Our Story

How It All Started

Big Nose Winery is a family-run winery in Old Town Temecula, located inside the historic Hotel Temecula. It’s owned and operated by Roger and Janice, along with their son Matthew. From making the wine to serving it, everything here is done by family.

Our love for wine started with family trips to different wineries, where we enjoyed not just the wine but the whole experience—good wine, good company, and great conversations. One day, we had a chat with the Orange County Wine Society about making wine at home, and that got us thinking—why not try making our own?

From a Garage to a Winery

In 2012, we got our first batch of grapes from Paso Robles and Sonoma and turned our garage into a small winery. We spent long nights experimenting, figuring out what worked, and learning along the way. What started as a fun project quickly grew into something more serious, and before we knew it, Big Nose Winery was born.

Roger had spent years working in the automotive industry, but winemaking quickly became more than just a hobby. To sharpen his skills, he completed the Enology program at Missouri State University and became a certified winemaker. Over the years, Matthew also became more involved, handling everything from the website and labels to menus, social media, and email marketing. He’s also completed WSET Level 2, expanding his knowledge of wine and helping shape the business in new ways.

A True Family Winery

Today, we do everything ourselves—from making the wine to pouring it for our guests. Our goal has always been to make great wine that people enjoy, without the pretentiousness that sometimes comes with it. When you visit Big Nose Winery, you’re getting more than just a glass of wine—you’re getting a piece of our journey, our passion, and our family.

We hope you stop by, have a glass, and become part of the Big Nose Winery story.