What happens when you mix honey, humor, and a whole lot of heart? You get Chubby Cheeks Meadery, Temecula’s first and only meadery that’s as fun as it is flavorful. This veteran-owned meadery is shaking up the local craft beverage scene with its playful approach to the world’s oldest alcoholic drink.
What’s Mead Anyway? (Hint: It’s Not Just Fancy Honey Water)
Mead is often called “honey wine,” but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s just for sipping at medieval fairs. This ancient beverage, made by fermenting honey with water (and sometimes fruits, spices, or herbs), dates back thousands of years. From Viking warriors to Greek philosophers, mead has been a favorite drink of history’s boldest characters. At Chubby Cheeks Meadery, however, they’ve taken this old-school drink and given it a 21st-century twist.
Their small-batch meads are anything but ordinary. Whether you’re into fruity flavors, spicy notes, or something completely unexpected, their rotating menu of creative concoctions has something for everyone. Think mead is just sweet and syrupy? Think again—these brews are as diverse as they are delicious.
A Sip of Temecula’s First Meadery
Chubby Cheeks Meadery proudly holds the title of Temecula’s first meadery. You’ll find it tucked away on Remington Avenue, just a short drive from the region’s famous wineries. While Temecula is known for its rolling vineyards and award-winning wines, Chubby Cheeks adds a refreshing (and slightly quirky) alternative to the mix.
The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday, with hours that cater to both early birds and night owls. Here’s the rundown:
- Wednesday: 3 PM – 7 PM (Bonus: 50% off day!)
- Thursday & Friday: 3 PM – 9 PM (Food trucks on Fridays!)
- Saturday: 1 PM – 9 PM (More food trucks!)
- Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Pro tip: Swing by on a Wednesday for half-off pours, or catch one of their food truck nights for a perfect pairing.
Why “Chubby Cheeks”?
The name itself is enough to make you smile—that’s exactly the point. Owner Jared Caperton wanted to create a space where people could relax, laugh, and enjoy great drinks without pretension. The vibe here is lighthearted and welcoming, making it the place where strangers quickly become friends over a shared flight of mead.
Speaking of flights, their tasting options are ideal for newcomers. Not sure where to start? The friendly staff will guide you through their menu and help you discover your new favorite flavor. Past crowd-pleasers include “Liquid Courage,” which some fans claim they’d happily drink forever.
More Than Just Mead
Chubby Cheeks isn’t just about what’s in your glass—it’s about the experience. From themed events like Dungeons & Dragons meetups to quarterly parties for their exclusive Chalice Club members, there’s always something fun happening here.
The Chalice Club is worth mentioning for anyone who plans to become a regular. For $200 annually, members get access to four exclusive meads yearly, quarterly release parties, discounts on pours and merchandise, and even a custom-engraved chalice with their name on it. It’s like being part of a secret society—except you get really good drinks instead of cryptic rituals.
Food Trucks and Flavor Pairings
Let’s talk food because what’s a good drink without some tasty bites? Chubby Cheeks frequently hosts local food trucks serving everything from BBQ to pub-style snacks. Keep an eye on their social media for weekly updates on what’s cooking—you might just find your new favorite pairing.
For those wondering if they serve full meals in-house, it's not quite the case. But between the rotating food trucks and occasional menu items like carne asada fries or chicken sandwiches, there’s plenty to keep your stomach happy while you sip.
A Veteran-Owned Venture With a Heart
One thing that sets Chubby Cheeks apart is its roots in the community. As a veteran-owned business, a sense of camaraderie and pride shines through in everything they do. Supporting this meadery isn’t just about enjoying great drinks but celebrating local entrepreneurship and creativity.
Come for the Mead, Stay for the Laughs
Whether you’re a seasoned mead enthusiast or think “honey wine” sounds like something Winnie the Pooh might order at happy hour, Chubby Cheeks Meadery offers an experience unlike any other in Temecula Valley. With its laid-back atmosphere, inventive flavors, and commitment to fun, it’s not just a place to drink—it’s a place to make memories (and maybe leave with chubbier cheeks from all the smiling).
So grab your friends—or make some new ones when you get there—and raise a glass to try something different. After all, life’s too short for boring drinks!
Sources: chubbycheeksmeadery.com, Chubby Cheeks Meadery Facebook Page, Chubby Cheeks Meadery Instagram Page
Header Image Source: Chubby Cheeks Meadery Facebook Page
