June 23, 2026 (Temecula, CA) — The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has been honored with Wine Spectator‘s 2026 “Award of Excellence,” marking the fourth consecutive year the restaurant has received this prestigious distinction. The recognition places The Vineyard Rose Restaurant among a select group of establishments celebrated for offering thoughtfully curated wine programs that complement their culinary experiences.
Located amid 63 acres of award-winning vineyards in Temecula Wine Country, The Vineyard Rose Restaurant is one of only four restaurants in the region to earn the 2026 Award of Excellence.
Presented annually by Wine Spectator, one of the wine industry’s leading authorities, the Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists offer quality selections that pair well with the menu and appeal to a broad range of wine enthusiasts. The Vineyard Rose Restaurant’s program features approximately 150 wine selections and an 1,800-bottle cellar highlighted by South Coast Winery’s acclaimed portfolio of Temecula Valley wines alongside a carefully curated collection of domestic and international labels.
The Vineyard Rose Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch in a Tuscan-inspired setting featuring open-beam architecture, vineyard views and indoor-outdoor dining. Under the direction of Executive Chef Anthony Bar, the culinary program blends classic French techniques with contemporary California influences, emphasizing seasonal ingredients sourced at the height of freshness. Current summer offerings include Salmon Provençal Puttanesca, Compressed Watermelon Crudo, French Market Rotisserie Chicken Au Jus and house bread service featuring estate-produced olive oil.
“Receiving Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the fourth consecutive year is a tremendous honor for our entire team,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality Group and owner of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our hospitality professionals, culinary team and winemakers, Jon McPherson, Javier Flores and Emily Bloom, who work tirelessly to create exceptional food and wine experiences for our guests. We are grateful to Wine Spectator for its continued leadership in wine education and to our loyal guests whose support makes achievements like this possible.”
For 2026, Wine Spectator recognized 4,012 restaurant wine programs across all 50 states and more than 80 countries and territories. Winners of the Award of Excellence demonstrate a commitment to offering well-chosen wine selections that complement their cuisine and enhance the guest experience. The complete list of 2026 Restaurant Award winners will be published in Wine Spectator’s Aug. 31 issue and is available online at WineSpectator.com.
Where:
The Vineyard Rose Restaurant
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
34843 Rancho California Road
Temecula, California 92591
(951) 587-9463
www.southcoastwinery.com
About South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
The only state winery to claim the title of California Winery of the Year five times at the California State Fair Wine Competition, South Coast Winery is celebrating 25 years of excellence in 2026. Since its founding in 2003, the family-owned winery has earned more than 5,000 awards and set the gold standard among California wineries.
Situated on 63 lush acres, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers a breathtaking retreat for wine tours, romantic getaways and group events, with 132 rooms and villas, a working winery and tasting room, gift shop, full-service spa, and restaurant. The winery’s broad portfolio includes 45 wine labels, most of which are available for sampling in its main tasting room – from robust reds such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir to whites including Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Riesling, as well as sparkling wines, dessert wines, and other specialty offerings. South Coast Winery employs a team of skilled winemakers, including Master Winemaker Jon McPherson and Winemakers Javier Flores and Emily Bloom, each with decades of experience in the wine industry. For more information, visit www.southcoastwinery.com.
