Domaine Chardonnay Winery Estate and Luxury Guest Suites is on a five-acre vineyard located in the heart of Temecula, California, a region known as "wine country" for its wineries and grape vineyards. The area is also known for its daily hot air balloon morning tours, which visitors can see flying right from their own rooms. The annual Hot Air Balloon and Wine Festival is hosted in Temecula at the end of May, although they fly every day of the year in Temecula for visitors. Domaine Chardonnay is a "romantic" French chateaux-style building serving as a bed and breakfast and private winery, and the owners are well-known for their award-winning estate. Three distinct, private guest suites are available for rent, each with private garden spaces and views of the vineyard. Visitors can upgrade their experience with additional package options and possibly join the owners' wine club to participate in exclusive winery events and private wine tastings.
Domaine Chardonnay is located in Temecula, California. According to Laura, property co-owner, Temecula is known as "a hidden gem and one of the best wine country destinations in the world," as there are now more than 45 wineries in the area, with several new wineries opening each year. The region is also well known for its many restaurants and daily hot-air balloon rides by several local balloon-riding companies.
Laura describes Domaine Chardonnay as a little French village nestled amongst the grapevines. The bed and breakfast currently has three suites available. Laura explains that each room is uniquely designed and independent from the others in its theme, architecture, and décor. Furthermore, all three suites have a private backyard or front garden for guests to enjoy the romantic vineyard views.
The Barrel Room Suite is a 400-square-foot suite of "neutral oak with soft grays and concrete." The unit features a mini bar, a sitting area that serves as a living room, a walk-in shower, a walk-in closet, and a private stonewall garden that overlooks the front vineyard and fountain with lounge chairs and a table for breakfast for the guests' comfort. The next room is The Vineyard Suite, which is 500 square feet and offers a large soaking tub, a wet bar, a digital fireplace, dual sinks, and "elegant olive-green and dark wood [décor] with white and sage accent walls." The Vineyard Suite's private backyard overlooks the big vineyard with unobstructed mountain views. Finally, The Chapel Suite is the largest suite, encompassing 600 square feet. Its decadent amenities resemble those of The Vineyard Suite, including a large soaking tub, a wet bar, a digital fireplace, and dual sinks. It also features an oversized white marble walk-in shower with three shower heads and multiple crystal chandeliers. The Chapel Suite also has a large private backyard with incredible 270-degree views of the vineyards and mountains. The Chapel Suite is the bed and breakfast's "glamor suite" with white and grey, gold and crystal decor, and Laura says it books up months in advance with many newlyweds or couples celebrating anniversary stays in it. However, she says the three suites are usually evenly occupied as they appeal to different guests for different occasions.
Breakfast typically consists of organic fresh-cut fruit, pastries, french toast or waffles, a delicious egg dish—ranging from veggie omelets to Eggs Benedict, freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee, and tea. Guests are served their breakfast on farmhouse trays and delivered right to their rooms, so they can enjoy breakfast in bed, in their garden, or in their suites' living room. Breakfast is served between 8:30 and 10:00 AM. Additionally, the owners cater to visitors' allergies or dietary restrictions and ask the guests upon arrival.
Domaine Chardonnay is a five-acre, mostly Chardonnay vineyard with about 1,800 vines. Other wineries and vineyards surround the property, some within walking distance. The bed and breakfast is "in the heart of wine country," with over 45 wineries and tasting rooms all around. Other outside features include hiking trails and walking paths through the vineyards. Additionally, Domaine Chardonnay owns a private on-site winery open only to guests by invitation. The winery does not have a tasting room, but Laura and her husband, Michael Wieters, who is Domaine Chardonny's award-winning winemaker, host an exclusive wine club for members throughout the year. To maintain club exclusivity, Michael maintains that their private winery is "intentionally kept to limited quantities" as they produce 10 to 50 cases of 8 different varietals of fine handcrafted wines each year.
Most Temecula attractions consist of local wineries, tasting rooms, and restaurants. Laura notes that such attractions are the main draw for visitors to the area. Many of these wineries include restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Furthermore, guests can observe hot air balloons right from their rooms on the property each morning at around 7:30 AM, as Domaine Chardonnay is known for being the best location to watch them. Visitors can also book hot air balloon rides themselves, and the annual Hot Air Balloon and Wine Festival at the end of May attracts many people as well.
It is hoped by the owners that occupants of Domaine Chardonnay feel like they have been "transported into another world here" and can "relax, be happy and just be themselves" throughout their stay. Laura, property co-owner, explains that she and her husband support this culture by personally greeting their visitors upon arrival and showing them to their rooms, being friendly, serviceable, and accommodating. Domaine Chardonnay also composts and farms its products organically to support local flora and fauna and is eco-conscious and 100% solar-powered. Finally, patrons may participate in private winery tours, in-room massages, or the wine club as a premium part of the experience as well as booking other activities in the immediate area like horseback riding, wine tours, and e-bike rentals.
Other events at Domaine Chardonnay include quarterly wine pickup parties for its club members, private catered dinners for 20+ people, and occasional private wine tastings with the winemaker for smaller groups of 12+. Visitors can also upgrade their amenity packages to include bonus items such as flower bouquets and balloons for special occasions, rose petals, chocolates, and charcuterie boards. Laura mentions that some guests have requested catering for special dinners at an additional cost. She continues by saying, "if we can't do it, we help point them in the right direction" for any other activities patrons might be interested in.
Reviews appear to reflect the bed and breakfast's efforts to accommodate its visitors. One former occupant wrote, "The estate is very quiet and beautiful, and Laura was also super welcoming and helpful." Another guest said, "We had a wonderful [three-day] stay at Domaine Chardonnay. Laura and Mike are wonderful hosts sharing their beautiful property. Walking around the vineyard trails was a pleasant way to start the day and then return to a delicious gourmet breakfast brought to our room. Everything in Temecula is close by and easy to get to."
Laura feels that the bed and breakfast's most unique properties are its private winery and the fact that she and her husband personally designed and built the property. They want to provide a "small, intimate bed and breakfast experience" where guests can experience what it is like to live at their own winery.
Domaine Chardonnay is open year-round, with its peak season lasting from April to December due to favorable weather. Temecula is a wedding destination during this time as well, according to Laura. She further notes that the bed and breakfast remains busy throughout the year, even when the vineyards are dormant from December to early March. Their demographic mainly consists of couples of all ages, and many of their patrons are repeat visitors. The owners of Domaine Chardonnay ask occupants to abide by its policies to ensure the safety and tranquility of the property, guests, and staff. Indoor and outdoor smoking anywhere on the property is strictly prohibited. Pets and children under 12 are not allowed either, and quiet time is from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Laura and Michael Wieters bought a five-acre vineyard in 2016 and opened Domaine Chardonnay in May 2019. They utilized Michael's background as an architectural designer and landscape architect and Laura's profession as an interior designer to achieve their goal. Laura states that she and Michael designed the estate themselves, constructing both a private residence for themselves and a winery-bed and breakfast hybrid. She recounts that she and Michael are "dreamers and doers," recollecting their experience of hosting guests at their farmhouse in Tuscany, Italy, which allowed them to experiment with different short-term rental strategies. They enjoyed their project and decided to take it somewhere they could live, hence the construction of Domaine Chardonnay.
Laura and Michael's favorite part of their job is creating and designing and then sharing those creations with others. They love their property and their guests, and Laura says they anxiously await their return to Domaine Chardonnay each time they have to leave for a trip. Laura also says she loves Temecula and believes it is a hidden gem that continues to grow in recognition. The owners plan to add an additional building in the form of an expansion from the current house with three new suites, gardens and picnic areas, a pool, and a jacuzzi.
33810 Madera De Playa Dr
Temecula, California 92592
United States
French Chateaux
Laura and Michael Wieters
