To check out an early example of a quality-heavy boutique winery, visit the Hart Family Winery (41300 Avenida Biona, 951/676-6300, www.thehartfamilywinery.com [1], daily 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., $5). With vineyards first planted by the Hart family in 1974, this small vintner produces only 5,000 cases of wine, total, each year.
This low production allows for intense attention to detail and quality of every single bottle of wine. And despite the small total case number, you can try a number of varietals suited perfectly to the hot climate of the high-altitude Temecula Valley.
The grapes used and wines released vary from year to year, but if you can, be sure to try the fruity white Viognier, the stunning Syrah, and several less famous varietals such as Barbera and Tempranillo.
Links:
[1] http://www.thehartfamilywinery.com