Wild-caught California salmon is one of the culinary highlights of summer in the Golden State. A fresh corn salad with a Mexican accent is the perfect complement and would be just as compatible with halibut fillets, scallops, or shrimp. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Grenache Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc.
Make the salad: Preheat the broiler. Put the poblano or Anaheim chilies on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil until blackened on all sides. Let cool, then peel, remove stems and seeds, and dice. Turn the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Prepare a bowl of ice water. Add the corn to the boiling water and boil 30 seconds, then remove the ears with tongs and plunge them into the ice water to stop the cooking. Drain when cool and pat dry. With a chef’s knife, cut away the kernels. You should have about 2-1/2 cups (350 g).
In a large bowl, combine the diced poblano or Anaheim chilies, corn, cilantro, red onion, olive oil, and juice of 3 limes. Add the avocado and queso fresco and toss gently.
Season well with salt and add more lime juice if desired. If the salad is not spicy enough for you, stir in some or all of the minced serrano chili.
Put 2 tablespoons olive oil in a cast-iron skillet and put the skillet in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Season the salmon with salt. Place the fillets in the skillet, skin side down, and bake until they just flake when probed with a paring knife, about 10 minutes.
Serve salmon immediately with the salad on the side.
Suggested Pairings:
Churon Inn Winery ~ 2019 Sauvignon Blanc – Well balanced with citrus flavors
Hart Winery ~ 2019 Grenache Rosé – With notes of cherry, watermelon and cranberry.
Leoness Cellars ~ 2019 CS Sauvignon Blanc – Rich citrus and stone fruit aromas are complemented by subtle hints of lemongrass and a crisp, lingering finish.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa ~ 2017 Grenache Noir Rosé – Light in body, crisp in acidity and very dry, this rosé is the perfect wine for any cuisine and any festivity.
There’s something about Summertime sipping that just feels right. Maybe it’s the sensation of a breeze cooling our neck as the sun warms our face while enjoying a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio on our patio; maybe it’s the sun staying out just that little bit longer; or maybe it’s the amazing food that comes out during the warmer months – the smell of the grill, the sweet juices of peaches and watermelons running down our chins, fresh seafood, burgers, corn on the cob… Whatever it is, there’s just nothing like a great mid-summer glass of wine. But what to sip?
Here are some of our favorite go-to wines for the Summer months:
Sparkling
Not only does bubbly pair perfectly with just about any type of cuisine, it is a wonderful treat no matter the occasion. From milestone celebrations to simply feeling good on a Tuesday, it’s the ultimate refresher after a long day (or at the beginning of one – hello, brunch!).
Pair with: Literally anything. But bubbles and salty, fatty, fried, or crispy food is a match made in heaven. Think potato chips, calamari, tempura shrimp, truffled popcorn, cured meats and cheeses… we could go on… and on…
We all love a rich, buttery Chardonnay, but hot weather calls for something a bit more quaffable. Instead of those weightier whites like Viognier and Chardonnay, opt for something light and bright. Classic Italian and Spanish grapes like Arneis, Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Albariño, and Verdelho are juicy and fresh, and act like a refreshing squeeze of lemon on your favorite Summer dishes.
Pair with: Seafood dishes prepared in a variety of styles, summer salads, and creamy pasta dishes.
There’s a reason “rosé all day” isn’t just a social media hashtag, it’s also a way of life: You can literally drink the stuff all day, every day. Rosé is a fantastic Summer sipper because it comes in so many different styles and hues, making it the whole package when it comes to food-friendly wine pairings. From pale pink and dripping with notes of watermelon and lime, to fuller-bodied and bursting with berry fruit, there’s a style to suit every palate, culinary creation, and occasion. And, it’s also pretty darn good on its own – unless you count your feet in the pool, a lazy swing in a hammock, or a sunset barbecue as part of your pairing.
Still craving that inky red wine, even in 100-degree weather? While Temecula Valley can be known for rich, full-bodied, luxurious wines, the region also produces quite a few lighter-bodied, fruity red wines, which are absolutely stunning on a warm summer day. Serve them with a slight chill to bring out the bright berry fruit. We promise you’ll thank us for the suggestion.
Pair with: Simple grilled meats and kabobs, tomato-based pastas, pizza
We as wine lovers always like to hear how winemakers and winery owners got their start. We often think of them as local celebrities; their appearance in the tasting room is always met with hushed whispers and a great sense of excited anticipation – maybe they’ll sign my bottle! Or pour me a barrel sample! And they certainly deserve this rockstar status. However, there is another group of winery rockstars that equally deserve the spotlight – the tasting room staff who keep our glasses filled and hearts full.
Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is known for its warm and welcoming tasting rooms. This is in no small part thanks to the remarkable men and women who bring their passion and engaging personalities to work every day, and to the stories they share with visitors about our region. Let’s meet a few Temecula Valley tasting room legends.
Walter Carter
Walter Carter, Director of Hospitality, Danza del Sol Winery & Masia de la Vinya Winery
This Temecula Valley rockstar is no doubt one of the best-known personalities in Temecula Valley. Not only is he the consummate wine and hospitality pro, being a Certified Hospitality Industry Professional (CHIP), a 2-time Xenia Spotlight on Service award winner, and a Certified Sommelier, his infectious personality is legendary in both the tasting room and across the region as a whole. Originally hailing from Tampa, Florida, he has lived in Temecula for eight years.
TVWA: Tell us about your family. Kids? Dogs?
WC: Jamie Carter is my wife, and we have a blended family of six kids.
TVWA: Wow – six kids! No wonder you love wine. Speaking of which, tell us about your first “a-ha!” wine moment?
WC: After working a shift in a restaurant in Florida, the chef prepared gorgonzola-crusted lamb chops, which he then paired with a Chianti. It changed the way I saw wine FOREVER! I describe this as my coming to wine (not Jesus) moment. The way the wine elevated the food, and vice versa, was something I’ll never forget.
TVWA:Do you have a favorite wine pairing?
WC: Gorgonzola-crusted lamb chops paired with a Chianti (of course), and 2009 Danza del Sol Syrah paired with blue cheese cheesecake.
TVWA: We think we may already know the answer, but do you have a signature tasting room style or move?
WC: The “Walter Pour” – an exaggerated long pour with a smile.
TVWA: Can you share one of your most memorable tasting room moments?
WC: Meeting my future wife. She was hired a couple of months after I was. I didn’t know it at the time, but she would end up being my best friend in the whole wide world.
TVWA: What does life look like for you outside of the winery? Got any hobbies?
WC: Golfing, and I love to cook. I love a good grill session, crock pot recipe, air fryer (just got one and I love love love it), you name it. I find it therapeutic when I have time to put together a nice meal for my family to enjoy. That is something that is very important to me.
This Upland, California, native has been in Temecula Valley for the past 6 years. She is the proud mama of three dogs and a bearded dragon, and enjoys painting, cooking, exploring the restaurant and craft brewing scene, and gardening. She has also been part of the same book club for 11 years! Now that’s commitment!
TVWA: What was your first “a-ha!” wine moment?
DG: When I first heard of blind tasting. I was amazed this was possible! Ever since then, I really concentrate on the characteristics of different varietals and regions and try to commit them to memory. I really enjoy practicing blind tasting with my co-workers.
TVWA:What is your favorite wine pairing?
DG: When I’m feeling extra fancy, Sauternes and Foie Gras. Though, nothing beats a ribeye steak and a beautiful bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon!
TVWA: Do you have a signature tasing room style or move?
DG: One of my favorite things that we do at Leoness is side-by-side comparisons. For example, the same varietal but from two different vineyards tasted side-by-side can show the guest how a vineyard really influences the end result. We are so lucky to have our Vineyard Series wines. Guests have so much fun talking about the wine this way and can pick their favorite. It’s great to witness their A-HA! moment!
TVWA: Can you share one of your most memorable tasting room moments?
DG: I think the most memorable moment for me was Valentine’s Day 2019. We had the biggest storm in Temecula, and all the roads were flooded. I barely made it to the winery, and we were actually forced to close for the day, along with many other wineries, because the weather conditions were so unsafe. Water was coming into the tasting room and into our barrel room. It was truly a sight I’ll never forget!
Raymond Murgo
Raymond Angel Murgo, Tasting Room Manager, Falkner Winery
Raymond is originally from Anaheim, California, but has spent the past 9 years in Temecula. He married his high school sweetheart, Ana, with whom he has two daughters, Angelina (age 11) and Avani (age 8), as well as an English Bulldog named Coco Lola, whom he affectionately refers to as his “fur baby.”
TVWA: What was your first “a-ha!” wine moment?
RM: My first A-HA was when I worked for Buzz and Kimberly Olson at Tesoro Winery. I had just turned 21 and, up to that point, I’d tasted wine maybe twice at family gatherings. It was an ‘06 Merlot, blue label, with the vineyard’s decal. It was the fabled unicorn; when we had a bottle out, it was like a golden treasure. So, I opened up the bottle and poured glasses for Buzz and me, and I and remember looking at how beautiful the deep blue hue was. I began swirling the glass and watching, almost in slow motion, the wine glide from side to side. We raised our glasses and took that luscious sip. Black cherry and plum, finishing with a softness… the vanilla just rolled on the back of your palate. We talked for a great while, finishing that bottle, but I wouldn’t believe, at 21 years of age, I had found what my love and passion would be.
TVWA:What is your favorite wine pairing?
RM: My favorite wine pairing has to be Falkner Winery’s Amante Super Tuscan paired with the Spanish Octopus we serve at our on-site restaurant, The Pinnacle. Chef Jason just knows his way with it to keep the tenderness, and the Amante accentuates the red plum, roasted pepper, and roundness. You would think I’d go with white wine, but no way! I learned with many of the dishes at The Pinnacle Restaurant that our Amante is a killer treat!
TVWA: Do you have a signature tasting room style or move?
RM: So my family, friends, and wine club member have sent me some insightful characteristics when I asked them about this (and some direct messages that are strictly meant to stay in the tasting room… those had-to-be-there moments!). But what I have gotten mostly as feedback is that I make wine approachable to all visitors. I am able to tell a story about the world of Temecula Valley Wine Country with knowledge, ease, and laughter! It’s almost as though I bring them into the backyard, and we can just relax for those 45 mins… it’s home.
TVWA: Can you share one of your most memorable tasting room moments?
RM: My most memorable moment had to be when Kyla Pratt, an actress who played in one of my childhood favorite movies called “Love & Basketball,” stopped by to visit. She was so fun; she even got behind the bar with me and started pouring for her party. It was just another one of those times that it felt like we were all friends and family hanging out.
TVWA: What does life look like for you outside of the winery? Got any hobbies?
RM: Outside of the wine world, I’m a huge family man. With my Mexican-American lifestyle we have a party to go to every weekend, prior to COVID. I love taking my girls to family adventures. I can’t breathe without my Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Lakers (Kobe fanatic), and Anaheim Angels. I played almost every sport from the age of 7 years old and up. So, when I can rally the troops, we get together and play basketball. But, one of my hidden passions is that I love history and literature, especially historical fiction. I am currently writing a biography about my family and linking the social norms and experiences from the 1990s to present. It’s a whole lot of fun learning where you came from to practicing the foundation for your future grandkids.
Laura Kessens
Laura Kessens, Wine Consultant, Robert Renzoni Vineyards
This Scottsdale, Arizona native has been in Temecula for a whopping 20 years! When not charming guests with her warm personality and wine knowledge at Robert Renzoni Vineyards, she spends her time cooking, going wine tasting, and hanging out with friends and family, especially her two daughters.
TVWA: What was your first “a-ha!” wine moment?
LK: Hart Winery
TVWA:What is your favorite wine pairing?
LK: A glass of wine and a sunset!
TVWA: Do you have a signature tasing room style or move?
LK: I’m not going to tell you what it is! You’ll just have to come experience it for yourself!
TVWA: Ha! Fair enough. Can you at least share one of your most memorable tasting room moments?
LK: Some guests asked me where I liked to go wine tasting. I told them. The next day, they came back to me with the wine they had bought and wanted me to sign a bottle for them… wow.
Danaé Wegner
Danaé Wegner, Tasting Room Manager, Peltzer Family Cellars
Even though Danaé was born in Lake Arrowhead, California, she definitely considers Temecula her hometown. This makes sense given she has been here for 25 years! Her love of wine infuses even her life outside of the winery. She loves to create lavish charcuterie spreads and host friends and family for what her friend and Certified Sommelier, Art DeCaro, has lovingly dubbed “Wine Family Dinner.” She also loves to snuggle her “big baby bear” (AKA a very large Newfoundland dog) named Amber Jean.
TVWA: What was your first “a-ha!” wine moment?
DW: For my 21st birthday, my wine-loving Aunt Georgi took my sister, Dara, and I out to the Mission Inn in Riverside to celebrate. We stayed up all night talking and drinking her favorite go-to everyday bottle, St. Francis Zinfandel. I realized that evening that wine creates moments, which create memories, and I was in love.
TVWA:Do you have a favorite wine pairing?
DW: As a Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 certification holder, I enjoy only the finest food and wine pairings, like Peltzer’s DOCG Prosecco and the Pizza con Rucola from our friends at Spuntino’s!
TVWA: Do you have a signature tasing room style or move?
DW: Reaching up on my tip-toes in order to pour a glass of wine across the bar for thirsty customers. Being 5 feet tall creates strong calves in this industry!
TVWA: Can you share one of your most memorable tasting room moments?
DW: While taking a group through a tasting, it seemed apparent that one of the younger gentlemen wanted to be sure that I knew he was wildly experienced in the world of wine. I asked if he had ever had our premium sparkling wine. No, he had not. Well, it is very exclusive and I would have to go ask my manager if I could pour it for him.
Permission granted! I went into the back and pulled out our Non-Vintage Pellegrino. It was his favorite wine of the day, and his friends appreciated his slightly shorter wine snob stance. We keep in touch, and I attended his wedding in 2016.
Rebecca Barone
Rebecca Barone, Wine Server, Monte de Oro Winery
Although Rebecca was born in in Northern California, she has called Temecula home for the past 19 years. Her 21-year-old son and his wife are serving in the Air Force, and her 18-year-old daughter just graduated high school. She has been married for 29 years, and has an adorable little Chihuahua named Cheerio.
TVWA:Do you have a favorite wine pairing?
RB: My favorite pairing is a big red with some salty Manchego or Parmigiano cheese.
TVWA: Do you have a signature tasing room style or move?
RB: I would say my style is honest and authentic but also fun and knowledgeable.
TVWA: What does life look like for you outside of the winery? Got any hobbies?
RB: My hobbies – other than wine – are being with my family, reading, hiking, and being outdoors.
Huge thanks to all the amazing winery staff who contributed to this piece. Got a favorite Wine Country tasting room rockstar? Tell us on social media and we will give them a shout out!
Temecula Valley
Southern California Wine Country Rockstars Weigh in on Common Questions about
Wine
Wine is supposed to help us relax, connect with others, and
provide a feast for all the senses. But then why does it sometimes seem so
complicated? From indecipherable tasting notes to words like “dry,” “tannic,”
“aromatic,” and “sulfites” that leave us scratching our heads, it’s a wonder we
don’t need a PhD to drink the stuff!
Fortunately, the experienced and deeply knowledgeable rockstars of
Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country are here to help! We tapped a
few of our best and brightest to answer some of your most frequently-asked wine
questions.
Wine
aficionados talk a lot about tannins, but what are they? Tannin
basically refers to the dryness, bitterness, and astringency of a wine
(typically red wine). It is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in
plants, seeds, bark, wood, leaves, and the fruit skins of
grapes used to produce the wine. Tannins can also come from the barrels
that are used when aging many wines. These wood tannins are absorbed into
the wine where various flavors become apparent.
Tannins start out tasting really dry, and it is through aging and
manipulation, that we are able to transform a harsh “tannic” wine into a
smooth, elegant, developed red wine. Tannins can be manipulated in different ways
in the different steps of winemaking: Crushing and destemming, fermentation,
aging and fining of the wine prior to bottling.
Because tannins are found in the skins of grapes, they are more
present in red wines than they are in rosé or white wines. This is because red
wines are fermented with skins, whereas whites and rosés typically aren’t.
Q. Speaking of
dryness… What does it mean when we say a wine is “dry”?
Kidding… Simply put – “dry” is the opposite of “sweet.”
All wines start out as sweet juice made from the
particular grape varietal; for example, Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon.
During the fermentation process, yeast consumes the sugar producing alcohol. So
initially, the winemaker starts with a tank that’s 100% Chardonnay grape juice,
and 0% wine. As fermentation progresses: Day 3 of fermentation 83% juice and
17% wine, Day 5 of fermentation 53% juice and 47% wine, so-on and so-on. As
fermentation continues more sweet grape juice is fermented and converted into
wine until the desired “Dryness” level is obtained. In general a “Dry” wine
will have a grape sugar level at 0.4 – 0.6% (99.6 – 99.4% of the grape juice
has been fermented by the yeast).
An interesting note is that the fruitiness of the
grape remains with the dry fermented wine. In some cases, this fruitiness is
intense and is often confused with sweetness.
Sweet wines are wines where not all of the sweet
grape juice is fermented in the wine.
Q. Ok… Dry is the
opposite of sweet, which can be confused with fruitiness. Can you explain what
the difference is between a sweet and a fruity wine?
A balanced wine encompasses a few elements
that need to be cohesive: tannin, acid, sugar, and alcohol. Sugar is the most
recognizable to our palates naturally, which is why us wine nerds often call
sweet wines the “gateway wines.”
The difference between sweet wine
and fruity wine is simple: we can measure sugar, but fruit is perceived. For
example, there are grapes that are wildly aromatic and exude sweet floral notes
like lilac and orange blossom, or ripe fruits like strawberry and white peach
such as Viognier, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat. These wines may have a perceived
sweetness due to the recognition of sweeter fruit notes but could technically
be dry.
A term y’all may have heard thrown
around your local tasting room is “residual sugar” or R.S. This is the sugar
content in the wine after the winemaker stops the fermentation process. A sweet
wine ranges from 3% R.S. to upwards of 15%. This resulting percentage goes all
the way back to farming!
In the vineyard, we measure sugar
level in Brix, which is sugar by weight. As the berries ripen on the grapevine,
their sugar level rises, which signals to the farmer that the fruit is ready to
be harvested. A higher Brix level means a higher potential alcohol content
because during fermentation, the natural and added yeast consume the sugar and produce
alcohol, along with carbon dioxide and heat.
How do we enjoy both fruity and sweet wines? With sweeter wines, try an opposing, spicy food pairing like pepper jack cheese. With a fruity wine, try something that is also fruity to create a congruent pairing. Everyone’s palate is different, but we should all strive to find a purpose for every style of wine we encounter. Cheers!
Q. Why do some wines give me headaches?
Michelle Vener
A. Michelle Vener, Tasting Room & Wine Club General Manager, Fazeli Cellars
Okay…stating the obvious first – drinking too much and not
hydrating will give you headaches. To avoid this, consume responsibly and
hydrate. Let’s assume that this is not the problem. Next…
The common misconception is that wine headaches are caused by sulfites
in wine. This is false. Sulfites do cause a few people sensitivity/allergy (1%)
but they are found in so. many. things. From dried fruit, to deli meat, to
tomato paste and even cereal- and the symptom would be more asthma-like, not a
headache. If you aren’t having reactions from dried apricots and salami, you
are likely not allergic to sulfites.
Tannin and histamines
– ding ding ding…we have a winner! This is where it’s at folks. Some people
have the misfortune of having a sensitivity/allergy to tannins, and histamines.
This is caused by two different substances found in the skin and stem of the
grapes. Without getting super geeky and going on about Phenolic
flavonoids, biogenic amines and enzymatic reactions, suffice it to say that
this is a real thing and there is a solution! If you suffer from this
allergy you can take a histamine blocker (like Claritin) before enjoying a
glass of wine and your problems will fade away (in more ways than one!).
Like many other allergens, the
symptoms of an allergy to sulfites include: hives and itchiness, flushing,
itchy throat, dizziness, trouble breathing and in some cases upset stomach,
diarrhea and vomiting. People who suffer from asthma, are much more likely to
have an allergy to sulfites.
A sulfite allergy is an adverse
immune response. It is when the immune system reacts negatively to sulfites. It
can be treated with antihistamines or oral steroids. In rare cases, it may
cause anaphylaxis and an epinephrine auto injector will be necessary to treat
the person.
Sulfites are a natural
by-product of yeast metabolism in the wine making process, so all wine contains
small amounts of sulfites. Some wine makers add sulfites which can cause
allergic symptoms to be more intensified.
And provide
much-needed support to local businesses in the process
While you may not be
able to visit your favorite wineries right now because either they are closed
or you are practicing social distancing, there are still plenty of ways to
enjoy Wine Country! Here are a few ways to stay connected:
Order some of your favorite sips. And be sure to try some new ones! Most wineries ship direct, so now’s the time to build that wine cellar you’ve always dreamed of. Not only will this give you a steady supply of wine while you are laying low at home, but it also helps these small business – many of which rely on visitation to survive – stay afloat during this tough time. We still want there to be wineries to visit when this is all over, right? The time is now to support local businesses in the ways that we can. Many wineries are offering great specials on individual bottles, gift packs, and shipping rates at the moment, so take advantage.
Get creative with wine tasting! We are seeing some of our favorite media platforms and social media influencers hosting live virtual wine tastings. Stock up on a few bottles and join in the conversation. This will help you feel connected AND teach you the art of wine tasting. Host your own with your friends online if you’re up for it!
SHARE…virtually. Again, small businesses need your help right now more than ever. With all of the at-home wine tasting you are doing, post your thoughts online! Share your tasting notes and impressions on social media, being sure to tag wineries and regions. These businesses will appreciate it.
Review. Finally get around to doing all those Yelp, Facebook, and Google reviews you swore you were going to do after all of those positive customer service experiences you had not too long ago.
Brush up on your wine studies. Taking a wine class or working toward a certification right now? Use this time to work through some of the material, take practices tests, or do timed “exam conditions” tastings. You will regret not taking advantage of the time you may find yourself with right now when life picks back up – hopefully sooner than later.
Reach out. Send a message of support to your favorite winery, tasting room staff, or winemaker letting them know you appreciate them, and asking how you can help. This is a small gesture that goes a long way right now.
We will get through this. Let’s all stay positive, be
kind, and do our part to make sure we come out the other side of this stronger
than ever. Don’t forget to wash your hands!
Ahhh….the beloved cheese board! Add what you love; omit what you don’t. It’s yours to compose. Good cheese counters typically have many selections , like truffled cheeses, luscious triple-cream cheeses, and mini cheeses meant for two. Add roasted nuts, dried fruits, condiments, and crackers. You can purchase mixed nuts in honey but making your own is a cinch. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Rosé or Sparkling Wine.
If the honey is stiff, put the jar in a saucepan of barely simmering water over low heat until the honey liquefies enough to pour. In a small serving bowl, combine the honey and the nuts.
Suggested Cheeses:
Laura Chenel Aged Crottin
Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam
Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor
Accompaniments:
Crackers and flatbreads
Sliced baguette
Prosciutto di Parma, thinly sliced
Sopressatta, thinly sliced
Black and green olives
Dried apricots, Medjool dates, and other dried California fruits
Roasted pistachios in shell
Suggested Pairings: Carter Estate Blanc de Noir Sparkling ~ Notes of strawberry and raspberry with a lovely structure that finishes off-dry with just the slightest hint of sweetness. Hart Winery 2018 Rosé of Sangiovese ~ Lightly pink, near-dry, delicately scented and flavored Rose′ wine. Miramonte Winery 2018 Rosé ~ Hints of watermelon, honeydew, sugar-dusted cantaloupe, fresh flowers, strawberry + watermelon candy and a sleek finish Thornton Winery Brut Rosé ~ You’ll appreciate its complex aromas and flavors along with a lingering finish.
With over 40 different wineries in Temecula Valley
Southern California Wine Country, there is a lot to discover. While the tasting
rooms and world class wines are part of what makes the region so special, the
people and personalities behind these wines are the true driving force behind
this remarkable destination. Let’s get to know some of them.
Tom dreamt about being a winemaker while studying
biochemistry at San Francisco State University in the 1980s, eventually falling
in love with everything wine-related while visiting wineries in Napa and Sonoma
on the weekends. 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry and a LOT of wine from
every region in the world later, Tom’s wife encouraged him to follow his dream
of making wine commercially. He earned his winemaking stripes working alongside
some of Temecula’s most iconic winemakers, including Wilson Creek’s Gus Vizgirda (then at Maurcie Car’rie), and South
Coast Winery’s Jon McPherson and Javier Flores.
Now the winemaker at Thornton Winery, he is working on defining his own style,
with the goal of making “wines with pure fruit, balance and finesse…that reflect
the character that Temecula Valley gives to the fruit.”
We caught up with him recently and asked him a few
questions.
Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association: Why did you choose Temecula
Valley as a place to make wine?
Tom: Initially, I chose Temecula Valley because it
was the closest established wine region. After moving to Walla Walla,
Washington to continue in the wine business, I realized that my heart belongs
in Southern California, for family reasons as well as for my appreciation of the
Temecula Valley as a wine region.
TVWA: What do
you see as the future of Thornton Winery?
Tom: Thornton
Winery has a long history of producing quality wines. First, it was a
sparkling wine house, with 100% of production to Méthode Champenoise produced
sparklers. We are now about 40% sparkling with the rest being red, white
and rosé table wines. I hope to see Thornton carry on that rich tradition,
while we pick up the momentum left by our past winemakers and continue to make better
and better wines.
TVWA: What do you see as the future of Temecula Valley?
Tom: Temecula Valley has a great history and
potential, and there are some wonderful wines being made here already. I
hope to see us focus on those varieties that are best suited to our climate and
region, and become a destination for serious consumers who will come to the
Temecula Valley for world class wines that they cannot find in any other region
of California.
Science always came easily to David. His love and passion
for winemaking eventually came to life as he began to study and understand the
interplay of biology, chemistry and geography in the world of wine and
winemaking. He cultivated a particular interest in Oenology – the science of
winemaking – and was able to build the various lab skills so essential in clean
and precise winemaking techniques. He then got his official start as a
winemaker under Tim Kramer of Leoness
Cellars, working seasonally in the
cellar and supporting the bottling crew.
David describes his approach to winemaking as “really straightforward.”
He stresses the importance of “wine integrity,” believing that if we label the
wine as Cabernet Sauvignon, then that’s what it should taste like. He calls
this the “quality of being honest.”
Here’s what else he had to say:
TVWA: Why did
you choose Temecula Valley as a place to make wine?
David: I like to think Temecula Valley
chose me. My first visit to Temecula
Valley was in 1992 when I was a United States Marine stationed at Camp
Pendleton, and I decided to visit some of the Temecula wineries. A few years later, after graduating from
Texas State University, I returned to Temecula and began working at Callaway
Winery in 2001 under Tim Kramer as the assistant tasting room manager. In 2018,
Temecula Valley Wine Country celebrated its 50th anniversary of the
first commercial vineyard starting in 1968. That’s my birthdate! Maybe there’s
a connection!
TVWA: What do
you see as the future of Monte de Oro Winery?
David: Although Monte De Oro just
celebrated its 10-year anniversary as a winery, it is really only in its second
phase of growth and construction. The
first phase was the planting of 72 acres of vineyard in 2002, followed by the
building and completion of the beautiful tasting room and winery in 2009. Lastly, we will complete the final phase of a
full-on natural gravity flowing wine production facility.
TVWA: What do
you see as the future of Temecula Valley?
David: I like to
think I’m still a spring chicken in this winemaking community, so I truly
believe the future belongs to the up-and-coming junior winemakers of Temecula
Valley. These winemakers have been so fortunate to have learned from their
mentors, and are now coming into their own in creating great, premium wines in
their own personally-inspired style.
Like David & Tom, Justin was always drawn
to chemistry and making things with his hands, which naturally led him to
winemaking as a career path. His first job in wine was in the tasting room at
Danza del Sol over 12 years ago, where he first developed an interest in the
production side of the business. He then began to work under winemaker Mike
Tingley and assistant winemaker Renato Sais, learning the ropes and further
cultivating his passion. He eventually climbed the ranks from cellar hand to
lab tech to cellar master and ultimately assistant winemaker under Arturo
Villareal. In 2018, he was promoted to head winemaker for both Danza del Sol
and sister property Masia
de la Vinya, an achievement he credits not only
to his education at UC Davis, but also to his three mentors, Mike, Renato and
Arturo.
Justin describes his winemaking style as “an
old-world approach, while incorporating new age techniques.” He aims to keep
things simple, guiding the grapes to where they need to be in order to show
best. “Simple yet elegant. Robust yet balanced,” he says. “Each varietal has
its own story to tell; it’s my job to put it into words.”
TVWA:Why did you choose Temecula Valley as a
place to make wine?
Justin:
I consider myself a native to the
Temecula valley, so to me the choice was easy. I’ve lived in Temecula for about
20 years, grew up playing soccer in this valley, and graduated from Great Oak
High School. I wouldn’t want to be making wine anywhere else. Not only is
Temecula my home, but its unique climate can produce some amazing wines.
TVWA: What do you see as the
future of Danza del Sol?
Justin: This year marks the 10-year anniversary for
Danza del Sol Winery. The future is looking brighter than ever. We have plans
on increasing our acreage and expanding our new wine selection. Look forward to
trying our newly bottled whites, including Albariño, Chenin Blanc, and Grenache
Blanc, starting this Spring.
TVWA: What do you see as the
future of Temecula Valley?
Justin: The sky’s the limit for the Temecula Valley,
as more acres are planted, and more wineries built. The word continues to grow
that this valley can compete with any wine region in the world. I recently
heard someone say, “San Francisco has Napa, San Diego has Temecula.”
David and
his wife Gail purchased land near South Coast Winery in 1999 to plant a
vineyard and launch hot air balloons. After purchasing another vineyard, the
couple started to learn how to grow wine grapes, ultimately inspiring them to
make wine and open a winery. When asked about his winemaking philosophy, David
says it’s not making wine in Temecula that’s difficult; it’s growing the
grapes. “Our warm climate demands new techniques to produce age-worthy, well-balanced
wines that have the potential to become really good wines. This requires
ongoing education and experimentation,” he explains. “So Vindemia’s approach is not to stand still.”
So we cornered him and asked a few more questions.
TVWA: Why did you
choose Temecula Valley as a place to make wine?
David: The choice of
place was completely based on our hot air balloon business, California Dreamin’,
moving from North San Diego to the Temecula
Valley.
TVWA: What do you
see as the future of Vindemia?
David: Vindemia’s
goal has always been to produce estate wines that fit the potential of the
region at the very highest quality. Our future is based on this production, and
our willingness to invest in this goal with people and technology. We will grow
as the quality of our wine grows.
TVWA: What do you see as the future of Temecula
Valley?
Temecula Wine Country has experienced explosive growth.
Wine regions seem to cycle and slow down over time to absorb new wineries and
vineyard planting. To find a home for new small plot vineyards and expanded
varietals, the quality of farming for these grapes will need to rapidly improve
as lower quality vineyards are removed. Temecula Valley’s reputation is slowing
and carefully growing into acceptance for producing high quality wine. Temecula
needs more experienced and seasoned winemakers [to come join us out here].
Craig started his winemaking career as a
cellar working in Washington State. His passion to create inspired him to
become a winemaker, ultimately landing him at Callaway Winery in Temecula
Valley, where he produces wine he describes as having “European influence – the
expression of terroir and varietal character.”
TWVA: Why did you choose Temecula Valley as a
place to make wine?
Craig: I chose Temecula
Valley for the Southern exposure, and the opportunity to create wines from
Southern grape varieties.
TVWA: What do
you see as the future of Callaway Winery?
Craig: I see
Callaway continuing to pursue the research and development of unique grape
varieties and wines.
TVWA: What do
you see as the future of Temecula Valley?
Craig: I see more
winemaking coming to the valley, and the development of viticulture here.
Huge
thanks to these talented and passionate winemakers for taking the time to
contribute to this story. Find out more about what’s happening in Temecula
Valley at TemeculaWines.org and VisitTemeculaValley.com.
Akash Winery Yoga Class & Wine / Every Saturday and Sunday / 9:00am-10:00am / Tickets are $25 and includes one glass of rosé or sauvignon blanc wine at conclusion of the yoga class / Tickets can be purchased the day of the class or in advance at www.akashwinery.com
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: 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 Sebastian Sidi Live in Concert / March 14 / 8:00-10:00pm / General Admission $30.00, VIP Seating $45.00 / Callaway Vineyard & Winery proudly presents, piano virtuoso and performing artist, Sebastian Sidi with special guest artist saxophonist, Shashaty, guitarist Javier Lima and special performance by comedian, Janice Remland. Sebastian combines elements of Rock, Classical and Latin creating a unique genre of its very own. You will hear instrumental favorites such as “Phantom of The Opera”, “Chiquitita”, Love Story’s “Where Do I Begin” and many others including some of Sebastian Sidi’s original compositions! Doors open at 7:00 pm for seating and red-carpet event / Purchase Tickets: https://sebastiansidi.com/shows
An
Evening with Mama Medium Jennie Marie / March 26 / 7:00pm to 9:00pm / General Admission
$75.00 / Enjoy an evening out with friends and be entertained by Jennie Marie,
Star of TLC’s Mama Medium. Share in the laughter and healing as she delivers
messages from passed loved ones / Doors open at 6:00 pm. Live group reading is
from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Cash bar open during the event. Must be 18 years of
age and older / Tickets can be purchased at www.jenniethemedium.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 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
Venezia Late Night at Carter Estate Winery / Every Friday / 6:00pm-9:00pm / Join us in the Carter Estate Tasting Room every Friday night for live music. Available for purchase are wine by the glass or bottle and delicious food / Free Admission. No reservations required
Cougar Vineyard & Winery Salsa and Bachata Dance Lesson / March 15 / 2:00-6:00pm / Tickets are $20pp for Wine Club and $25 for Non-wine club / Dance lesson and then dancing in the Barrel Room. Space is limited and this will sell out! In conjunction with Salsafama. Entry includes a glass of Dolce Bubbly upon arrival, Dance lessons 2-3p followed by Salsa dancing from 3pm to 6pm. Dolce drink specials throughout the event / Tickets available through our events web page at www.cougarvineyards.com or call 951.491.0825.
Falkner Winery Black & White Salsa Bachata / March 7 / 6:00-10:00pm; Beginner Salsa & Bachata Lesson 6pm-7pm; social dance 7pm-10pm / Salsa and Bachata Dance Show! Dress Black and, or White and come take some lessons and dance the night away in front of an awesome vineyards view from the beautiful Pinnacle restaurant at Falkner Winery! Salsa & Bachata lessons and Social Dance are free. / Includes a glass of Sangria. Tickets are $20 @ the door or visit https://store.falknerwinery.com/categories.aspx?Keyword=salsa
Vertical Cabernet Tasting with George Myers / March 28 / 10:30am-12:00pm / $50 per person plus tax; $45/person plus tax for Food & Wine Club members / Come and have some fun with George! You will be able to taste (5) of some 90-point Cabernet’s from our Library and a short class to go with! To make reservations, contact Holly at 951-676-8231 x109 or emailwineclub@falknerwinery.com
Fazeli Cellars Cooking Experience with Chef Daragh / March 26 / 6:30 – 9:30pm / $80 | $70 Members / Opening our season of cooking demonstrations with Certified Culinary Instructor Daragh Matheson (CCE, CEC) Fazeli Cellars will explore many of the classical recipes and traditional techniques used in professional kitchens around the world. We begin by our season in Italy learning to easily produce and handle fresh pasta. Each class is engineered to pair perfectly with a Fazeli Cellars wine to complete this interactive series / To reserve your spot please purchase tickets here: https://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-391443/Cooking-Experience-3262020.html
Peltzer Family Cellars Supercross Watch Party / March 14 / 4:00-9:00pm / $10 entry includes a raffle ticket to win a signed pro jersey & dirt bike gear kit. A portion of ticket proceeds goes to benefit Road 2 Recovery / Come watch the Indianapolis Supercross LIVE with us on the B I G screen in the Crush House. We’re teaming up with Road 2 Recovery to raise funds for their amazing organization that aids AMA licensed professional motocross/supercross and action sport athletes with financial assistance while recovering from debilitating injuries. They also provide emotional and motivational support to these athletes and their families / Tickets can be purchased at https://peltzerfamilycellars.orderport.net/product-details/3304/314-Supercross-Watch-Party-Ticket
Nashville Nights / March 21 / 5:00-10:00pm / $20 entry or Early Bird Specials of $34 with entry + 2 beer tickets / $40 with entry + 2 wine tickets / Line Dancing | 5 – 6 pm. We’ll have an instructor for those who wanna learn Music line-up: Lee Koch Music | 6:30 – 7:30pm; The Highwayman Show | 7:30 – 10pm |Tony Suraci and his 10-piece all-star band capture the essence of Outlaw Country as defined by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. Guest singer Payton Howie tops off this dynamic performance! It will be night to remember! / For additional information and to purchase your tickets, please visit https://peltzerfamilycellars.orderport.net/merchandise/ticketed-events
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 / 1pmand 3pm / $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 B.I.G. – Brothers Igniting a Groove / March 20 / 6:00p-9:00p / $25 cover fee Order tickets through our web site: www.thorntonwine.com / Dinner tables available; guest dinner order required. Call (951) 699-0099 to make your table reservations.
JOURNEY CAPTURED – Journey Tribute Show / March 27 / 6:00p-9:00p / $20 cover fee / Order tickets through our web site: www.thorntonwine.com / Dinner tables available; guest dinner order required. Call (951) 699-0099 to make your table reservations.
Wilson Creek Winery 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.
With gorgeous vistas, world class wines, happening tasting rooms, friendly and knowledgeable people, amazing culinary options, and year-round perfect weather, there are few better places to spend Valentine’s Day – or any day, really – than Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. But, what if you work in Wine Country? And, what if you work in Wine Country with your significant other?
Thinking about taking the
next step with your honey and opening a winery? After catching up with some of
Temecula Valley’s iconic winery couples, we learned that it is indeed possible
to keep the romance alive, even when it means spending all day together on the
job. It just involves lots
of wine, functional plumbing, and occasionally leaving work at work, which,
according to these dynamic duos, is harder that it sounds.
Les
is the winemaker and the visionary force behind the winery. Dorian focuses on
the administrative and hospitality-driven side of the business. They have been
together for over 45 years, 20 of which have been spent operating the winery
together.
TVWA: How
did you two meet?
Les: Dorian and
I were high school sweethearts.
TVWA:
Awwwww. What is the best part about working together?
Dorian: Sharing
our passion for this wonderful wine culture with one another.
TVWA: What
is the worst part?
Les:
You
never stop working. You don’t take the necessary time off away from the winery,
and the business dominates almost all of your conversations.
TVWA: Do
any moments stand out for you during your time working together?
Dorian: One harvest, under the light of the full harvest moon, Les set up a table in the middle of the vineyards. The table was complete with tablecloth, candle, wine and two glasses. Much to my surprise he wanted me to experience the magic of the energy of the vineyards just prior to harvest. As I sat there with him, I did experience the energy and sense of awe as I viewed the beautiful fruit hanging from the vines in the shadow of the moonlight, and I truly did feel the energy of the vines just as he had described. It was an enchanted evening; one I will never forget.
Nick is the winemaker and Cindy, like Christine, is “everything
else.” This seems to be a theme among winery couples!
TVWA: How
did you two meet?
Nick: We
met at Texas Lil’s in 2000, back when Old Town was a one-horse town. Cindy had
chicken pox and I asked her if she wanted to go to “Wally World.” Truth. We got
married in 2003.
TVWA: What
is the best part about working together?
Nick: The
best part is we live and raise our kids onsite, in a healthy and beautiful
environment. We live a healthy lifestyle, doing what we believe in and showing
our kids that working hard and staying true to what you believe in is rewarding
in many ways.
TVWA:
What is the worst part?
Nick: The
worst part is we never seem to “get away.” That said, we live and work where
other people dream of “getting away” to!
TVWA:
Do any moments stand out for you during your time working together?
Nick: It’s tough to pinpoint just one anecdote. Raising family, multiple farm animals and crazy customers over the years has afforded us years’ worth of stories. However, one that stands out is when a long-time customer requested a taste of our Sangiovese on his death bed. Seriously. It brought tears to our eyes.
Ray is the Chairman and CFO, in charge
of all winery operations, including production and sales. He is also in charge
of the on-site restaurant, Pinnacle. Loretta is the President and CEO, in
charge of all weddings, special events and the gift shop. They have been
together for 22 years, 19 of which have been at the winery.
TVWA: How
did you two meet?
Ray
& Loretta: We met through friends in Dallas, TX, where we were living prior
to moving to California
in
2000. While we each came from different work backgrounds (technology and
fashion retail), we merged talents to build our winery operation. We had
previously worked together at a start-up internet company in Dallas named
Shabang.
TVWA: What
is the best part about working together?
R&L:
The best part is sharing in the successes
when they occur. It also makes it easier to “bring work home” when there
are work issues that are best discussed in great length in order to arrive at
the best possible solution.
TVWA: What
is the hardest part?
R&L:
The most difficult part is when there are
wide differences of opinion and neither of us wants to give in. We can usually
get over the stubborn positions to reach a compromise though. Sometimes it is
also difficult to get away from work when you see each other most hours of the
day.
TVWA:
Do any moments stand out for you during your time working together?
R&L:
One of them was the creation of our “Luscious
Lips” wine and label. Loretta felt that the winery should produce a visually
catchy label that customers would be attracted to and purchase. She
decided two lips on the label would be the selling point. Numerous
employees and friends were asked to provide “lip imprints” so we could decide
what to use. All employees and friends were involved in the selection
process. Ray wanted the lips embossed on the label so you could feel the lips
as well as see them. The next step was the wine itself – a Syrah with
about 3% residual sugar. It was a true collaborative effort, and Luscious Lips
has been an extremely successful wine ever since.
Akash is the owner and director of the
winery, and Elena is the wine club manager. They have been together for 9
years.
TVWA: How
did you two meet?
Akash
& Elena: We met at school in 2004.
TVWA: What
is the best part about working together?
A&E:
Working together to create a place
that people love coming to visit. A place, that if it wasn’t ours, we would
visit. Plus, watching our joint visions come to life right in front of our
eyes.
TVWA: What
is the worst part?
A&E:
There is no worse part! (Cough cough)…
Not being able to shut off work after hours, and talk about things other than
the winery.
TVWA: Do
any moments stand out for you during your time working together?
A&E: We’ve only been at it for 12 months, so we are
still in our honeymoon phase of love and peace. Right now it is all memorable.
Carrie & Charlie Peltzer Photo Courtesy of @paigecreative / @temeculavalleyvibe
Charlie is a professional investor
in “rusty gold” and antiquities. Carrie is a designer. Together, she
dreams it and he builds it! Much of what you see around Peltzer Farm &
Winery are products from this duo. They have been together for 24 years.
TVWA: How did you two meet?
Carrie: My aunt and uncle lived on the
same street in Orange as Charlie and introduced us. At the time, we both had
significant others… BUT, I later found out Charlie had two farm pups named
Bonnie and Blue and I quickly fell in love with all of them. He’d take them to
work with him every day. It was adorable. The rest is history and it’s been
bliss ever since!
TVWA: What is the best part about working together?
Carrie: My favorite part about working
with Charlie is coming up with an idea, spinning it around my head, and putting
it on paper. Charlie takes once glance and he’s off building it. He loves projects
(most of the time) and I love ideas – it just works.
TVWA: What is the worst part?
Carrie: The fact that you can’t just shut
it off… without three glasses of wine, that is.
TVWA: Do
any moments stand out for you during your time working together?
Carrie: One of my favorite stories is from
while we were building the Crush House. Starbucks was getting
rid of some of their furniture for a remodel. Charlie, being
Charlie, picked up a couple of leather chairs they threw out and brought them
home. We ended up putting the two chairs in the middle of the Crush House.
Every day at 4 or 5 pm when we were done with the day, we would sit in those
chairs, relax, talk about what was next in the build, dream about the future of
the place, and crack a cold one. They’re still in Charlie’s workshop to this
day!
Steve & Valerie Andrews
Valerie & Steve Andrews, Oak Mountain Winery
Steve is the President and Valerie is the Vice President of this
dog-loving winery. They have been together for 22 years.
TVWA: How did you two meet?
Valerie: We met online on
a singles site
TVWA: What is the best part about working together?
Valerie: We have the same work ethics. We create our next
project together, from planting our vineyards over 20 years ago, to building
our 10,000 square-foot wine cave. Steve has the technical ideas and expertise
while I am the creative, artistic side.
TVWA: What is the worst part?
Valerie: There is no worst part.
TVWA:
Do
any moments stand out for you during your time working together?
Valerie: In the very beginning we bottled our small amount of
wine with a gravity feed, 4-spout bottler. Steve had the tote of wine raised on
a forklift so, by gravity, the wine would flow to the bottler that we had set
on the ground. I was in charge of putting the bottles under the spouts and then
pulling them off when full for Steve to cork. Well, sometimes the bottler would
lose its prime, so I had a syringe to suck the wine back to prime. It didn’t
work very well, so I just would suck on the end of the spout to get the wine
going again. Eight hours later there was a very happy, very drunk Val. Steve
still laughs about that one.
It is impossible to talk about
Temecula Valley Wine Country Couples without thinking about Gerry and Rosie
Wilson of Wilson Creek Winery. These two lovebirds have been together for a
whopping 65 years! Read the story of how they met here.
TVWA: What is the best part about working together?
Rosie: Being together and sharing this
journey. Knowing what each other is doing each day.
TVWA: What is the worst part?
Rosie: There isn’t one.
TVWA: Do
any moments stand out for you during your time working together?
Rosie: When
we were building the winery, someone told us that the Balloon and Wine Festival
was to be at Lake Skinner the next day. We felt that we should have something
to show people driving by our property that we were building a winery, so we
constructed a sign that said “Wilson Creek Winery” and added a white oval at
the top that said “Open Soon.” We slogged through the mud and rain and
installed it. Well, with all the problems that occurred along the way, we opened
nearly TWO years later. I guess we gave the word “soon” a new
meaning!
It looks like Gerry and Rosie started something much bigger than
their relationship when they got together, because this other iconic Wilson
Creek Couple has been together for 32 years!
TVWA: How did you two meet?
Bill: I was going to a bar early because a
person I had never met and haven’t seen since forgot his ID!
Jenifer was there
following a Heart Association fundraiser, hoping to find a handsome doctor, but
met me instead.
TVWA: What is the best part about working together?
Bill: We see each other every day!
TVWA: What is the worst part?
Bill: We see each other every day!
TVWA: Do
any moments stand out for you during your time working together?
Bill: It was when we were building the
winery, living in a double wide with no electricity & no running water,
with a 4 year old and a 2 year old. One day, my wife hands me a training potty
dispenser for me to empty, and proclaims, “It’s not your daughter’s.” That was
extremely motivating to hurry up and get the construction done!
Another
famous Temecula Valley couple, Phil and Carol Baily were among the first to
settle in Temecula Valley and build the region to what it is today.
TVWA:
How did you two meet?
Phil:
We
were introduced to each other by our sisters in 1967 in Whittier, California
where we both were raised. Our sisters felt that we were a perfect match; they
were right, because five months later we were married, and this past November,
we celebrated our 52nd wedding anniversary.
TVWA: What is the best part about working together?
Phil: Every part
of our business is the result of both of us working hard and working
together. Every major decision was made
by the two of us hashing things out, not being afraid to take the steps to
begin, and adjusting as things evolved and the environment changed. And we’re
not done yet.
Special thanks to all the
winery folks who contributed to this piece. For more about Temecula Valley Wine
Country and all the passionate people who make it so special, click HERE.
Akash Winery Valentines Valenwines Dinner with Naughty Pig Butchery / February 14 / 6.30pm – 10.30pm / $125pp / Includes 6-course meal carefully paired with Akash wine / Limited seats available / Please visit www.akashwinery.com for advanced reservations and additional information.
Avensole Winery Romantic Valentine’s Weekend Menu at Avensole / February 13th – 15th / $160 per couple, includes one glass of wine per person / Join us for a romantic four-course prix-fixe couples dinner in the Restaurant for Valentine’s weekend! Try our seasonal hand-crafted cocktails – Tickled Pink, P.S. I Love You and Avensole’s Passion. To view full Valentine’s menu, please visit our website: www.avensolewinery.com/restaurant. Reservations are recommended.
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 / See website for reservations at www.avensolewinery.com
Baily Winery Port Vertical Tasting at The Estate Tasting Room / Feb 14, 15, & 16 Hourly seating’s from 11am – 3pm / $35 per person plus tax / Tasting will be 3 vintages of Port (2003, 2006, 2009) plus a charcuterie plate and dessert for two. Tasting will take place at Baily Estate Tasting Room located on Pauba Road / Reservations with a credit card required call Lisa 951-972-9768.
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.
Bel Vino Winery Valentine’s Day Bash / February 14 / 6pm-10pm / $5pp pre-paid admission on our website or $10pp at the door / Enjoy a variety of vendors, music by DJ Mike Dillinger, beer garden featuring Garage Brewery. Full Bistro will be open / Please visit www.belvinowinery.com to reserve.
Callaway Vineyard & Winery Love is a Work of Heart / February 14 / Seating at 5pm-5:30pm or 7pm-7:30pm / $76.50 Wine Club | $85.00 General Public / We invite you to join us this Valentine’s Day to experience the work of heart that our Executive Chef, Anthony Bar, has created for this very intimate evening by indulging in a delightful four-course dinner accompanied by live music. A wine pairing option is available/ Price is per person plus tax and 20% gratuity. Reservations are recommended (951) 587-8889. Make a reservation or view the menu online: www.callawaywinery.com
Prix Fixe Friday & Sunday at Meritage / 5pm to 8pm / For $40 guests may enjoy a starter, Sleeping while pregnant isn’t easy, but a pregnancy pillow can help you feel more comfortable by supporting your bump and keeping you on your side. A good maternity pillow should not only help you lie down in the right position, but it also needs to be durable enough to keep its shape after weight is placed on it night after night. Pregily.com tests bed pillows for sleeping, plus reviews all kinds of maternity and baby products to help parents find the best items to buy. Here are the best pregnancy pillows to buy, with picks from our product experts, styles from popular brands with rave reviews from users. 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 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 13th Annual Super Chili Bowl / February 2 / 3pm-8pm / Chili Competitor (10 total): $15pp, Wineclub attendee: $25pp, non-wine club attendee $40pp / Join us for Food, Wine, Beer and Football in the Barrel Room. The chili competition kicks off at 3pm. Do you have what it takes to win? Price includes Chili Tasting, snacks, wine or beer. Price increase day of event / Please call 951.491.0825 to reserve and for additional information or visit www.cougarvinedyards.com
Sweetheart Special, Valentine’s Day / February 14 / 11a-8p / Lunch for two with a view! Make your reservation for this Heart Themed meal. Includes heart-shaped pizza, Caesar salad, 2 glasses of wine or beer, 2 heart shaped triple chocolate Ghirardelli brownies and a long stem red rose while seated in our Adirondack chairs. Reservations required; space is limited. Price is for 2 people, Wine club $50 ($60 for 6-8p), non-wine club $55 ($75 for 6-8p) / Please call 951.491.0825 to reserve and for additional information or visit www.cougarvinedyards.com
Monthly Cooking Class with Executive Chef Alex Alimirante / February 26 / 5pm-7pm / Wine club $60pp, non-wine club $65pp / Learn to make Gnocchetti under the guidance of Chef Alex! Go home with the recipe and special gnocchi paddle after making and tasting your pasta / Please call 951.491.0825 to reserve and for additional information or visit www.cougarvinedyards.com
Danza del Sol Winery Lovers’ Flight / Enjoy a Valentine’s couple paired tasting in the Club House / February 13 / Limited seating available at 11am, 1pm and 3pm / Sparkling greeting followed by 5 wines, cheese, & dessert pairings. Cost: $45 per Couple – Member; $48 per Couple – Non-members / For reservations call 951-302-6363 x21 or online at www.danzadelsolwinery.com/events
It’s LEAP YEAR…An Extra Day, Come & Play! – Blind Tasting Event in the Club House / February 29 / 3pm / How well do you know Danza wine? Come test your wine knowledge! / Cost $30 per person – Member; $35 per person – Non-Member / For reservations call 951-302-6363 x21 or online at www.danzadelsolwinery.com/events
Europa Village L’Amore at Europa Village Valentine’s Dinner / February 14 and 15 / 6:00pm-8:00pm / Tickets: $129; Société $116.10 Treat your sweetheart to an evening of romance and wine, all things lovely and divine at our Valentine’s Day Dinner L’Amore at Europa. Enjoy an intimate candlelight 5-course gourmet dinner paired with Europa Village wines. For reservations please visit www.europavillage.com
Bridal Show / February 20 / 4:00pm-7:00pm / Tickets: $5/ Tickets at the Door: $10 / Congratulations, you’re officially engaged! Please join us at Europa Village and meet some of the best wedding vendors in Temecula. Our Bridal Show is the perfect opportunity to tour all of our property and meet our event managers. Enjoy a day in wine country filled with sparkling wine, appetizers, and prizes / For tickets please visit www.europavillage.com
A Night of Comedy with Amy Ashton and Friends / February 20 / 6:00pm-8:00pm / Tickets: $58.00; Société $52.20 / Come out to Europa Village for a fun night of wine, food and laugh-out-loud comedy with headliner Amy Ashton and comics from HBO, Netflix, and Comedy Central! The Amy Ashton and Friends Stand Up and Talk Show includes lots of laughs, advice, and prizes! / For tickets please visit www.europavillage.com
Falkner Winery Valentine Heart Cork Wall Art / February 9 / 12pm-2pm / $45 per person or $80 per couple / Includes a glass of champagne, all your painting supplies needed and your corks. The perfect Valentine’s gift for your loved one! We only have 20 slots available so please get your reservations in! / Please visit www.falkerwinery.com for reservations.
Valentine Lunch Specials / February 14th – 17th / 11:30am-3pm / Valentine Lunch Special for 2 in the Pinnacle Restaurant $65 for Two + tax (regular menu available) For full menu please visit www.falknerwinery.com. Reservations required please call 951-676-8231 option 4
Valentine’s Dinner in the Pinnacle Restaurant / February 14 / 5:30pm-9:30pm / Prix Fixe menu. $134+tax per person ($124+tax wine club) Early Bird Seating at 5:30pm $114+ tax per person ($104+tax for wine club) For full menu please visit www.falknerwinery.com / Entertainment provided by Harmony Road Duo / Reservations required please call 951-676-8231 opt. 4 or visit www.falknerwinery.com
Valentine’s Dinner in the Pinnacle Restaurant / February 15 / 5:30pm-9:30pm / Prix Fixe menu. $134+tax per person ($124+tax wine club) Early Bird Seating at 5:30pm $114+ tax per person ($104+tax for wine club) For full menu please visit www.falknerwinery.com / Entertainment provided by 15th- LDR Acoustic Blend / Reservations required please call 951-676-8231 opt. 4 or visit www.falknerwinery.com
Wine Appreciation Class / February 15 / 10am-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge; $45/person /$40 Connoisseur/ $20 VIP / RSVP’s required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or email wineclub@falknerwinery.com
Fazeli Cellars A Winter Evening in Paris / February 14 / Seating times varies / $185 | $160 Members (per person) / Join Fazeil Cellars Chef Daragh Matheson and treat your special someone to a 5-course wine and food pairing dinner along with live music. To view a complete menu and additional information please visit http://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-391379/Valentines-Day-2020.html
Leoness Cellars Dinner by Candlelight in The Restaurant at Leoness / February 14 / Seating 5:30pm – 8:30pm / 4-course wine paired menu / Wine Club Members $110 pp + tax; Non-Wine Club Members $125 pp+ tax / Please note a 72 hour cancellation policy with a $40 cancellation fee / For reservations, please call 951.302.7601 ex 4
Peltzer Family Cellars Paint and Sip with Pretty Paints Party / February 6 / 6pm-9pm / $50 per painter / Pretty Paints and Peltzer Winery are pouring on the Galentine’s Fun with a step by step Paint & Sip Workshop in the Crush House. Create your own monogrammed name with wreath on wooden pallet. Template included! We’ll all be finding our creative side in the unique tasting room, which is unlike any other in Temecula’s Wine Country. We can’t wait! Live music & DJ! / To reserve please visit reserve at etsy.com/shop/prettypaintsparty
Saturday Night Fever / February 15 / 6pm-9pm / $10 entrance includes a glass of specialty Sangria / We’ve got the fever… Saturday Night Fever to be exact! Boogie on down for a groovy night at Peltzer complete with a DJ, Baja Eats, and all the disco drinks your heart’s desire. Dress in your 70’s best and enter in our costume contest! Can you dig it? / 21+ only; please reserve at www.peltzerwinery.com
Dueling Pianos / February 20 / 6pm-10pm / $45 per ticket includes a complimentary glass of our Signature Sangria / Give the gift of music to your friends, fam, or significant other for Valentine’s Day! Join us in the Crush House on February 20th from 6:00-10pm for a high energy, 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! Crush Club Members will receive 10% off tickets and 20% off wine. Food truck eats will be available for purchase at 6:00 so that y’all can grab a bite and a drink before the show starts at 7:00! *Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable* / (21+) Reserve 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
Somerset Vineyards & Winery Monty Monday’s / Come out & enjoy wine and live R&B music featuring Monty Seward! Every Monday starting Feb. 10th / 6pm-9pm / Open to the public; no cover charge. Optional reserved seating for two (2) available for $50; advanced reservations required. Cost includes a bottle of wine, charcuterie board and reserved seats for the music night. For more information and to reserve, please visit our website at www.somersetvineyard.com
Un-Valentine Package / February 14 / 5pm-9pm / $70 Public, $60 Wine Club Members / Enjoy a meal that includes a pizza and salad to share, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, hand-dipped chocolate strawberry, and one glass of wine per person/ DJ – Vreal for entertainment / To reserve, please visit www.somersetvineyard.com
Tasting Class with Certified Somm / February 16 / 10:30am-2:30pm / The four-hour class price ranges from $55 – $120 depending on individual tickets, couple tickets, member or non-member / An Entertaining Learning Experience with a Knowledgeable & Experienced Educator Instruction and Tasting with Certified Sommelier & Wine Educator George “Frankie” Franceschi. Reserve your seats for an entertaining, enthusiastic learning experience about the history of wine grape varietals, their origins, their climate preferences, and wine culture and producers. Class is informal with the opportunity for interaction / For reservations please visit www.somersetvineyard.com
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Valentine’s Day Dinner / February 14 /5:30pm-9:00pm / Celebrate your special someone with a romantic wine country three-course dinner and wine pairing. Our Executive Chef and winemaker have paired up to make this truly a night to remember / Cost: $150 per person, $199 with wine pairing / Reservations required; please visit www.wineresort.com for more information.
Cupcake & Wine Pairing / Fridays and Sundays in February / 3:00pm / Cost: $55 per person, $50 Wine Club / Available throughout February, Fridays and Sundays at 3 p.m. During the month of February, South Coast Winery offers a special Wine and Cupcake Pairing in the Tasting Room. Five award-winning wines from the vineyards will be paired with various flavored cupcakes by local baker Carly Magee / Reservations required please visit www.wineresort.com
Behind the Scene Wine Tour / Available daily / 1pmand 3pm / $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 Café Champagne’s Valentine’s Dinner / February 14 / 5:00pm – 9:00pm / A special 3-course treat for your sweet. Dinner will be accompanied with a live violinist / $84.00 pp. plus tax and gratuity / Call for Reservations (951) 699-0099 or visit www.thorntonwine.com
Wilson Creek Winery 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.
