Pouring Gratitude: Temecula Valley Wineries on Family, Traditions, and Thanksgiving Wine Picks
Experience the warmth of Temecula Valley’s wine community as they share their holiday traditions and top wine picks for the perfect Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a cherished time in Temecula Valley, where family, food, and fantastic wines take center stage. Local winery personalities open up about their unique celebrations, blending family traditions with favorite seasonal wines. Whether it’s sharing a meal early with loved ones due to busy schedules or hosting a bustling Thanksgiving—or Friendsgiving—Day feast, these wineries share what the holiday season means to them and their favorite wine pairings to elevate the celebration.
Join us for a look at how Temecula Valley’s winery personalities celebrate the season. From holiday traditions to must-have wine pairings, here’s a peek into Thanksgiving with those who know the magic of Temecula Valley wines best.
Churon Winery – Vanessa Narvios
For events director Vanessa Narvios, Thanksgiving comes with a unique twist. “Every Thanksgiving, my family gets together earlier in the week,” Vanessa shares, as most family members work in healthcare or hospitality. They enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner together, followed by fun “minute-to-win-it” games with small prizes like candy or scratchers. “We also bring out all of our Christmas decorations at the end of the night and start decorating for Christmas,” she adds, underscoring the early start to the festive season.
Vanessa’s go-to wine for the season is Churon Winery’s Sauvignon Blanc. Its fresh, crisp flavors make it an ideal match for the charcuterie board she prepares for her family each year. “Our Sauvignon Blanc goes great with all the different fruit and cheese flavors,” she notes, setting the scene for a perfect pre-feast pairing. Explore Churon Winery’s Sauvignon Blanc here.
Wiens Cellars – Bailey Morris
Thanksgiving at Wiens Cellars is all about family and a bit of extra holiday cheer. “We close early on Thanksgiving Day to allow our team to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones,” shares brand manager Bailey Morris. Yet, as Bailey highlights, the fun truly begins on Black Friday, with Wiens hosting a grand event featuring live music, local cuisine, and their best sales of the year. This year, they’re hosting a special “Pre-Feast Fling” the day before Thanksgiving. “It’s the perfect way to start the holiday season with a bit of fun and relaxation before the big day,” Bailey notes.
Their seasonal favorite, the 2023 Merrytage, is perfect for Thanksgiving. Described by Bailey as having “flavors of cherry cola, spiced cranberry, and a hint of gingerbread,” this wine pairs beautifully with holiday classics like roast turkey and stuffing. Presented in a magnum bottle, it’s made to be shared and savored around the table. Discover the Merrytage at Wiens Cellars here.
Altísima Winery – Chris Ortega
Thanksgiving for tasting room supervisor Chris Ortega means gathering with friends and family, starting with a pre-holiday celebration at home. “Each year, my friend Val visits… she’s the key connector of our friend group, and this occasion is one we all eagerly anticipate,” says Chris. After an evening of food and wine pairings, Chris joins his large family at his grandma’s house on Thanksgiving Day, where over 70 relatives celebrate together.
Chris’s holiday wine pick is Altísima’s Garancha or Monastrell. “They are both light-bodied with a fruit-forward style that pairs perfectly with everything being served at Thanksgiving,” he explains, noting that it especially complements the tangy notes of cranberry sauce. Check out Altisima Winery’s wines here.
Doffo Winery – Samantha Doffo
For Samantha Doffo, Thanksgiving at Doffo Winery is as much about family bonding as it is about food. “Our entire family meets up at dad’s (Marcelo’s) home where he roasts a suckling pig in a large oven he fabricated himself,” Samantha explains. Between preparing sides and racing mini-bikes on a nearby dirt lot, the Doffo family’s Thanksgiving is filled with fun and tradition.
Their wine of choice, Doffo’s Zinfandel, is a true family favorite. “The berry notes and jammy characteristics of the Zinfandel pair perfectly with a traditional turkey dinner and cranberry sauce,” Samantha notes, and it’s also an ideal match for their roasted pig. Find Doffo’s Zinfandel here.
Wilson Creek Winery – Bill Wilson
For the Wilson family, Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, sharing their holiday with friends and family as well as those who may not have a place to celebrate. “Every Thanksgiving, we bring together not just relatives but also extend an invite to someone who doesn’t have someone to spend it with,” shares Bill Wilson. Their signature raspberry Jello salad and a classic turkey dinner are staples in a celebration that hosts as many as 49 guests each year.
This year, the Wilson family will celebrate with an intimate twist, passing hosting duties to the next generation at their daughter’s home. Their holiday wines of choice are the robust Petite Sirah for red lovers and the uniquely refreshing White Cabernet. Both wines pair perfectly with the traditional Thanksgiving spread, bringing warmth and cheer to the family gathering. Learn more about Wilson Creek’s Petite Sirah and White Cabernet here.
Falkner Winery – Raymond Murgo
At Falkner Winery, Thanksgiving comes with a touch of international flavor, thanks to their beloved mulled wine, “Hot Lips.” “We embrace the seasonal sensation from all over the world,” says tasting room manager Raymond Murgo, explaining how Falkner’s team celebrates with a mix of festive drinks from various cultures, from Sweden’s glogg to Germany’s gluhwein. This year, they’re excited to share these traditions with a “Friendsgiving” celebration among the team.
Raymond’s choice for Thanksgiving is, naturally, a glass of “Hot Lips,” Falkner’s mulled wine. He recommends pairing it with “everything surrounding a traditional Thanksgiving dinner,” especially turkey with a touch of cranberry sauce, which brings out the warming spices and festive notes of this unique drink. Discover “Hot Lips” at Falkner Winery here.
As Thanksgiving brings loved ones together, the memories made around the table become as cherished as the food and wine shared. Each glass poured is a celebration of gratitude, whether it’s a favorite red paired with turkey, or a festive blend enjoyed with friends. In Temecula Valley, the wine country community reminds us that Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a moment to savor good wine, embrace family traditions, and give thanks for the joys of the season. Cheers to making lasting memories with loved ones and toasting to what truly matters most.
