Altisima Winery — Restaurant in Temecula

This was probably one of the worst restaurant experience I've had. I hate writing bad reviews, I really do, so I apologize in advance to this restaurant. But my family and I had quite a bad experience. It first started when we came in and the host had a bad problem solving ability. There were 5 of us and I found it very hard to believe that it was nearly impossible to not find a table that allowed that many people. So basically she told us with a bad attitude that they can either only seat 4 people at the available tables or 6+ by combining tables. If not we can sit on the couches outside, but who can eat on couches. Anyways, the only tables that were available were two corner tables. We also asked if we can sit outside, but we were told no because of the number of people we had in our party. (Side note- We come to find later that there was a table outside with 5 chairs). Fast forward to ordering food... I guess they had to compensate the bad host with a very energetic waiter. He was nice but honestly thought he was faking his personality because it got to a bit obnoxious... We ordered food and while we were waiting we noticed one of our plates was dirty with food stuck on it (pretty disgusting). We then noticed that if you weren't a club member you had to wait extra extra long for your food to come. The food they served doesn't even seem like it would take that long to make. The burger was plain-barely tasted any different from a burger you would get at Red Robin. And the salmon sandwich was okay- salmon was pretty dry and no flavors. And only side option are fries. Plain fries. These meals cost $25+. The charcuterie board was $40+ and it came with plastic cups for sauce, which is so surprising to see for an "upscale" restaurant. We then ask if they had gluten free options food and the waiter comes to explain that they have salad and that we should stick to our diet if we have a gluten free diet- uhh duh. Lastly, as we were getting our $60 wine poured, our nice waiter accidentally spilled quite a bit of it. Which we didn't really mind too much if the wine was cheap. Wish he was a bit more careful. But I do have to admit that they tried very hard. I don't think we will be coming again and I've already warned our friends the bad experience. Sorry about this bad review. Maybe other people will get better experience and I really do hope for that because I'd hate for people to experience what we did. Maybe we got unlucky or maybe it was because we aren't...

I recently had a truly disappointing experience at Altisima Winery, and I feel compelled to share my negative review. My family and I have been loyal members of Altisima Winery since they first opened their doors. We've always enjoyed bringing our kids along and spending quality time on the patio and in the grassy area. However, our most recent visit for a friend's 40th birthday celebration left a sour taste in our mouths.

To start with, I made a reservation for lunch well in advance and never received any indication that there might be an issue with having children present. When we arrived and spent over $800 on food and wine, we were repeatedly bombarded with complaints about our kids being on the premises. The staff's attitude was not only rude but also disrespectful.

After lunch, we decided to relax with a glass of wine and take in the beautiful view while capturing some memorable pictures. Shockingly, we were confronted by three separate individuals who told us our kids needed to leave the area. In fact, their suggestion was for the kids to sit out in front of the winery by themselves! This was not only unacceptable but also completely unsafe.

I understand that Altisima Winery may want to create a more adult-oriented atmosphere, but the way they handled the situation was nothing short of appalling. Their approach to addressing the presence of children was utterly embarrassing and humiliating. I had previously recommended this winery to our friends, but after this experience, I can confidently say that I have no desire to return to Altisima Winery ever again.

In conclusion, Altisima Winery's treatment of us, loyal customers of many years, was unacceptable. Their lack of professionalism and their disrespectful approach to dealing with children on their premises has tarnished my view of this establishment. I sincerely hope they reconsider their policies and learn to treat their customers with the respect they deserve. Until then, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend Altisima...

After recently joining in November and being a member at a few other wineries here are some observations over my visits:

Staff are generally very cold, there are a handful of nicer people but the overwhelming atmosphere is not very friendly. I have asked several general questions and the answer is consistently: "The wine club manager will reach out to you" -- I have never heard from him/her.

Don't bring children, the first day I signed up with my family we had a toddler with us, after touring and a tasting we explored the upstairs area. Nothing was ever mentioned about no kids on the second level, so we signed up. Next time we went, we were asked to leave as there are no kids allowed. This was a shock and horribly communicated on the first visit, I had signed up under the impression that this was okay and I could enjoy time with my family, but that is not the case. Yet you are locked in to a 12 month contract with a penalty fee if you cancel.

Pour amount: 2/5 there are other wineries where you can get much more wine per tasting and more than just 5 tastings (6-8). Unless you really know the servers, I tip fairly high yet the pours in my experience have been lackluster however when looking around others get more than I, there is no explanation for the lack of consistency.

Restaurant: After ordering food on a Saturday afternoon at 3pm, we waited patiently and after 90 minutes we still had not received our food. The order was not complicated 4 dishes and an appetizer. Needless to say the service could be improved.

Wine overall: It is a newer winery so the reds are not as seasoned as their competitors yet the price is typically higher than the surrounding wineries.

-In closing I am sure not everyone's experience will be identical to mine, however I feel the need to share as this is valuable...