The safety of visitors, loyal customers and staff of Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is our greatest priority. With the sudden global spread of the COVID-19 virus, we are trying our best to keep our guests and employees safe and appreciate your understanding of new policies and processes. We appreciate your patience while we navigate this “new normal.”
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors announced that the Governor’s office approved a variance that would allow “Dine-In-Restaurants” to re-open in our County. The Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) has defined that “dine-in restaurants” includes restaurants and brewpubs, as well as supplier licensees that permit tasting and/or private events (such as wineries, breweries, and craft distillers). While our wineries are still not allowed to offer any sort of wine tasting on property, they will be allowed to sell glasses of wine and bottles of wine, as long as their guests purchase a meal provided by the winery restaurant, a licensed caterer or a food truck.
While this is much welcome news, many of our wineries will need some time to transition into this new way of doing business and to ensure that they are following the health and safety guidelines set forth by the State of California and Riverside County. Many of the wineries have reduced their capacity and are requiring reservations. We will be keeping our website current with information that we receive from the wineries as to their operating hours at this time. Official site Joycasino Provides more than 3700 slot machines from well-known software developers. The site also has sports betting, life dealers and e-sports However, please contact the winery you wish to visit prior to visiting to ensure you’re aware of their policies and procedures. Please click HEREfor a list and information on current winery operating hours and requirements prior to your visit.
Thank you, wine-loving friends, for your continued support of our Temecula Valley wineries and we look forward to welcoming you back!
We all associate wine country with gorgeous scenery, rolling vineyards, welcoming tasting rooms, the unmistakable sound of corks popping… but, unique to Temecula Valley Southern California, we also find a whole world of culinary delight waiting to be uncovered. Unlike many other prominent wine regions, visitors to Temecula Valley can actually dine among the vines at quite a few restaurants on-site at the local wineries.
Before we all embark on the
post-holiday cleanse or New Year diet, and just in time for Restaurant Month,
we thought we would turn the spotlight on the amazing places to dine in wine
country, not to mention Temecula Valley Southern California’s other rockstars –
Wine Country Chefs. Here are a few to check out.
Dine 75 feet underground in one of
Wine Country’s most unique settings – the wine cave at Oak Mountain, which
features a seasonal menu cooked with locally sourced ingredients, designed to
share and pair with Oak Mountain wines. Chef Kevin Grant has honed his craft
through years working in some of the top kitchens in California and around the
world, from resort-style dining to intimate, chef-driven restaurants. His
perspective not only comes from his classical French training, but incorporates
the unique backgrounds of others in his kitchen, through which he hopes to tell
the story of California cuisine – where it has been, and where it is going.
Here, diners enjoy wine-inspired
casual fare based on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, while surrounded by
lush, 30-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines, an herb garden, and baskets
brimming with colorful flowers. Executive Chef Steve Stawinski credits his
passion for cuisine to his upbringing in New Jersey, where food was always a
focal point in his family. He even tells the story of adding white wine to a
pan once as a child when his mother’s back was turned, because he had seen it
done on a cooking show. Voted as one of the Inland Empire’s Best Chefs in 2009,
Steve brings decades of experience in the hospitality industry, from high-end
steakhouses to bistros and banquets.
Few winery restaurants offer guests
such stunning vineyard views as Meritage Restaurant at Callaway Vineyard &
Winery. Executive Chef Anthony Bar brings with him passion and talent cultivated
over many years studying and working in kitchens the world over, including
Lille, France, where he attended culinary school; St. Martin where he served as
the Executive Chef at Coco Beach Orient Bay; Texas, where he served as
Executive Chef at high-demand restaurant La Maison; and Los Angeles. World
travel has deeply influenced his culinary vision, which he now applies to
creating seasonal, farm-to-table meals enhanced by the winery’s on-site
greenhouse and garden.
This multi-award-winning restaurant
not only boasts truly spectacular panoramic views of Wine Country, but also
thoughtful – and decadent! – Mediterranean-style cuisine. Executive Chef Jason
Barradas has a long history in California kitchens, having trained at Le Cordon
Bleu in San Francisco and worked at five-star restaurant Amaya at the Grand Del
Mar Resort. He brings this immense experience to Pinnacle, where he works to
create fresh and imaginative dishes to pair with Falkner’s lineup of premium
wines.
Cougar Vineyards & Winery focuses on quality wines made from Italian grape varieties. Of course, no glass of Italian wine (SoCal-style) would be complete without an expertly made Italian sub, panino, cheese and charcuterie plate, or hand-tossed pizza on offer at this casual yet totally gourmet spot located conveniently in the winery’s tasting room. Sangio’s Chef Alex Alimirante trained at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and brings with him 7 years of culinary experience. Lucky for us, he is leading a new series of cooking classes at the winery.
This all-day restaurant offers
breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring California ingredients – some from South
Coast’s very own organic gardens – promoting healthy lifestyle menu selections.
Executive Chef Jose Esparza oversees culinary operations and develops menus at
both South Coast and Carter Estate Winery and Resort. Being a true Wine Country
chef, he works closely with award-winning South Coast Winery Master Winemaker
Jon McPherson to offer guests wine-friendly pairings to enjoy with their meals.
Other top spots to enjoy a gorgeous
meal in an equally gorgeous vineyard setting include the European castle-like Carol’s
Restaurant at Baily Winery; Mama’s Rosa’s Trattoria at Robert Renzoni Vineyards, featuring Wine
Country’s only brick oven for some of the most epic pizzas this side of Italy;
the ultra-elegant Restaurant at Leoness Cellars; the stunning al-fresco terrace Restaurant
at Avensole Winery; and Baba Joon’s Kitchen at Fazeli Cellars, offering Persian-inspired
Mediterranean cuisine in a spectacular setting.
While not technically in Wine Country,
Bluewater Grill in the heart of Temecula’s business area is
also a must-visit and certainly deserves an honorable mention. Not only does
this hot spot offer fresh, sustainably caught seafood prepared in a variety of
ways from classic to modern, amazing happy hour specials, a shaded (and heated
when needed!) patio and pet-friendly area, it also boasts one of Temecula’s
best kept secrets – zero corkage fee on local wine, making it the perfect spot
for dinner after a day of wine tasting to bring one of your local purchases to
pair with your meal.
Our 35+ Temecula Valley wineries offer a heap of holiday-themed events throughout December. Fabulous festivities include tree-lighting events, Christmas dinners, New Year’s Eve celebrations, fundraisers – 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 www.avensolewinery.com
Baily Winery 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.
Callaway Vineyard & 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
Annual Wine Barrel Tree Lighting Celebration! / December 13 / 6:00 to 9:00pm / You’re invited to join us for our Annual Wine Barrel Tree Lighting Celebration! Bring the kids to meet Santa and enjoy cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, Christmas carolers, discounts on wine, gifts and so much more! Experience a wine country Christmas with us! / Complimentary admission; please R.S.V.P. to info@callawaywinery.com or (951) 676-4001
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Meritage / December 31 / Seating’s from 5:00p to 5:30p and 7:00p to 7:30p / $75.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity / Celebrate the new year with a fabulous four-course dining experience and live music at Meritage at Callaway. Executive Chef, Anthony Bar, has meticulously crafted a special French/Mediterranean fused menu for your New Year’s Eve dining pleasure. Visit www.callawaywinery.com to learn more / R.S.V.P. to meritage@callawaywinery.com or (951) 587-8889.
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
Cougar Vineyard & Winery Celebrating Santa Paws / December 20 / 4:00p-6:00p / Bring your leashed and well-behaved furry child(ren) to get their pictures taken with Santa! Cost is $5pd (per dog), Free for our Cougar Canine Club members or Free with a new unwrapped (kid) Toy for charity. Reservations for your pooch’s photo shoot time slot can be sent to events@cougarvineyards.com.
Falkner Winery Merry Merlot- Fundraiser / December 5 / 6:30-9pm / $25 per person / A Fundraiser to benefit Daisy’s Hope Foundation Cat spay and neuter Fund / Wine Bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Meet NALA cat! Silent Auction with gift baskets. Music provided by Tim Apple / Tickets are limited. Purchase tickets directly www.daisyshopefoundation.com/donate.aspx / This event will be held in the Pinnacle Restaurant.
Santa Crawl / December 21 / 12-5 pm / Dress in your favorite Santa, Elf, Reindeer, or Mrs. Claus outfit and get a 2 for 1 tasting in the Tasting Room! Remember this event is only for fully costumed Santa’s & Elves! This is a free event open to anyone over 21 – To take part we ask that each Santa or Elf brings a new toy to donate! So – Put a group together and join in. Happy Ho-Ho-Ho! More info: Email santawino2@gmail.com
Fazeli Cellars Gatsby New Year’s Eve at Fazeli Cellars / December 31 / 7:00pm / Join us for Gatsby Night – Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Party! / $135 Non-Members | $110 Members Includes: Champagne Greeting, 3 Course Dinner with Live Music, Casino, DJ & Dancing and a Champagne Toast at Midnight. Wine & Beer Available for purchase / Purchase tickets at: http://shop.fazelicellars.com/reservation-events
Lorimar Winery Tree Lighting / December 1 / 5pm- 8pm / Join us to kick off the holiday season at our annual Tree Lighting with Santa, Complimentary Cookie Decorating, Hot Cocoa, Spiced Wine, Wine Sales, Special Food Menu, and more! / Please RSVP at lorimarwinery.com
Academie Du Vin: Wine & Cheese / December 12 / 6pm – 8 pm / $55 per person / $49.50 per wine club member / Explore the worlds of Wine & Cheese with Certified Sommelier Penny Delgado and local Cheese Monger Stasha. New! Includes five wine and cheese pairings along with two surprise tastings! 21+ only event / Purchase Tickets – lorimarwinery.com
Smoke & Vine: An Evening of Cigars and Wine / December 20 / 7pm- 9pm $85 per person / $76.50 Wine Club / Join us for a relaxing evening of cigars & wine! Includes a four-course dinner, paired with Casa Lovo cigars and Lorimar’s award-winning wines. 21+ only event / Purchase Tickets – lorimarwinery.com
Peltzer Family Cellars Annual Christmas Tree Lighting / November 30th, 11-10pm & December 1st, 11-7pm / Bring the whole family to enjoy: Wine, Food Trucks, Peltzer Ice Rink, Santa, Live Music, Holiday Market and of course our Tree Lighting! All specific timing is listed on peltzerwinery.com
Shop Small for Small Business Saturday at our Holiday Market featuring local businesses! Grab a gift for a loved one or maybe snag something for yourself. You do you, we won’t judge! Admission to this event is FREE for children and adults. A $5 wristband donation is required if you plan on enjoying an alcoholic beverage (or two). 100% of the wristband proceeds will benefit Our Nicholas Foundation! ONF, strives to increase autism awareness and provide support for local families affected by ASD. Visit Ournick.org to learn more about this awesome / Visit Peltzerwinery.com in the “Shop” tab to purchase wristbands.
Peltzer Ice Rink / November 23rd – January 12th / Open daily from 3-9pm Session Times: 3pm, 4:30pm, 6pm, 7:30pm / Ice Rink Bar will be open for drinks Wednesdays + Fridays – Sundays 3- 8:30pm / Hot chocolate and treats will be available for purchase from the snack bar. Admission – Crush Club Members enjoy $2 off the regular admission prices. Military, First Responders, + Teachers: Purchase your tickets at the rink with an ID to receive $2 off your and your family’s tickets. Reserve online at peltzerwinery.com Reserving Tickets Online: $14 for General Admission, $10 for Kids ages 3-11, $2 Skate Rental. Purchasing at the Rink: $16 for General Admission, $12 for Kids ages 3-11 (Skate rental included)
Dueling Pianos / December 26 / 6-10pm / $45 tickets include a glass of our specialty Sangria / Give the gift of music to your friends & fam this Christmas! Join us in the Crush House on December 26th from 6:00-9:30pm for a totally amazing, interactive dueling pianos show with The Killer Dueling Pianos. This fan fave event sells out quickly, so make sure to purchase your tickets in a hurry! / Reserve online at Peltzerwinery.com
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
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa 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.
South Coast Winery’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival / December 1 / 5:00pm – 8:00pm / Adults $40, WC $35, Children 4-10yrs $15, Children 3 & under are free / Join us for our Annual Tree Lighting Festival! This event will be full of activities for the entire family to enjoy / Ticket includes buffet dinner, Christmas carolers, horse & carriage and tractor rides, photos with Santa, holiday entertainment and of course tree lighting! Lighting of the Tree will commence at 6:00pm. / Tickets may be purchased online: https://www.southcoastwinery.com/tree-lighting / South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is proud to be an official Toys for Tots drop-off location.
Thornton Winery Cooking Class Series / December 8 / 1:00 – 3:30pm / Cost: $75 inclusive / “Tamales” – Join our Executive Chef Ceasar Solarzano and learn some of his own secrets for making tamales / Please call (951) 699-0099 for more information and to make reservations!
Christmas Day Dinner / December 25 / 12:00 – 5:00 pm / Cost: $64.95 ++ Adults, Children 6-12 years $19.95++, Children 5 and under are free / Plated Menu: Choice of Four Starter Selections, Choice of four entrees & choice of three desserts Please call (951) 699-0099 for more information and to make reservations!
Wilson Creek Winery New Year’s Eve Party / December 31 / 8:00pm – 12:30am / General Admission $200 / Wine Club $180 / Let’s Get Our Sparkle On! Join us To Ring In 2020! 4-course wine paired dinner and live entertainment by JD Priest. Then turn up the night with the DJ, Dancing, Drinks and Dessert Bar until you kiss at midnight! Hosted Bar throughout the evening. Must be 21 and over. Doors Open at 7:30PM / Starts at 8PM. Purchase tickets at 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.
