Pages & Pours:

Erin Gore
Aug 11
5 min read

A Reading Retreat in Temecula Wine Country

The ladies sipping drinks on the edge of the pool

Six women, one dreamy wine country estate, and a book we couldn’t put down.

Sometimes the best trips aren’t about seeing everything—they’re about slowing down, savoring the moment, and finding the perfect balance between connection and quiet. That was the energy behind our latest Her Traveling Book Club reading retreat in Temecula Wine Country.

We came for the books and the wine. We left with memories I’ll be replaying for a long time.

Our Wine Country Home for the Retreat:

Vintners Village

The second we walked through the doors of Vintners Village by Field Trip (#gifted), it was clear we’d found the spot for a reading retreat. This 9-bedroom, 8-bath luxury estate sits just two miles from Europa Village Wineries and feels purpose-built for gathering.

Private pool and spa? Check.Two fire pits for late-night chats? Absolutely.Indoor-to-outdoor vineyard-view showers in five suites? Yes, please.

With space for up to 20 guests, this California modern-ranch has everything: a chef’s kitchen with a waterfall marble island, a game room, a putting green, citrus groves, and views that make you want to linger a little longer. Each of us had our own suite, which meant we could spend the days together and still have quiet moments alone with our books.

The Dead Husband Cookbook with a glass of wine and sandals next to the pool

Our Book: The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine

Every retreat starts with the perfect read—and for this one, we couldn’t have picked a better match. The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine, published by Sourcebooks, was gifted to us just before its August 5th release.

It’s dark, funny, and just the right amount of unhinged—an addictive mix of twisty suspense and biting humor that had us gasping, laughing, and passing the book around for “just one more” quote. Reading it together poolside (with a glass of wine, naturally) made it even better. It quickly became the centerpiece of our conversations and added a deliciously mischievous vibe to the whole trip.

If your book club loves thrillers with a wicked sense of humor, add this to your list.

Erin in front of a wall of books at In Bloom Bookery

First Stop: In Bloom Bookery

After checking in and settling into our rooms, we made our first stop in Old Town Temecula at In Bloom Bookery. This local indie bookstore is pure magic—walls lined with stories waiting to be discovered, cozy corners for browsing, and that unmistakable indie bookshop scent of paper, coffee, and possibility.

We browsed for what felt like hours, each leaving with a stack of new reads to add to our TBR piles. There’s something about shopping for books with fellow readers that makes it feel even more special—you get instant recommendations, genuine excitement, and the occasional “you have to read this” moment. It set the tone for a weekend that was all about celebrating the joy of reading.

The dining room table filled with all kinds of Summerween treats

Summerween by the Pool

Back at Vintners Village, we kicked off our first evening with a Summerween pool party—because why not combine Halloween energy with summer sunshine? Themed snacks, floating skeletons, and playlists that jumped from spooky to summery made for the perfect icebreaker after a long travel day.

We sipped wine, lounged in the water, and of course, kept The Dead Husband Cookbook close by. The juxtaposition of laughing with friends in swimsuits while reading a delightfully twisted murder-themed novel felt just the right amount of absurd and fun. It reminded me that the best retreats aren’t just about the setting—they’re about creating moments you couldn’t have anywhere else.

The ladies in front of Europa Village Winery

Brunch at Bolero Restaurante

The next morning, we headed to Bolero Restaurante at Europa Village for brunch, and it was like stepping into a Mediterranean dream. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and soft morning light, we enjoyed beautifully plated dishes that tasted as good as they looked.

It wasn’t just about the food (though the pastries and coffee were incredible)—it was about the slow pace. No one was rushing to check their phones. No one was thinking about deadlines or laundry. We lingered over conversation, made more predictions about The Dead Husband Cookbook, and soaked in the kind of calm that only comes from being truly present.

Erin raising a glass of wine at Miramonte Winery, with a flight of wine glasses in front of her

Afternoon at Miramonte Winery

Of all the wineries in Temecula, Miramonte Winery completely stole my heart. Their outdoor patio offers sweeping views of the valley, and their white sangria might just be my favorite thing I’ve ever sipped. I loved it so much, I ordered four bottles the second I got home so I could keep a little piece of the retreat alive in my everyday life.

We sat for hours here, talking, laughing, and pairing sips with chapters of our book. The setting was so peaceful it felt like time had slowed down, giving us room to breathe between tastings and conversations. It was one of those afternoons you wish you could bottle up—just like the sangria.

The Goat and Vine sign in front of the restaurant

Dinner at The Goat and Vine

Our final dinner took us to The Goat and Vine, a Temecula favorite that lived up to every bit of the hype. Known for fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a warm, welcoming vibe, it was exactly the kind of place to end our trip on a high note.

We ordered a spread to share, passing plates around the table and savoring every bite. Between the great food, the glow of good conversation, and the bittersweet awareness that the weekend was ending, it felt like a scene from a novel itself. The perfect last chapter before we all returned to our everyday lives.

Erin meditating at sunrise off her outdoor patio at Vintners Village

Why These Retreats Matter

In the middle of busy schedules, never-ending to-do lists, and the noise of everyday life, it’s easy to forget how good it feels to truly connect—with yourself, with your friends, and with something you love. These retreats are a reset button, a way to slow down and fill your days with intention instead of obligations.

We left Temecula with lighter hearts, fuller bookshelves, and a shared story that went beyond the pages of The Dead Husband Cookbook. It’s proof that the right mix of people, place, and purpose can turn a simple weekend into something unforgettable.

Planning Your Own Temecula Reading Retreat?

Stay: Vintners Village by Stay Field Trip — 9 bedrooms, 8 baths, private pool, vineyard views
Read: The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine (published by Sourcebooks) — dark, witty, and impossible to put down
Shop: In Bloom Bookery – Old Town Temecula
Celebrate: Summerween pool party (highly recommend a theme night!)
Brunch: Europa Village – Bolero Restaurante
Sip: White sangria at Miramonte Winery
Dine: The Goat and Vine

Erin shaping a heart with her hands on the beach

I’m already dreaming of our next book club escape. Have a favorite California wine country stay, cozy retreat spot, or small-town gem we should explore with Her Traveling Book Club? Leave a comment or message me—I’m always up for discovering our next story-worthy destination.

With love, light, and boundless gratitude,

Erin 🌟✨

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