Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival Kicks Off in Winchester

Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival Kicks Off in WinchesterPhoto byPhoto credit Getty Images

WINCHESTER, CA (LAI) – The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival begins today in Winchester, featuring a weekend filled with musical performances, barbecues, spirits, carnival attractions, and hot air balloon rides.

The festival, a local tradition since 1983, starts at 3 p.m. on Friday and continues until Sunday evening at the Lake Skinner Recreation Area, just east of Temecula. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the event made its return in 2022.

This year's marquee musical acts include Stone Temple Pilots, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and George Thorogood & The Destroyers. Attendees can enjoy hot air balloon rides throughout the three days, which last about an hour and provide stunning views of the valley, Cleveland National Forest, and surrounding mountains.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience to quietly soar above Lake Skinner and the beautiful Temecula Valley wineries & vineyards, feeling as if you're suspended in air," states the festival’s website, tvbwf.com.

A total of 50 balloons will be tethered at the site, with rides subject to cancellation if weather conditions are unfavorable. Tickets for balloon rides range from $40 to $60 each.

The festival will also feature numerous vendors, including local vintners offering samples of the region's finest wines. Many attendees are expected to camp on-site, either in tents or trailers at the Lake Skinner campground.

Carnival rides, dancing, and a variety of adult beverages will also be available. Festival passes range from $60 to $2,500, depending on the events one wishes to attend. Parking fees are separate from the admission price. All festival activities will conclude by 6 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, including concert schedules, visit tvbwf.com.

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