October….it’s the time of year we’re dragging the kids to the neighborhood pumpkin patch, decorating the house for fall and for some of us, already thinking about all of the yummy pumpkin recipes we want to make. From pumpkin soup, to pumpkin pie and everything in between, we’ve got a wine that will pair with it! Here are some tips for pairing wines with your favorite pumpkin dishes.
And, for our personal favorite….Pumpkin Pie. There are endless possibilities here. A Riesling or Muscat would be amazing. Better yet, get in the holiday celebrating mood and pop open a bottle of bubbly to enjoy with your pie. Try these: Thornton Winery Brut Reserve,Europa Village 2016 Bolero Estate Muscat Canelli, Wilson Creek Winery 2018 Winemakers Select Riesling. Mencari situs taruhan sbobet yang aman dan terpercaya di indonesia. Sip777 merupakan rekomendasi yang tepat bagi kalian yang menikmati taruhan casino dan judi bola yang aman. Melalui website http://loginsbobet.fun/ yang resmi dan ternama maka kalian bisa bermain dengan tenang dan aman. Kami menjadi pusat taruhan olahraga terbesar dengan berkerjasama dengan situs sbobet indonesia.
As you can see, although pumpkin dishes seem hard to pair wine with, there really are a lot of possibilities. Enjoy pumpkin season, all!
October is peak harvest season and the vineyards are in full wine production and we’ve got some exciting and unique October winery events! Come experience Halloween bashes, grape stomps, concerts, fall wine tours and tastings — and much more!
Avensole Winery Hosted Tour & Wine Tasting /Available on Sunday of each the month / 2pm-3:30pm / For every adventure, there is discovery, for every unique place, there is a story. Take a guided journey through our lush vineyards and experience our rich heritage and handcrafted Avensole wines / Cost. $35 / Reservations required. Please call 951.252.2003 x312 to reserve.
Gourmet Cheese Artisanal Tour & Wine Tasting / Available on Friday of each month / 12pm / For the ultimate Wine Country experience, delight in an educational tour through our picturesque vineyard vistas and conclude this tour with a culinary treat of artisanal wine pairings featuring 7 Avensole wines / Cost: $75 / Reservations required online at link: http://www.avensolewinery.com/res-369934
Baily Winery Doggie Costume Contest / October 27 / Join us for our Dog Day Sundays at Carol’s Restaurant located at Baily Winery. Doggie Costume judging at 1:30pm – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes! Don’t forget to bring your camera! / Carol’s Restaurant is open for lunch 11:30am – 3pm. Reservations recommended by calling 951-676-9243
Estate Library Tasting / Every Thursday-Sunday / Available 11am-4pm/ Enjoy exclusive library tasting of 5 different vintages (varietal will vary monthly). Tasting will take place at Baily Estate Tasting Room located on Pauba Road / Tours are available upon request / For reservations and pricing information please call Lisa at 951-972-9768.
Bel Vino Winery Oktoberfest / October 18 / 6:00-10:00pm / $5pp pre-paid tickets on our website or $10pp at the door / German Band, German Contests, Biergarten, Brat Bar, Dress Contest, Funnel Cakes / For reservations please visit https://www.belvinowinery.com/product/oktoberfest/
Sushi Wine Down / October 23 / 6:00-9:00pm / $50 pp / Featuring: Live Music from Jeff Brinkman. Price includes a Sushi Station featuring fresh premium grade fish such as Hawaiian Bigeye Tuna, JPN’s Yellowtail, Scottish Salmon and others. Prepared with natural and organic ingredients and fresh wasabi (root) / To purchase your tickets please visit https://www.hideawaycuisine.com/events
Callaway Vineyard & Winery Sip, Stomp & Play / October 5 / 6pm to 9pm / $72 pp, $64.80 wine club, $32 for kids ages 4-11; price does not include tax / Grab a bunch of your family and friends and join us for this fun-for-the-entire-family grape stomp and harvest festival! Bring the kids! We’ll have face painting, live music, dinner, dancing, a Lucy look-alike contest, and of course, grape stomping contests! Channel your inner Lucy and dress up for a chance to win prizes! We are serving up some hearty cuisine that’s perfect for keeping your energy up while you stomp and dance the night away! Get your tickets while you can, you won’t want to miss this! Tickets include: Admission to the event, one glass of Callaway wine, dinner, dancing, wine specials and grape stomping! / Purchase your tickets online at www.callawaywinery.com or at the winery.
Prix Fixe Friday & Sunday at Meritage / 5pm to 8pm / For $40 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Live Music offered on Friday nights Reservation is not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889
Brunch Specials every Sunday at
Meritage / 11am / Cost is $30 / Includes a mimosa
with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert. All food from Meritage is
farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally
outsourced.
Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 2pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1-barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary, but for 10 or more highly recommended / For more information call 951.676.4001
Carter Estate Winery and Resort Wine & Chocolate Pairing / Every Friday of the month / 3:00pm / $45 Per Person ($40 Wine Club) / Your guided pairing experience includes a specially selected flight of five of our Carter Estate wines paired with 5 custom chocolates from local chocolate shoppe, SugarPlum Farm. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how our award-winning wines are made and learn how Carter Estate wines compliment and bring out the unique flavors of chocolate. Our Wine & Chocolate Pairing is approximately 90 minutes & has limited availability to provide a more intimate experience for our guests. Make your reservation today! Must be 21 or older. Reservation Information: Book a pairing on CarterEstateWinery.com.
Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member / 1pm & 3pm Monday-Sunday / Your guided experience includes a specially selected flight of five of our Carter Estate wines paired with perfectly matched culinary bites from our Chef. Learn about the history of our beautiful Temecula Valley & get a behind-the-scenes look at how our award-winning Sparkling wines are made. Our Wine & Food Pairings are approximately 90 minutes & limited to eight guests. Make your reservation today! Must be 21 or older / Reservation Information: Reservations recommended – Book a pairing on CarterEstateWinery.com
Europa Village Festa! featuring Ruben V / October 19 / 5:30-8:30pm / Enjoy wine, food and live music by Ruben V, benefiting Michelle’s Place! Food Tickets: $18; free admission / please visit www.europavillage.com for additional information.
Night of Witches n Ghouls Party / October 24 / 7:00-10:00pm / Cover charge $20 per person includes glass of Ghoulish Sangria or Zombie Hot Lips. Wine by the glass and bottle. (Industry and Wine Club discounts applicable) Karaoke by Sing It Like you Mean It, D.J. Lillian Thomas. Food available for purchase And don’t forget about our awesome Costume Contests!
Dia De Los Muertos Festival (Day of the Dead) / October 27 / 12:00-4:00pm Open to the public. Face painter, vendors, games, wine, sangria, and Hot Lips by glass or bottle. (Member discounts applicable) Food and Drink packages available. Picnic menu also available. No need to RSVP!
Fazeli Cellars Annual Haunted Masquerade Ball / November 1 / Doors Open at 7pm / Don’t Miss Our Annual Haunted Masquerade Ball! Tickets Sell Out FAST, Get Yours NOW! / $28 Members | $35 Non-Members Includes Entrance and a Glass of Spooky Sparkling Wine / Drinks & food available for purchase | DJ & Dancing! Masks Desired but Not Required! To purchase your tickets please visit http://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-391245/Haunted-Masquerade-Ball-2019.html
Frangipani Winery Harvest Grape Stomp Party / October 13 / 2pm-5pm / Frangipani Estate Winery Wine club members $20 per person and General Guests $25 per person / Grape Stomping, Corn-Hole, & Bocce Ball tournaments with prizes for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place, live music and food / RSVP by October 10 to 951-699-8845 or email frangipaniwine@yahoo.com
Lorimar Winery Night of the Living Wine-O’s / October 25 / 7:00-10:00pm / $20 per person; $18 Wine Club / Lorimar’s annual Halloween bash is back and it’s going to be better than ever! Join us for wine specials, live music by Mrs. Jones Revenge, Costume Contest, DJ, candy, and more! / Tickets are pre-sale only and include a glass of Spooky Sangria. (event is 21+, tax is not included) / Purchase Tickets – https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-410159/Night-Of-The-Living-Wineos.html
Movie in the Vines – Hotel Transylvania 2 / October 28 / Doors open at 6pm / Bring the whole family for a scary good time to see HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 on the Sunset Patio! /Pairings Food Truck opens at 6 pm; movie begins at sunset / Complimentary popcorn! Costume contest for the kids! Candy, Soda, & Snacks will also be available for purchase! (No outside food or drinks)/ Please RSVP – https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-409598/Movie-In-The-Vines-Hotel-Transylvania-2.html
Ponte Winery Brunch at Bouquet Restaurant / Every Saturday & Sunday / 7:30am-3:00pm / Offering indoor & outdoor seating options, Bouquet is the perfect spot to gather for a gourmet brunch. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance with stunning fountain courtyard, pond & vineyards views / To view menu and for reservations please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com
Somerset Vineyard & Winery 70’s Disco Party / October 5 / 6:00-10:00pm / $95 per person; $76 for members / Enjoy a live musical production by the FUNKY HIPPEEZ, food provided by Southfork catering, contest & prizes for Best Dressed and Best Dance Moves! / Space is limited so reserve early! Please visit our website www.somersetvineyard.com or call 951-365-5522 to purchase your tickets today!
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Country Concert featuring Eric Paslay / October 24 / Doors Open at 6:30pm; Show 7:00-9:00pm / Tickets start at only $35! / Join us among the vines and stars as South Coast Winery Resort & Spa presents an evening with country singer/songwriter Eric Paslay. This Platinum-selling, hit songwriter and dynamic performer has celebrated five No. 1 hits including “Even if it Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jack Owen), “Angel Eyes” (Love & Theft), “Rewind” (Rascal Flatts) and “Friday Night” his smash lead single from his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album. Enjoy great wine, local food trucks and this GRAMMY® nominee, hit songwriter for the wine COUNTRY night event of the year / For reservations please visit https://www.southcoastwinery.com/concerts/october-24-2019-country-concert
Behind the Scene Wine Tour / Available daily / 11 AM, 1 PM and
3PM, Monday through Sunday / $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member or Military / Learn more about our spectacular
Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from
vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual
plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge
and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to
reserve your spot today / Due to the limited sizes of each tour, reservations are
required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years
of age to attend.
Thornton Winery JAZZ CONCERT SERIES Brian Culbertson / October 5 / 7:00pm Cost: General Admission: $95, Gourmet Supper Package: $180
West Coast Jams / October 12 / 7:00pm Cost: General Admission: $85, Gourmet Supper Package: $170
Jeffrey Osborne / October 20 / 4:00pmCost: General Admission: $85, Gourmet Supper Package: $170
To order your jazz tickets, please visit our website: www.thorntonwine.com or Call (951) 699-0099 EXT. 3127 to make reservations.
Friday Live Music – B.I.G. / October 11 / 6:00-9:00pm / General Admission $15 in advance; $20 at the door. VIP $40 for the first six rows. No food service / Dinner tables available. *All guests at table must order dinner! / Must order tickets on our website: www.thorntonwine.com Friday Live Music – Bon Jovi Tribute / October 25 / 6:00-9:00pm / General Admission $25 in advance; $30 at the door. VIP $40 for the first six rows. No food service / Dinner tables available. *All guests at table must order dinner! / Must order tickets on our website: www.thorntonwine.com
Cooking Class / October 27 / 1:00pm -3:00pm / Theme is Scary Desserts & Appetizers / For more information and reservations please visit www.thorntonwine.com
Vindemia Vineyards & Estate Winery Harvest Celebration with Special Guest Chef Drew Deckman / November 2 / 4:30pm- 8:00pm / $75 for Wine Club Members and $95 for non-members We are overjoyed to host Super Chef Drew Deckman here in Temecula Valley! Chef Deckman is the head chef at his restaurant, Deckmans’s in Ensenada and is known for his superb dishes in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. Our November 2 event includes a four-course meal grilled by Deckman himself, paired with unreleased Vindemia wines, live music and more! / Please RSVP to wineclub@vindemia.com by October 18 – spots are limited!
Wiens Family Cellars Refugio Vertical Pairing Dinner / October 27 / 7:00pm-10:00pm / $100 regular; $80 Wine Club Member / A Cabernet lover’s delight! Join us for our Refugio Wine Dinner! At this event we’ll showcase four vintages of our flagship Refugio Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a wonderful dish! / Advance reservation can be made by visiting https://www.wienscellars.com/res-415408/Refugio-Vertical-Pairing-Dinner-2019.html
Wilson Creek Winery Wine Academy – Wine 101 / October 5 / 6:00pm-9:00pm / General $20-$35; Wine Club Members $20 (limit 4 guests $35) / Come join us for an educational journey through wine. Our top-notch instructors will make your wine experience interactive and interesting. Enjoy wine education while tasting different wines with light appetizers. Reserve Members are complimentary with Wine Passes – Call 951-252-8523 to reserve. ONLY 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE!
Lauren
Alaina Country Concert
/ October 11 / 6:00pm-9:00pm / General Admission $60; Wine Club Members $54 /
Join us under the stars in the heart of wine country for an amazing up close
and personal show with LAUREN ALAINA and Opening Band Honey County! / For
reservations please visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com
Harvest
Festival – Grape Stomp
/ October 18 / 6:00pm-9:00pm / General Admission $75; Wine Club Members $67.50
/ Fall is a time to gather! Join us for our Harvest Festival! Buffet Style
Dinner, Pumpkin Carving Contest, Grape Stomping, & Live Music! Enjoy all of
these fun activities included with your ticket. LIVE ENTERTAINERS: Kodi Lee
& Midnight Satellites / For
reservations please visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com
Bubble Brunch Buffet / Every Sunday 10am-3pm / $51.95, Buffet only: $41.95, Children: $16.95 / Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, omelet stations, waffle stations, seafood stations, carving stations and dessert stations with beautiful vineyard views / Buffet (+ unlimited sparkling). Now serving Bloody Mary’s! / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com or call 951.699.9463 for additional information.
It’s September – and you know what that means? California Wine Month – and it’s time to celebrate, Temecula Style! From CRUSH to grape stomps and harvest celebrations, it’s always a busy time in Temecula Valley Wine Country!
Avensole Winery Hosted Tour & Wine Tasting Available on Sunday of each the month 2pm-3:30pm / For every adventure, there is discovery, for every unique place, there is a story. Take a guided journey through our lush vineyards and experience our rich heritage and handcrafted Avensole wines / Cost. $35 / Reservations required. Please call 951.252.2003 x312 to reserve.
Gourmet Cheese Artisanal Tour & Wine Tasting / Available on Friday of each month / 12pm / For the ultimate Wine Country experience, delight in an educational tour through our picturesque vineyard vistas and conclude this tour with a culinary treat of artisanal wine pairings featuring 7 Avensole wines / Cost: $75 / Reservations required online at link: http://www.avensolewinery.com/res-369934
Baily Winery Shakespeare in the Vines presents Comedy of Errors / September 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21 / Doors open at 6:30pm. Show starts 7:30 (ends around 10p) /Outdoor stage at Baily Winery / Tickets: $22 / To purchase your tickets please visit http://www.shakespeareinthevines.org
Estate Library Tasting / Every Thursday-Sunday / Available 11am-4pm / Enjoy exclusive library tasting of 5 different vintages (varietal will vary monthly). Tasting will take place at Baily Estate Tasting Room located on Pauba Road / Tours are available upon request / For reservations and pricing information please call Lisa at951-972-9768. Please note that library tasting will not be available on these specific dates only June 6 or 7.
Callaway Vineyard & Winery Sip, Stomp & Play / October 5 / 6pm to 9pm / $72 pp, $64.80 wine club, $32 for kids ages 4-11; price does not include tax / Grab a bunch of your family and friends and join us for this fun-for-the-entire-family grape stomp and harvest festival! Bring the kids! We’ll have face painting, live music, dinner, dancing, a Lucy look-alike contest, and of course, grape stomping contests! Channel your inner Lucy and dress up for a chance to win prizes! We are serving up some hearty cuisine that’s perfect for keeping your energy up while you stomp and dance the night away! Get your tickets while you can, you won’t want to miss this! Tickets include: Admission to the event, one glass of Callaway wine, dinner, dancing, wine specials and grape stomping! Purchase your tickets online at www.callawaywinery.com or at the winery.
Prix Fixe Friday & Sunday at Meritage / 5pm to 8pm / For $40 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Live Music offered on Friday nights Reservation is not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889
Brunch Specials every Sunday at
Meritage / 11am / Cost is $30 / Includes a mimosa
with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert. All food from Meritage is
farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally
outsourced.
Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 2pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1-barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary, but for 10 or more highly recommended / For more information call 951.676.4001
Carter Estate Winery and Resort Wine & Chocolate Pairing / Every Friday of the month / 3:00pm / $45 Per Person ($40 Wine Club) / Your guided pairing experience includes a specially selected flight of five of our Carter Estate wines paired with 5 custom chocolates from local chocolate shoppe, SugarPlum Farm. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how our award-winning wines are made and learn how Carter Estate wines compliment and bring out the unique flavors of chocolate. Our Wine & Chocolate Pairing is approximately 90 minutes & has limited availability to provide a more intimate experience for our guests. Make your reservation today! Must be 21 or older. Reservation Information: Book a pairing on CarterEstateWinery.com
Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member / 1pm & 3pm Monday-Sunday / Your guided experience includes a specially selected flight of five of our Carter Estate wines paired with perfectly matched culinary bites from our Chef. Learn about the history of our beautiful Temecula Valley & get a behind-the-scenes look at how our award-winning Sparkling wines are made. Our Wine & Food Pairings are approximately 90 minutes & limited to eight guests. Make your reservation today! Must be 21 or older / Reservation Information: Reservations recommended – Book a pairing on CarterEstateWinery.com
Ruben V. & The Latin Sounds Havana Night / September 28 / 6:00-10:00pm / Guests $10 / Live band, Brazilian dancers and salsa dance Lessons / Guest musician, wood dance floor, food and alcohol available for purchase / For all our events please visit our website www.innatchuronwinery.com / To purchase tickets at http://shop.innatchuronwinery.com/reservation-events
Cougar Vineyards Cougar Craft Night / September 22 / 3:30-5:30p / Wine club $45pp, Non-wine club $50pp / We’re making Reversible Blocks or Scarecrow crafts. Samples displayed at the winery. All materials needed to create your Blocks or scarecrow will be provided plus expert help from the Craft Barrel Ladies! Craft and sip the afternoon away! / For reservations please call the winery 951.491.0825 or visitwww.cougarvineyards.com
Wine and Dogs / September 12 / 3:00-6:00pm / Come and join in on the fun picnic area at Cougar winery! Dog sitters, doggy day care, dog boarding, groomers, pet nutrition, specialty pet treats, pet safe toys, dog trainers, dog friendly dining, local rescues, specialists in care and health of your dog and so much more…no cost to attend. Those in attendance can purchase two-for-one tastings during the event / For more information please visitwww.cougarvineyards.com
Europa Village Festa! Big Truth / September 20 / 5:30p-8:30p / Free admission; Food tickets $19 / Enjoy wine, food and live music by Big Truth, benefiting Jacob’s House! / For reservations and information please visit www.europavillage.com
Falkner Winery Vertical Meritage Tasting Class with George Myer / September 14 / 10:30am -12:30pm / $45 per person, $40 Wine Club Members per person / Rated 90+ points by Wine Enthusiast and all Gold Medal winners! Designed for all levels of wine knowledge; RSVP’s required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com
Fazeli Cellars Salsa Night Black and White Party! / September 7 / No partner or experience needed! Doors Open at 6:30 with 45-minute Salsa Lesson / Admission fee is $20 for non-members (+ tax) and $15 (+ tax) for wine club members – Includes a glass of Sangria. Special Food Menu Items! Wine, Beer, Sangria available for purchase! / Tickets sold at front door ONLY!
Ponte Winery Happy Hour in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Monday-Thursday / 4pm-6pm / Free to attend / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, for happy hour specials on craft beer, flatbreads, Ponte wine on tap and more! Menu items $6 and up / For more information please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com
Brunch at Bouquet Restaurant / Every Saturday & Sunday / 7:30am-3:00pm / Offering indoor & outdoor seating options, Bouquet is the perfect spot to gather for a gourmet brunch. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance with stunning fountain courtyard, pond & vineyards views / To view menu and for reservations please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com
Somerset Vineyards & Winery First Annual Grape Stomp / September 21 / 4:30-7:00pm; music until 9pm / $35 per person and includes a glass of wine, or $130 for a team of 4 and includes a bottle of your choice / Come participate in our first Grape Stomp Competition! Come as a team of 4, or as an individual and become part of a team. All participants get to stomp. Teams are encouraged to dress – best team costume wins a prize! / Please visit the following site to reserve your spot https://shop.somersetvineyard.com/res-424601/1st-Annual-Grape-Stomp.html
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Jazz Series – Michael Paulo, Blake Aaron, Tateng Katindig & Vocalist Lynne Fiddmont / September 1 / 6:00pm – 9:00pm / Join us at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa as Rhythm on the Vine® returns with the third of a six-concert jazz series! Featuring Saxophonist Michael Paulo and friends! / Reservation Information: Purchase tickets at SouthCoastWinery.com. Please email marketing@wineresort.com or call (833)366-3112
Jazz Series – Marc Antoine & Brian Simpson Concert / September 29 / 6:00pm – 9:00pm / Join us at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa as Rhythm on the Vine® returns with the fourth of a six-concert jazz series! Featuring Guitarist Marc Antoine and Pianist Brian Simpson / Reservation Information: Purchase tickets at SouthCoastWinery.com. Please email marketing@wineresort.com or call (833)366-3112
Grape Stomp 2019 / September 15 / 5:00-9:00pm / It’s that time of the year again! Time to get your stompin’ on! Grab your friends and join us on Sunday, September 15th for South Coast Winery’s annual Grape Stomp. Your ticket includes a glass of wine, live music, sparkling wine toast, harvest blessing, dinner buffet, and of course, grape stomping! Reservation Information: Tickets on sale at SouthCoastWinery.com/stomp.
Behind the Scene Wine Tour / Available daily / 11 AM, 1 PM and
3PM, Monday through Sunday / $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member or Military / Learn more about our spectacular
Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from
vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual
plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge
and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to
reserve your spot today / Due to the limited sizes of each tour, reservations are
required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years
of age to attend.
Friday
Live Music – Featuring Killer Dueling Pianos / September 13 / 6:00-9:00pm / Cost:
$15 cover fee / Dinner tables available. Please call (951) 699-0099 to make
reservations. *All guests at table must order dinner!
Friday Live Music – Rolling Stone Tribute / September 27 / 6:00-9:00pm / Cost: General Admission – $15 in advance. $20 at the door. VIP $30 / Must order tickets on our website: www.thorntonwine.com
Dinner tables
available. Call (951) 699-0099 to make table reservations. *All guests at table
must order dinner!
Wilson Creek Winery Symphony in the Vines Pop Concert / September 15 / 7:00pm – Gates open at 6pm / $35 / Temecula Symphony presents vocalist Jonathan Hawkins & Guest and John Mario, conductor / Music from John Williams, Game of Thrones, Ed Sheeran, The Greatest Showman, Andrea Bocelli, Broadway, Freddy Mercury, Beethoven and more… / Food and beverage available to purchase at the event / For tickets www.wilsoncreekwinery.com
Bubble Brunch Buffet / Every Sunday 10am-3pm / $51.95, Buffet only: $41.95, Children: $16.95 / Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, omelet stations, waffle stations, seafood stations, carving stations and dessert stations with beautiful vineyard views / Buffet (+ unlimited sparkling). Now serving Bloody Mary’s! / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com or call 951.699.9463 for additional information.
Buttery avocados make any sandwich better, and they put this burger over the top. Grass-fed beef can be lean, but the sliced avocado and spicy chipotle mayonnaise ensure that this burger is a luscious, moist, flavor-packed experience. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
Burgers:
1 1⁄2 pounds (750 g) grass-fed ground beef chuck
Scant 1 1⁄2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
3⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
Freshly ground black pepper
Chipotle Mayonnaise
1⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (90 ml) mayonnaise, homemade or store-bought
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, if using store-bought mayonnaise
1 small clove garlic, grated with a rasp grater or very finely minced
1 1⁄2 teaspoons very finely minced chipotle chile in adobo, or more to taste
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 hamburger buns, split
1 ripe but firm small avocado
1⁄2 lime
About 1⁄2 cup (20 g) loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
4 large, soft lettuce leaves
Directions:
Make the burgers: Put the beef in a bowl and add the salt, garlic powder, and several grinds of black pepper. Mix quickly with your hands; try not to overwork the mixture. Divide into four equal portions, each 6 ounces (185 g), and shape into balls. Flatten each ball into a round patty about 3∕4 inch (2 cm) thick. Make the patties a little thinner in the center. They shrink a bit when cooked, and this step ensures they will be of even thickness after cooking. Place them on a tray and refrigerate.
Make the mayonnaise: Put the mayonnaise in a small bowl. If it is store-bought, whisk in the olive oil to improve the flavor. Whisk in the garlic and chile. Taste and add more chile if you like. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Preheat the broiler. Heat a large cast-iron frying pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil is hot, add the patties and fry until nicely browned and done to your taste, flipping them with a spatula two or three times and adjusting the heat to keep them from getting too crusty on either side. For medium doneness, the total cooking time will be about 10 minutes.
Set the burgers aside on a platter to rest for about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, toast the buns, cut side up, under the broiler. Halve, pit, and peel the avocado and slice thinly.
Spread chipotle mayonnaise on both halves of the toasted buns. Top the bottom half of each bun with a burger. Divide the avocado slices evenly among the burgers. Sprinkle the avocado lightly with salt and a squeeze of lime. Top with a tuft of cilantro leaves, then with a lettuce leaf, and finally the top half of the bun. Cut in half with a serrated knife and serve immediately.
Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country has been
named by USA Today as a 10Best Readers’ Choice for “Best Wine Region.” Out of
20 nominees across the United States, Temecula Valley Wine Country ranked number
three in the country by an expert panel and the public.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our winegrowers and winemakers. Our wine region is beginning to get the recognition it deserves for its award wining wines, dining, and experiences,” says Kimberly Adams, President and CEO, Visit Temecula Valley.
“From our talented winemakers to chefs to tasting room staff and everyone in between, Temecula Valley is filled with passionate people who work tirelessly to make the region so special,” said Krista Chaich, Executive Director of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. “We are delighted to be counted among so many other great wine regions in this 10Best list, and that visitors everywhere have fallen in love with our community and our world class wines, just as we have.”
Temecula Valley Wine Country is located in the center of
Southern California, just 60 minutes from San Diego, Orange Country, and Palm
Springs, and 90 minutes south of Los Angeles. There are now nearly 50 wineries
in the significant and diverse Temecula Valley AVA, a major AVA in Southern
California. The wine region continues to gain recognition for its
award-winning, premium varietal and proprietary blended wines.
More than three million travelers visit Temecula Valley to enjoy the region’s welcoming wineries, learning experiences, concerts and signature events, outdoor activities, and exceptional dining. Less-busy weekdays provide potential opportunities to converse with talented winemakers and friendly winery owners. Hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast inns are available among the vineyards, in and near Old Town Temecula, within the canyon, and along hotel row in Uptown.
For more information about Temecula Valley Southern California or to start planning your trip, go to VisitTemeculaValley.com.
As summer winds to an end, and pumpkin spice starts creeping into
what seems like literally everything, it’s about that time to turn our palates
to Fall flavors, especially when it comes to wine. Harvest is under way and
this year’s grape crop is getting picked and processed into a new vintage. As
we welcome this change in weather and celebrate the next phase in the life
cycle of the grape, we thought we would put together a list of some of our
favorite wine grapes for fall. Whether you love the classics or are itching to
try something new and unique, you’re bound to find something you like in this
lineup.
Grape: Chardonnay
What it’s like: If you’re part of the “Anything but
Chardonnay” crowd, you need to think again. Chardonnay is a wonderfully
versatile grape that comes in so many different styles, from crisp and clean
with notes of green apple and citrus, to rich and buttery, dripping with
tropical fruit and caramel, and everything in between.
Why we love it: Although classically linked to the Burgundy
region of France, Chardonnay is actually the most-planted white grape in the
world, growing in every region wine grapes are planted, including Temecula
Valley. Chardonnay is the perfect departure from the light and zingy whites of
Summer. It’s got a little more body, and takes on a wide range of dishes
depending on the style of the wine.
This Chardonnay is only slightly oaked, imparting delicate flavors
of vanilla, butterscotch and caramel, mingled with apple, pineapple, honey and
vanilla. A dream paired with roast chicken.
Translating to “without oak,” this Chardonnay is bright and clean,
with notes of Honeycrisp apple, citrus zest, and jasmine blossom and a long,
mouth-watering finish.
Grape: Viognier
What it’s like: Viognier is a red-wine drinker’s white. It’s
rich, luscious and full-bodied, with powerful and unmistakable floral
aromatics.
Why we love it: Viognier originated in Southern France and
the Rhône Valley, and thrives equally well in the soils and climate of Temecula
Valley. Like Chardonnay, it tends to have more weight than other whites so can
stand up to some of the richer flavors of Fall.
This vibrant wine’s aromatics
explode with bright floral notes on the nose, delighting the senses as it hits
the palate. An elegant backbone of acidity balances out the soft tones of
honeysuckle and apricot.
Ripe stone fruit meets tropical
aromas and notes of apple blossom in this rich bottling. The luscious and layered
palate of this wine makes it a great match for exotic cuisines like spicy Thai and
Indian dishes.
While Viognier is sometimes fermented in oak, this bottling
was done in stainless steel in order to let the pure, rich fruit character prevail.
Aromas of ripe nectarines, orange blossoms and a hint of fresh herbs flow into
a soft and balanced palate with long-lasting, tingling acidity. This wine is
perfect for sushi night with family and friends.
Grape: Cinsault (also Cinsaut)
What it’s like: If you like lighter bodied wines like Pinot
Noir and Gamay, you will love Cinsault. Hailing from Southern France as well,
this grape is capable of producing elegant, complex wines with juicy red fruit
and unique savory notes when handled well.
Why we love it: It’s not Winter yet, so if you’re not ready
to move to the heavy Syrahs and Zinfandels we crave in cold weather, Cinsault
is the perfect pick. It’s juicy, it’s easy-drinking and it’s great with all
kinds of dishes. If you’re really not ready for Summer to be over, you can even
serve it with a slight chill.
This Temecula Valley Cinsault
displays lively floral and ripe strawberry aromas on the nose, and a lush, warm
palate balanced by an elegant structure. A perfect food wine, pair this with
pizza, pasta, cheese and charcuterie.
This bottling is bursting with aromas
of cherry and raspberry with hints of black licorice and spice. The wine is
soft, elegant and approachable thanks to the addition of a light touch of Syrah
& Grenache and 18 months spent in small French Oak barrels.
The Grape: Cabernet Franc
What it’s like: Cabernet Franc is actually one of Cabernet
Sauvignon’s parents (the other being Sauvignon Blanc), and yet it is often
overlooked in favor of its more famous offspring. Known for its role in
Bordeaux blends, it stands alone quite well, offering savory notes of bell
pepper, green herbs, graphite, berry fruit and cedar
Why we love it: Cabernet Franc has the benefit of being both
age-worthy and drinkable now. Its medium-bodied structure makes it a great food
wine, but it also holds up to serious oak treatment quite well, giving it a
wide range of different possible styles depending on how it is handled.
Baily Winery is known for their traditional, Old World take on
winemaking and this Cabernet Franc is no exception. Ripe berry and plum mingle
with exotic spice and black pepper and a touch of forest floor. This is a wine
to linger over now, or put away for several years to let it develop.
Notes of crushed raspberries,
black currants, violet and graphite are prominent on the nose, backed by a
pleasant green bell pepper note. This Cabernet Franc is medium-bodied with
well-integrated tannins and a smooth mouthfeel.
A balanced wine with crisp acidity and bright fruit reminiscent of
Cabernet Franc wines from France’s Loire Valley. Notes of green olive, clove,
raspberry and violet on the nose are followed by tart berry fruit and licorice,
backed by firm, elegant tannins on the palate.
Share your favorite Temecula Valley wine picks for Fall! Tag us
@temeculawines using the hashtag #DrinkTemecula.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Temecula Valley Wine Country this summer. The grapes love summer and so do we! From grape stomping events, wine making workshops, movies among the vines and evening concerts, we’ve got something for everyone.
Avensole Winery Hosted Tour & Wine Tasting /Available on Sunday of each the month / 2pm-3:30pm / For every adventure, there is discovery, for every unique place, there is a story. Take a guided journey through our lush vineyards and experience our rich heritage and handcrafted Avensole wines / Cost. $35 / Reservations required. Please call 951.252.2003 x312 to reserve.
Gourmet
Cheese Artisanal Tour & Wine Tasting / Available on
Friday of each month / 12pm / For the ultimate Wine Country experience, delight
in an educational tour through our picturesque vineyard vistas and conclude
this tour with a culinary treat of artisanal wine pairings featuring 7 Avensole
wines / Cost: $75 / Reservations required online at link: http://www.avensolewinery.com/res-369934
Baily Winery Shakespeare in the Vines presents Othello / August 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24 / Doors open at 6:30pm. Show starts 7:30 (ends around 10p) /Outdoor stage at Baily Winery / Tickets: $22 / To purchase your tickets please visithttp://www.shakespeareinthevines.org
Estate Library Tasting / Every Thursday-Sunday / Available 11am-4pm / Enjoy exclusive library tasting of 5 different vintages (varietal will vary monthly). Tasting will take place at Baily Estate Tasting Room located on Pauba Road / Tours are available upon request / For reservations and pricing information please call Lisa at 951-972-9768. Please note that library tasting will not be available on these specific dates only June 6 or 7.
Callaway Vineyard & Winery Heart Love Alive Concert / August 16 / 7:00-10:00pm. Doors open at 6:30pm / General public $28 / Wine Club $25.20 Join us under the stars at Callaway Winery! Based in Los Angeles (Ventura) California, Heart Love Alive authentically recreates the music, vocals, energy and spirit of Ann & Nancy Wilson, and HEART. Featuring Heart’s greatest hits of the 70’s and 80’s, this 6-piece band of top-notch professional vocalists and musicians put on an exciting audio visual show / Purchase tickets at www.callawaywinery.com
Prix Fixe Friday & Sunday at Meritage / 5pm to 8pm / For $40 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Live Music offered on Friday nights Reservation is not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889
Brunch Specials every Sunday at Meritage / 11am / Cost is $30 / Includes a mimosa
with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert. All food from Meritage is
farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally
outsourced.
Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 2pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1-barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary, but for 10 or more highly recommended / For more information call 951.676.4001
Carter Estate Winery and Resort Wine & Chocolate Pairing / Every Friday of the month / 3:00pm / $45 Per Person ($40 Wine Club) / Your guided pairing experience includes a specially selected flight of five of our Carter Estate wines paired with 5 custom chocolates from local chocolate shoppe, SugarPlum Farm. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how our award-winning wines are made and learn how Carter Estate wines compliment and bring out the unique flavors of chocolate. Our Wine & Chocolate Pairing is approximately 90 minutes & has limited availability to provide a more intimate experience for our guests. Make your reservation today! Must be 21 or older. Reservation Information: Book a pairing on CarterEstateWinery.com
Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member / 1pm & 3pm Monday-Sunday / Your guided experience includes a specially selected flight of five of our Carter Estate wines paired with perfectly matched culinary bites from our Chef. Learn about the history of our beautiful Temecula Valley & get a behind-the-scenes look at how our award-winning Sparkling wines are made. Our Wine & Food Pairings are approximately 90 minutes & limited to eight guests. Make your reservation today! Must be 21 or older / Reservation Information: Reservations recommended – Book a pairing on CarterEstateWinery.com
Churon Inn Winery Caribbean Night– Salsa Competitions / August 10 / 6:00-10:00pm / $15 General Admission. $10 Wine Club Members / Join us on our upper Tuscany patio for live music by Ruben V & the Latin Sounds, dancing, food & wine / For tickets and additional information, please our websitehttp://shop.innatchuronwinery.com/reservation-events
Europa Village White Party / August 4 / 6pm-8pm / Tickets: $35; Société $31.50 / We’re having a White Party! Put on your favorite summer whites, and let’s raise a glass in celebration of National White Wine Day. We will be offering exclusive tastings of soon-to-be-released white wines, and an all white inspired gourmet menu. Enjoy live music by the Helena Holleran Trio / For reservations and information please visit www.europavillage.com
Festa! featuring Kanan Road / August 16 / 5:30p-8:30p / Free admission; Food tickets $19 / Enjoy wine, food and live music by Kanan Road, benefiting Jacob’s House! / For reservations and information please visit www.europavillage.com
Fazeli Cellars Salsa Night! / August 17 / No partner or experience needed! Doors Open at 6:30 with 45-minute Salsa Lesson / Admission fee is $20 for non-members (+ tax) and $15 (+ tax) for wine club members – Includes a glass of Sangria. Special Food Menu Items! Wine, Beer, Sangria available for purchase! / Tickets sold at front door ONLY!
Foot Path Winery Food, Wine and Music / August 24 / 6:30-9:00pm / The cost is $30.00 Per person, which includes Santa Maria BBQ and a glass of wine / An evening of food wine and music with Tim Cash. Call the winery at 951-265-9951 for reservations and information. Mount Palomar Winery Paint Nite in the Olive Garden / August 4 and 11 / 1:00- 3:00pm / Tickets $45 / Paint Nite® invites you to create art over a glass of wine at a Mount Palomar Winery, guided by a professional artist and party host. Grab your friends and spend two hours drinking, laughing, and flexing your creative muscles. There’s no experience necessary and we’ll provide all the supplies, so you don’t have to worry about a thing (except having a great time!) / For reservations: https://www.paintnite.com/venues/mt-palomar-winery-133232
Escape: A Journey Tribute / August 16 / 6:00-10:00pm
/ $33 Gen. Admission, $374 for VIP table / Live in concert at Mount Palomar
Winery in Temecula, Escape: A Journey Tribute is performing under the stars in
beautiful Southern California wine country. Playing all the classics such as:
Any Way You Want It • Lights • Wheel In The Sky • Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’ •
Open Arms • Who’s Crying Now • Stone In Love • Faithfully • Don’t Stop Believin’
and so many more! / Tickets available at https://www.heyday.com/events-1/journey-tribute-escape-live-in-concert-1
Monte De Oro Winery Polynesian Night & Luau / August 3 / 7:00-10:00pm / $60 Gen. Admission, $50 Wine Club / Mahalo, and welcome to Monte De Oro’s 3rd annual Luau! Join us for an island style evening featuring music, Polynesian Dancers, Tahitian Drummers, Fire Dancers, a delicious spread (including a pig roast!) and Sangria!! Included in your ticket is: entry to the event, a dinner ticket and a glass of Sangria! Additional Sangria and drinks will be available for purchase as well! / For reservations: http://shop.montedeoro.com/res-395022/Polynesian-Night-Luau.html
Petite Sirah Blind Tasting / August 16 / 6:00-8:00pm / $80 Gen. Admission, $75 Wine Club / Our 2015 Petite Sirah was recently awarded a Double Gold Medal, a 98 Point Rating, deemed Best Red Wine in the Southern California Region and BEST Petite Sirah in ALL of California at the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition! We thought what a golden opportunity to host a Petite Sirah Blind Tasting event! Not only that, but our event team has worked tirelessly to get our hands on other “Best of” Petite Sirah varietals from their respective regions to put together an All-Star tasting event that you won’t want to miss! / For reservations: http://shop.montedeoro.com/res-394976/Blind-Tasting-Petite-Sirah.html
Ponte Winery Happy Hour in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Monday-Thursday / 4pm-6pm / Free to attend / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, for happy hour specials on craft beer, flatbreads, Ponte wine on tap and more! Menu items $6 and up / For more information please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com
Brunch at Bouquet Restaurant / Every Saturday & Sunday / 7:30am-3:00pm / Offering indoor & outdoor seating options, Bouquet is the perfect spot to gather for a gourmet brunch. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance with stunning fountain courtyard, pond & vineyards views / To view menu and for reservations please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Steve Oliver, Greg Manning, & Darryl Williams Concert / August 4 / 6:00pm – 9:00pm / Join us at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa as Rhythm on the Vine® returns with the first of a six-concert jazz series! Featuring Guitarist Steve Oliver, Keyboardist Greg Manning, and Bassist Darryl Williams / Purchase tickets at SouthCoastWinery.com or email marketing@wineresort.com or call (833)366-3112 for additional information.
Paul Brown & Chris Standring Concert / August 18 / 6:00pm – 9:00pm / Join us at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa as Rhythm on the Vine® returns with the second of a six-concert jazz series! Featuring Grammy® Award-Winning Guitarist Paul Brown and Guitarist Christ Standring. Reservation Information: Purchase tickets at SouthCoastWinery.com or email marketing@wineresort.com or call (833)366-3112 for additional information.
Grape Stomp 2019 / September 15 / 5:00-9:00pm / It’s that time of the year again! Time to get your stompin’ on! Grab your friends and join us on Sunday, September 15th for South Coast Winery’s annual Grape Stomp. Your ticket includes a glass of wine, live music, sparkling wine toast, harvest blessing, dinner buffet, and of course, grape stomping! Tickets and more information coming soon! Reservation Information: Tickets on sale soon at SouthCoastWinery.com.
Behind
the Scene Wine Tour / Available daily / 11 AM, 1 PM and
3PM, Monday through Sunday / $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member or Military / Learn more about our spectacular
Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from
vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual
plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge
and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to
reserve your spot today / Due to the limited sizes of each tour, reservations are
required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years
of age to attend.
Thornton Winery Thornton Jazz Concert Series – CHRIS BOTTI / August 3 / 7:00pm / General Admission: $105, Gourmet Supper Package: $190 (sold out) / Please visit our web site for additional Jazz schedule, reservation and information www.thorntonwine.com
Party Appetizers Cooking Class / August 18 / 1:00-3:00pm / $75pp inclusive Join our class which includes sampling each course of food that is prepared and a wine pairing with each course! Guests are presented a recipe book of all food that is prepared in the class to take home / For additional information and reservations please call 951-699-0099 or log on to www.thorntonwine.com
B. I. G. Concert / August 23 / 6:00-9:00 pm / General Admission – $15 in advance. $20 at the door. Wine & Food available to purchase! Must order tickets on our website: www.thorntonwine.com / Dinner tables available. Call (951) 699-0099 to make reservations. *All guests at table must order dinner!
Thornton
Jazz Concert Series – BONEY JAMES /
August 30 / 7:00pm / General Admission: $95, Gourmet Supper Package: $180 / Please visit our web site for additional
Jazz schedule, reservation and information www.thorntonwine.com
FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE BAND / August 30 /
6:00pm-9:00pm / General Admission – $15 in advance. $20 at the door. Wine &
Food available to purchase! Must order tickets on our website: www.thorntonwine.com
/ Dinner tables available. Call (951) 699-0099 to make reservations. *All guests
at table must order dinner!
Wiens Family Cellars The FIXX Concert / August 23 / 6pm-10pm / Wiens 2019 Summer Concert Series benefitting The Unforgettables Foundation./ Tickets are available for general admission, VIP admission, VIP tables of 4 and VIP tables of 10. VIP extras include: VIP Menu • Private wine bar • Reserved Section • Access to V.I.P. area • Additional entertainment in V.I.P. area / General Admission: $55.00; VIP: $99.00; VIP Table of 4: $395.00; VIP Table of 10: $950.00 / For reservations: https://www.wienscellars.com/res-414622/2019-Summer-Concert-The-Fixx.html
Bubble Brunch Buffet / Every Sunday 10am-3pm / $51.95, Buffet only: $41.95, Children: $16.95 / Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, omelet stations, waffle stations, seafood stations, carving stations and dessert stations with beautiful vineyard views / Buffet (+ unlimited sparkling). Now serving Bloody Mary’s! / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com or call 951.699.9463 for additional information.
Welcome guests to your home for dinner with a glass of your favorite Temecula Valley rosé and a slice of warm olive focaccia. If you’ve baked the focaccia hours before, you can reheat it quickly in a hot oven, although it’s plenty tasty at room temperature, too. Pack it on a picnic or a hike with your favorite salami and cheeses. Or adapt the topping to showcase a seasonal fresh vegetable like halved cherry tomatoes or strips of roasted sweet pepper. Adding cooked potato to the dough produces an especially moist and tasty result.
Ingredients
1⁄2 pound (250 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled
1 1⁄2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 3⁄4 cups (465 g) unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
2 1⁄2 teaspoons (8 g) kosher or sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
1⁄4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus more for coating and brushing
Put the potatoes in a small saucepan and add water to cover by 1 inch (2.5 cm). Do not add salt. Bring to a simmer over high heat, adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced, 15 minutes or more, depending on size.
Remove from the heat, set aside 1 1∕3 cups (330 ml) of the potato water, and then drain the potatoes. When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and pass them through a ricer or food mill fitted with a fine disk into a bowl. If you don’t have a ricer or food mill, mash the potatoes well with a potato masher.
Refrigerate the potato water until it cools to 105° to 115°F (40° to 46°C). Put 1∕3 cup (80 ml) of the cooled potato water in a large bowl and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let soften for about 3 minutes, then whisk with a fork to dissolve and let stand until bubbly, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the flour and salt and whisk to blend.
Add the olive oil, riced potato, and the remaining 1 cup (250 ml) potato water to the proofed yeast. Stir to combine, then add the flour gradually, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough clears the sides of the bowl. Keeping the dough in the bowl, knead it gently by hand until smooth, adding just enough additional flour to keep it from sticking to your hand. You should not need more than 1 to 2 tablespoons. Shape the dough into a ball and coat lightly with olive oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise until doubled, 1 1∕2 to 2 hours.
Punch the dough down. Using 1 tablespoon olive oil, grease the bottom and sides of an 11-by-17-inch (28-by-43 cm) rimmed baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet. With well-oiled fingers, poke and prod the dough into a rectangle that fits the pan. The dough is elastic and will want to spring back. If it resists your attempts to flatten it enough to cover the pan, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again. If it still springs back from the edges, let it rest for 5 minutes longer and try once more. You should be able to flatten it sufficiently after a couple of rests, but don’t worry if the dough doesn’t completely fill the pan. Let rise, uncovered, until puffy, about 1 1∕2 hours.
While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a pizza stone (or baking tiles), put it in the oven on the middle rack to preheat—ideally for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Arrange the olives, evenly spaced, on the surface of the focaccia, then gently press them into place. Brush the surface of the dough with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then scatter the rosemary and a little salt on top. Place the pan on the baking stone, if using, and bake until the focaccia is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet back to front halfway through.
Immediately slide a long metal offset spatula under the focaccia to make sure it is not sticking to the baking sheet, then slide the focaccia onto a rack to cool. Slice into desired portions with a bread knife and serve warm or at room temperature.
Rosé all day. Yes way rosé. Stop
and smell the rosé. You’ve probably heard them all, or seen them while
scrolling through your Instagram feed, usually accompanied by gorgeous pics of
glasses brimming with baby pink liquid being sipped by glamorous folks with
designer shades and trendy outfits. The bottom line is that rosé is on the rise
in a big, big way.
“’Rosé All Day’ is not just a
hashtag, it’s a cultural movement sparked by Instagram,” notes Alpana Singh,
Master Sommelier in Business Insider. And the numbers don’t lie. In 2017 rosé
sales were up 53% in the U.S., according to Nielsen,
while wine sales overall increased by just 4%.
The pink stuff is here to stay,
which is a good thing. Rosé is incredibly versatile, coming in a full spectrum
of hues from barely-kissed blush to deep raspberry and everything in between, as
well varying levels of dryness and a diverse range of flavor profiles from
crisp and clean to luscious and mixed-berry-driven. It’s remarkably food
friendly, a happy in-the-middle option with the ability to pair well with
things that go with whites and reds. It’s also fun. While there seems to
be a distinct rosé season – late Spring to early fall – the increased demand for
drinking pink has opened up rosé for year-round drinking, with many retailers
offering full sections dedicated to dozens of different selections.
We in Southern California feel
right at home sipping rosé any day from January to December. It’s a drink that
marries well with sunny days and a laid back SoCal spirit. Happily, Temecula
Valley Southern California Wine Country produces some truly outstanding bottles
and has been doing so for quite some time. In fact, in 2001, in an article
about the importance of supporting local wineries, the Wall Street Journal described
Temecula Valley’s Hart Winery, saying they “Make one of America’s best rosé.”
When we asked Jim Hart what makes
Temecula Valley rosé so special, he explained that, “It’s because it’s not
produced as an afterthought. It’s produced to be a rosé. That’s why it’s so
good. It doesn’t actually make sense to make rosé in Temecula because our fruit
is too expensive to not go toward making reds. So when we take that high
quality fruit and intentionally make a rosé with it, the result is
amazing.” Jim says they pick their fruit early and then treat and ferment the
wine like a white, which results in deeply expressive, high quality wines.
Here are a few of our favorite
Temecula Valley picks for this rosé season and beyond.
Sangiovese is one of Italy’s flagship wine grapes and shines just as brightly in Temecula Valley. It is also a delight when used to produce rosé. To make this award-winning wine, Hart used a cold pre-soak followed by pressing, and a low-temperature white wine fermentation. The result is a lightly pink, near-dry, delicately scented and flavored rosé, bursting with strawberry and watermelon notes on an elegant, floral backdrop. Excellent with a wide range of foods, and a great summer sipper.
Multi-award-winning and the only
American rosé to earn a Double Gold at this year’s 50 Best rosé tasting, this
wine is made from a blend of two different Iberian Peninsula clonal selections of
Tempranillo (one Spanish and one Portuguese). Some of the fruit was machine
harvested and quickly drained and pressed, while a portion was hand-picked and
whole cluster pressed. The two lots were then blended prior to fermentation. The
result is a wine with beautiful extraction and color, youthful acidity and
great structure, offering ripe strawberry, sweet blackberry and watermelon
notes. It is a wine with focus, finesse and elegance, showing wonderful
varietal characters while remaining fresh and enjoyable.
This is one of those amazingly
quaffable wines that you could drink for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ballet
slipper pink and perfectly dry, this summer sipper is made from 100% Syrah. It
boasts delicate notes of Ranier cherries, fleshy white peach and rose petals
that give way to rich flavors of guava and melon. A delightful aperitif wine,
meant for sipping by the pool or as you stroll Temecula Valley vineyards.
This intensely hued rosé,
packaged in a stand-out, uniquely shaped bottle, is impossible to miss. Made
from Temecula Valley newcomer, Akash Winery, this is a complex rosé that
demands attention. A massive onslaught of aromas burst from the glass,
displaying crushed raspberry, cranberry and strawberry notes, followed by
watermelon Jolly Rancher and kaffir lime leaves. But don’t let the sweet, ripe
bouquet fool you. On the palate, this rosé is completely dry, with a plush,
almost grippy mouthfeel and an endless finish, making it a truly versatile food
wine, capable of standing up to heartier fare and meat-based dishes.
“Pas Doux” translates to “not sweet,” a descriptor
that lets the drinker know this wine, made from old vine Sangiovese, was
intentionally made in a classic, dry, Provençal style. The grapes were harvested
at sunrise rather than in the dawn twilight in order to select the lightest
clusters. The light juice was then full-cluster pressed directly to tank,
and briefly cold-stored in stainless steel to retain and develop the structure
and brightness. The Rhône yeast used for fermentation achieved warmer
temperatures than expected, resulting in a rich, round palate and
ultra-tropical ripeness. In the bottle, this juicy rosé is a dynamic, rich, dry and
complex yet focused wine. The crisp acidity makes it a match for light
fare, poultry, seafood and salad, but it can also stand up to hard, robust
cheese and dried fruits.
We can’t get enough of the soft
peach color of this elegant rosé, made from 100% Barbera, a grape that truly
lends itself to rosé -making thanks to its ability to retain bright acidity. At
only 11.5% alcohol it’s a great poolside or picnic sipper, but equally at home
paired with an elegantly prepared dinner. Notes of ripe pink grapefruit, wet
river stones, key lime and rose petal give way to mouthwatering peach and
nectarine and a dry, lingering finish.
It’s
tough to talk about Temecula Valley rosé without mentioning bubbly. This wine, a blend of 52%
Zinfandel 38% Tempranillo and 10% Merlot, captures the seductive fruit aromas
and flavors from the three red varietals used in its creation. The estate grown
grapes were specifically selected for their inherent red berry fruit character
and their ability to work together in a blend. Each lot of fruit was whole
cluster pressed and fermented separately prior to blending and secondary
fermentation. Strawberry, raspberry and cherry rise out of the glass with each
tiny bubble, making this wine a real “Jolly Rancher” treat. Finished as a Brut
style, this wine has a very clean, bright acidity which makes it balanced,
refreshing and inherently drinkable.
Find all of these selections online or get them straight
from the winery. With plenty to do, from wine tastings to concerts, festivals,
hot air ballooning and more, you are sure to find enough to fill several days
in Southern California Wine Country this Summer. Find out more about what’s
going on all season long in the region Wine Enthusiast Magazine named one of
the world’s Top Ten Wine Travel Destinations HERE.
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 35+ 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.
For a less expensive wine tasting experience, take advantage of the weekday SIP Passport. This passport allows you to visit any five wineries (of the 30 participating wineries) of your choice for $45. Visit our website at www.temeculawines.org to purchase your passport.
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. Go here to how to play craps information Hotels in the area are generally booked months in advance on the weekends.
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!