About Side Project Cellars
Side Project Cellars at 28544 Old Town Front Street brings small-production, artisan winemaking to Temecula's Old Town district, a walkable, urban tasting experience that offers a genuinely different perspective on the region's wine than the hilltop estate wineries along Rancho California Road. Founded in 2012, Side Project is the passion project of winemakers who wanted to explore unconventional varieties and winemaking approaches outside the constraints of larger commercial operations.
The name reflects the philosophy precisely: wines made with the freedom and experimentation that a side project allows, unburdened by commercial volume requirements or consumer expectation. The portfolio spans Rhône, Italian, and Spanish varieties alongside conventional California staples, Grenache, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Albariño appearing alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, reflecting a genuine curiosity about what Temecula Valley's warm, dry climate can do with varieties outside the mainstream.
Open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 6pm with a $20 tasting fee and walk-ins welcome, Side Project offers an accessible urban wine experience that pairs naturally with exploring Old Town Temecula's restaurants and shops. The intimate tasting room format allows for genuine engagement with the winemaking story and the reasoning behind each variety and style choice.
"Side Project is Temecula Valley wine for people who are tired of the obvious, a small urban producer asking interesting questions about what the region's climate can do with varieties that most wineries here wouldn't dare touch."
For visitors who want to discover the more experimental and independent side of Temecula Valley wine culture, Side Project Cellars is an essential downtown stop that rewards the curious and the adventurous.
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Featured Wines
Featured Wines
Red · Experimental
Grenache
Temecula Valley
Minimal intervention, varietal transparency, and honest fruit character, the Side Project philosophy in a glass.
White Wine
Albariño
Estate
Crisp and citrus-driven, a rare Temecula Valley expression of this Spanish coastal variety.
Red Wine
Sangiovese
Temecula Valley
Italian-inspired and food-friendly with the cherry-herb character that makes Sangiovese a perfect meal companion.
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Classic Tasting
A guided tasting of current-release wines at Side Project Cellars, Temecula Valley AVA Winery & Tasting Room. Contact the winery for current pricing, duration, and availability.
Contact winery
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Group & Private Experiences
Many wineries in Temecula Valley offer private tastings, reserve experiences, or seated tours for groups. Reach out directly to plan.
By appointment
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Vineyard & Cellar Tours
When available, vineyard or cellar tours offer a deeper look at how Side Project Cellars, Temecula Valley AVA & Tasting Room makes its wines. Check the winery's website for schedules.
Varies
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Events & Member Programs
Side Project Cellars, Temecula Valley AVA & Tasting Room may host seasonal events, harvest activities, or wine club member tastings. Subscribe via the winery's site for updates.
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