Her Traveling Book Club: Temecula Reading Retreat Recap

Naza Holliman
Aug 11
4 min read

There’s something about piling into a beautiful house with women who love books as much as you do—late-night talks, morning coffee with a view, pages turning in every corner. Our latest Her Traveling Book Club retreat in Temecula was exactly that kind of magic: a little spooky, a lot cozy, and filled with good reads, good wine, and even better company.

Our Weekend Read: The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine

The Dead Husband Cookbook at Reading Retreat

Huge thanks to Sourcebooks for sending us advanced copies of The Dead Husband Cookbook. We cracked them open on arrival and… silence. The good kind. Everyone curled up and disappeared into the story. I personally devoured it in a single day—no notes, no breaks, just me and this razor‑sharp, deliciously wicked page‑turner. It’s the kind of thriller that feels equal parts sly and suspenseful, with characters you want to keep side‑eyeing and a voice that keeps you leaning in. Our group rating: a unanimous add‑to‑cart and a top pick for book clubs that love lively discussion.

Get your copy HERE

Welcome to Vintner’s Village (our home for the weekend)

Wine Country Estate used for Her Traveling Book Club Reading Retreat

Say hello to Vintner’s Village—a California modern‑ranch stunner purpose‑built for gathering in wine country and brought to life by the team behind Europa Village Wineries & Resort. It sits just two miles from their vineyards, which meant we were perfectly placed for tastings, sunrises over the vines, and that dreamy Temecula light.

Inside, the design balances laid‑back California with luxe finishes: vaulted 16‑foot ceilings, rustic white wood paneling, and contemporary furnishings that make every common space feel like the spot to hang. The home is cleverly zoned for groups, too—an east wing with five private guest suites (each with its own ensuite and those fabulous indoor‑to‑outdoor showers with vineyard views), a west wing with two guest rooms that share a bath, plus a secluded primary suite for a little extra privacy. There’s also a dedicated office with a twin daybed, so the “I just need ten minutes to send this email” crew can have their moment.

Outside is where the house shows off: a private pool and spa, two fire pits for end‑of‑night debriefs, a putting green for friendly competition, citrus groves, an on‑site vineyard, and an herb garden that made our breakfast spreads feel extra special. When we weren’t clinking glasses at sunset, we were in the game room over a billiards table or in the chef’s kitchen around the waterfall marble island, plotting snacks and chapters.

Want to stay where we stayed?

Video Tour HERE Here’s the booking link: Reserve Vintner’s Village with Fieldtrip

Summerween Welcome Pool Party

Summerween Pool Party at Her Traveling Book Club Reading Retreat

Because our current read has a delightfully wicked streak, we leaned in: Summerween by the pool to kick off the weekend. Think twinkle lights, floaties, and a playlist that walked the line between moody and fun. Costumes were optional; themed snacks were not. It set the tone for a retreat that didn’t take itself too seriously, even while the reading did.

Watch video HERE

Bookstore Love: In Bloom Bookery

Her Traveling Book Club girls at Book Store during reading retreat

We made our pilgrimage to In Bloom Bookery where our Book Girlies did what they do best: shop for stories and all the bookish extras—stickers, stationery, the tote we didn’t know we needed until we saw it. The staff was lovely; the recs were spot‑on. Stacks were secured.

Watch video HERE

Breakfast at Bolero at Europa Village

Morning at Bolero was the reset we needed—gorgeous setting, strong coffee, and plates that made us linger. It’s that perfect calm-before-the-tastings moment, when everyone’s swapping favorite lines from last night’s chapters and planning which winery to fall in love with next. We lingered over second cappuccinos and finally got to geek out about the books—comparing dog-eared pages, debating the twist, and confessing which characters we secretly rooted for. The kind of easy, happy book talk that makes you remember why you love reading with friends.

Watch our experience HERE

Wine Tasting at Miramonte Winery

reading at the winery while wine tasting

The Dead Husband Cookbook while at dinner

One afternoon found us at Miramonte Winery, where we soaked in the views and tasted our way through a lineup of tastings that made note‑taking feel necessary.

I fell in love with the White Sangria. It was just perfect on a hot August day. The vibe is relaxed, the pours are generous, and the patio is basically a group photo waiting to happen. Though, for once, we didn't take a single group photo. We were too busy enjoying the conversations and vibe. Plus we got some great reading done.

Oh and did I mention the food? To die for!

Dinner at Goat & Vine

Naza Holliman, founder of Her Traveling Book Club, at Temecula reading retreat.

We wrapped our weekend with a lovely dinner at Goat & Vine. Well, I mean, we still went back to our gorgeous weekend estate for the night, but Goat & Vine was our last outing of the weekend.

Pro tip: Make a reservation. The wait was an hour and a half long! Was it worth it? Every plate was delicious—fresh, bold flavors and a menu that makes it impossible to choose wrong. But, the wait was a bit much either way.