While most people flock to Rancho California Road or the De Portola Trail for their wine fix, true Insiders know that when the sun goes down, Old Town Front Street is where the hidden gems lie. Stellar Cellar Wine Bar boasts itself as "The Place for Wine in Temecula," giving vino enthusiasts a go-to spot for a variety of hand-picked wines from around the world. Owner/Operator Stephanie Knisley and her partner Julian Nelson took over the six-year old bar in 2009, adapting it to the growing nightlife of Old Town Temecula by adding weekly wine tastings, live music, monthly wine-pairing dinners and an assortment of bottled beers for the non-wine drinkers. Now, Stellar Cellar is the only true wine bar in Temecula, offering an expansive variety compared to its neighboring tasting rooms.

With its own wine club and a laid back ambiance, Stellar Cellar combines the feel of a family winery with the diversity of a traditional wine bar. The culinary skills of Julian Nelson are front and center at Stellar Cellar's monthly wine-pairing dinners (the last Tuesday of every month), where attendees can get a four-course gourmet dinner prepared in-house and partnered with complimentary wines for $50-70. Industry insiders can come Wednesday nights for special offerings, along with wine tasting on Thursday nights for $20 (including appetizers). Friday and Saturday nights draw crowds for the live music, and football fans can stop by each weekend during the season for "Football Sundays," where tastings are a steal at five for $10.

Happy Hour is from 4-7pm Wednesday-Sunday, where you can get $2 off any wine by the glass, as well as $5 beers.

Insider Tip: Grab a seat out front on the walkway so you can people watch along Old Town Front Street while you sip your wine!