Winery News

Temecula April Winery Events

Spring has sprung and the wineries are also preparing for some fun seasonal events that will get you partying in floppy hats and pastel colors. Come socialize, taste some wine, and see for yourself what everyone is talking about!

Baily Vineyard & Winery
Easter Egg Hunt for Doggies
Sunday, April 20 / 11:30a-2:30p
Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch and an egg hunt

Dog Day Sundays
Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p
Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting
Thursday-Sunday / 11:00a-2:30p
Tours and vertical tasting of Boudreaux reds
Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Bel Vino Winery
Wine Down at Bel Vino with Live Music
Every Saturday and Sundays for live entertainment! 12:00p-4:00p
April 5-Bruce Glover
April 6- JD Priest
April 12-Shoot 4 Tuezdays
April 13-Mor Sol
April 19 – The Counterfeits
April 26 – The “B” Players
April 27 – Tim Cash

Briar Rose Winery
Friday Night Sunset
April 18 / 5:30p-9:00
Sunset and live music by Buzz Campbell while enjoying food and wine.
Call 951-308-1098 to make reservations.
Seating is limited.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Prime Rib Fridays
Every Friday at Meritage from 5p-8:00p
Three-course Prime Rib dinner for $35 pp
Reservations are not required. No cover.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Sunday at Meritage from 4p-8p in the main dining room.
Watermelon Sangria & live music from local musicians begins at 5pm.
No cover charge and no reservations required.

Falkner Winery
Spring/Summer Music, Sangria and BBQ Series
12:00p-3:00p /Sundays from April through October
Free music and guest can purchase BBQ & Luscious Lips Sangria!
Kick off series with featured artist Jason Weber.

Easter Champagne Brunch
Sunday, April 20 / 10:00a-3:30p /
Champagne brunch, live music & Mediterranean style food
pecial Easter gifts will be given to all children
$49.95+ pp/ Members & guests $44.95+, Children 3-10 are $19+ (wine club $15+)
Free for children under 3.

Leoness Cellars
Pre-Harvest Winemaker Dinner
Saturday, April 5 / 6:30p
5 course wine paired dinner featuring guest Chef Michael Cragg
$106 + tax pp / $96 + tax pp, Wine Club
For reservations call 951-302-7601 ext. 150 or e-mail reservations@leonesscellars.com

Live Music
Fridays / The Restaurant at Leoness / 5:00p-8:00p

Live Music
Sundays / Patio at Leoness Cellars / 1:00p-4:00p

Longshadow Ranch Winery
Bonfire Saturday Night
Sat April 19 / 6:00p-10:00p
Live music, dancing, wine, mechanical bull rides
No admission / parking fee / reservations required for parties of 12+

Lorimar Winery
Epicurean Demonstration – “Molecular Gastronomy”
Wed April 2 / 4:00p-6:00p
Join Chef Patrick for the interactive cooking demo
$25+tax pp / Members $20+tax pp.
Purchase tickets in the tasting room, email events@lorimarwinery.com or call 951-694-6699 xt. 4.

Live Music
Fridays & Saturdays 6p-9p / Sundays 2p-5p
April 4 – Shultz & Hamilton
April 5 – Mrs. Jones Revenge
April 6 – Steven Ybarra
April 11 – Cougrzz Rock
April 12 – Missy Anderson
April 13 – David & Olivia
April 18 – Guilty Conscience
April 19 – Oceans of Sand
April 25 – Mrs. Jones Revenge
April 26 – TBD
April 27 – Sal and Brennan

Laugh Your Glass Off – Comedy Show
Thur April 24 / 7:00p-10:00p /
Night of comedy
General admission in the Barrel Room $35 pp / $30 members
MATURE AUDIENCE ONLY
Purchase tickets in the tasting room, e-mail events@lorimarwinery.com or call 951-694-6699 ext. 104

Movie in the Vines
Mon April 28
Indiana Jones; Raiders of the Lost Arc
Wine bar & concession stand will be open at 6:00p
Film begins at sunset. Bring your own beach chair or blanket!

Mount Palomar Winery
Live Music
Complimentary music on patio! 1:00p-4:00p
April 5 – The Barstow Prophets
April 6 – Mariner
April 12 – Harmony Road
April 13 – Bodie
April 19 – Joachim Nordensson
April 26 – Danielle Taylor
April 27 – 3 Blind Mice

Bottles “n” Brushes
Thursday, April 24 / 1:00p-4:00p
Painting class with wine

Oak Mountain Winery
Sizzlin’ Saturday
Sat April 19 / 5:00p-9:00p/ $1.00 admission
Join us for tasty American/Mexican fusion from Chubbys.

Pet Fair
Sun April 6 / 11:00a-5:00p /Free admission
Join local rescues and vendors at the Oak Mountain Winery Pet Fair.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Earth Day Wine Tours
April 21-25 / 3:00p
Hands-on introduction with the sustainable winegrowing standards of California’s State Winery of the Year.
Explore our vineyards with 90-minute guided tour
$50 pp/ $45 Club but space is limited and reservations are a must.
Visit WineResort.com or call now to reserve your place 800-539-1375.

Elegant Wine Country Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 20 / 10:00a-3:00p
Brunch fare at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vineyard Rose restaurant
Kids enjoy Easter egg hunts and meet the Easter Bunny.
Cost is just $60 Adults/$22 Children.
Reservations are limited and required.
Visit WineResort.com for complete menu or call now to reserve: 951-491-8077

Go Green with Va Va Verde
April 1-30, 2014 / 105 pp
50-minute full body ‘therapeutic’ massage
Receive a $20 spa voucher towards any $85+ spa treatment on return
Book by calling 800-539-1375.

Wine & Dine Chef’s Table at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Ccustom five-course menu just for you.
Winemakers then pair each course with wines
For 2-8 guests, $135 pp
Call 951-491-8077 to reserve your table today.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s WINOS (Women In Need of Serenity)
Monday-Thursday / 11:30a-2:30p
Unique wine-themed items available for purchase
Half price Mimosas, Sangria & glasses of select wines
$2 off all appetizers / Call for Reservations 951-587-9463 x 2

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Divas in D’Vines
Every Sunday during football season from 12:00 to 3p
Enjoy half priced mimosas, sangria & Spumante Diamante.
Reservations Recommended. Call 951-587-9463 x 2

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu
Mon-Thur 11:30a -3:00p
$9.99 lunches -Vineyard Rose Restaurant, 55&over
Call 951-587-9463 x 2

“Happiest” Days of the Week
Mon-Fri 4:00p-5:30p / “Happy Hour”
Discounted appetizers, local draft beers and South Coast wines.
Happy Hour with dinner in the Vineyard Rose Restaurant.
Visit WineResort.com or call 800-539-1375 today.

Marvelous Mondays
5:30p to 9p each week
Half-priced bottles of select wines with the purchase of 2 entrees
Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here

Wine Down Wednesdays
Enjoy live music & half-priced select appetizers w/ purchase of 2 entrees
Enjoy with our Winemakers Reserve bottles of South Coast Wines.
Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour
Daily / 11:00a and 1:00p / $40pp / Members $35pp
Stroll the vineyards and the winery
Private, plated wine & cheese pairing with a Wine Concierge.
Reservations strongly suggested: Call 951.587.9463 x7219.

Thornton Winery
Thornton Winery’s Chef’s Counter
Friday, April 25 / 7:00p / $125 pp
Interactive Chef’s Table in a private kitchen
Five-course meal /Seating limited to 10 people
For reservations, call 951-699-0099

Temecula Wine Industry “Grape Day” is April 17

Sponsored & hosted by South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula Valley’s 31st Annual Grape Day Conference will feature in-depth seminars on the latest advances and developments in enology and viticulture.

Thursday, April 17, 2014
7:30a-4:30p

Click here for the conference agenda |  Purchase Grape Day tickets here

Who should attend? Winemakers, winery & vineyard owners, managers and anyone with an interest in the California wine industry.

Ticket price includes:

• continental breakfast
• educational seminars
• lunch
• vendor exhibits
• wine and cheese reception

Special guest speakers include experts in the fields of enology, viticulture, winery hospitality and wine branding:

• Ben Drake; Drake Enterprises, TVWA President
• Mike Rennie; Leoness Cellars, TVWA Viticulture Chair
• Matt Daugherty, PhD; UC Riverside
• Michael Anderson, Department of Viticulture & Enology, Oakville Station, UC Davis
• M.R. Sudarshana, Research Biologist, Dept. of Plant Pathology, USDA-ARS, UC Davis
• Roger Baldwin, Wildlife Specialist, UC Davis
• Anita Oberholster, Enology Specialist, UC Davis
• Sue Straight, The Wine Wench®, DTC Wine Coach
• Tammy Boatwright, Ving Direct “Defining Your Brand”

St. Patrick’s Day in Temecula Wine Country

Spend Saint Patrick’s Day Weekend in Temecula Valley and celebrate the luck o’ the Irish with a visit to your favorite winery with your closest pals.  St. Paddy’s Day brings a ton o’ live music entertainment, happy hours and some great special events, March 15-17.  See below for the details!

St. Patrick’s Day (Monday) Happy Hours:
The Cellar Lounge, Ponte Winery
The Vineyard Rose, South Coast Winery

Saturday and Sunday Live Music & Entertainment at:
Bel Vino
South Coast
Mount Palomar
Europa Village
Leoness
Lorimar
Callaway
and more!

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
2nd Annual Temecula St. Patrick’s Day 15k
Sunday, March 16 / 9:00a
Race through country roads & finish w/ a glass of green sparking wine
21+ – includes a sparking wine tasting & glass to keep.
For tickets and to register, click here

Oak Mountain Winery
St. Patty’s Sizzlin Saturday
Saturday, March 15 / 5:00p-9:00p / Admission: $1
Tickets available on Caves of Oak Mountain’s Facebook page
Corned beef melts & Irish fries from Devilicious.

Maurice Car’rie Winery
Craft Fair
Saturday & Sunday, March 15 & 16 at 10am
Lots of holiday arts & crafts on sale at the beautiful outdoor craft fair

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Go Green with Va Va Verde
Available March 1-31 /for discount of $105 pp
50-min full body ‘therapeutic’ massage
Receive a $20 spa voucher for one $85+ spa treatment on your return visit.
Book now 951.587.9463
anticreative

World of Wine Weekend: Food & Wine Pairing Highlights

Just one week away on March 1 & 2, Temecula Valley’s “World of Wine” Weekend offers gourmet food & wine pairings at 30+ wineries – all-included in one passport ticket price.  2-Day and Sunday-Only Tickets are still available here!

WoW 2014 Menu Highlights:

Can you say WoW?!

This two-day/30+ winery passport event also includes live music at many winery stops and a “cork art” contest to help promote sustainability.  Come join us on March 1 & 2 and taste the best of Temecula Valley wine country.

Don’t forget to get your World of Wine tickets TODAY before it’s sold out!!

January Deals & Steals in Temecula Wine Country

Savvy Southern California wine-lovers can avoid weekend crowds (and prices!) by taking advantage of fantastic Monday through Friday deals at many of our 35 member wineries. In addition to more elbow room in the tasting rooms and personal attention from winery staff, visiting Temecula Valley mid-week benefits your wallet and means you can afford to take the experience home with you by stocking up on great Temecula wines!

Looking for amazing 2 for 1 coupons and discounts to the best Temecula Valley wineries?

Visit our special offers page which offers the best Monday-Friday deals in wine country every month!

Here are some of great specials and winery tours for January 2014!

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

• Check out The Vineyard Rose’s full menu for California Restaurant Month.
• Festival of Wines is taking place Sunday, January 19-Saturday, January 25. Join South Coast in a week’s worth of special wine and food events, highlighting all that this Temecula wine resort has to offer.
• A Toast to Teachers is offered daily – Teachers: come in with your school ID and buy a Tasting Ticket at regular price and South Coast will treat you to a Tasting of their signature Sparkling Wine Ruby Cuvee!
• Behind the Scenes Winery Tour – Get up close and personal with the real workings of a winery with South Coast Winery’s Behind the Scenes Wine Tours.  It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to stroll the vineyards and the winery where the magic begins. Weekday tours are held: Monday-Friday at 11am & 1pm. This $40 walking wine tour culminates with a private, plated wine & cheese pairing with a fun and informative Wine Concierge. Reservations strongly suggested: call 951.587.9463x 350

Ponte Family Estate

• Weekday Winery Tours – The Vineyard Bus Tour provides a fascinating look at a working winery. Embark the 12-passenger electric bus and tour our 310 acre ranch. Learn about the grape growing philosophy as you taste three signature Ponte wines, next to the vineyards they come from. After returning visit our Winemaking Facilities and learn about the art and science of winemaking. Taste young wine right from the stainless steel tank or out of a giant oak cask. Monday-Friday 1pm Vineyard Bus Tours; $25 per guest

Callaway Winery

• Weekday winery & vineyard tours – The winery tour offers guests a glimpse into the history of Callaway Vineyard and Winery and an informative look at the present vineyard management practices; see the time-honored techniques it takes to produce handcrafted wines while visiting the crush pad, fermentation cellars and barrel room. Early arrival is suggested as the tour size is limited to 30 people to ensure an enjoyable experience by all. No reservations are required. $5 per person; Weekdays – 11am, 1pm, and 3pm

January’s “California Restaurant Month” Features Temecula Winery Restaurant Deals

If saving bucks while eating out is important to you in the new year, then you must take advantage of the much-anticipated California Restaurant Month specials taking place across the Golden State. Started by Visit California to promote new eateries and great dining deals throughout the month of January, many California cities and regions have annually embraced the designation and Temecula is one of the most celebrated in the state.

Are your favorite winery restaurants offering dining deals in January? Check out the list below!

• Cafe Champagne at Thornton Winery
• Creekside Grille at Wilson Creek
• Farm House Kitchen at Temecula Creek Inn
• Monte de Oro Winery
• Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery
• Vineyard Rose at South Coast Winery

For more information on Temecula Valley’s Restaurant Month, visit the official website here; or call 951-491-6085.

Learn about California Restaurant Month across the state here! California Restaurant Month is packed with great restaurants, chefs, chef interviews, and great contests with great prizes.

Temecula’s World of Wine Early Bird Tickets: $10 Off Thru February 1

World of Wines Barrel Tasting Weekend is Temecula Valley’s first regional tasting event of 2014, taking place March 1 & 2.

The “World of Wine” theme demonstrates the fact that the Temecula-South Coast AVA successfully grows varietals from all over the world. The WoW event is passport style, where hundreds of ticket-holders armed with a glass and a map can enjoy a self-guided tour through wine country. Over the course of the weekend, Temecula Valley’s 35 wineries offer special tastes of newly released, unreleased and barrel samplings of great Temecula wines, along with tasty tidbits and live music.

To promote and celebrate sustainability, participating wineries will have fun competing in the Best Winery Cork Art Contest, where the winning winery will receive a $500 donation to their favorite Southern California charity and the winning guest voter will be awarded four tickets to the region’s next big passport event.

2014 World of Wine Event Details



WHAT: 23rd Annual “World of Wine” Winter Barrel Tasting Weekend

WHEN: March 1 – 2, 10am to 4:30pm

WHERE: Temecula Valley wine country; 60-90 mins from San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County and Palm Springs

HOW: Self-guided passport event, where guests can visit 35 member wineries at their own pace; winery map and souvenir tasting glass provided for each guests to keep. Plus gourmet food pairings, live music and fun contests!

TICKETS:

• 2-Day Tickets: $89 Early Bird (through Feb 1); $99 thereafter.
• Sunday-Only 

Tickets: $79.
• Local residents of Temecula/Murrieta, 2-Day Tickets: $79.
• Designated Driver (food only) Tickets: $69.

Call (800) 801-9463 for tickets by phone or purchase online here! Shuttle and limo transportation and overnight packages also available at participating wine country hotels.

55 Festive Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Temecula, CA

THERE’S SNOW IN TEMECULA!

*1-Catch the Magic Snow flurry at Promenade Temecula. [FRI and SAT nights, Nov. 29 and 30, and Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28, at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and SUN nights, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.]

*2-Watch the new Snow Bell Rockin’ Nights show at the California mission-revival style Temecula Civic Center in Old Town Temecula. [Debuts FRI night Nov. 29, 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.; thenTHU, FRI, and SAT nights, Nov. 30, and December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28, at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.]

*3-Play in tons of snow at Winter Wonderland by Pennypickle’s Workshop in Old Town Temecula. [FRI night, Dec. 13, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.]

HOLIDAY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS TO EXPERIENCE TOGETHER

*4-The Nutcracker Ballet with music by Tchaikovsky; Old Town Temecula Community Theater. [FRI Nov. 29, 7 p.m.; SAT Nov. 30, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; SUN Dec. 1, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; WED Dec 18, 7 p.m.; THU Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; FRI Dec. 20, 7 p.m.; and SAT Dec. 21, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.]

*5-Christmas Carol: the Musical with the heartwarming story of Scrooge’s transformation; Old Town Temecula Community Theater. [THU Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.; SAT Dec. 7, 2 p.m.; SUN Dec. 8, 6 p.m.; WED/THU/FRI/SAT Dec. 11, 12, 13, and 14, 7:30 p.m.; and SUN Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.]

*6-The Game’s Afoot with a Sherlock Holmes-style whodunit on a glittering December 1936 holiday weekend; Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery. [THU/FRI/SAT/SUN Dec. 5, 6, 7, and 8; and THU/FRI/SAT Dec. 12, 13, and 14.]

CLASSIC HOLIDAY SPIRIT

*7-Lorimar Vineyard & Winery’s Tree Lighting Celebration: the holiday season begins at the Tuscan-style wine estate known for its fusion of wine, art, and music. [SUN night Dec. 1, 6 p.m.]

*8-South Coast Winery’s Tree Lighting Celebration: Christmas carolers, a Nutcracker ballet performance, holiday movies, and tractor rides through the vineyards decked out with holiday lights. [SUN night Dec. 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

*9-Christmas Carolers in vintage attire singing and strolling; South Coast Winery and Vineyard Rose restaurant. [Begins SUN night Dec. 1, 6 to 9 p.m.; then FRI, SAT, and SUN nights, Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

*10-Christmas in the Air: women’s chorus sings baroque to gospel and sacred to secular; Old Town Temecula Community Theater. [SAT night Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.; and SUN night Dec. 8, 2 p.m.]

*11-Bel Vino Winery Jingle Mingle: holiday cheer including hors d’oeuvres, wine, and live entertainment. [SAT night Dec. 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

OLD-SCHOOL AND A LITTLE ECLECTIC

*12- Europa Village Winery Vivi Bene: antidote to Black Friday with strolling carolers, old-world bread pudding. [FRI evening Nov. 29, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

*13-Holiday Advent Calendars exhibit; Temecula Valley Museum, Old Town Temecula. [TUES-SAT, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; SUN, 1 to 4 p.m.]

NEW-SCHOOL AND ECLECTIC

*14-Monte de Oro Winery Black Friday:  hot air balloon glow and entertainment. [FRI evening Nov. 29, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

*15-Callaway Vineyard & Winery’s Barrel Tree Lighting: unique stacked-barrel lighting celebration; wine tasting for adults, Santa, and hot cocoa for children. [SUN afternoon and evening, Dec. 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.]

*16-Jingle and Mingle after-hours singles mixers; South Coast Winery’s new Wine Press Tasting Room. [THU nights, Dec. 5, 12, 19, and 26, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

*17-Santa’s Electric Light Parade: illuminated floats, equestrians, and bands; Old Town Temecula. [FRI night December 6, 7 p.m.]

*18-Doffo Winery Holiday Polenta Party: wear your ugliest holiday sweater. [SAT afternoons December 7 and 14, 1 p.m.; reservations required]

*19-Terra Madre: holiday farm-to-plate celebration with heritage dishes of Spain, France, Italy; Europa Village Winery. [THU evening December 12, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

*20-Christmas with Elvis and Friends: musical tribute to Elvis’ favorite time of year; Europa Village Winery. [THU night Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; SAT night Dec. 21, 7 p.m.; SUN evening Dec. 22, 5:30 p.m.; tickets: Old Town Temecula Community Theater box office]

*21-Christmas Movie in the Vines: Christmas Vacation; Lorimar Vineyards & Winery. [MON Dec. 23, film starts at sunset]

VISITS WITH SANTA CLAUS

*22-At Promenade Temecula. [FRI/SAT Nov. 29 and 30, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; SUN Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; MON/TUE/WED/THU, Dec. 2, 3, 4, and 5, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; FRI Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; then daily Dec. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.]

*23-On Main Street, Old Town Temecula. [FRI Nov. 29, 6 to 9 p.m.; Sat/Sun, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7, and 8, 1 to 5 p.m.; FRI Dec. 13, 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Sat/Sun Dec. 14, 15, and Sun Dec. 21, 1 to 5 p.m.]

HOLIDAY EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCES

*24-Horse-drawn trolley rides simulate sleigh rides through vineyards adorned with twinkling lights; Temecula Carriage Company. (Nightly; reservations required.)

*25-Horses dressed as reindeer (including Rudolph): trail rides and arena rides; Saddle Up Ranch. (Daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; reservations required.)

NEW TRADITION: THE BUCKET LIST HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE TO SHARE

*26-An ultimately memorable flight together in a hot air balloon over Temecula Valley Wine County; A Grape Escape can accommodate up to 14 people all in the same basket.

HOLIDAY SPA INDULGENCES

*27-GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery: seasonal specials like La Dolce Vita: lush, anti-oxidant rich, aromatic chocolate massage. 

*28-Spa Pechanga at Pechanga Resort & Casino: seasonal specials like Liquid Gold Facial, 24-Karat Gold Masque.

NIGHTTIME SITES TO SEE: HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND DÉCOR

*29-Old Town Temecula: along Old Town Front Street from the northern gateway arch to the southern gateway arch, more than 30,000 twinkling lights.

*30-Temecula Valley Wine Country: vineyards and wineries decked out for the holidays; Thornton, Europa Village, Lorimar, Ponte, and South Coast along Rancho California Road; Keyways on the De Portola Wine Trail.

*31-Pechanga Resort & Casino: remarkable holiday magic from the luminous hotel tower to the festive, porte-cochere.

SWIRL AND SAVOR: TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY

*32-Wilson Creek Winery: limited Holiday Edition proprietary red blend of estate-grown Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc; available only in 1.5 liter magnums, autographed by The Wilsons, and ideal for entertaining; only available at the winery; wine tasting upon request.

*33-Ponte Family Estate winery: Temecula Valley estate, 2010 Holiday Reserve Zinfandel.

*34-Holiday Dinner at Meritage at Callaway Vineyard & Winery: festive five-course wine-paired dinner. [THU evening Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m., reservations required.]

SWIRL AND TASTE: OLD TOWN TEMECULA

*35-Fazeli Cellars: Yalda, heralding the shortest day and longest night traditionally celebrated as the Winter Solstice; Yalda is a propriety blend of Temecula Valley estate-grown Grenache, Shiraz, and Movedre.

*36-Lorimar Loft: 2008 Dolce Vita, a limited production, Temecula Valley port-style dessert wine.

SAVOR THE OLD TOWN TASTING TRAIL

*37-Temecula Olive Oil Company: fresh, 100% California, 100% extra-virgin, hand-blended, artisanal Temecula olive oil and balsamic vinegars at the complimentary-daily tasting bar; holiday favorites, fresh basil olive oil, pomegranate vinegar.

*38-Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants: vendor of herbs, spices, salts, blends, and loose teas; also sells hot and iced tea-to-go like Figgie Pudding, Snow Berry, Cinnamon Spice, and Winter Wonderland.

*39-Old Town Sweet Shop: purveyor of fresh chocolates, fudge, nut clusters, chocolate barks, chocolate-covered bacon; hand-scooped ice cream in flavors like peppermint.

*40-Holiday Taste of Old Town Temecula: restaurant samples, wine tasting discounts, goodie bags; tickets will be at Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants and The Bank Mexican Restaurant.[WED afternoon and evening Dec. 11, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

CULINARY CLASSES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

*41-Cookies and Hot Cocoa: epicurean cooking demo and wine pairing; Lorimar Vineyards & Winery. [WED afternoon Dec. 4, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.]

*42-Holiday Entertaining: with Café Champagne’s executive chef and sous chef; homemade eggnog, quick and easy appetizers, Christmas cupcakes; Thornton Winery. [SAT afternoon Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m.]

TAKE A SPIN: OUTDOOR ICE SKATING

*43-Temecula on Ice: state-of-the-art ice rink, colorful lights, rental skates that are contemporary and comfortable; coolest place in Old Town Temecula! [Daily and nightly, December 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29.]

HOLIDAY TRADITION: NEW MOVIE PREMIERES

*44-Saving Mr. Banks with Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson tells the story of how Disney’s classic, Mary Poppins, made it to the movie screen; film opens FRI Dec. 13, Promenade Temecula Theater.

*45-In The Hobbit: The Desolution of Smaug,Bilbo Baggins and Gandolf continue their Middle Earth journey and discover the deadly dragon Smaug; film opens FRI Dec. 13, Promenade Temecula Theater.

HOLIDAY DINING IN TEMECULA VALLEY

*46-Christmas Eve dining: Palumbo’s Ristorante, Old Town Temecula; authentic Italian cuisine with modern twists. [TUE Dec. 24, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*47-Christmas Eve dining: Farm House Kitchen, Temecula Creek Inn; special 3-course Christmas Eve prix-fixe menu. [TUE Dec. 24, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., reservations required.]

*48-Christmas Eve dining: The Gambling Cowboy, Old Town Temecula; contemporary steaks, chops, seafood. [TUE Dec. 24, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*49-Christmas Eve dining: Baily’s fine dining, Old Town Temecula; seasonal-December menu. [TUE Dec. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*50-Christmas Eve dining: Great Oak Steakhouse, Pechanga Resort & Casino; AAA Four Diamond dining, amazing wine list. [TUE Dec. 24, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*51-Christmas Eve dining: Vineyard Rose restaurant, South Coast Winery; special holiday menu. [TUE Dec. 24, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., reservations required.]

*52-Christmas dining: Café Champagne, Thornton Winery; special holiday menu. [WED Dec. 25, 12 p.m. to  5  p.m., reservations required.]

*53-Christmas dining: Farm House Kitchen, Temecula Creek Inn; special 3-course Christmas prix-fixe menu. [WED Dec. 25, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., reservations required.]

*54-Christmas dining: Great Oak Steakhouse, Pechanga Resort & Casino; AAA Four Diamond dining, amazing wine list. [WED Dec. 25, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*55-Christmas dining: Vineyard Rose restaurant, South Coast Winery; special holiday menu. [WED Dec. 25, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., reservations required.]

*Information is believed accurate but may be subject to change. The Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors, is online including complete daily Events Calendar at VistTemecula.org.

Temecula Wineries Pour at San Diego Wine and Food Festival (Nov 20-24)

10th Annual Classic is November 20-24, 2013

Join the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association at The Grand Tasting on Saturday, November 23 as they pour from some the region’s best wineries, including:

• Maurice Car’rie Winery
• Europa Village
• Wiens Family Cellars

The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival™ returns November 20-24, 2013, and this year is bigger and better than ever.  Celebrate 10 years in the making with new events, the best wines in the world and some of today’s biggest celebrity chefs and culinary personalities.  Join over 200 wineries (including Temecula’s Falkner, Oak Mountain, Keyways, Ponte, Callaway, Monte de Oro and Wilson Creek,) breweries and spirit purveyors, 70 of San Diego’s best restaurants, and 10,000 wine and food aficionados from across the nation for the biggest birthday bash on the West Coast.

Click here for the list of events and to purchase tickets.

See you there!

Tickets Going Fast for Harvest Celebration Weekend, November 2 and 3

Temecula Valley’s 23rd Annual Harvest Celebration Weekend + Scarecrow Contest is November 2 and 3                 – and tickets are going fast!

Purchase your tickets to our final wine country passport event of the year here or call 800-801-9463.

-Saturday & Sunday, November 2 and 3; 10am-4:30pm

-$99 passport to sip and nosh at 30+ wineries

-Two-day weekend event gives plenty of time to explore wine country

-Sample new wines from the barrel that are not available to the public

-Overnight and “safe ride” packages available

About Harvest Celebration Weekend:

Temecula Valley wine country invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate this year’s wine grape harvest at the region’s Harvest Celebration Barrel Tasting Weekend. This fall passport event is the last chance of the year to explore more than 30 wineries, sample new and unfinished wines, enjoy delicious food pairings, and experience the beauty of wine country in autumn – all in one weekend.

Annual Scarecrow Contest:

Harvest Celebration attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite winery scarecrow creation via the postcard provided in person or via email at info@temeculawines.org. Votes can also be cast throughout November by “friending” the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association on Facebook and viewing the photo album “Scarecrow Contest 2013.”  Votes will be automatically entered into a drawing to win four tickets to the World of Wine Event in March and the winner will be contacted via email by December 15, 2013.

Event Details, Transportation and Hotel Packages:

WHAT: 23rd Annual Harvest Celebration Barrel Tasting Weekend, a two-day event offering ticketed guests a chance to visit more than 30 Temecula Valley wineries on a self-guided tour.

WHEN:  Saturday and Sunday, November 2 & 3, from 10:00am – 4:30pm

WHERE: Temecula Valley Wine Country is just 60-90 minutes from Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs. Exit I-15 at Rancho California Road and head east four miles.

TICKETS:  Two-Day Ticket – $99 | Sunday Only Ticket, Non-Resident – $79 | Sunday Only, Local Residents – $79 | Designated Driver (food only) – $69

Purchase tickets online here or call 800-801-9463.

TRANSPORTATION: Safe, chauffeured transportation available through Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle’s “Sip & Ride” package; includes a Harvest Passport ticket, souvenir glass, and pick-up / drop-off at multiple wineries. Visit www.gogrape.com/reservations for pricing and to book; or visit here for all transportation packages.

ACCOMMODATIONS: For those who would like to stay the weekend, several wine country lodging partners will be offering special overnight packages, including: South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, The Inn at Europa Village and Embassy Suites (in the city of Temecula); for more information on Temecula hotel packages, click here.