Driving to Temecula for the first time to enjoy my birthday weekend, I definitely had to make a stop here and it was such a great experience. To know especially that these are rescued animals and are being taken care of so carefully, giving us the privilege of being able to give them our love as well, it was a heartwarming experience. Plenty of free parking available right infront of the sanctuary. There is a cute little shop attached to the sanctuary, where you can buy their handmade truffle chocolates which are so delicious (coming from someone who isn't a fan of truffle chocolates), fresh farm eggs, honey, and other delicacies. With your zoo "ticket" you get 2 free samples of their chocolates and a hefty bag of feed for the animals. The animals are mostly in their own pens, with some together. There's even a couple of the pigs you'll find out of pens, just hanging out on the property, laying beside the building. You're able to go into the tortoise pen and feed/pet him as well, 2 people at a time inside the pen, as he does get anxious. You're not able to feed all of the animals, but for the most part you can. Each pen has a sign for which animals are ok to feed/pet and which are not. They are very calm and friendly, as long as you are too. They take the feed very gently and don't bite your fingers. On the weekends they offer pizza made fresh for the visitors, and have plenty of covered outdoor seating options to enjoy. They also offer wine tasting, but we did not partake, as we had just left a winery, but I'm sure it is quite enjoyable as well. Definitely a must stop if you're in the area and it's a 5 minute drive from the wineries! read more

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First time visiting and this is a cute little place to feed and pet some animals. Zoo might not be the best description since it's more of an animal rescue and shelter. It's probably better in the fall/winter since there's no shade and the sun was hot. Most of the cages didn't have names or descriptions on the animal's story, which would've helped improve the experience. We couldn't see the tortoise since he was in his house and no one was around to let us in the pen. The chocolate truffles are great; we bought some of those. read more

We came here for the animals, but we will be returning for the chocolates. OMG, their truffles are out of this world!!! I was tempted and seduced with a Banana Truffle, and then I needed more, more, more. We spent more on chocolates than we did touring the animals, and it was worth EVERY penny!!! The animals they have here are all rescues, and many of them have issues, but they have a loving forever home here. With the exception of the Camel and the Bison, we own many of these animals ourselves, but still enjoy interacting with and feeding them. They all were such characters. One of the Alpacas is hysterical, absolutely LOVED him/her, with the goofiest teeth. They all take the treats so nicely and have soft mouths. I got to pet a Zebra (oh yeah, we don't have one of those either). The zebra is so cool and lives in a corral with a Zorse- such a fun experience. I don't care if you already own livestock; this place is a cool spot to stop in, and if nothing else, buy yourself some of the best chocolates you will ever have. When in season, they have Emu eggs available. read more

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Had the pleasure of tasting some truffles from sugarplum zoo & chocolates. Neat & tidy packaged bounty of truffles we couldn't stop popping in a few of these at a time. The chocolaty goodness was the perfect pairing to contrast savory sips. Topped with crushed almond for a crunchy textured bite. Perfect for a gift idea, celebrations or just that touch or sweetness to brighten your day. Will definitely keep this on the bookmarks to visit again when in need of a delectable indulgence. read more

Sugarplum Zoo - Truffles - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Temecula, California

Yes--as other reviews have stated, the cost may seem like a lot for the visit. But if you love animals or you want your kids to remember an experience, I would recommend the place. I enjoyed petting them and feeding the animals and being able to spend that time with the animals unlike in a crowded carnival style place that has a petting zoo. The staff who greeted us at the front were super sweet and friendly and playful too which makes the place feel just like another alternate world full of good, happy people. They have a little shop full of chocolates and when you enter, a staff member offers you a sample. She asked what we would like to try while kids received a milk chocolate with sprinkles on it. Because they're probably made with a lot of love and labor, the chocolates aren't cheap but not ridiculously overpriced either. I'm for sure the type though who would have spent a lot more on the chocolates if the tickets were cheaper but that's just me. I'm sure the ticket sales are better. A lot of people do walk out with purchasing any chocolate when I was there. I had fun looking at all of them though and deciding what I wanted. I will be back again when my children are a little older and it's a good excuse to stop by a winery while you're in the area. read more

Sugarplum Zoo - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Temecula, California

I love coming here. I have brought my friends and family. The animals are well loved, prices are decent and the chocolate is Devine! Stopped in to pick up some chocolates to go with my wine. They have a large selection of chocolates and now theres a Gelato section! Staff is friendly and they place is always clean. Highly recommend. read more

Sugarplum Zoo - Gelato! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Temecula, California

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We visited Sugar Plum zoo many years ago with our granddaughter and it was so much fun to see her interacting with the animals. Well, today I returned for a very nice wine tasting experience. We had an up close and personal wine tasting with Greg, the owner, who walked us through the wine making and wine tasting process. It was quite educational. The wine served is from Chapin, three whites and three reds. All were very good. My favorites were the Chardonnay and the Syrah. All were paired with truffles that are made by Lani. The tasting room is cozy, maybe seats 20-30 people at most. There are ten of us. Their gift shop serves gelato, hot chocolate and Lani's chocolates. Today it was colorfully decorated for the holidays. The property is filled with rescue animals: a big pig that roams freely (when the property closes to the public), camel, miniature horses, chickens, goats, sheep, donkeys, zebra, and more! Believe me, the kids will love this place! And do try their wine tasting too! read more

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Such a cute place! I wish I'd known sooner this was here. I actually stumbled across it accidentally, when searching for something else in the area, and decided to just stop in. Everyone there was so kind and helpful. We bought some animal feed and walked around for a bit. There were a lot of different animals - goats, alpacas, chickens, different kinds of birds, a zebra, donkeys, water buffalo, and more. A very nice gentleman was telling us all about the animals and even ended up giving us a little extra treat to feed the camel - which was completely unexpected and so fun! Afterwards, we were treated with a sample of chocolate in the shop by Lani (who was a semi-finalist on Master Chef) and they were all so YUM! We each picked a few flavors to take home with us and then grabbed gelato to enjoy there. We were done drinking for the day, but they said they do have wine tastings available there, as they partner with Chapin. Also, she mentioned they're planning to begin serving pizzas in the too. We're looking forward to coming back soon with friends! read more

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Very cute zoo with more animals than I expected. It was fun feeding and petting all the animals. The staff was friendly and had a nice gift and chocolate shop. We will definitely go again when we are in the area. read more

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I visited the Sugarplum Zoo last year at begining of November. Wow almost a year ago?! I didn't realize that I didn't write a review for this place. I randomly found this spot on Yelp when I was looking for things to do in the Murrieta area. I'm a big animal lover so I stopped to visit this spot during my roadtrip. I was greeted by Shawna who was delight. She was friendly and informative. I love the birdie just chillin on her head. The fee was $20, and I was given some food that I can give to the goats. Shawna also gave me something to feed the camel too so that was nice. I enjoyed seeing the different animals there- zebras, camel, goats, cows, and I can't remember what else. I got to go into the enclosure where I got to pet a sheep. I finished visiting the place in less than hour. The place was pretty small. I'm reading these current reviews, and I do remember that the enclosures were small and not the cleanest. I didn't visit the store while I was there. It was nice to visit, but I think one visit is enough. read more

I have been visiting here since 2019. There used to be so much passion from the owner and staff. Greetings now are reduced to don't feed the camel and there are 4 feeding stations. The enclosures used to be marked with the animals names which felt intimate to me, like they are well loved pets. There used to be brushes to brush them and salt licks to interact with these beautiful animals. They look sad to me now. Their enclosures are dirty and the goats look obese and I realize their only purpose is to eat the food they sell to feed them. When I first came here there weren't feed bags, you fed them hay provided outside their enclosures. There doesn't appear to be much love here now, just an overpriced petting zoo with unhappy and overfed animals. :( read more

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Been here several times with my kids and wife, it WAS reasonably priced before even though they only have a few animals. But this LAST TIME I was there they doubled the price and not much has change, they added probably 3 more animals. Will not be traveling far just to see a few animals and expensive prices. I will be visiting a zoo next time for the same admission fee. read more

We came to visit today for Valentine's Day and our son absolutely loved it! The animals are such a sight to see and the staff members are so friendly. It's so peaceful and seeing the animals interact was so cool. The zebra, buffalo and camel were awesome, and the sheep were sooo cute! If you get a chance to buy chocolates, please do! They were super delicious and worth every penny read more

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I absolutely loved visiting here and can't wait to go back! My 10-year-old son also really enjoyed this experience. The staff were extremely friendly and the animals were wonderful and interactive when we went. We did purchase food and that was definitely worth it for five dollars! I wish it was slightly less expensive so we could go more often, but I do feel it was worth it for the experience and I enjoy giving back to this small zoo. I would definitely recommend this and we will return in the future! The chocolates were amazing in the shop! read more

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Great for kids and even adults who love animals. Ambiance is "small family farm" vibe but with a few zoo animals! It's small, you could spend 30-60 mins here. The shop is cute with great homemade chocolates and cold treats for hot days like ice cream and cold beverages. $20 bucks might seem steep for a small "zoo" but remember it's a small business family owned and their caring for these sweet animals. They have wine tasting but we didn't have time for that. My 1.5 year old loved being able to feed some of them and even pet the roaming piggy. We will be back! read more

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Sugarplum Zoo is adorable, slightly muddy magic--and we are *obsessed* If your kid loves chasing pigs like it's their full-time job and happily feeding goats like a tiny farmer, this is absolutely your place. Mine was living her best life the entire time. Meanwhile, I was just trying to keep up and not get outsmarted by a goat Pro tips: the gelato is SO good (like, treat yourself good ) and definitely do *not* wear your nice shoes... unless you're okay with them becoming part of the farm experience 10/10 for laughs, memories, and a little bit of dirt read more

This place was recommended to us by one of the companies that provides hot air ballon rides around the area, and boy, am I so glad we went. The animals seem approachable to human interactions, they're fun to feed and their security pig Daisy might end up following you around after you give her a good petting session. The staff were also overly welcoming and even sang and wished me a Happy Birthday. So this place isn't just for kids as my girlfriend and I loved it, and had a blast, definitely worth the price!! read more

We absolutely love Sugarplum Zoo and Lani! We enjoyed seeing such a variety of animals in the heart of Wine Country! We came back 2 weeks in a row because we so much enjoyed the experience. The animals are very well fed and cared for and there were several people tending to them when we were there. The opportunity to feed some of them offers a special experience for us visitors and the animals enjoy it too! On top of the animal experience, the gift shop filled with chocolates galore offers a variety of delectable treats. There's even gelato and a wine tasting menu to choose from! At $20 is well worth the experience because you know you are helping a great cause of supporting these rescued animals. Will be back soon! Much love and thank you for all you do! read more

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What a great stop in Temecula! It's fun for the kids and fun for the adults. All of the animals are friendly as are the owner & staff! My friend and I had a great time feeding the goats and alpaca's. I highly recommend this place if you need to entertain the kids or if you're taking a break from the wineries. read more

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Came here to celebrate my daughters 1st birthday. She loves animals and this was the perfect spot!!! The owners are so warm, friendly, and welcoming. They made our visit so magical for her and sang her happy birthday!!! I highly recommend to anyone looking for a special outing! We look forward to coming back with friends! Also the chocolates are to die for! They also have so many animals it's amazing!!!! You won't regret stopping by here! read more

What an amazing little sanctuary tucked in wine country. We had a wonderful time feeding and meeting all the animals. Ending the visit with some sweets definitely made it extra special! Look forward to going back again. read more

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I would definitely recommend this place for any family looking for a small getaway and a reasonable price getaway for a weekend or a weekday trip. Took my family if you need to go to this petting zoo and my family had a great time. The staff there was very nice and very welcoming. There was plenty of animals to look at and for a small amount they will sell you feed to feed the animals one thing I would recommend is possibly taking rain, boots or shoes you don't mind getting dirty. I will definitely be coming back with my family and my little ones. They also sell snacks and drinks and homemade chocolate inside the little shop. read more

Sugarplum Zoo - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Temecula, California

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Adorable petting zoo and chocolate shop. I mean come on...they have a Zonky!! The chocolates are super yum and it was fun to feed the animals. Did I mention there was a Zonky? read more

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I brought 2 kids and myself paid $48.00 (with one half filled bag of food). Parking was free, all the animals you're allowed to feed are behind a gate and it's mainly goat and 2 alpacas. They have other animals like 1. Pig, a turtle, and birds, cows, sheep, ponies and a few zebras all say don't feed animals so I'm assuming u can't pet them either. U walk through the "backyard" then wash ur hands and get a free chocolate at the end. Overall I felt that it was over priced for the experience. Trying to make the most of it my kids picked up hey they found on the ground and fed the animals they were having a good time until one of the ground keepers asked that they not do that bc "they were being over fed" which I think is a load of crap bc I'm sure if we wanted to buy a bag of food she wouldn't have said that. I bought chocolates inside and over all spent about $60. If you're coming here for kids save your money and do a local farm in Wildomar, if you're going on a date pick a place with a view. read more

Sugarplum Zoo - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Temecula, California

First time going, it was awesome for our little man to be able to interact with the animals! Got to feed and pet them and got some good sweet treats from their little store!! Everyone was super friendly, even the animals! read more

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This zoo is such a rip off! High prices to feed a few animals that aren't even well kept! The employees are rude too. The animals are kept in small enclosures in unsanitary conditions! This place should be shut down! Don't waste your time or money here! Would definitely NOT RECOMMEND! read more

Wow, ok we came out to Murrieta for a rv show. It was still early and wanted to explore Murrieta or find something to do. As I sat in my truck litterally calling places to see if places were open and find something to do without reservations. Sugarplum petting zoo needs no RESERVATIONS! We were 25 minutes away and were looking forward to seeing this location. Once we parked we were greeted by Shawna who was working her shift alone. My kinda job ! We paid $53.00 dollars for 2 adult tickets and one senior. We were supplied with food for goats. Thalia was a cute and flirty bird. She stole my husband and I could not touch him at all. Zeus the camel loved him. Although he kept trying to bite me. The owner of this location also has a small candy store. she makes truffles with samples of wine for those who like to sit and sip. We spent over an hour here just enjoying conversations with Shawna. read more

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These good reviews can't be real. $20 per person to look at a few animals in a cage that you can't even pet or interact with... dusty, dirty, small. Mostly goats.. At the end you get one tiny piece of chocolate... Save your money and find something else to do. read more

First time here for our family. My grandson loved it! Pricing: Affordable pricing. An extra $5 if you want to feed the goats. I imagine most of their profit goes to the care of the animals. Staff: Chocolate: There was some light construction going on so there was noise from the saw, but it wasn't bothering the animals. Our favorite was the pig roaming around! read more

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It's our third time coming here. We made it a mission everytime we visit the wineries in Temecula to stop by and support this amazing little zoo you get to feed the animals! Also don't forget to buy some ice cream and delicious chocolates its a must try. I always reccommend this place to everyone. read more

What an amazing gem right here in Temecula wine country! She has a lot of animals to see, pet and feed (llamas, yaks, emus, pigs, mini horses, donkeys, zebras, goats, sheep and more). Lani also sells her home made chocolate and gelato!! They also have wine. Come support a local gem! read more

Sugarplum Zoo - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Temecula, California

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6 or 7 cages. 1 camel, a zebra and a couple cows. The rest are 5-6 goats and 3-4 sheep. Tales about 25 min and the charge $20/adult and $10 for 3-12. Pretty expensive for not very much. read more

This is the most IMPORTANT place to go in Temecula!! Do not miss the opportunity to come here and hang out with Augustus the Vietnamese pot bellied pig! Shawna will greet you upon arrival and give you useful information The animals are so friendly and you can feed the goats!! They also have a Zonky (half Zebra half donkey) and she has a sister who is a Zebra. Lani is the owner and she came out and visited with us! read more

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Sugarplum Zoo and Chocolates is the most fun for families and anyone that likes chocolate. The zoo is also great, but I will address the chocolate first. Sugarplum is a fun way To Experience a Chocolate tasting class. I likes this so much more than wine tasting. Similar wine tasting you will get a tasting of different bean-to-bar chocolates as well truffles. You will learn about chocolate - flavors, and the process to make them. They even have a chocolate map. All tastings include about 5 types of chocolate. They have a great selection: Coconut, Cappuccino, Coffee, Key Lime, Milk Chocolate, Mint, Orange (the best one) and, Raspberry. You can buy some to take home and prices are fair. We all loved this. Now, the zoo is small but very cool. The whole area sits atop about 8-acres of hilltop. All of the animals, as far as I know, are rescues or re-homed animals, some of which might have been pets at some point. They have chicken and pigs, turkeys and all sorts of adorable animals and some are for petting. Now, I think some of the enclosures are a tad small, but all the animals look well fed and cared for. I think the owners love these animals. It is super fun for kids and adults. Yes, your hands will get smelly if you pet them but there is a place to clean off and their are bathrooms. So, pet away. Please watch your kids and make sure they are being kind to the animals. The entire place was a real treat, and in a lovely location. They also have a wine tasting area with wines from Chapin Winery. We did not go in, but it sounds nice. Have a wonderful time. read more

What an amazing experience we all Had here! The little bird right at the beginning took such a nice liking to us. We all fell in love with this amazing place and the staff was really amazing. Thank you for all the amazing animals definitely will Be back to your location again read more

I've been in the area 20 years and I've never once even heard of this place... my kid had been asking for animals so instead of having to drive to the zoo, I looked this place up and brought him here to hang out for a bit... it's definitely a quick 20 - 30 minutes if that, but him and all of the kids there loved it! The staff is friendly and there weren't any issues with petting the animals... at the end there's a little shop where you can get chocolate or gelato that's pretty tasty as well... definitely worth a quick visit if you're in the area read more

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Lots of family fun here at this little Zoo... Super low impact and doesn't require a lot of planning or walking. All in all about 100 yards long with no hills. Small fee or entrance when you get here, And then you're paying for little bags of food for the animals. And then you're paying for little bags of food for the animals. Be careful of your hats, the camel will snatch them right off your melon! read more

I think it's a cute little petting zoo for young children. $10 per child under 12 yrs old. Adults $20 and over 65 $18. I think $10 would be a fair price for all. Charging more for older isn't necessary. We've been here twice and I don't think we've lasted longer than 30 mins. Like I said, it's cute but the pricing really needs some consideration. read more

If you are in Temecula with your little, this is a good place to kill time for 45min. Right in wine valley, the zoo was super easy to find with and a small parking lot. Cost is $10 per adult, and my 1.5yr old was free. A little small for the cost. Feeding the goats was fun and my daughter really liked that. There was construction going on while we were there, so it was quite disruptive. Additionally, there's lots of different types of animals but there were no signs! Trying to name the animals for my kid proved harder than I thought haha read more

Sugarplum Zoo - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Temecula, California

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Absolutely an incredible visit!! Loved meeting all the animals and feeding them treats that the zoo provides for you, should you choose to buy them. The highlight of my visit was Daisy the pig! Such a sweetheart and so friendly! A lot of the employees were also super helpful in answering all our questions, as well as providing helpful information and fun facts about the animals. Not only are they a zoo, but they also sell homemade gelato and chocolates! We had a word with the owner, Lani, who is the one that makes all the gelato and chocolate herself!! We heard how she got into her love of culinary arts and rescuing animals, and it's a super interesting story. FUN FACT: Lani was on the pilot episode of the TV show Master Chef and made it all the way to the semi-finals! Very cool! The only thing I wish for this place is that it could be bigger and provide more space for the animals. Luckily, Lani said that they are currently in the process of expanding the zoo!! So that is such great news to hear! Overall, I highly recommend this spot for some delicious treats, to hang out with some furry friends, or both!! Great for all ages :) read more

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