Temecula Photo Tour Itinerary

The city of Temecula is about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, but a world apart. It’s a small city with around 100,000 people, with acres and acres of rolling farmland, the likes of which you just don’t see in the Southland. And it’s so ripe for great photo opps.

The big three: the wineries and surroundings, Old Town Temecula, which harkens back to the Old West days, and taking it all in from the vantage of a Hot Air Balloon.

Your itinerary:

• Begin in Old Town. This is easy. Just gather under the “Welcome to Temecula” iron arch gate. This historic entryway sets the stage for a journey through Temecula’s rich past.
• Sixth Street Mural: A block away, you’ll find a mural depicting the town’s history, from old train cars to modern hot air balloon rides. This colorful artwork offers a perfect backdrop for vibrant photos.
• Perry Mason Connection: Fans of the Perry Mason series can snap a photo with a mural of Earl Stanley Gardner, the creator of the series and a former Temecula resident.

• Main Street: Walk along Main Street to discover the Merc Concert House, built in 1890. Capture the historic charm of this brick building, which now hosts live entertainment.
• Old town Bridge: The 152-foot-long Old Town Bridge is an excellent spot for historical-themed photos. Arrive early in the morning to avoid traffic and get a clear shot.
• Emmigrant Office and Olive Oil Company: Don’t miss the little very western era emmigrant office, a popular photo backdrop. Nearby, visit the Temecula Olive Oil Company and get the address for their nearby farm, where you’ll allowed to take photos of the olive trees and products.
• WINE COUNTRY!

• Explore the Countryside: The area here offers an experience reminiscent of Tuscany, Italy. With 50 wineries set against stunning rural landscapes, you’ll find endless opportunities for breathtaking photos. Begin by capturing wide shots of the rolling hills and vineyards. Set your camera to the widest lens possible (0.5x) to truly capture the vastness of the fields.
• Macro Photography: Focus on the intricate details of the grapevines. Use your smartphone’s 1X lens and get close to the grapes to activate the macro feature, showcasing the texture and beauty of the vineyard.
• Time-Lapse at a Winery: As the day progresses, head to a winery for dinner. (There are many!) Set up your Phone on a tripod and use the iPhone time-lapse app ReLapse or Blackmagic Camera to capture the sunset over the fields. This will provide a stunning visual of the changing light and colors of the countryside.

Day 2: Balloon Ride Over Temecula

Morning:

• Preparing for Takeoff: Begin your day with an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over the wine country. You’ll be asked to arrive by 5:30. Balloons only go out early in the morning, to catch the wind. If you have one, use your Insta360 camera to capture unique angles and the entirety of the balloon from a 10-foot selfie stick. The camera’s software will make the selfie stick invisible, providing a clean shot.
• Photography Tips: While in the balloon, avoid shooting directly into the sun to prevent harsh shadows. Instead, capture the landscape below and the colorful balloon above for dynamic images.
• Processing and Editing: Post-flight, use the Insta360 desktop editing program to process your images. Choose a vertical shot in the 9:16 aspect ratio to fit the entire balloon in your frame.

We flew with A Grape Adventure and expert flight man Rusty, who’s been doing it for 35 years. He’s the best. Catch his interview in the episode above.