Review: Doffo Winery Cottage

The Doffo Winery is the place to be for anyone who enjoys fine wines and vintage motorcycles. Located in Temecula, CA, the winery is owned by Marcelo Doffo, a passionate winemaker and motorcycle collector.

Over the years, Marcelo has acquired over 200 vintage two-wheel gems representing brands from all over the world, with a special penchant for Italian machines—which seem to have aged as gracefully as his wines. Some of the wines Doffo produces honor various motorcycles, with beautiful labels reflecting the theme in the artwork (making the bottles highly collectable to motorcycle enthusiasts).

The winery, set in a vineyard with beautiful rolling hills, has a single cottage for overnight stays. The cottage accommodates up to two people and is available exclusively to Doffo Wine Club members.

There’s a palpable magic to being able to combine your love of motorcycles with the appreciation for wine—and vice versa. Staying in the cottage puts you in close proximity to the lingering energy emanating from all those beautiful motorcycles and their colorful histories.

The cottage is spacious and well appointed, with an elegant bathroom that has a shower as well as a luxurious tub—perfect for relaxing after riding in. Big windows allow you to watch the sunset over the tranquil Temecula wine country from the main room/bedroom, or you can sit on the private patio with a fire pit to take it all in.

Cottage guests can enjoy on-site wine tastings before heading for a casual evening stroll about the property. Once the night falls, a nearby hilltop is a choice location for stargazing. In the morning, you will awake to the sight of hot air balloons rising over the valley in the crisp, still morning air.

Personally, I would suggest bringing take-out food so that you can enjoy the privacy of your cottage. Otherwise, a 10-mile ride brings  you within a choice of restaurants for dinner.

A luxurious California King bed awaits you on your return. Ask Doffo staff for recommendations for a breakfast venue after a good night’s rest.

Facts & Info

Overview

A beautiful and relaxed environment, the Doffo Winery is ripe with motorcycling paraphernalia in the gift shop. There’s a tasting room with walls lined with vintage motorcycles and motorcycle artifacts (helmets, toys, photos, and more). There’s something to be said for sleeping in the vicinity of so much great iron.

Amenities

• Spacious cottage with plenty of room to lay out gear
• Climate control
• Secure parking directly in front of the cottage
• Cottage accommodates 1-2 people who are the only guests allowed on the property after closing
• Large bathroom has plenty of room to hang wet gear for drying
• In-room coffee maker with a variety of coffees or teas
• Plenty of outlets for recharging multiple devices
• A luxurious tub and a fabulous shower means two people can get clean and comfortable at the same time

Nearby Attractions

In addition to Doffo, the Temecula area is populated with a plethora of wineries, so plan accordingly as a day of wine tasting will keep you busy. Nearby Elsinore Raceway has regularly scheduled motocross races and next door is a skydiving school.  

Nearby Roads

A short ride away, starting in Lake Elsinore, is SR 74, Ortega Highway. This route is a motorcycling legend that winds its way through the mountains to San Juan Capistrano on the Pacific Ocean.

Situated above Lake Elsinore, at the eastern portion of the route with a commanding view, is Lookout Roadhouse, a popular rider hangout. There are numerous roads that meander through the rolling wine country in the area, which wind in and around motorcycle-friendly Fallbrook (gas stations and food). To the east, there’s Palomar Mountain with a winding road that ascends to the observatory.

Prices

Monday through Thursday, $250/night (multiple nights/$200). Friday through Sunday, $350/night (multiple nights/$300).

Location

36083 Summitville St, Temecula, CA (951) 676-6989