We stayed at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa for a relaxing weekend in Temecula. The plan was simple. Rest, eat well, sip wine, and enjoy the pool. I was especially excited to have dinner at The Vineyard Rose restaurant. After reading the reviews, I was excited to experience the food, vineyard views, and upscale atmosphere. The Vineyard Rose serves seasonal California cuisine and has earned consecutive Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence (including 2025 and 2026).
Update (September 2026): Chef Jonathan Alcala is no longer the executive chef at The Vineyard Rose. The restaurant remains open and is currently led by Executive Chef Anthony Bar. The rest of this post reflects our experience when Chef Alcala was in the kitchen.
Chef Jonathan Alcala (2024–early 2026)
When we visited, Chef Jonathan Alcala was leading the kitchen at The Vineyard Rose. He became executive chef in 2024 and emphasized seasonal, local, and hyperlocal sourcing. Chef Jonathan previously worked with Chef Trey Foshee at George’s at the Cove. He studied at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.
The menu at Vineyard Rose Restaurant feels grounded in California, with accents that are light and flavorful. Using field-to-table practices and fresh herbs and greens showcases California-focused cuisine.
Dinner at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
The Vineyard Rose restaurant dining room feels elegant, with high ceilings, warm Tuscan touches, and open beams. Outside, the terrace shows off vineyard views that feel like you’re part of the vines. The restaurant offers 150+ wine selections that pair well with its menu. In 2023, it earned its first Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (one of only four in Temecula).
Since the menu changes seasonally, these dishes may not be on the menu at Vineyard Rose Restaurant when you dine there. But I suspect that everything on the menu will be as delicious as the items that we got.
Ceviche Tataki
We started with the Ceviche Tataki, a tasty mix of furikake-crusted ahi and seasonal fish. The salsa negra added a little heat, while the citrus miso soy vinaigrette brought acidity. Crisp corn tortilla chips made it fun to scoop and share. The dish set the tone for a meal at Vineyard Rose Restaurant that celebrated both flavor and freshness. An appetizer like this gets you excited for the main course.
Salmon
Next came the Salmon, served over creamy wild mushroom congee with legumes, delicata squash, and shaved carrots. Vineyard Rose Restaurant’s salmon was perfectly seasoned and cooked. It was one of the more unique salmon plates I’ve had in a long time.
Braised Short Rib
My favorite menu item at Vineyard Rose was the Braised Short Rib with squash polenta. The short rib fell apart easily, and the flavors were amazing. Our server recommended I paired it with a glass of South Coast Winery Petit Syrah. This dish felt like the perfect match for dining in the middle of wine country.
Wine tasting at South Creek Winery
When you’re at South Coast Winery, don’t skip the wine tasting. The tasting room and its staff are very welcoming. It’s a nice way to spend an hour or two. Grab a glass, look out over the vineyards, and just enjoy it. Each wine has its own character, and you can really taste the Temecula Valley in every sip.
For my flight, their tasting room supervisor, Max, suggested I try:
- Pinot Grigio
- 2023 Reference Chardonnay
- 2023 Grenache Noir Rosé
- 7 Siblings Bourbon Barrel Red Blend
- 20th Anniversary Red Blend
- 2019 Wild Horse Peak Petit Sirah
Wine tasting at Carter Estate Winery
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has a sister property across the street called Carter Estate Winery. I’d recommend visiting for a wine tasting before dinner at Vineyard Rose. They use the traditional Méthode Champenoise to produce estate-grown sparkling wines. With a focus on small-lot production and hand-harvested grapes, Carter Estate Winery delivers a premium wine experience.
I enjoyed the sparkling wine tasting flight, which included:
- 2016 Brut
- 2016 Blanc De Noir
- 2017 Blanc De Noir
- 2011 Brut Rosé
- 2016 Cuvée Prestige
Take a Break at the Vineyard Pool
The pool area is the perfect spot to relax and soak in the vineyard vibes. Grab a cabana or lounge under an umbrella and just relax with a good book or a glass of wine. The atmosphere is relaxing and makes it easy to recharge before heading to Vineyard Rose restaurant for dinner. If you want a little extra indulgence, the spa side has a saltwater pool and whirlpool that overlook the vines.
Relax in Your Vineyard View Villa
The villas at South Coast Winery are ideal for a weekend getaway. Each one feels quiet and private, with a patio that overlooks the vineyard. The oversized Jacuzzi tub is perfect after wine tasting, and the fireplace is cozy. It’s easy to forget the world outside when you’re here and enjoy the vineyard views in peace.
South Coast Winery is a stunning resort that makes relaxing easy. The vineyard views, quiet villas with Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces, and the pool and spa all add to the experience. Vineyard Rose Restaurant serves incredible food that keeps you coming back. I loved every part of my stay and would go again in a heartbeat.
