Temecula Wine Tasting, the Italian way
We feature the best wine tasting in Temecula and a tasting menu that is constantly changing.
Temecula Wine Tasting,
the Italian Way
Temecula has plenty of Cabernet and Chardonnay. We took a different path.
At Cougar Vineyard & Winery, we grow Italian varietals across our estate and make the wine right here on the property. Your tasting might take you from a crisp Vermentino or rare Falanghina to Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Aglianico, Ciliegiolo and other grapes you don’t run into at the average California tasting room.
California roots. Italian soul. And a few wines you may have to ask us how to pronounce.
Six Pours. Your Choice.
Our wine tasting includes your choice of six 1-ounce pours from our current tasting menu.
Go all red. Start with whites and work your way up. Add something sparkling. Or tell us what you normally drink and let our team introduce you to something completely different.
No wine lecture required. Our staff is here to help you discover what you like, tell you the story behind the grapes, and answer as many—or as few—questions as you want.
Discover what makes Cougar a favorite Temecula winery for Italian wine lovers.
Wine Tasting — $22
Wine Tasting + Souvenir Cougar Logo Glass — $30
Selections and availability change as new vintages are released and wines sell out.
Italy Less Traveled
You probably know Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese.
But have you tried Falanghina? Aglianico? Ciliegiolo? Negroamaro? Teroldego?
That’s where a tasting at Cougar gets interesting.
Our vineyards are planted primarily to Italian grapes, including varietals with roots across regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont, Campania, Puglia and Sardinia. Some are familiar. Others may be completely new to you.
That’s the fun of it.
Come with a favorite. Leave with a new one.
Grown Here. Made Here.
Cougar isn’t simply a tasting room with someone else’s grapes behind the label.
We farm our estate vineyards and make our wine on-site—from harvest through fermentation, aging and bottling. We even produce our sparkling wine here.
So when you’re tasting at Cougar, you’re sitting just steps away from where much of what is in your glass was grown and made.
Stay for Lunch. We Won't Rush You.
A wine tasting has a funny way of turning into an afternoon around here.
Order lunch from Sangio’s Osteria, find a spot overlooking the vineyard and Temecula Wine Country, and pair your favorite glass with made-to-order pizza, charcuterie, salads and other dishes designed to belong next to wine.
Shaded outdoor seating and indoor air-conditioned seating are available.
And yes, dogs are welcome.
Your Temecula Wine Tasting Starts Here
Whether you’re deep into Italian wine or still figuring out the difference between Sangiovese and Montepulciano, you’re welcome here.
Come curious. Taste something unexpected. Stay for the view.
Cougar Vineyard & Winery
De Portola Wine Trail · Temecula Wine Country
Meet the team
Cougar is family-owned, and many of the people you’ll meet here have been part of our winery family for years. We take pride in making the wines, sharing them, and making every guest feel at home.
Rick Buffington, President / Winemaker
Rick Buffington has spent decades growing and producing Italian varietals at Cougar Vineyard & Winery, helping shape one of Temecula Wine Country’s most distinctive wine programs.
Robin
General Manager
Jake
Assistant Winemaker with Willow & Cilie
Romas
Head Chef / Osteria Manager
