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Bastille Day

Vive le 14 juillet!
Long live the 14th of July!

Bastille Day, the French national holiday, commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789.  As in the US, where the signing of the Declaration of Independence signaled the start of the American Revolution, in France the invasion of the Bastille began the Great Revolution.  Although the Bastille held only seven prisoners at the time of its capture, the raid was a symbol of liberty and the start of the fight against oppression for all French citizens.  Today, the day is commemorated with much merry making, revelry and of course, wine drinking!

As we Americans tend to do, it seems only appropriate to join in the celebration, which gives us cause to celebrate everything French, oui?  And since almost all of the most famous grape varieties originated in France or became famous through French expression, we think toasting to our fellow red, white and blue’rs should be done in the French spirit, non?

The diversity of French wine is due in large part to the country’s wide range of climates – just like ours in California.  It’s cooler in the north, warm and dry in the Rhone Valley to the south; there’s coastal effects and all sorts of continental and Mediterranean influences throughout the land.  And like us in the Temecula Valley, whether you’re a lover of Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc – or you’re more a devotee of Bourdeaux or Rhone style blended wines, there’s a little something for everyone.

So, we say Santé!  And add a warm merci beaucomp to the French!

Click here for some great French varietals, Temecula Style!

Ponte Family Estate Winery
2013 Pas Doux
Newly released, Pas Doux, means “not sweet” in French.  A full bodied, bone dry rosé wine with a honeysuckle aroma and and wonderful flavors of pear, guava, grapefruit and lemon zest.  A staple of the French table!

Doffo Winery
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark rich garnet in color; opulent flavors of dark red cherries and cassis on the palate.  Soft and subtle with a long, lingering finish with a hint of smoke and cocoa.

Falkner Winery
2010 Meritage ~ Bourdeaux style
A  full-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Deep ruby red in color, rich in flavors such as black cherry, blueberry and pepper with well integrated tannins.

Palumbo Family Winery
2011 Meritage “Tre Fratelli”
A traditional blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc; toasted vanilla and caramel nose with black cherry and plum fruit finish.  Oh yeah, and if you happen to stop by Palumbo Family Winery today, it just happens to be Nick’s birthday, too!

Vine Talk: Verasion

Leoness Cellars Pinot Grigio; July 3, 2014

Vine Talk:  Verasion

“I’ve never seen anything like it!”, says Mike Rennie, owner of Leoness Cellars and a long-time grower and vineyard manager here in the valley.  “Harvest is going to be the earliest I’ve ever seen!  We’re already seeing verasion in all of our white grape varietals – and in some of our red varietals. The sugar level in our Pinot Grigio this morning was 18%.  It’ll probably reach the 22% we look for and be ready for harvesting by mid to late July.  It’s just incredible!”

In vineyard speak, verasion is a term used to describe the changing of color in a grape cluster.  All grapes are green up this point, but as the ripening process evolves, the clusters will begin the process of turning into those recognizable hues of golds, pinks, reds and purples. The grapes at this stage are sour and immature, but during the next few weeks as the fruit matures, astringent malic acids turn into soft tartaric acids and the sugar levels begin to rise rapidly.

There’s lot of action in the vineyard during this time.  The leaf canopies are constantly being pruned to allow just the right amount of sunlight and air to circulate though the vines.  Clusters that are not ripening evenly will be dropped to allow those that are to uniformly mature.  Unlike table grapes, small berry clusters are what we’re looking for as they have a better skin to fruit ratio that ensures enhanced concentrations of flavor and structure.  And that’s a very important aspect for making quality wines!  We’ll be praying for warm and dry weather – at least through the harvest season – to allow for the long, slow ripening process that our winemakers love.

What actually triggers verasion remains a mystery, but we can be sure that Mother Nature holds all the cards!

July Winery Events

Ahhh….summer!   4th of July events, barbecues, luaus and outdoor concerts are just a few of the summertime offerings in Temecula Valley’s wine country. Whatever day you choose to visit, you’ll be sure to find something fun to do!

Baily Vineyard & Winery

“Red, White & Bleu Cheese” at the Estate Club
Every Saturday in July / 11:00a-4:00p / $30 per person.
A patriot’s venture into aged wines.  Start with a mini tour of the winery and then enjoy a sit down tasting in the winery.
Reservations are required with a credit card by calling 951-972-9768.

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays, July 12, 19 & 26 / 11:30a-3:00p
Live music, 1/2 price bottles of Baily Sangiovese, food pairing with Sangiovese featuring their new “Sangiovese Burger”.   Buy a “Sangiovese Saturday” t-shirt, wear it when you come back and get a free glass of Sangiovese.

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

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

Bel Vino Winery

Live Music
July 5 – 2p-6p- Bad Chemistry
July 6 – 12p-4p – Michael LeClerc
July 12 – 11a-3p – Counterfeits
July 13 – 12p-4p – Jason Weber
July 19 – 1p-5p – JD Priest
July 20 – 12p-4p – Dominic Rocha
July 26 – 2p-6p – Nitro Express
July 27 – 12p-4p – Entourage

Briar Rose Winery

Sip Into Sunset

Friday, July 4 / 5:30p-9:00
Experience amazing sunsets and live music by Buzz Campbell.
Food items available for purchase.
Call 951-308-1098 to make reservations.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Celebrating 45 Years with 45 Days of Specials
Beginning July 1 and continuing through August 15th, Callaway will be celebrating their 45th anniversary with 45 days of wine specials, contests, special menus and events.  Make sure to check the calendar to see which special takes place each week!
Monday – Wine of the Week.  Buy 1 bottle at the regular retail price of the Anniversary wines and get the next bottle at 45% off.
Tuesday – “Trivia Tuesdays on Facebook” – We will post a trivia question each Tuesday and will pull a winner from all of the correct answers to receive a gift certificate to use at the winery.
Wednesday – “Wine Club Wednesday!”  Club members: purchase any bottle of wine and get the second bottle at 45% off!
Thursday -” Dollar for Dollar Thursdays” at Meritage at Callaway – Enjoy lunch at Meritage and bring your receipt to the tasting room to receive a dollar for dollar discount (up to $70) off any case of wine (mixed cases too!)
Friday – “45% off Friday” – Enjoy 45% off the case of the wine of the week in the tasting room.
Saturday – “Selfie Saturdays” on Facebook.  Post a selfie while visiting Callaway and be entered to win a gift certificate to Callaway!  Winners posted every Sunday.
Sunday – “Serve Yourself Sunday” – Every Sunday the Wine Station Tasting Cards will be on special for two for the price of one!

Tastes n’ Tapas
Every day in Meritage guests can enjoy 5 wine tastes, 5 tapas for $45.  This special wine and tapas pairing will be available during lunch hours Monday-Friday and during dinner hours Saturday and Sunday only.

Prime Rib Fridays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Friday at Meritage from 5pm-8:00pm
Enjoy a three-course Prime Rib dinner with pre-selected 3 oz wine pairings for $45 per person!
Reservations are not required.  No cover.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Showcases a local musician every evening beginning at 6:00pm.  Enjoy our watermelon sangria and great tapas specials while soaking in the sunset views from our newly renovated lower lounge.

Doffo Winery

Doffo Winery Polo Team
Friday, July 18 / 5:00p-9:00p
Bring your family and friends to encourage Team Doffo Winery.
Free tickets available at the winery

Winemaker Dinner
Saturday, July 19 / $150 per person
Special Argentinean style barbecue and buffet
Live entertainment provided by Tango dancers.

Falkner Winery

Sunday Concerts & BBQ
Every Sunday in July from 12:00p-3:00p.
No reservations necessary.

14th Anniversary Event
Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 6
A lively weekend that includes concert performances Saturday and Sunday, winery tours, huge sales, hourly raffles, outdoor barbecue, lunch specials in their Pinnacle Restaurant, and other fun events.

Lorimar Winery

Live Music
Fridays & Saturdays 6p-9p / Sundays 2p-5p
July 4  – Shultz & Hamilton
July 5 – Mrs. Jones Revenge
July 6 – Buzz Campbell
July 11 – Master Splinter and the Shredders
July 12 – Kanan Road Band
July 18 – Kanan Road Band
July 19 – Annette Da Bomb
July 20 – Mark Renk
July 25 – Oceans of Sand
July 26 – Mrs. Jones Revenge
July 27- Michael LeClerc

Wine Blending Party – Bordeaux Blends
Wednesday, July 2 / 4:00p-6:00p
$25 (+tax) per person / Wine Club Members – $20 (+tax) per person
Join us for a hands-on wine blending experience! You get to be a winemaker for a day !
Purchase tickets in the tasting room, email events@lorimarwinery.com, or call 951-694-6699 x4

Happy 4th of July!
Friday, July 4
Join us for Sorbet Sparklers and hot dogs!

Lorimar Luau
Saturday, July 19 / 6:00p
$70 (+tax) per person / $60 (+tax) Wine Club
Join us for a Lei’d back luau and say Aloha!
Purchase tickets in the tasting room, email events@lorimarwinery.com, or call 951-694-6699 x4

Winemaker’s Dinner
Friday, July 25 / 6:00p-9:00p
$55 (+tax) per person / $50 (+tax) Wine Club
Barrel Tasting with Appetizer Pairing & 3 Course Meal with Wine Pairing. Purchase tickets in the tasting room, email events@lorimarwinery.com, or call 951-694-6699 x4

Movie in the Vines
Monday, July 28 / FEATURING : Pretty Woman
$1 Admission – Includes small bag of popcorn!
Wine Bar and Concession stand will open at 6 pm
Film begins at Sunset on the Barrel Room Lawn!

Mount Palomar Winery

Live Music
1:00p-4:00p
July 5 – Harmony Road
July 6 – Entouraj
July 12 – Jonnie Fox
July 13 – Vivien Gaines Duo
July 19 – Rum Soaked Raisins
July 20 – The Alkis
July 26 – Mike Sullivan
July 27 – Journey Man Band

Bottles “n” Brushes (Painting Class with Wine!)
Thursday, July 10 & Thursday, July 24 / 1:00p-4:00p
2 tickets for $80
Contact Dorothy Hawthorne at 951-302-3088 for more information.

Oak Mountain Winery

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

Sizzlin’ Saturday
Saturday, July 19 / 6p-9p
$1.00 cover charge
Live music by Entourage and a food truck.

Oak Mountain Winery University
2014 Spring Semester Classes / $15 per student; $12 for wine club members.  Classes run for one hour.  To sign up, call or text 951-880-8840

Bubbles 101
Sparkling Wine class
You will be served 3 sparkling wines paired with artisanal cheeses.
Learn fun facts about sparkling wines and champagne.

Blending Reds
Create, bottle and label your very own blend.
In our Blending Class, you get to be the Winemaker!
Option to bottle your custom blend of wine for an additional $29.

Wine Tasting for Dummies 101
Beginners class for wine tasters.
Basics of wine tasting.
Sample eight of our infused Avocado Oils and Balsamic Vinegars.

Rhone Wine Class 201
Learn how these grapes are grown here in the valley and how wine is made.
Taste varietals from different areas in the Rhone region of France.
3 wine tastings and 8 tastings of Avocado Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.

Bordeaux Wine Class 201
Learn how these grapes are grown, harvested and processed
3 wine tastings and 8 tastings of Avocado Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.
We recommend that you have taken our Wine Tasting 101 class prior to this course.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

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

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

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

Marvelous Mondays
5:30p – 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
5:30p-9:00p through July 31st.
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

Live Music
Master Splinter and the Shredders
Sunday, July 6 / 1:00p-4:00p

LTR
Friday, July 11  / 6:00p-9:00p

Summer Concert Series
Boz Scaggs
Thursday, July 3 / 7:30p
General Admission $95 per person / Gourmet Supper $170 per person

Kenny G
Saturday, July 5 / 7:00p
General Admission $95 / Gourmet Supper $170

Chris Botti
Sunday, July 13 / 5:00p
General Admission $95 / Gourmet Supper SOLD OUT

Pat Metheny United Group and Bruce Hornsby with Sonny Emory Saturday, July 19 / 7:00p
General Admission $95 / Gourmet Supper SOLD OUT

Jesse Cook
Sunday, July 20 / 5:00p
General Admission $65 / Gourmet Supper $140

Love & Soul, featuring Norman Brown and Jonathan Butler
Saturday, July 26 / 7:00p
General Admission $70 / Gourmet Supper $145

Wilson Creek Winery

2nd Annual Luau
Friday, July 11 / 7:00p-10:00p
$49.95 per person / $39.95 per person, Wine Club
Authentic Polynesian show and Hawaiian Buffet.
For reservations, click here

Phil Vassar Country Concert
Sunday, July 27 / 7:00p-10:00p
General Admission: $50, Wine Club: $45 / Reserve Seating: $75, Wine Club: $67.50 / Orchestra Seating: $95, Wine Club: $85.50.
For reservations, click here.

Dream Big: Robert Renzoni, Robert Renzoni Vineyards

What began as a hobby 129 years ago for his wine making great-grandfather has evolved into a life-long dream of a family business.  Robert is a 4th generation winemaker.  How many of us can say that?

Check in every month where we feature a new interview with our Temecula Valley winemakers and winery owners. You’ll learn where they came from before settling in Temecula, CA – and what keeps them passionate about the sometimes not-so-glamorous art (and science) of making good wine in California.

Interview with Winery Owner and Winemaker Robert Renzoni, Robert Renzoni Vineyards

Dream Big :  Robert Renzoni, Robert Renzoni Vineyards 1.  Robert…  we know what got you into the business, but what got you to Temecula? My family has purchased fruit from the Rancho Cucamonga area for over 75 years.  The first time my Dad visited the area he was just 9 years old!  We used to buy juice and ship it back to New York by rail in railcars that usually carried milk.  At that time, the area was among the largest winegrape growing regions in the United States. My family became very familiar with the area.  Ultimately, my parents moved from Buffalo, NY to Carlsbad.  At the time, I was living in LA.  My Dad was really excited about having a wine country so close to home.  We used to meet up in Temecula Valley wine country on Sunday afternoons. It struck us all almost immediately that ‘something’ was going on here!  2.  Tell us what it’s really like to own a winery: Well, it’s certainly not all glitz and glamour like people think.  It truly is a way of life.  And it’s a tremendous amount of work; people have no idea how dirty I actually get.  You really have to make a commitment of your time – and ALL of your resources.   3.  So what motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?  What’s the best part? I absolutely love creating.  Every bottle of wine to me is like a song. I used to write and sing music as a creative outlet.  Now I make wine. Each vintage and varietal are new and different and I’m thoroughly convinced that I will NEVER get bored doing this.  And that’s the really fun part of what I get to do.   4.  What’s the worst part? Definitely the 5am alarm each day.  Ask me again in a year or so; after the effects of the construction project have worn off.  It’s been a tough year trying to get this project completed.   5.  So… if you could do it again, would you? Gosh, we just opened up our new Tasting Room Villa.  It’s been a lot of work for someone like me who tends to be a perfectionist.  But yeah, I guess I would.  I’m just waiting for the fun to start!

To learn more about California’s Big Dreamers, click here!

 #dreambig http://visitcalifornia.com/dream365

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Summertime! And the livin’ is easy…

Barbecues are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the day with Dad. And all that grillin’ just screams for a good red wine. But if you’re thinking it’s too warm for red, think again! With these few tips, finding the perfect summer sip won’t have to put your love of red on hold.

• Chill out! Pop your bottle of red wine in the fridge for about 30 mins – or in an ice chest for about half that – and you’ll be amazed at how much more refreshing it will taste.
• No or Low Oak wines are generally fresher and fruitier.
• Low to Moderate Alcohol levels usually equate to lower tannin levels for a wine that won’t weigh you down.
• Light to Medium bodied wines tend to be easy on the palate, bright and light.

So, whether you’re in the backyard or on the beach – serving burgers and brats, or steak and grilled veggies – there’s tons of options for pairing your favorite Temecula Valley wine with whatever you’re serving up.

If the mainstay is red meat, a spicy Zinfandel or Syrah would be perfect. If you’re looking for a more mellow choice, a fruit forward Merlot always works; it’s also great with chicken, pork chops or fish. If your fave is a Cabernet, go ahead and drink what you like. But try not to shortchange your options. Go for a nice red blend for the best of all worlds. And don’t forget about a blush wine; there’s nothing a nice dry rosé can’t do for spicy ribs and coleslaw – or a plate of spicy hot wings! like this online store at englishwinecentre.co.uk where you can buy wine and other beverages.

A few Temecula Valley wine suggestions for your next barbecue:

Baily Winery ~ Rosé of Sangiovese: fun, fruity and full of character
Miramonte Winery ~ GSM Rosé: gently honeyed melon, tropical fruits, delicate berries

Robert Renzoni Vineyards ~ Big Fred’s Red: ripe blueberry and black cherry, hints of caramel
Maurice Car’rie Winery ~ Cody’s Crush: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah blend

Danza del Sol Winery ~ Grenache: the color is light, but the aromas are bright
Oak Mountain Winery ~ Merlot: berry, raspberry, blackberry, plum, and abundant smokey oak

Temecula June Winery Events

Summer has arrived in Temecula Valley, CA! Join us for seasonal events, tasty meals and of course, to celebrate Father’s Day. Our wineries are offering mid-week activities along with weekend shindigs which will quickly fill your calendar.  See what Temecula wines will be winning your heart this month!

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Fundraiser for Great Oak High School
Sunday, June 8 / 5:00p-9:00p / $20 pp
Buffet dinner, dessert and lemonade. Wine is $5
The Spirit of Great Oak Marching Band, Color Guard, Drum Line & Jazz Ensemble.
Deadline to buy tickets is June 5th, call Terry at 951-795-1716.

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

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

Bel Vino Winery

Live Music
Saturdays 11a-3p; Sundays 12p-4p
June 1 – Bruce G
June 7 – MorSol
June 8 – Jason Weeber
June 14 – Jason Weeber
June 15 – Rum Soaked Raisons
June 21 – Michael LeClerc
June 22 – JD Priest
June 28 – Radical Pie
June 29 – Crimson Crow

Briar Rose Winery

Sip Into Sunset
Friday, June 6 / 5:30p-9:00
Sunsets and live music by Buzz Campbell
Food items available for purchase.
Call 951-308-1098 to make reservations.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Prime Rib Fridays
Every Friday at Meritage from 5pm-8:00pm
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.

Cougar Winery

“Mix it Up” Blending Party
June 8 / 6:30p-8:30p / $30 pp; Wine Club $25 pp; Barrel Club $20 pp
Blending event + appetizers and attendees receive 10% off red wines.
Compete in best blend competition
All RSVP’s must be in writing.
RSVP to events@cougarvineyards.com. Call 951-491-0825 for any questions.

Father’s Day Wine & Sausage Pairing
June 15 / 11:00a-6:00p / $18 pp / $12 pp members
Enjoy 3 handcrafted wines with Mad Mike’s Sausages.
Call 951-491-0825 ext. 2 or e-mail events@cougarvineyards.com

Falkner Winery

Sunday Concerts & BBQ
Every Sunday in June from 12:00p-3:00p.
No reservations necessary.

The “Crush Club” Reveal Launch Party & Luscious Lips Contest
Saturday, June 7 / 11:00a-3:00p
Free to attend, $10 entry into contest
Release of hot new wine collection: “The Crush Club”.
RSVP today!

Frangipani Estate Winery

Cigar Night
Friday, June 6 / 6:30p-9:00p / $55 pp; $50 members
Buffet style dinner, cigar and glass of wine.
Reservations required by June 2nd by calling the winery at 951-699-8845

Father’s Day BBQ
Sunday, June 15 / 11:00a-3:00p /
$39 pp w/ meal & cigar
$29 pp w/ meal & no cigar
$22 pp for children w/ meal

Longshadow Ranch Winery

Desperado – A Tribute to the Eagles!
Friday, June 27 / 6:00p-10:00p /
$25 pp + 2 drink minimum. Wahoo’s catering.
For more information, click here

Oak Mountain Winery

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

Oak Mountain Winery University
2014 Spring Semester Classes /
$15 per student; $12 for wine club members.
Classes run for one hour. To sign up, call or text 951-880-8840

Bubbles 101
Sparkling Wine Class
You will be served 3 sparkling wines paired with artisanal cheeses.
Learn fun facts about sparkling wines & champagne.

Blending Reds
Create, bottle and label your very own blend
In our Blending Class, you get to be the Winemaker!
Ooption to bottle your custom blend for an additional $29.

Wine Tasting for Dummies 101
Beginners class for Wine Tasters
Basics of wine tasting
Sample eight infused Avocado Oils and Balsamic Vinegars

Rhone Wine Class 201
Learn how these grapes are grown here & how wine is made
Taste varietals from different areas in the Rhone region of France.
3 wine tastings and 8 tastings of Avocado Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.

Bordeaux Wine Class 201
Learn how these grapes are grown, harvested & processed
3 wine tastings and 8 tastings of Avocado Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.
We recommend that you have taken Wine Tasting 101 class prior to this course.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Wine & Dine Chef’s Table at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Custom 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

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

Thursday Night Mixers
Single and want to mingle?
Wine Press Tasting Room with new extended hours just for you
Thursday Nights 6 pm to 9 pm/ $10 pp
Click here for more details.

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

Live Music
Complimentary Live Music on Weekends
Fridays 6:00p-9:00p / Saturdays 1:00p-4:00p / Sundays 12:30p-3:30p

BBQ Cooking Class
Saturday, June 7 / 2:30p-4:30p / $70 pp
Join Executive Chef Jeff D. Massey and learn his secrets on the BBQ.
Take-home recipes will allow you to recreate these delightful foods later
Make your reservation today- For Reservations Call: (951) 699-0099

Summer Concert Series
George Benson / Saturday, June 14 / 7:00p /
General Admission $95 pp / Gourmet Supper $170 pp

Lee Ritenour & Spyro Gyra / Saturday, June 21 / 7:00p
General Admission $70 pp / Gourmet Supper $145 pp

Thornton Winery’s Chef’s Counter
Friday, June 27 / 7:00p / $125 pp plus tax and tip
Interactive Chef’s Table in a private kitchen
Five-course meal /Seating limited to 10 people
For reservations, call 951-699-0099

Wiens Family Cellars

Syrah Bacon Dinner
Friday, June 13 & Sunday, June 15 / 6:00p
$62.50 pp / $50.00 pp, member
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend w/ tasting of 4 Syrahs along w/ bacon dishes.
For reservations, click here

Wilson Creek Winery

Crawfish Boil & Blues
Friday, June 13 / 7:00p-10:00p / $49.95 pp / $39.95 pp member
Traditional Louisiana style Crawfish Boil & Blues.
Boil crawfish and “blues” it up with the Nathan James Band!
For reservations, click here

Big Dreamers: David Bradley, Vindemia Winery

In the fourth installment of our continuing blog series “Big Dreamers,” we sat down with Temecula Valley veteran David Bradley who knows the vineyard landscape better than anyone else – from the air.  Long-time hot air balloon pilot and talented winemaker, David landed in Temecula Valley in 1985 and operates two successful enterprises on the same property. Learn about his story as a boutique California winemaker and balloon enthusiast below.

Check in every month where we feature a new interview with our Temecula Valley winemakers and winery owners. You’ll learn where they’ve come from before settling in Temecula, CA – and what keeps them passionate about the sometimes not-so-glamorous art (and science) of making good wine in California.

Interview with Winery Owner and Winemaker David Bradley, Vindemia Winery

1.    What were you doing before owning and operating your winery?

I was introduced to the world of hot air balloons in 1977. In 1985, my wife Gail & I moved to California and started California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures in the world’s most perfect weather. The next year we began flying in Temecula, CA, over wine country. There were eight wineries and one was for sale. I just didn’t have the money.

The winery started out just as a vineyard. If we owned a vineyard in a great location we could launch the balloons from the site and bring our guests back to the vineyard for breakfast. One day, I landed at this super-cool Provence-styled villa in the valley and was greeted by the owner. She was very nice and I asked if I could land here and visit again. The second time, I asked if she would ever sell her home. Four years later, I got a call asking if I would be interested in purchasing the house and winery site. That’s how Vindemia started.

Winemaking is a contagious chess game pitting hopeful players against Mother Nature.  The truth to the myth is, 50 days each fall season with no sleep, 2:00am start times and mumbling pH, TA figures while recounting Brix over and over. You begin to feel like a pawn.

Winemaking is like all the arts – the project is never perfect. Sometimes it’s what’s not done that best finishes the structure; and the results haunt you, both good and bad.

Least favorite is guests mistaking us as glamorous and missing the invitation to land on the farm and share in the pleasure of the fruit. And, the reason to get up… to see if Mother Nature moved her knight!

To learn more about California’s Big Dreamers, click here!

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LAWineFest + Temecula Wines

The 9th Annual LAWineFest is this weekend!

Happening May 31 and June 1 at Hollywood’s Raleigh Studios. With hundreds of wines, craft brews and spirits on offer, the weekend-long festival is a relaxed, welcoming setting for people to explore the world of wine and more, alongside cool L.A. food trucks, live bands and handcrafted goods. LAWineFest proudly supports local organizations while serving as the Southland’s signature celebration of wine, beer, spirits and food.

Temecula Valley wines will be featured in their very own booth!  The region is proudly pouring:

REDS
Callaway Vineyard & Winery: Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Miramonte Winery: Tempranillo
Lorimar Winery: Trio – Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Mourvedre
Hart Winery: Syrah

WHITES
Falkner Winery: Sauvignon Blanc
Cougar Vineyard & Winery: Vermentino
Vindemia Vineyard & Estate Winery: Regatta de Blanc

SPARKLING
Wiens Family Cellars: Sparkling Amour De L’Orange
South Coast Winery: Sparkling Pinot Grigio

Be sure to stop by the Temecula Wines booth to sample all your favorites and try something new!

Summer Concerts in Temecula Wine Country

Lorimar Winery, Temecula, CA

June 1, 2014

The Mercedes Moore Band is about to bring their sizzling, foot tapping, dance floor moving sound to Southern California. Led by the powerful, sultry and affecting voice of Mercedes Moore, this band will take any local venue by storm.

 

Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula, CA

June 8, 2014 

Relax and enjoy live entertainment every weekend in Temecula Valley Wine Country. On June 8, listen to the beautiful sounds of Buzz Campbell at the popular Wilson Creek Winery venue.

 

Falkner Winery, Temecula, CA
July 20, 2014
Join Falkner Winery for their free Spring/Summer Music and BBQ Series. Guests can purchase BBQ paired with the famous Luscious Lips Sangria. A veteran of the Southern California music scene, Jason Weber has been playing the saxophone for over 30 years. Don’t miss it!

Wine Country Recipe: Penne with Butternut Squash, Spinach and Pancetta

Recipe provided by Thornton Winery

Ingredients:

1-12 oz. package penne pasta, cooked in boiling salt water
1 medium sized butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced into 1/2 – 3/4″ cubes
2 – 3 cups cleaned baby spinach leaves, loosely packed
6 oz. pancetta, cooked crisp and drained
1/4 – 1/2 cup chicken stock
1 1/2 tsp garlic, minced
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
4 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp. fresh sage
Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

In a large sauté pan, gently sauté the butternut squash and garlic in the butter and olive oil, being careful not to scorch or burn, about five minutes. Add the chicken stock, parsley and sage and cook an additional five minutes. Add spinach and cooked penne pasta and toss gently until spinach has wilted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among six plates or bowls. Garnish with optional red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese. Serves 6.

Serve with Thornton 2011 Estate Syrah