The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery
Oak Mountain Winery offers something no other stop in this guide does: a cave. The Cave at Oak Mountain combines an atmospheric underground setting — lit barrels and cool stone — with a restaurant, a distillery and a long list of wines.
The story of Oak Mountain
The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association lists The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery as established in 2005, owned by Johnny Leon, who is also the winemaker. Production is about 10,000 cases a year. Over the years, the winery has built its identity around the cave experience, giving visitors a cool, dramatic space unlike the sunny patios elsewhere in the valley.
The addition of an on-site distillery broadens the experience further, making Oak Mountain one of a handful of Temecula wineries offering spirits as well as wine.
What to taste at Oak Mountain
The list is wide. The association lists Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Grenache, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo and Zinfandel; Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier; and sparkling wine.
The cave is a natural setting for reds, so plan a flight that moves from Grenache and Sangiovese into Syrah, Tempranillo and Cabernet. Start with sparkling wine or Viognier, and if you are curious about spirits, ask what the distillery is currently pouring.
The Oak Mountain experience
The Cave Restaurant serves daily, with longer hours on Friday and Saturday, and The Distillery is open Thursday through Sunday. Oak Mountain offers guided tours, live music, wedding and event spaces and a gift shop, and it is dog friendly and family friendly. The winery accepts limousines; contact it in advance for arrangements, which we handle when planning your chauffeured visit.
The cave’s cool, candle-lit atmosphere makes it a memorable setting for dinners, proposals and anniversaries.
Who will love Oak Mountain
Couples seeking a romantic, atmospheric dinner, groups who want wine and spirits in one place, and anyone looking for a break from the summer heat will enjoy Oak Mountain. Its location off the main trails gives a sense of discovery. Step out of a sun-warmed 1969 Cadillac into a cool wine cave — a contrast you will remember.
Oak Mountain is especially good on hot summer days. Plan it for mid-afternoon, when the sun is strongest, and enjoy the cave’s cool air before heading back out for a sunset tasting elsewhere.
For evenings, the restaurant’s later hours on Friday and Saturday make it a natural dinner stop at the end of a chauffeured day, with the drive home taken care of.
The grapes behind The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery’s wines
A quick guide to the varieties on The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery’s list, and how they tend to show in Temecula:
- Cabernet Franc — Cabernet Sauvignon’s aromatic parent, lighter on its feet, with red fruit, herbs and a hint of spice; it performs especially well in Temecula.
- Cabernet Sauvignon — the king of Bordeaux grapes; in Temecula’s warm days and cool nights it ripens to dark cherry and cassis with firm, age-worthy tannins.
- Grenache — a heat-loving Mediterranean grape with bright raspberry fruit and gentle spice, at its best in sunny valleys like Temecula.
- Malbec — best known from Argentina; in Temecula it gives inky color, ripe plum and a velvety texture.
- Merlot — a softer, rounder Bordeaux variety with plum and chocolate notes — an easy, food-friendly red and a key blending partner.
- Sangiovese — the grape of Chianti — bright cherry, high acidity and an earthy edge that makes it one of the most food-friendly reds in the valley.
The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery fact sheet
| Address | 36522 Via Verde, Temecula, CA 92592 |
|---|---|
| Wine trail | Off the main trails |
| Established | 2005 |
| Owners | Johnny Leon |
| Winemaker | Johnny Leon |
| Annual production | 10,000 cases |
| Wines | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel |
| Amenities | Guided tours, Wedding & event spaces, Dog friendly, Family friendly, Live music, Restaurant, Gift shop |
| Food | The Cave Restaurant daily, plus an on-site distillery |
| Website | oakmountainwinery.com |
Arriving at The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery in a 1969 Cadillac
This winery sits off the main wine trails, which is part of its charm: fewer crowds, a more personal welcome and a short drive through quiet side roads to get there. It is an easy addition to a chauffeured day in the '69 Cadillac — your driver knows the turns, and the detour becomes one of the most relaxed parts of the route.
The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery is at 36522 Via Verde. We plan the route, confirm any reservation or group policy with the winery, and time the drive so you arrive relaxed — and leave without anyone in your party needing to drive after tasting. Chauffeured hire is $325 per hour with a three-hour minimum; most guests pair The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery with two or three nearby wineries in a four- to five-hour booking.
Book the '69 Cadillac on DriveShare
Wineries near The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery
Pair your visit with these neighbors on the nearby side roads:
- Vitagliano Winery — 36101 Glen Oaks Road
- Raul Ramirez Bodegas y Viñedos — 32950 Marius Way
- Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery — 40150 Barksdale Circle
- Foot Path Winery — 36650 Glenoaks Road
See all 45 Temecula wineries →
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery located?
The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery is at 36522 Via Verde, Temecula, CA 92592, on the side roads off the main wine trails of Temecula Valley Wine Country.
What wines does The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery make?
According to the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery pours Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier and Zinfandel.
Does The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery serve food?
The Cave Restaurant daily, plus an on-site distillery. Menus and hours change, so check the winery’s website before you go.
Can I visit The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery in a classic car or limo?
Yes. 1969 Caddy offers a chauffeured 1969 Cadillac DeVille convertible for Temecula winery visits from $325 per hour (three-hour minimum), booked on DriveShare. Many wineries set their own rules for chauffeured groups, so we confirm The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery’s current policy and any reservations when we plan your route.
Toast The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery from the back seat.
Chauffeured 1969 Cadillac convertible tours of Temecula wine country, booked on DriveShare.