Winery News

Temecula Valley Winegrowers Hall of Fame

The Temecula Valley Winegrowers were excited to introduce the first Hall of Fame inductees at the 33rd Annual Grape Day conference on April 21, 2016 at South Coast Winery in Temecula, California. The inductees honored were Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo, and John Moramarco.

“The recent passing of wine country pioneer Vince Cilurzo prompted the TVWA Board of Directors to consider ways we could honor his memory,” stated Phil Baily, TVWA Board member. “In discussing this, we realized that other pioneers should be recognized, most notably Audrey Cilurzo, because Vince and Audrey partnered in their accomplishments. John Moramorco was unquestionably the key leader of our rise in the 1960s and for the following thirty-plus years.”

Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo planted the first commercial wine grape vineyard in the Temecula Valley. They established Cilurzo Vineyard and Winery as one of the first wineries in the Temecula Valley. As husband and wife, they championed the growing of red wine grapes, most notably Petite Sirah. They offered help, encouragement and support to all the wineries that followed them.

John Moramarco planted one of the first commercial wine grape vineyards in the Temecula Valley in 1968 while working for Brookside Winery. In the late 1980s his efforts helped Riverside County create the citrus/vineyard zone which preserved agriculture and laid the foundation for the remarkable growth of wineries over the ensuing years. Moramarco also worked to mobilize Riverside County, the City of Temecula, State and Federal efforts to successfully combat the spread of Pierce’s Disease in Temecula Valley vineyards.

Future inductees will be chosen from submissions that meet specified criteria, which will be announced in the coming months.

Rosés: A Rise in Popularity!

America has fallen in love with rosé wines, one of the fastest growing segments of the US wine market. Popularized in the South of France, rosé is now made in every major wine region around the world, including Southern California’s premier wine region, the Temecula Valley. As a matter of fact, wineries here have been making rosés for decades – Hart Winery made its first blush wine, a Rosé of Grenache, in 1980, the year the winery opened!

From sensuously sweet to classically dry to splendidly sparkling, Temecula Valley wineries deliver a myriad of styles to suit every palate and occasion.

Rosés are created by limiting the amount of time the skins of the grapes are left to sit with the colorless juice, often for only a few hours. This minimal skin contact creates a wide a range of shades, from pale salmon pink, to raspberry through to deeper strawberry hues. The grape variety will also influence the final tone. Thicker skinned varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Cinsault, lend a slightly deeper berry red to the finished wine, while those crafted from more delicate grapes, like Grenache, may have a paler, rose-petal tinge.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that lighter means leaner when it comes to aroma and taste! Paler wines may explode with just as many notes of strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, cranberry, ripe peach and deep citrus as their bolder-colored cousins.

According to Nielsen, sales of rosé wines priced over $11 are up a staggering 60%, accounting for .2% of all table wine, about the same size as the entire US market for the wines of Portugal or South Africa. One reason for the popularity of rosé, besides its easy-drinking, laid-back, relaxed vibe, is its versatility. It’s easy to sip on its own, at the beach or poolside, and it can be the perfect foil for food. No matter the occasion, you’ll find a Temecula Valley rosé that will prove the perfect compliment.

Sparkling rosé is always a wonderful way to start a gathering of any kind. Award-winning South Coast Winery produces four fabulous blush sparklers including their NV Blanc de Noir, a classic dry style, and the popular Ruby Cuveé with a touch of berry-filled sweetness. Not to be outdone, Thornton Winery has been creating sparkling wines for many years and features several sparkling rosés on its extensive list, as do Oak Mountain Winery, Wiens and Wilson Creek wineries. These high-quality blushing bubblies fall in the $19 to $38 price range.

The region of Provence, in the south of France, is the benchmark for traditional, dry, food-friendly rosé. That tradition is alive and well in Temecula, with many of the wineries emulating this classic style, priced at an average of $22.

Hart Winery has a delightful Rosé of Tempranillo, or venture next door and try Callaway Vineyard & Winery’s Rosé of Sangiovese – it’s won a bevy of awards since its initial 2008 vintage. Travel down Rancho California Road and sample Miramonte Winery’s Rosé, made from a blend of typical Mediterranean grape varieties: Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. Oak Mountain Winery, on the DePortola Trail, produces several variations on the Rosé theme, including their multiple-award-winning 2013 River Rhodes Rosé made with 100% Syrah. Or enjoy a bottle of Vindemia Winery’s Vermeille Grenache 2013, a lovely single-varietal blush wine.

If you crave something sweet or off-dry, you will find yourself spoilt for choice. Why not seek out Pink Crowded rosé at Wiens Famiy Cellars, an off-dry blend of Grenache, Zinfandel and Malbec. Or reach for White Zinfandel or White Merlot at Bel Vino, or relax in the gardens of Europa Village while sipping on a cool, refreshing glass of Garnacha Rosa?

Any of these choices would be stellar matches to a wide range of foods. Dry rosé is fantastic with flavorful appetizers such as tapenade, flatbreads, charcuterie platters, hummus, and soft cheeses like chèvre and brie. Short term loans for any reason – £1000 Loans in UK. When it comes to main courses, pop the cork on another bottle of rosé and enjoy it with pizza, a variety of fish or poultry dishes, salads, light meats like pork or ham, or a good, juicy burger!

Off-dry styles are wonderful with firmer cheeses such as Parmesan and aged gouda. Or sample a sip with a strawberry and spinach salad!

And, of course, there’s always room for dessert, with a glass of sweet style rosé! Pair anything featuring berries, peaches, nectarines or spicy ginger with Irresistable Rosato from Falkner Winery (crafted from Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon) or Sara Bella White Cabernet Sauvignon from Maurice Car’rie Winery.

Temecula Valley vintners are bottling their rosé wines from the fantastic 2015 vintage now, in early 2016. These wines are made to be consumed fresh, upon release. So grab your beach blanket, fire up the grill or unfurl your finest white tablecloth and get ready for a superb sampling of refreshing, scintillating rosé’s from the wineries of Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country.

In Memoriam ~ Vincenzo Cilurzo

Temecula Valley Wine Country is mourning the loss of one of our pioneers.  Vincenzo (Vince) Cilurzo, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 9th, 2016.

Vince first found his love for wine in the 1960’s when his wife, Audrey, bought him a home-winemaking kit. Although, Vince and Audrey’s path to become wine country pioneers happened quite by accident.  In 1967, after spending many years in Hollywood as an Emmy Award-winning lighting director for several television shows and specials, Vince and Audrey decided to join a waiting list to open a McDonald’s franchise in Escondido, CA.  They were on their way to Escondido when they happened upon the beautiful valley of what was then called Rancho California; what we know today as Temecula.  They fell in love with the area and began to research real estate.  In the midst of their research they met Dick Break who had planted a couple of experimental vines in the area and told the Cilurzos that he’d done some climate studies and that the climate was very similar to that in Napa. The rest, as they say, is history.  The Cilurzos hired Mr. Break as a consultant and at his suggestion planted their very first first vines in 1968; Petite Sirah and Chenin Blanc. This would become the first commercial wine grape vineyard in the Temecula Valley.

Vince and Audrey grew grapes for the next ten years and during that time they learned everything they could about growing grapes and making wine. In 1978 they opened Cilurzo Winery, one of the first three wineries in Temecula.  At a time when Ely Callaway, founder of Callaway Winery was touting “White Wine Is All We Make”, the Cilurzos championed the growing of red wine grapes.  In the years after, when Temecula Valley Wine Country was beginning to see a surge in newcomers wanting their own wineries, they spent countless hours mentoring, providing support and encouragement to those who came in search of their own wine country dream.  Throughout the history of our wine country, the Cilurzos have been fierce supporters, and for that, we’re eternally grateful.

Goodbye, Mr. Cilurzo, you’ll be missed, but your legacy will forever remain.

Photo courtesy of Tom Plant and www.lifeandvinemagazine.com

Welcome New Temecula Wineries!

We’re excited to announce the opening of three new Temecula Valley Wine Country wineries!  We’ve been out to visit all three and can say that we were both impressed and enamored with them.  Here’s a brief introduction:

Avensole Winery:

Situated on the hilltop above Rancho California Road, Avensole is Temecula’s newest winery. Formerly Van Roekel Winery, this hilltop estate has long been known for its old-growth vines producing some of Temecula’s finest grapes. The property was purchased by the Lytton family in 2014 and has been extensively remodeled, includes a new restaurant, a marketplace with both wine and craft beer bars, a tasting room, a new indoor-outdoor wedding venue, and park-like setting with pond.  The Lytton Family is committed to using the property’s premium fruit to produce some of Temecula’s finest, premium wines. Their grand opening is on Saturday, April 9th…be sure to stop by!
34567 Rancho California Rd. Temecula, CA 92591

Fazeli Cellars:

Masia de la Vinya:

Drink Now…Or Cellar?? The Real Story on Aging Wine

Think all wine gets better with age?  The truth is, only a tiny fraction of wine is actually designed to stand up to and improve with aging.  In fact, 99% of all wine we buy is meant to be drunk right now. Although, when we say a wine is meant to be drunk now, we mean it is intended to be consumed within five years or so of buying it.  After those five years are up, the wine can actually start to deteriorate and lose many of the qualities that made it so delicious in the first place.

Most wines worth cellaring are considered premium wines.  Expect them to cost at least $30 a bottle.  Now, this doesn’t mean that all $30+ wines are expected to cellar well. The ability of a wine to age is influenced by many factors including grape variety, vintage, viticultural practices, wine region and winemaking style.

What’s the science behind the aging of wine?  In general, wines with a low pH (such as Pinot Noir and Sangiovese) have a greater capability of aging. With red wines, a high level of flavor compounds, such as phenolics (most notably tannins), will increase the likelihood that a wine will be able to age. Wines with high levels of phenols include Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Syrah.

The white wines with the longest aging potential tend to be those with a high amount of extract and acidity. The acidity in white wines, acting as a preservative, has a role similar to that of tannins in red wines. The process of making white wines, which includes little to no skin contact, means that white wines have a significantly lower amount of phenolic compounds, though barrel fermentation and oak aging can impart some phenols. Similarly, the minimal skin contact with rosé wine limits their aging potential.

So, you’ve found a wine you love…. how will you know if it’s worth storing? The smart approach is to buy direct from the winery and talk to them about the wine and how long they think it will last. They can definitely give you a good baseline for an expiration date. Of course, we say that wine is meant to be enjoyed, not looked at in a cellar, so pop your corks often!

The History of Temecula Valley Wine Country

In the 1850s, Temecula became a stop on the stagecoach lines that were becoming the logistical route of choice in California. So popular was this route, a post office was set up in town which was a rare institution in California at the time. Settlement increased during the late 1860s as displaced Confederates moved West in the wake of the Civil War.

Because of the region’s isolation, Temecula retained many of its Native American, Spanish and Mexican customs and culture long after California was ceded to the United States. Throughout time, however, Native American lands were being purchased or seized and in 1875, the final blow was delivered when tribal nations signed a treaty relinquishing the remainder of their land in the Temecula Valley. A decade later, the Native Americans who remained were relocated to the Pechanga Reservation.

The railroad line boosted Temecula’s economy when the route was extended to the region in 1882. Unfortunately, the line was abandoned later that decade due to damage from incessant flooding. The major industries during these years were stone quarries, cattle and shipping. During the American Prohibition of the 20s and 30s, the Temecula Valley operated its share of bootlegging and speakeasies.

In 1904, Walter Vail arrived in Temecula and bought nearly 90,000 acres in the region. His family would do much to influence and shape the town during the first half of the 20th century. The Vail family’s biggest achievement was damming the Temecula River and creating Vail Lake in 1948.

In 1961 Mahlon Vail had been successfully operating the enormous Vail Cattle Ranch for nearly six decades. He was in his seventies and his health was failing. With no immediate heirs Vail began actively seeking a buyer for the ranch. One of those potential buyers contacted Richard Break, an experienced farm manager and broker from Fresno. The buyer wanted his professional opinion on the feasibility of growing citrus on the property. After reviewing temperature records for the Temecula area kept by the University of California at Riverside, Break became convinced that the climate and soil conditions in the valley were better suited for the growing of wine grapes.

In 1964 Vail successfully completed negotiations on the sale of the ranch to Kaiser Industries and Macco Realty, who together formed the Rancho California Development Corporation. Throughout 1965 the development company mapped out its plans for a “Master Planned Community.” The community would include commercial and industrial sites as well as residential and agricultural development. The campaign attracted the attention of a number of notables including then California Governor Ronald Reagan, who purchased a sizable portion of the Santa Rosa Plateau.

Another Hollywood couple who saw an opportunity to pursue a long-held dream of retiring to a sizable estate with a comfortable Mediterranean style adobe was Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo. In 1967 they purchased 40 acres of property down a long dirt road known as Long Valley Road (soon to become Rancho California Road). The Cilurzo’s established the first modern commercial vineyard in the Temecula Valley in 1968.

In 1974, the founding of Callaway Winery (by Ely Callaway, of golf fame) marked the beginning of large production winemaking in the Temecula Valley. Callaway, sold the winery in 1981 to Hiram Walker and Sons. John Poole opened Mount Palomar Winery in 1975, and in 1978 the Cilurzos opened another Temecula winery at a new site. Their original vineyard, Temecula’s oldest, is now owned by Maurice Carrie Winery. Today, there are over 40 wineries in the Temecula Valley.

Though Temecula became an incorporated city in 1989, the region officially became an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1984. Modern Temecula Wine Country is located east of the Rainbow Gap in Riverside County and the Temecula wine community has grown considerably since its humble beginnings.

Copy courtesy of The City of Temecula and Robert Renzoni Vineyards

December Winery Events

Baily Vineyard & Winery
Shakespeare in the Vines / Hark the Harold! / Showing on December 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 & 13, 2015 / 7:00pm / Carols at Baily Winery / Fun, fresh and wildly entertaining “Hark, the Harold!” re-imagines The Christmas Carol as you have never seen before! / General seating $22; $17 Seniors 55+, Students & Military / Royal Table Seating $30 / / Purchase tickets at www.shakespeareinthevines.org

Early New Year’s Eve Dinner / December 31st / 5:30p to 8:30p / Live entertainment and four course dinner includes a glass of champagne at Carol’s Restaurant / $60 per person plus tax and gratuity / Reservation only; limited seating / For reservations and to view menu log on to www.bailywinery.com

Dog Day Sundays
Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Doggie costume contest on Nov. 1st / Live acoustic music on the patio.

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting
Thursday-Sunday / 11:00a-2:30p / Tours and vertical tasting of library wines. Sit down with bread and cheese plate; $30 (Reservations required 24 hours in advance) / Bar Tasting; $20. Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Bel Vino Winery
Karaoke Night / Every Saturday 6p-9p / Free admission / Karaoke every Saturday night at Bel Vino Winery in the Barrel Room / Happy Hour from 6pm-7pm; Half off wine and beer and open kitchen.
Live Music / Saturday 12pm – 4pm / Sunday 11am-3pm

Briar Rose
Sip Into the Sunset / First Friday of each month / Open until 10pm / Live Music from 6p-9p and wine under the stars in our enchanted garden or tasting room / Purchase a glass or a bottle. Wine Club members: half off a glass of wine and 20% off a bottle / Outside food allowed on these events only /  For Information call 951.308.1098

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Live Music at the Winery / 1pm – 4pm / No charge / Enjoy live music in the main tasting room

Happiest Hours / Friday’s from 3:00p-6:00p in the lounge at Meritage at Callaway / Grab your friends and join us for a marvelous time! 20% all tapas, 20% off bottles of Callaway wines and available domestic, import and craft beers.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway / Every Sunday at Meritage at Callaway / 4pm-8pm/ Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria while soaking in the sunset vineyard views in our main dining room. Live music from local musicians begins at 6pm / No cover charge / Reservations for parties of 5 or more are required.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $40pp / Available Mid-week 1pm and 3pm; Weekends 1pm and 3pm / Reserve your place for an indulgent wine and food pairing designed to tantalize the senses. Guests enjoy five specially-selected Carter Estate Winery wines paired perfectly with a variety of cured meats, artisan cheeses and accompanied with season accoutrements. Each pairing last approximately 90 minutes and is limited to just eight participants to allow for one-on-one interaction / For reservations call today: 844.851.2138

Friday Nights After-Hours / 6pm-9pm / Summer may be “falling away’ but Friday Nights at the all-new Carter Estate Winery and Resort Tasting Room are guaranteed to keep things HEATED with Friday Night After Hours! All are welcome – from first time sippers to worldly wine tippers. Wine by the glass and live musical entertainment make a perfect pairing. The only thing missing is YOU!

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Francesca’s Cooking Class / Wednesday, December 9 / 6p-9p / Cougar Bubbly Champagne reception in the Barrel Room followed by 3 course dinner / $50 due upon reservation; limited seating / RSVP at the winery with your wine server or email wineclub@CougarVineyards.com

Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Wine by the glass or bottle purchase available / Deli is open until 7pm /.

Sunday Afternoon Live Music / 2pm- 5pm

Doffo Winery
Toys for Tots Christmas donation tree will be available for guests who wish to donate gifts for a boy or girl ranging in age 0/3 to 12yrs. and up. The gift tags on the tree will provide information for the donation. Gifts will be distributed by Camp Pendelton Marines and deliver throughout Riverside County. Collection continues until December 20, 2015 at Doffo Winery.

Live Music on the Patio / 1pm-4pm / Free

Danza del Sol Winery
Live Music on the Patio / Saturdays from 1pm-5pm / Free / Grab your friends and head over to Danza del Sol for an afternoon of wine and great music

Europa Village
Friday Night Entertainment / 5:30p- 8:30p / Free / Live music in the Cave / Dec. 4th – Missy Andersen / Dec. 11th – Hit City Rockers / Dec. 18th – Danielle Taylor

Live Music every Sunday/ 1pm- 4pm / Free / Live music on Veranda / Dec. 6th – James Wells / Dec. 13th – Jimmy Patton / Dec. 20th – Kelly Moore / Dec. 27th – Joe Baldino

Falkner Winery
Wine Appreciation Class / Saturday, Nov. 17 / 10:00am-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45pp; $40pp Connoisseur; $20pp VIP; $70pp with lunch / Reservations required 951.676.8231 x.109.

Leoness Cellars
Live Music at The Restaurant at Leoness / Every Friday 5pm-8pm / Every Sunday 1pm-4pm / Free to the public

Live Music in the Barrel Room / Every Sunday / 1:00p-4:00p / Free to the public

Mount Palomar Winery
Paint Night / Dec. 11th -Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend / Dec. 18th –Naughty and Nice Wine Glasses / 6:30p – 8:30p / $45 per person / Contact 760.413.5808 or www.paintnite.com to reserve.

Paint Night / Dec. 13th –Just Chillin in the Snow! / Dec. 19th –Happy New Year! / 2:00p – 4:00p / $45 per person / Contact 760.413.5808 or www.paintnite.com to reserve.

Oak Mountain Winery
Live Music in the Pavilion
Every Saturday and Sunday in December / 1:00p-5:00p

Ponte Family Estate Winery
Last Chance Shopping Night / Thursday, December 17 / 5p-8p / Last chance to get the best deals of the year on wine and merchandise at Ponte Winery Tasting Room / Free to attend; must be a wine club member to receive discounts.

Christmas Dinner at Bouquet Restaurant / Friday, December 25 / 5p-9p / An elegant Christmas dinner awaits at Bouquet Restaurant at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Special evening menu and holiday specials; exact cost varies per dish / For reservation contact Bouquet Restaurant by phone at (951) 676-7898 or log on to www.pontevineyardinn.com

NYE Dinner in The Barrel Room / Thursday, December 31 / 5p-8p / What better way to enjoy your last meal of 2015 than in an authentic Winery Barrel Room? Join us for a special New Year’s Eve menu at The Restaurant at Ponte! / For reservation contact The Restaurant at Ponte by phone at (951) 252-1770 or log on to www.pontewinery.com.

NYE Celebration in The Cellar Lounge / Thursday, December 31 / 4p-1a / End 2015 with a bang in Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar! The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn is hosting a new Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music and a special midnight Moscato toast. Enjoy live music with Brian Stodart on keyboards / Free admission.

First Sundays – Live Music in the Reserve Room*
First Sunday of the month/ 12:00p-4:00p / The Lookouts, Classic Rock / The Reserve Room will host a variety of live musical artists the first Sunday of each month in 2015. *The Reserve Room is a tasting room for wine club members only. Join the Wine Club and enjoy complimentary tastings in our exclusive venue.

Live NFL on the Big Screen / Every Thursday, Sunday and Monday throughout the 2015 NFL season / The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Free to attend.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Christmas Dinner at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant / Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th / 5:30p – 9:30p / Four-course dinner is $50 per guest. Beverages, tax and gratuity are additional / Reservations required; call 951.491. 8077 to reserve today.
Marvelous Mondays at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant / Join us Monday evenings from 5:30p to 9:30p for specials at the restaurant featuring select premium wines at 50% off / Call 951.491.8077 to reserve today!

Happy Hours at Vineyard Rose Restaurant / Monday-Friday 3:00p-5:30p / Join us in the Vineyard Rose Lounge for reduced priced selected appetizers, award winning select glasses of South Coast wines and local drafts. PLUS corkage fees are waived for any South Coast Winery wine bottles brought in to the Vineyard Rose Restaurant and consumed while dining on Wednesdays too! / Visit www.WineResort.com to view menus and find out more.

Vintage Vantage Menu
Monday-Thursday 11:30a -3:00p / Specially priced $9.99 lunches at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant for those aged 55 and over. Call 951-587-9463 x 2 for more information or reservations.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours
Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday. $40pp / $35pp Wine Club Member. Get up close and personal as you learn more about our spectacular Southern California winery with a behind-the-scenes tour. From vineyards to crush pad, each tour concludes with a specially prepared wine and food pairing. Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Must be over 21 years of age to attend. Call 800-539-1375 Ext. 350 to reserve your spot today.

Yoga Classes at Grapeseed Spa
Sunday 9a-10a / $12 per class / Yoga mat, towels and water provided. Call 951.587.9463 ext. 3513 to reserve your session.

Thornton Winery
Holiday Cooking Class / Saturday, December 12 / 2:30p-4:30p / $75 inclusive / Call 951.699.0099 for reservations.

Friday Live Music
Wine Specials, Live Music, Food Specials, and Dinner Menu / 6:00p-9:00p / No Cover Charge. Seating Available at Courtyard, Covered Patio & Café / Reservations suggested, call 951.699.0099

Wiens Family Cellars
New Year’s Eve Night in the Big Apple / Thursday, December 31 / 8pm-1am / $65; $52 wine club / Join us for a night in the Big Apple! Start your evening in Central Park with a glass of bubbly and the city skyline. Then head over to dance the night away in Times Square complete with authentic NY faire (hot dog bar, pretzel bar, NY style pizza, etc.). Then celebrate at midnight and watch the ball drop! Tickets and seating are limited so be sure to order your tickets today! / Reservations www.wienscellars.com

Celebrating California Wine Month

Although we never need a reason to raise a glass in celebration, we’re eagerly awaiting the return of California Wine Month.  This September marks the 11th consecutive year that California’s governor has proclaimed California Wine Month; in honor of our state’s contribution as the leading wine industry in the United States.

September is the perfect time to visit Temecula Valley Wine Country. We invite wine lovers to explore and experience our premiere wine country in two ways.  SIP your way through wine country with the SIP Passport; you pick which four of the 30+ wineries to visit and when to visit them throughout the month.  Or, experience each of our wineries at our region’s signature food and wine event, CRUSH!

Event Details:

September SIP Passport:

When: Valid September 1-30; visits may be concurrent or spaced throughout the month.

What: Voucher for a full tasting flight at any four participating Temecula Valley wineries; includes souvenir wine glass.

Tickets: $40 per person (Monday-Thursday); $50 per person (Friday-Sunday). For more information and tickets, click here.

6th Annual CRUSH ~  A Wine & Culinary Showcase

When: Saturday, September 19 from 7-10:00 p.m.

Where: Wiens Family Cellars, 35055 Via Del Ponte, Temecula, CA 92592

What: Upscale event bringing together 30+ Temecula Valley wineries; fine cuisine from local chefs, caterers and restaurants and live entertainment to set the mood.

Tickets: All-inclusive tickets are $85 per person; VIP Tickets are $110 and include admittance to the pre-event exclusive winemaker tasting and reception, beginning at 6:00pm. Tickets are on sale now here!

August Winery Events

There’s still plenty of summer left to experience all the fun events in Temecula Valley Wine Country. From evening concerts, to wine and cheese pairing events, we’ve got something to offer for everyone. Check out our August event calendar and plan to visit soon!

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Shakespeare in the Vines at Baily Winery
Twelfth Night ~ A Romantic Comedy / August 13-16, 20-23, and 27-29 / Showtime 7:30p / Price $22, Seniors, Military and Students $17 / For tickets visit www.ShakespeareInTheVines.org

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays in August / 11:30a-2:30p / Live music on patio / Half price Sangiovese, Sangiovese Sangria and special menu items

Dog Day Sundays
Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Live acoustic music on the patio.

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting
Thursday-Sunday / 11:00a-2:30p / Tours and vertical tasting of library wines. Sit down with bread and cheese plate; $30 (Reservations required 24 hours in advance) / Bar Tasting; $20. Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Bel Vino Winery

Cigar Dinner
Featuring Casa Lovo Cigars / Saturday, August 29 / 6:30p- 9:30pm / Featuring a 3 course dinner paired with wine and hand rolled cigars / $59.95 pp plus tax and gratuity / $54.95pp plus tax and gratuity for Wine Club Members / Call 951.676.6414 or visit our website www.belvinowinery.com for reservations.

Live Music
12pm – 4pm / August 1- Gino & the Lone Gunman / August 2 – JD Priest / August 8 – Crimson Crow / August 9 – Kenny Hale / August 15 – Bad Chemistry / August 16- Kings of Rhythm / August 22- Doug’s Band / August 23- Shameless / August 29- Maestro and the Liberation Posse / August 30- Michael LeClerc

Briar Rose Winery

Sip Into the Sunset
First Friday of each month starting August 7 / Open until 10pm / Music and wine under the stars in our enchanted garden or tasting room / Reservations required; call 951.308.1098

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival
August 1 / 6:00p-9:00p / Grab a bunch of your family and friends and head to Callaway for a fun for the entire family Grape Stomp! Face painting, live music, dancing and of course a Grape Stomping Contest! Tickets include entrance, glass of wine, entertainment, and mixed grill buffet / $60pp, $54pp Wine Club *plus tax, $30 for children 12 years and younger. Children 3 and under are free / Reservations 951.676.4001 or book online at www.callawaywinery.com

Happiest Hours
Grab your friends and join us for a marvelous time! Friday’s from 3:00p-6:00p in the lounge at Meritage at Callaway. 20% all tapas, $2 off wine by the glass, 20% off bottles of Callaway wines and available domestic, import and craft beers.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Sunday at Meritage at Callaway from 4pm-8pm in the main dining room. Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria while soaking in the sunset vineyard views. Live music from local musicians begins at 6pm. No cover charge and no reservations required.

Danza del Sol Winery

Perfect Pairings – Wine and Cheese Class
Thursday, August 20 / 6:30p – 8:30p / Join us in the Barrel Room as the cheese monger from Temecula Valley Cheese Company guides you through a tasting of five Danza del Sol wines, four artisan cheese pairings and one gourmet chocolate. Space is limited / $35 pp; $31.50 Wine Club members / RSVP to Kelly Hefley 951.302.6363 ext. 26 / k.hefley@danzadelsolwinery.com

Taco Tuesdays
Tuesday, August 11 & 25 / 5:30p- 8:30p / Join us On the Patio for Live Music, Tacos, Tamales and more! Danza del Sol Winery will be open late, serving our award-winning wines to complement an amazing selection of authentic Mexican food, lively music and wonderful people! / Free event with food and beverage for purchase.

Taste of Main Street in Encinitas
Tuesday, August 18 / 5:30p – 8:30pm / Danza del Sol winery will be pouring their award-winning wines at this off-site ticketed event open to the public / $35pp / Tickets can be purchased at www.encinitas101.com

Live Music on the Patio
Saturdays in August – FREE / 1:00p-5:00p/ August 1 – TwoFish / August 8 – Rachael Stark / August 15 – Tony Suraci / 12:00p-5:00pm n the Clubhouse Vince Mendoza For Wine Club Members Only / August 22 – JD Priest / August 29 – Stereoflux

Europa Village

La Tomatina Festival
August 23 / 4:00p-7:00pm / $35 pp / Includes live entertainment, light meal, commemorative t-shirt and tomato fight / Call 951.216.3880 to reserve and information

The Altos Murder Mystery Dinner
August 15 / 6:30p / $70pp / Includes a glass of Sangria, three course dinner and performance / Call 951.216.3380 to reserve and information

The Altos Murder Mystery Dinner
August 16 / 6:30p / $60pp / Includes a glass of Sangria, three course dinner and performance / Call 951.216.3380 to reserve and information

Live Music
Fridays from 6:00p-9:00p and Sundays from 1:00p-4:00p / Free / August 2- Kelly Moore / August 7- Night Rider / August 9- Jimmy Patton / August 14- Josh Green / August 16- Tom Bray / August 21- Mrs. Jones Revenge / August 23- James Well / August 28- Crimson Crow / August 30- Joe Baldino

Falkner Winery

Wine Appreciation Class
Saturday, August 15 / 10:00am-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45pp; $40pp Connoisseur; $20pp VIP; $70pp with lunch / Reservations required 951.676.8231 x.109

FREE Concerts
Sundays 12:00p-3:00p / August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 /Dance Floor, 5 piece Rock band, Fresh BBQ, Discount on Sangria, Wine by the Glass/Bottle

Foot Path Winery

Food, Wine & Music
Saturday, August 29 / 6:30p-9:00p / $20 pp / Includes a glass of wine / RSVP to 951.265.9951 or email deanefoote@verizon.net

Leoness Cellars

Harvest Celebration
August 28 / 6:00p – 10pm / Join us for a night of grape tasting and wine drinking. Enjoy dinner & dancing to celebrate the harvest season; 21+ only event / $95 Non-members; $85 Members / Purchase tickets online www.leonesscellars.com/winery-events
Or call 951-302-7601 ext.1

Music in The Restaurant at Leoness
Every Friday / 5:00p-8:00p / Free to the public
Music in the Barrel Room / Every Sunday / 1:00p-4:00p / Free to the public

Ponte Family Estate Winery

Team Ponte Training Runs/Walks through the Vineyard
August – November 11 / Wednesday nights at 5:45p / This is a great way to get in shape, walk or run. Learn about Team Ponte and meet new people. Join us! Meet in front of the Ponte Winery Tasting Room. Run or walk a 3-mile route through our beautiful vineyard; feeling good? Do it twice! / Free to attend

First Sundays – Live Music in the Reserve Room*
Sunday, August 2 / 12:00p-4:00p / Chini & Cambreros, Latin influence guitar duo
The Reserve Room will host a variety of live musical artists the first Sunday of each month in 2015. *The Reserve Room is a tasting room for wine club members only. Join the Wine Club and enjoy complimentary tastings in our exclusive venue.

Oak Mountain Winery

2nd Annual Canine Carnival
August 15 / 12:00p -4:00p / 100% of proceeds goes directly to the Animals of ATS / Free Admission / For more information email info@animaltownsanctuary.org
Cruisers and Critters / August 1 / 12:00p-5:00p / Come join us with your well behaved leashed pooch for live music, food truck and wine / Free Admission

Live Music in the Pavilion
Every Saturday and Sunday in August / 1:00p-5:00p

Ponte Family Estate Winery

Live Music at The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn
Friday & Saturday / 7:00p-11:00p
Aug 1- JD Priest, Country Rock / Aug 7- Shane Hall, Blues / Aug 8- Jimmy & Enrique, Guitar & Percussion / Aug 14- David Maldonado, Flamenco Guitar / Aug 15- Brothers David, Rock & Blues / Aug 21- Aug 1- JD Priest, Country Rock / Aug 22- Shane Hall, Blues / Aug 28- David Maldonado, Flamenco Guitar / Aug 29- JD Priest, Country Rock

Live Entertainment at The Restaurant at Ponte Winery
5:30p-8:30p / Friday and Saturday
Aug 1- Joe Baldino, Contemporary Guitar / Aug 7- Brian Stodart, Alternative Contemporary / Aug 8- Ron Freshman, Flamenco Guitar / Aug 14- Jason Weber, Jazz Sax / Aug 15- Ron Freshman, Flamenco Guitar / Aug 21- David Maldanado, Flamenco Guitar / Aug 22- Joe Baldino, Contemporary Guitar / Aug 28- Brian Stodart, Alternative Contemporary / Aug 29- The Lookouts, Classic Acoustic Rock

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Winemakers’ Dinner
 August 1 / 6:00p / Get up close and personal with our chefs and winemakers for a spectacular pairing of foods and wines designed to delight and tantalize the palate. This is the last Winemakers’ Dinner for the year and is limited in size / Reserve now by calling 800.539.1375
Bridal Open House / August 16 / 4:00p-8:00p / Experience Vineyard Romance in one of our many unique locations / Call 866.994.6379 ext. 5285 for details

Happy Hours at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Monday-Friday 3:00p-5:30p / Join us in the Vineyard Rose Lounge for reduced priced selected appetizers, award winning select glasses of South Coast wines and local drafts. PLUS corkage fees are waived for any South Coast Winery wine bottles brought in to the Vineyard Rose Restaurant and consumed while dining on Wednesdays too! Visit www.WineResort.com to view menus and find out more.

Wine Wednesdays at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
6:00p-9:00p / Wednesday nights just got even better at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant as award winning pianist, Blessie Isaac-Hopkins, takes the helm behind our elegant grand piano. This world traveler and life-long student of music has performed internationally over the course of her career at many high-end hotels and resorts, including the Peninsula, Regent, Westin, Hilton and Shangri-la Hotel and now you can enjoy her music at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Reserve today for an unforgettable Wednesday evening with fine wines, delicious food and live music between the hours of 6:30p to 9:00p. Call 951.587.9463

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu
Monday-Thursday 11:30a -3:00p / Specially priced $9.99 lunches at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant for those aged 55 and over. Call 951-587-9463 x 2 for more information or reservations.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours
Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday. $40pp / $35pp Wine Club Member. Get up close and personal as you learn more about our spectacular Southern California winery with a behind-the-scenes tour. From vineyards to crush pad, each tour concludes with a specially prepared wine and food pairing. Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Must be over 21 years of age to attend. Call 800-539-1375 Ext. 350 to reserve your spot today.

Summer Wine Series
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, 6p-8p / Join us for extended hours in the Tasting Room Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights this summer! $30 ticket gives you access after hours from 6:00p-8:00p and includes a bottle of South Coast wine to take home. Call 951.587.9463 ext. 7261 for more information.

Yoga Classes at Grapeseed Spa
Sunday 9a-10a, Monday 10:30a-11:30a / $12 per class / Yoga mat, towels and water provided. Call 951.587.9463 ext. 3513 to reserve your session.

Get Movin’ & Groovin’ to the Grapeseed Spa
August 13 / 7:00p-9:00p / Meet up with your spa friends and enjoy live entertainment on the veranda this summer. Best of all, it’s free, but reservations are required. Award winning wines and appetizers are available for purchase. Call to book today 951.587.9463 ext. 3513.

Thornton Winery

Friday Live Music
Wine Specials, Live Music, Food Specials, and Dinner Menu / 6:00p-9:00p / August 7- Life Time Rocker / August 14- Mrs. Jones Revenge / August 21- Mor Sol / August 28- Entouraj / No Cover Charge. Seating Available at Courtyard, Covered Patio & Café / Reservations suggested, call 951.699.0099

Champagne Jazz Concert Series
Saturday, August 1- Michael McDonald / 7:00p / General Admission tickets – $95 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $170 SOLD OUT (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table)

Saturday, August 8 – Melissa Etheridge / 7:00p / General Admission tickets – $105 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $180 SOLD OUT (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table

Saturday, August 9 – Chris Isaak / 6:00p / General Admission tickets – $95 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $170 SOLD OUT (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table)

Saturday, August 15 – Al Jarraeau, Keiko Matsui / 7:00p / General Admission tickets – $75 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $150 SOLD OUT (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table)

Saturday, August 22 – Macy Gray, Larry Graham / 7:00p / General Admission tickets – $85 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $160 SOLD OUT (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table)

Saturday, August 29 – Kenny G / 7:00p / General Admission tickets – $85 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $170 SOLD OUT (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table)

Wilson Creek Winery

Country Concert Series

Jana Kramer & Jamie Lynn Spears, Alaina Blair – The Next Women of Country 2015
Sunday, August 9 / 7:00p / Put on your cowboy boots and get ready to dance! Come on out to Wilson Creek Winery and enjoy award-winning wine and electrifying performances – these girls will have you mesmerized. Portion of proceeds benefitting All From the Heart, a non-profit organization providing support to our troops, veterans and their families / General $50, Reserved $70, Orchestra $90 / www.wilsoncreekwinery.com for reservations

Craig Morgan
Sunday, August 30 / 7:00p / Com on over and enjoy the sounds of award-winning singer, songwriter and musician, Craig Morgan, perform in concert live at Wilson Creek Winery / General $50, Reserved $70, Orchestra $90 / www.wilsoncreekwinery.com for reservations
Live Entertainment / Saturdays & Sundays in July /12p-4p / August 1- JD Priest / August 2- Michael LeClerc / August 9- Mark Norris / August 15- Joachim Nordeson / August 16- Astra Kelly / August 22- Billy Watson / August 23- Ruben Gonzales / August 29- JD Priest / August 30- Rod Frias

Wiens Family Cellars

Summer Concert Series
Friday, August 14 / 6:00pm – 10:00pm / Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Concert. This is an outdoor event – dress accordingly / General Admission: $45 VIP: $95 VIP Table of 4: $395 VIP Table of 10: $950 Food available for purchase – No outside food or beverage allowed / For tickets please log on to: http://goldencrownproductions.com/tickets/

Mid-Week Wine Tasting Guide

For many, summer vacation is quickly coming to an end.  But, how about squeezing in one more little get-a-way before the dog days of summer are over?

Whether you can get away overnight, or just want to take a day trip, a mid-week visit to Temecula Valley Wine Country should prove to be a relaxing and enjoyable break.

There are many advantages to visiting wine country during the week.  Much less busy weekdays are the perfect opportunity to allow yourself time to enjoy our 30+ member wineries’ offerings.  At a slower pace, you’ll be able to enjoy more one-on-one time with the knowledgeable wine servers (or even the winemakers and/or winery owners themselves if you’re lucky) at each of your stops.

In addition, the tasting prices tend to be lower during the week than on the weekends and some wineries even offer two-for-one wine tasting coupons and additional discounts if you’re tasting during the week.  And, if we haven’t convinced you yet….there’s no waiting in line to dine at our wonderful wine country restaurants that are very busy on the weekends. If you’d like to spend the night you’ll be pleased with the selection of hotels and their reduced mid-week rates.  Hotels in the area are generally booked months in advance on the weekends.

You may want to visit in September, as we’re celebrating California Wine Month with a special weekday SIP Passport.  This passport allows you to visit any four wineries of your choice for $40.  Visit our website at www.temeculawines.org to purchase your passport. Good wine goes well with an excellent mobile slots casino games , played on your smartphone or tablet.

While we’d love to see you at any time here in Temecula Valley Wine Country, give us a try on a Wednesday sometime….we think you’ll be glad you did!