Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is an annual three-day grand tasting festival held in the Temecula Valley region of California — drawing between 35,000 and 40,000 attendees each year at Lake Skinner. The event combines hot air balloon rides, wine tasting from up to 20 Southern California wineries, live music on 2 stages, and over 100 vendors in a commercial court. Specific dates and ticket prices for the upcoming edition have not yet been announced.

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is structured around several distinct programming tracks running simultaneously across the 3-day run. Early morning hot air balloon flights and evening balloon glows anchor the schedule alongside wine tastings from local producers including Europa Village, Peltzer Winery, and Wilson Creek. A commercial court with over 100 vendors covers arts, crafts, and home improvement displays, while food options span international cuisine and traditional barbecue from multiple food trucks and stands. Live music has previously featured artists such as Coffey Anderson and Bret Michaels across the festival's 2 dedicated performance stages.

Practical details for the upcoming edition — including exact dates, general admission pricing, and VIP options — are listed as TBA. Past editions at Lake Skinner in Temecula Valley have supported a kids' fair and beer and food pairing demonstrations, which provide useful context for families and visitors planning their day. Because attendance has historically reached up to 40,000 over the 3-day run, arriving early for balloon flights and popular tasting sessions is advisable. Check the official festival website for ticketing announcements as the event date approaches.

Temecula Valley sits within the South Coast AVA and benefits from a warm, semi-arid climate moderated by marine air from the Pacific through Rainbow Gap — conditions that favor Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. Wineries like those represented at this festival produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Viognier, among other varietals. The region has grown substantially since its first commercial bonded winery opened in 1968, and the festival reflects that growth by spotlighting up to 20 Southern California producers in a single outdoor setting.