Spanish Varietal Albariño Worth A Try At These Temecula Valley Wineries

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula Valley recently celebrated International Albariño Day, and with that, Patch took to area wineries to sample the Spanish varietal that flourishes in this region.

Albariño, most often thought of as a white Spanish varietal grape, is making serious waves among Temecula Valley wine makers. The wine is crisp with acidity, has a citrusy lift, and mellow stone fruit charm. This varietal is tailor-made for the California South Coast wine region’s warm days and cool ocean breezes.

Danza Del Sol, off the De Portola Wine Trail, bottles and serves the varietal.

Justin Knight, winemaker to both Danza del Sol Winery and its sister winery, Masia de la Vinya, says that it's the warm days and cool nights that make all the difference for this little grape.

“Temecula Valley is rich in winemaking history... Located just 22 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Temecula benefits from daily marine breezes," he said. "The temperature swing preserves acidity and enhances aromatic development, making the region especially well-suited for Albariño.”

The wine is light, refreshing, perfect for sipping poolside on a hot summer day, or (don't tell the winemakers) even as a spritzer with a bit of Peligrino and citrus slice.

At Danza del Sol Winery, try the 2023 Albariño, $36 a bottle.
This is classic, lemony Albariño done right. It’s bright, expressive, and built for long summer afternoons in wine country, according to the label. Bursting with aromas of citrus blossom, green apple, and stone fruit, this crisp, refreshing white finishes with lively acidity and delicate minerality. Get it here.

At nearby Europa Village, winemaker Blake Miller discussed why the area is ideal for growing this Spanish grape. It isn't just the climate, but the soil composition that makes Temecula a perfect location for this grape to grow, according to Miller.

“Thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Temecula's diurnal shift creates an ideal microclimate for growing Albariño, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while retaining their natural acidity,” Miller said. “Our well-drained decomposed granite soils give Albariño from Temecula a vibrant, expressive character with bright citrus and mineral-driven complexity that truly stands out.”

When you go, ask to sample the Europa Village 2024 Reserve Albariño, available at $43 a bottle, or by the glass at Bolero Restaurante.

Crafted with a nod to Spain’s “Green Spain,” this Albariño brings a food-pairing-friendly balance of zest and body. In making this wine, Miller drew from estate-grown fruit and ages it on the lees for added texture, making it perfect with seafood at Bolero Restaurante, or sipped solo as an aperitif.

Classic notes of grapefruit, honeydew, and a slight saline finish. Aged 6.5 months on lees in stainless steel for a rounded texture. Get it here.

Where else can you find Albariño in Temecula Valley? Visit Wilson Creek Winery, Raul Ramirez Winery, Sommerset Winery and Wiens Cellars.

Wilson Creek Winery 2024 Albariño, $28
Wilson Creek’s 2024 Albariño is summer in a bottle – dry, crisp, and packed with tropical charm. It’s the kind of wine you want on hand for everything from fish tacos to burrata nights with friends. Bursts of nectarine and pineapple on the nose, with grassy citrus and clean minerality mid-palate. Zingy acidity makes it ultra food-friendly. Get it here.

Raul Ramirez Winery 2023 Estate Albariño, $48
Raul Ramirez takes a slightly different approach by aging their Albariño in oak, adding a twist of richness to this otherwise bright white. Tasting Notes: Notes of grapefruit and nectarine with a crisp, clean profile. Oak aging brings texture without overwhelming freshness. A natural with ceviche, oysters, and scallops. Get it here.

Wiens Cellars 2024 Albariño, $36
Wiens Cellars’ 2024 Albariño, with fruit coming from their Waxman Vineyard, offers a vibrant, refreshing style that sits somewhere between the bright energy of Portugal’s Vinho Verde and the aromatic elegance of Spain’s coastal expressions. It’s low in alcohol, high in zest, and packed with personality.

“It opens with aromas of lemongrass and white peach, evolves into juicy lychee and green apple on the palate, and finishes crisp and dry. It’s the perfect bottle paired with seafood, goat cheese, a fresh seasonal salad, or sipped solo on a warm afternoon.” Get it here.

Somerset Winery 2024 Albariño, $35
Somerset’s 2024 Albariño is all about tropical tang and citrus pop—an ideal match for shellfish and sunny days. It's got all the charm of coastal Spain with a Southern California soul. Zippy and with tropical and citrus notes and a delightfully acidic finish. A sensational pairing for shellfish and summer salads… or just an afternoon on the patio. Get it here.

As Albariño continues to build momentum in Temecula Valley, longtime industry leaders see its potential not just as a trend, but as a grape that genuinely belongs.

With a growing number of Temecula producers embracing the grape, and consumers increasingly reaching for refreshing, aromatic whites, Albariño’s future in the Valley looks not only bright, but built to last.