that were gorgeous. There was even a complimentary bottle of merlot waiting on the table. Don’t like merlot? No problem. We requested a Cabernet instead and they happily obliged.

The only problem we experienced were difficult French doors that led out to our small table and patio, but as soon as we called someone was sent to help fix the problem.

We had to keep calling to ask for two more of almost everything, seeing as these villas were really designed for two. However, our frequent requests were met with immediate assistance.

Nirvana is the best word to describe the spa experience. We each had a massage, but spent the bulk of the day enjoying the facilities, including the Jacuzzi, hair and facial products, steam room and sauna. The massage was the best I’ve ever had and afterwards, we were treated to a complimentary glass of wine and fruit.

The restaurant, though lovely, is pricey. A glass of fresh squeezed orange juice was $5. This glitch prevented us from staying solely on the grounds, so we ventured out to several restaurants and shopping areas nearby.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience. Seclusion and pampering for a reasonable price (especially if splitting the bill, as we did). Expect to leave Southcoast Winery Resort and Spa with at least one souvenir bottle of wine and a smile on your face.

Southcoast Winery Resort and Spa
34843 Rancho California Rd
Temecula, CA
Tel: (866) 994-6379
www.wineresort.com

- Written by Lisa Green (lisagailgreen@gmail.com)

Lisa Green is currently a stay at home Mom who loves to write and eat out at great restaurants. She has published a poem as well as written a couple of shows performed at Old Tucson Studios.