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Temecula Wine Industry “Grape Day” is April 17

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

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

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

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

Ticket price includes:

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

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

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

March Winery Events in Temecula Valley

Spring is almost upon us, which means more green! It’s great news for Temecula Valley since March signals bud break in the vineyards. There are also some new exciting events happening, and whether you’re a wine expert or beginner, there’s something for everyone. St. Patrick’s Day is only a couple of weeks away. Why not visit Temecula, CA where you can enjoy live entertainment, green sparkling wine and festive food! It’s a great way to welcome the springtime air.

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

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

Bel Vino Winery
Wine Down at Bel Vino with Live Music
Every Saturday and Sundays/ 12:00p-4:00p
March 1-Bruce Glover
March 2- Dominic Rocha
March 8-All In
March 9-JD Priest
March 15 – The Counterfits
March 16 – Bruce Glover
March 22 – Michael LeClerc
March 23 – Jason Weber
March 29 – Shoot 4 Tuezday
March 30 – Jim Fargo

Briar Rose Winery
Friday Night Sunset
Friday, March 21 / 5:30p-9:00
Live music by Buzz Campbell
Call 951-308-1098 for reservations. Seating is limited.

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

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

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

Falkner Winery
Wine  Appreciation Class
Saturday, March 15 / 10:30a-2:30p
$65 pp; Members $60 pp; VIP Members $20 pp
For both wine novices and experts, 3+ hour class.
For registration, please call 951-676-8231 ext. 109.
For more information click here

Mount Palomar Winery
Laughs for Pawz
Saturday, March 8 / 11:00a-10:00p
Beginning at 11:00a, with a FREE Comedy Faire & featuring Laughs for Pawz
The Show at 7:00pm / $55 includes food, a fabulous show and after party.

Live Music
1:00p-4:00p
March 15 – Harmony Road
March 16 – Mariner
March 22 – The Barstow Prophets
March 23 – Dylan Jakobsen

Brides Against Breast Cancer Bridal Show, Gown Sale and Wine Tasting Event!
March 30 / Hundreds of designer and couture wedding gowns
Gowns range from $99-$3900, sizes 4-18.
Area’s top wedding vendors & enter exciting give-a-ways while supporting a great cause.

Oak Mountain Winery
Pet Fair
Sunday, March 2 / 11:00a-5:00p / Free admission
A furry fiesta every first Sunday of the month.
Adopt a dog, find a dog trainer, dog communicator, natural pet food & apparel.
Collection of dog wines available for tasting or purchase.

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

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
“SHOW US YOUR BEADS” Fat Tuesday Tastings
Tuesday, March 4 / 10:00a-6:00p
In the Vintner’s Vault Tasting Room- sips and off-the-charts samples
Bring 3 Mardi Gras beaded necklaces & get a $5 off a tasting ticket!

Intimate Winemaker Dinner
Saturday, March 22 /$150 pp inclusive
Dynamic 7-course dinner
Limited in size so once they are sold out, they are gone.
Call 951.587.9463 or click here.

Blessing of the Vines Wine & Music Festival
Sunday, March 30 / 4:00p-7:00p
Kids can join in the fun w/ plenty of games & activities.
Louie Cruiz Beltran & his Latin Jazz Trio will perform
For tickets call 951.587.9463 or click here.

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

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

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

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

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

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?
Thursday Nights 6 pm to 9 pm.
Regular price $15; Thur Evenings $10. Click 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
1st Annual “Grains & Grapes” Event
Saturday, March 8 / 6:30p /
Thornton Winery pairs up with Refuge Brewery
Meet and greet with:

• Winemaker David Vergari,
• Brewmaster Curt Kucera
• Executive Chef Jeff D. Massey
• President Steve Thornton

Hors d’oeuvres & a three course meal.
For reservations, please call 951-699-0099

Thornton Winery’s Chef’s Counter
Friday, March 28 / 7:00p / $125 pp
Interactive Chef’s Table in a private kitchen
Five-course meal /Seating limited to 10 people
For reservations, call 951-699-0099

Big Dreamers: Nick & Cindy Palumbo, Palumbo Family Vineyard & Winery

Here you’ll read about the inspiring true stories of 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.

2.  What inspired you to want to buy a winery and what were the circumstances around choosing Temecula Valley, CA?

4.  People might think winemaking is glamorous.  Would you like to set them straight?

World of Wine Weekend: Food & Wine Pairing Highlights

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

WoW 2014 Menu Highlights:

Can you say WoW?!

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

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

Temecula Wines Win in San Francisco!

The 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition results are in! One of the largest wine competitions in America, this annual wine event received 5,000 entries from 1,500 wineries all across the country.

We are pleased to announce several winners from Temecula Valley, CA:

• Callaway Winery won 2 golds, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze for their 6 entries: Syrah, Rosé of Sangiovese, Muscat Canelli, Roussanne, Profonde, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Falkner Winery won silver and bronze for 3 of their wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Meritage and Rosato.
• Monte De Oro won 1 gold, 3 silver,s and 2 bronze for: Petite Sirah, Simplexity, Congruity, Cabernet Sauvignon, Synergy 65, and Syrah.
• Last but not least, congratulations to Vindemia for winning the gold for their Petite Sirah!

Winery Spotlight: Get to Know… Doffo Winery

The Story

Nestled on the Northeast border of the Temecula Valley, CA sits Doffo Winery. Founded in 1997 by Marcelo Doffo, it is one of a few micro-boutique wineries in the region and the only one built around the former site of a Temecula historic landmark schoolhouse. Situated on 15 acres of rolling vineyards, the winery possesses a unique combination of old world values and warm family charm.  It is also home to MotoDoffo, the family’s private collection of over 100 racing and vintage motorcycles.

Famous for handcrafted reds, Doffo is focused on small lot, limited production wines made in the old world style. Reminiscent of their Italian/Argentine heritage, Doffo is the only winery in the region to feature an outdoor, wood-burning oven and grill where they often serve “The Parilla”, a delicious staple of the Argentine table, served with their own Chimichurri sauce and paired with exceptional Doffo wine.

The Wines

The unique micro-climate of Temecula Valley drives the characteristics of their wines and plays a distinct role in shaping the final result. Their collective experience, family traditions and farming techniques, combine with the terroir to create intensely flavored wines of complex structure, texture and bold, rich fruit.

Their philosophy has always been that good winemaking begins in the vineyard. They start by hand planting each vine and providing careful attention daily. They prune their vines and thin their grape clusters throughout the growing season to maximize fruit concentration and ensure the highest quality in the grapes. They also play classical music in the vineyard to soothe the grapes as they develop and mature.

To shop the Doffo wine store online, click here.

The Tasting Room, Marketplace and Winery Tours

Doffo Winery’s motto, “Enter as a stranger… leave as a friend,” starts the moment you enter their intimate tasting room, filled with warm-colored hues, vintage Ducati motorcycles, stylish art prints and hospitable staff. The Doffo family greets you with a warm welcome and are always excited to share their passion for great wine and vintage motorcycles with their guests.

Doffo winery’s tasting room is open daily from 10am-5pm and offers two tasting options. Standard Wine Tasting is $10 and includes 6 wines. Premium Tasting includes 5 of their premium wines; prices vary on availability, so check with the staff to see what premium selections are being offered for the day.

Doffo offers a variety of vineyard and winery tours to suit your taste and budget. Enjoy one or all of them; either way you’re sure to have a wonderful experience.

SIP AND TOUR

Take a vineyard tour aboard the Doffo Winery “Malbec Express” – an eco-friendly, Ferrari-style Bus. You will learn all about Doffo’s unique farming methods, why they play music in the vineyard, the different varietals, and visit Marcelo’s incredible motorcycle collection. The tour concludes with a Premium Tasting and cheese plate in the Moto-Barrel Room.

Weekdays: 11am and 2pm

Weekends: 10am / 12pm / 2pm / 4pm

Admission: $45/person

Tours are approximately 1 1/2 hours

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR

Visit Doffo and stroll the grounds of their beautiful boutique vineyard. This self-guided tour begins in their tasting room where you can pick up a tour brochure. It includes interesting facts and places on the Doffo property. There is no cost; just a few limitations and restrictions.

Hours: 10am – 5pm

Admission: Free

MOTODOFFO MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION VIEWING

Visit Doffo for their wines, but stay for a tour of their vintage motorcycle and scooters. There is no cost for this tour. Simply check in at the tasting room and stroll to the MotoBarrel Room to view the MotoDoffo collection.

Hours: Thursday and Sunday 10am – Noon

Admission: Free

For information on any of these tours, please call ahead to 866-469-8466 or ask for more details in the tasting room.

Celebrate with Doffo

Whatever time of year or occasion, Doffo would be pleased to welcome you and your guests for private events in any or all of their four unique spaces. Their staff is ready to bring your event to life with music, the finest cuisine, great wine and tailor-made packages with options including traditional Tango Dancers and Argentinian Gauchos serving up a special feast.

Please visit their events page or contact them for more information about planning your special event with Doffo at 866.469.8466.

Doffo Winery
36083 Summitville
Temecula CA, 92592
Phone 951.676.6989
866.469.8466 |866-4myvino
Email: info@doffowines.com

5 Reasons to Visit Temecula Valley During the Week

Your favorite Southern California wine region is getting busier by the year. What’s a loyal visitor to do? Here are 5 great reasons to visit Temecula Valley wine country on a weekday:

1.  10% Off Your Lunch.

Temecula wine country is home to 12 delicious eateries (and counting) and most of these restaurant spots are hot come Saturday & Sunday. Reservations are required and tables are at a premium. Why not dine Monday-Friday and take advantage of the region’s coupon page which offers 10% off your al fresco favorites; including Meritage at Callaway, Creekside Grille at Wilson Creek, Cafe Champagne at Thornton and many more. Bon appetit!

Cafe Thornton, Thornton Winery

2.  No Lines. Anywhere.

Weekday visitors don’t miss waiting in line for anything in wine country. Forget lines to get into (or out of) the parking lot, waiting for the tasting room staff to come back with your next pour, putting your name in for a table or even the cue for the bathroom. Hello, weekday – goodbye, lines.

Miramonte Winery Patio

3. One-on-One Attention in the Tasting Rooms.

Weekends in any California wine country is always the most popular time to taste. But wine lovers come to the vineyards to experience what they can’t at home in their dining room: a personal, one-on-one experience. When the pace is slower at Temecula Valleys’ wineries, it’s common to strike up a conversation with the tasting room manager who ends up pulling in the winemaker from the barrel room to answer your random question about oak vs. stainless steel aging. On slower afternoons, your server might call the chef out of the kitchen to let you know what local farm your chicken came from. And there’s more time to bond in the tasting room with new friends over your shared love of good vino.

Damian Doffo, Doffo Winery

4.  Less Expensive Tastings, 2 for 1 Coupons and Happy Hours.

When it comes to wine tasting, the Monday through Thursday crowd can taste some of the same weekend wine flights for a little less. Alternatyvi medicina, sveikata, bičių duonelė, masažas, dietos, imuniteto stiprinimas, gintaras, alijošius, sveika mityba, nevaisingumo gydymas netradicinemedicina.com Indulge in weekday happy hours at favorites like South Coast, Danza del Sol and Ponte; and don’t forget your weekday 2 for 1 tasting coupons to a whole slew of top Temecula wineries.

5.  Great Hotel Rates.

Go ahead and spend the night on a Wednesday. Temecula hotels are eager for your mid-week business and they show it with their low weekday rates. Even though Temecula Valley is conveniently located near all major SoCal cities, after a day of touring and tasting, you’ll be safe and sound knowing your hotel room has already been booked – instead of having to gear up for a late-night drive home.

Ponte Vineyard Inn

January Winery Events in Temecula Valley

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Dog Day Sundays

• Every Sunday 11:30a-2:30p
• Bring your to lunch!  Live acoustic entertainment.

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting

• Thursday-Sunday 11:00a-2:30p
• Library Boudreaux reds
• Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Europa Village

Friday Night Entertainment

• 5:30p-8:30p Free

Cooking Demonstration Event

• Saturday, January 11 / 11:30a-1:30p
• $45 per person / Click here for more details.

“Trouble at the Tropicabana” Murder Mystery Dinner

• Saturday January 25  6:30p-9:00p
• $70.80 pp / 3-course dinner and performance
• Click here for more details.

• Sunday January 26 6:30p-9:00p
• $58.80 per person / 3-course dinner and performance
• Click here for more details.

Keyways Vineyard & Winery

2 1/2 Hour Winemaking Tasting Tour

• Every Monday & Friday 12:00p
• Saturdays & Sundays at 10:00a & 1:00p
• $29 pp / Reservations required: at 951-302-7888

Oak Mountain Winery

Live Music

• Saturday, January 18 / 6:00p-9:00p

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s WINOS (Women In Need of Serenity)

• Monday-Thursday / 11:30a-2:30p
• Half price Mimosas, Sangria and 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 season12p to 3p
• Half priced mimosas, sangria & signature Spumante Diamante.
• Call 951-587-9463 x 2

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu

• Monday-Thursday 11:30a -3:00p
• Specially priced $9.99 lunches at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
• Ages 55 and over
• Call 951-587-9463 x 2

Marvelous Mondays

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

Wine Down Wednesdays

• At Vineyard Rose Restaurant
• Live music half-priced appetizers with any 2 entrees
• Enjoy with our Winemakers Reserve bottles
• Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here.

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour

• Daily / 11:00a and 1:00p
• $40 pp / $35 members
• Call 951.587.9463 x7219.

Relaxing Winter Retreat

• 8a to 6p Monday – Thursday  / 8a to 7p Friday – Sunday
• Seasonal warm stone back massage
• ‘Cashmere heat sugar scrub,’ with a glass of wine.
• Regular price $155 – special price $99
• Call:  951.587.9463 or click here.
• Available Mondays thru Sundays thru January 31, 2014.

Bridal Open House

• Sunday, January 19 / 10:00a-4:00p / Free
• Tour of resort in full wedding décor
• Call 866.994.6379 X7214 for details or click here.

Tasteful Break to that New Year’s Resolution at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

• Monday, January 20 10:00a-6:00p
• Taste the premier wines with this one-day only offer.
• All Tastings: Buy One Get One Free!

Vintage Wine and Cheese Soiree

• Friday, January 24
• Private Reserve Wine Flight Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon
• With cheese pairings
• $60 for two.  Call 866.994.6379

Sip / Save / Shop

• Saturday, January 25 / 10:00a-6:00p
• Shop at Gift Shoppe and get complimentary Sparkling Wine
• 15% discount on your purchases.
• Call 866.994.6379 for details or click here.

Thornton Winery

Chef’s Counter Dinner

• Friday, January 17 / 7:00p
• Dine one-on-one as the chef prepares five-course meal
• Seating is limited to 10 people
• $125 pp + tax/tip
• Call 951-699-0099 for reservations.

Super Bowl Munchies Cooking Class

• Saturday, January 25 / 2:30p
• $70 pp, inclusive
• Learn to make appetizers for your Super Bowl Party!
• Call 951-699-0099 for reservations.

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

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

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

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

2014 World of Wine Event Details



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

WHEN: March 1 – 2, 10am to 4:30pm

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

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

TICKETS:

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

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

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

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

THERE’S SNOW IN TEMECULA!

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

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

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

HOLIDAY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS TO EXPERIENCE TOGETHER

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

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

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

CLASSIC HOLIDAY SPIRIT

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

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

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

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

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

OLD-SCHOOL AND A LITTLE ECLECTIC

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

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

NEW-SCHOOL AND ECLECTIC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VISITS WITH SANTA CLAUS

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

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

HOLIDAY EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCES

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

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

NEW TRADITION: THE BUCKET LIST HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE TO SHARE

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

HOLIDAY SPA INDULGENCES

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

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

NIGHTTIME SITES TO SEE: HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND DÉCOR

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

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

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

SWIRL AND SAVOR: TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY

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

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

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

SWIRL AND TASTE: OLD TOWN TEMECULA

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

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

SAVOR THE OLD TOWN TASTING TRAIL

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

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

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

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

CULINARY CLASSES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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

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

TAKE A SPIN: OUTDOOR ICE SKATING

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

HOLIDAY TRADITION: NEW MOVIE PREMIERES

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

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

HOLIDAY DINING IN TEMECULA VALLEY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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