Tag: temecula wine country

April Winery Events

April 4, 2023

Akash Winery & Vineyards
Laughs by the Glass Comedy Show | April 7^th | Doors at 6:15, Show at 7pm. | Wood-fired pizza available before the show, wine and beer during the show | G/A tickets here.

Easter Yoga in the Vines | April 9th | 9am | Free for Yoga + Wine Club members, $20 for non-members | Reserve your mat space here.

Pizzaolo Experience with Bocconcini | April 11th | 5:30 pm. | Limited to 20 guests. Book your seat here.

Avensole Winery

Easter Brunch | April 9^th | 10:00am-5:00 pm| Easter Brunch Menu https://www.avensolewinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Easter-Menu-2023.pdf | For reservations. https://www.avensolewinery.com/restaurant/

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Easter Brunch at Meritage | A La Carte Menu.

Cougar Vinyard & Winery

Danza del Sol Winery

Wine Release Pre-Release & Concert | April 29^th | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | Sample a new wine release, live concert and grand debut of Lex Borja’s & Band, Food Truck

Doffo Winery

MotoGP Viewing (Grand Prix of the Americas) | April 16th | 9:00am – 11:00am | Watch MotoGP races on the big screen | Breakfast burritos for purchase; coffee cart sponsored by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys | Free admission; RSVP preferred. https://www.exploretock.com/doffowinery/event/267318/motogp-viewing

Winter Winemaker Dinner | April 22nd | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | Join winemakers Damian and Nadia for an intimate spring farm-to-table wine pairing dinner, featuring 4 courses paired perfectly with a signature Doffo wine | Seating is limited |

MotoGP Viewing (Grand Prix of Spain) | April 30^th | 9:00am – 11:00am | Watch MotoGP races on the big screen | Breakfast burritos for purchase; coffee cart sponsored by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys | Free admission; RSVP preferred. https://www.exploretock.com/doffowinery/event/267318/motogp-viewing

Europa Village

Inspirational Sunrise Service | April 9^th | 6:00 am | Join Europa Village and Pastor Charles for an inspirational sunrise service | Afterwards, Europa will have a selections of pastries, coffee and hot chocolate available for purchase or you can make a reservation for our Easter Sunday Brunch by calling 951.414.3802.

Fazeli Cellars

Dueling Pianos | April 29th | 6pm | Details and tickets to come

Frangipani Estate Winery

Sip & Dine Fillipino Pop-Up | April 1^st | 12:00pm – 5:00pm | For tickets visit: https://www.frangipanievents.com/upcomingevents.

Friday Fusion Cuisine | April 28^th | 12:00pm – 6:00pm | Tisoy Curatives will be serving Fillipino food

DePortola Wine Trail Big Red Fest | April 30^th | 10:00am – 5:00 pm | Purchase tickets at: deportolawinetrail.com

Longshadow Ranch Winery
Contenders Tribute Concert | April 14^th | For tickets and more info: https://www.longshadowranchwinery.com

Masia de la Vinya Winery

Easter Egg Hunt & Family Day | April 9th | 11:00am – 2:00pm. | Egg hunt for adults & kids, drink specials, kiddie mocktails, Brew Boyz Tacos from 11am-4pm

Masia’s 8^th Anniversary Brunch | April 23^rd | 10:30am – 12:30pm | Brunch paired with featured wines, live music, and wine specials | Tickets available soon, visit: https://www.danzadelsolwinery.com/.

Karoke Night | April 28^th | 5:00pm – 9:00pm | Sing It Like You Mean It with Lillian Harris | Cali Porker Food Truck 4:00pm – 8:00pm

Maurice Car’rie Winery / Ultimate Vineyards

Country Western Night | April 21st | 5:00 – 8:00pm| Live music in The Barn, 2 glasses of wine, and entry into raffles; food will be available for purchase | Tickets $20/$10 Wine Club

Monte de Oro Winery

Spring Winemakers Dinner | April 15^th | Featuring a 4 course dinner showcasing the beautiful bounty of Italy and California along with Monte De Oro’s Library Wines | Details and pricing: www.montedeoro.com.

Patio Block Party | April 21^st | 6:00 – 9:00pm | Live Music, food, and wine. Details” www.montedeoro.com.

Wine Bingo | Friday April 28^th | Door open at 6:00pm, first Bingo called at 7:00pm | Play 6 bingo games including the “Full Monte” for a case of wine, over $1200 in wine prizes | For more details visit: www.montedeoro.com

Mount Palomar

Eggstravaganza | April 9^th | Brunch, Egg hunt, petting zoo, live music, local vendors & more! Reservations available, walk-ins welcomed.

Oak Mountain Winery

Easter Brunch | April 9th | Special Easter Menu served all day long | For reservations visit: https://www.exploretock.com/oakmountainwinery/.

Peltzer Family Cellars

Thornton Winery

Easter Buffet | April 9th | 11:00am – 5:00pm | Live Music by Tim Apple and a glass of sparkling wine | $120 Adults, $70 Children (10 & Under) $108 Wine Club, $102 Reserve Club, Plus Tax & Gratuity | Event Info: https://www.thorntonwine.com/holiday-events/easter-buffet/ | For Reservation: https://bit.ly/3EEB5wL or call 951-699-0099

B.I.G. Brothers Igniting a Groove | April 14th | 6:30pm – 9:00pm | $35 General Admission, $45 Premium Table Seating |
Event Info: https://www.thorntonwine.com/friday-shows/big-april-14/. | Buy Tickets:https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/thorntonwinery/4672/event/1317032

The Journeymen – A Tribute to Journey & More | April 28^th| 6:30pm – 9:00pm | $35 General Admission, $45 Premium Table Seating | Event Info: https://www.thorntonwine.com/friday-shows/the-journeymen-april-28/ | Buy Tickets:
https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/thorntonwinery/4672/event/1317120

Wilson Creek Winery
Easter Buffet Brunch | April 9th | Seatings at 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm | Join us for a Easter Brunch Buffet in our Champagne Ballroom | Easter brunch includes buffet, live music and unlimited sparkling wines.

Chicken and Waffles with Spicy Honey Sauce

April 3, 2023

Who doesn’t love this classic American dish? It’s salty, sweet, crunchy, and savory, and you can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We’ve added an extra kick to ours with some delicious cheddar cheese and sundried tomatoes in the waffles and a spicy sweet honey sauce to top it all off. We recommend enjoying this recipe with your favorite Temecula Valley Chardonnay.

Ingredients

For the Waffles:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
2 large eggs
¼ cup melted butter
2 cups milk
2 Tbsp. Sugar
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (medium or old)
1 tbsp minced sundried tomatoes

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

For the Brine:

2 cups buttermilk
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp fresh chopped rosemary
1 tsp cracked pepper

For the Batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour
tsp corn starch
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sea salt and black pepper mix

For the Sauce:

1 cup honey
2 Tbsp chili flakes
¼ cup fresh orange juice (save some zest before juicing for a beautiful garnish!)

4 Servings

If you have the time, start the night before you want to make this dish by combining all the brine ingredients in a bowl and adding the chicken.
Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight. Otherwise, even an hour of sitting in the mixture will impart awesome flavor!
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
Start by taking all the dry waffle ingredients and mixing together in a large bowl, making sure there are no lumps.
Add the wet ingredients to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
Preheat your waffle iron and oil it lightly to prevent sticking.
Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown (around 4-6 minutes, depending on your device).
Place cooked waffles on a baking sheet and into the oven to keep warm, but don’t stack them yet.
Once your waffles are ready, preheat your oil or air fryer to 375 degrees F. Combine all the batter ingredients in a bowl.
Place the pieces of your brined chicken in this mixture, first allowing it to drip off the excess brine.
Pat on both sides until covered. Shake to remove excess.
If you are cooking using oil, carefully place chicken into the preheated pot using long tongs. If using an air fryer, arrange the pieces of chicken so they do not overcrowd.
Fry each side until golden brown (about 4-6 minutes a side) and the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees F.
Our favorite way to enjoy this dish is by layering the waffles, followed by the chicken, and drizzling the sweet and spicy honey syrup over all of it.
Notes: if you don’t have a waffle iron, cook the waffle batter in a pan and make pancakes.

Suggested Wines:

Vitagliano ~ NV Chardonnay – This wine offers full-fruit-forward flavors, round in the mouth with a hint of pear, lemon peel, and apple (crisp).

Ponte Winery ~ 2021 Chardonnay – This wine has notes of luscious ripe peach mid-palate, citrus entry, and a beautiful pineapple finish.

Europa Village ~ 2020 Late Harvest Chardonnay – This wine delivers intense grapefruit essence, candied white peach, and sweet marmalade.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

Pork Tacos with Garlic Grilled Tortillas and Avocado Cream

March 2, 2023

These lightly grilled tortillas are topped with spicy, smoky seasoned pork and creamy avocado. Pair with your favorite Temecula Viognier.

Ingredients

Avocado Cream:

1 large avocado, halved and pitted
3 tablespoons (45ml) sour cream
2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped green onion, white parts only
1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon (15ml) minced serrano (chile) pepper
½ teaspoon (2.50ml) sea salt

Pork and tortillas:

3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons (10ml) chili powder
2 teaspoons (10ml) ground cumin
2 teaspoons (10ml) dried oregano, crushed
2 teaspoons (10ml) minced garlic
¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) sea salt
3 boneless pork loin chops (about 1¼ pounds/565g), 1 inch (2.5cm) thick, each cut horizontally into 3 very thin even pieces
3 tablespoons (45ml) vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (45ml) minced garlic
8 (7-inch/18cm) corn tortillas
3 cups (180g) thinly sliced red cabbage

Serves 4

To make the avocado cream, Scoop the avocado flesh into a food processor with the sour cream, lime juice, onion, cilantro and serrano pepper, and salt. Process until smooth. Set aside.

To prepare the pork, whisk the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl.

Add the pork slices and turn them to coat all sides. Set aside.

Add the vegetable oil to a small skillet over medium heat. Add the 3 tablespoons (45ml) garlic and stir just until the garlic starts to sizzle. Remove from heat, leave in the skillet and set aside (for the tortillas).

Preheat a grill to medium-high.

Grill the pork slices for 2 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

Stack the pork in a bowl and cover it to keep it warm.

To warm the tortillas, brush one side of each tortilla with garlic oil. Grill oil-side down for 1 minute or until warmed through. Stack tortillas on a plate, oil-side up.

Cut the pork into strips ¼-inch (.65cm) wide.

To serve, top each tortilla with pork strips, avocado cream, and shredded cabbage.

Suggested Wines:

Wilson Creek ~ 2021 Viognier – This wine offers full-fruit forward flavors, round in the mouth with a hint of tangerine in the finish.

Chapin Family Vineyards ~ 2021 Viognier -This wine offers aromas of fresh honeysuckle, citrus flower, apple and banana.

Callaway Winery ~ 2021 Viognier– This wine offers notes of tropical papaya, pineapple and lemongrass with soft whispers of honeysuckle. Silky peach and nectarine combine with vanilla to close out the crisp finish

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

March Winery Events

March 2, 2023

Akash Winery & Vineyards
Paint & Sip in the Vines | Tuesday, March 7th | 5:00pm | Our private vineyard patio becomes your personal muse with a little help from Pretty Paints.

Movie Night on the Patio -Talledega Nights | March 10th | Estimated start time of 6:30 pm. | Wood-fired pizza, wine and beer, sweet stuff, and popcorn are available during the show. Entry is free!

Avensole Winery
Monroe & Co. Permanent Jewelry Pop-up Event | March 18^th | 1:00pm – 4:00pm | For more information on music and events, visit: https://www.avensolewinery.com/music-and-events/

Cougar Vinyard & Winery
St, Patrick’s Day at Cougar | March 17^th | 11:00am – 6:00pm | Enjoy Green Beer or Green White Wine all day.

Yappy Hour | March 19^th | 2:00pm – 5:00pm | On-site adoptions, raffles, Dog Deli (and people) menu | Located on the patio

Doffo Winery
Damian’s Birthday Celebration | March 11th | 6:00pm-10:00pm | Help us celebrate winemaker and CEO Damian Doffo’s birthday at this Mediterranean-themed 4-course wine pairing dinner, featuring traditional belly dancers | For tickets visit: https://shop.doffowines.com/damians-birthday-celebration-2023-p592.aspx”

Comedy in the Vines | March 25th | 6:30pm – 9:00pm | Enjoy a stand-up comedy show featuring comics Blake Bartee and Jeff Leach, hosted by Mike Vinn. | Tickets include one glass of wine and food, additional beverages for purchase | For tickets visit: https://shop.doffowines.com/comedy-in-the-vines-p598.aspx

Europa Village
Carnaval (Wine Club Member Event) | March 10^th | 6:00 pm | Say goodbye to winter with our newly reimagined wine club event, Carnaval! This year, we’re transporting you to the streets of France with an immersive and interactive Venetian-style evening in the heart of C’est la Vie | Members $25 pp (Maximum of 2 tickets) | Additional Guests $50 pp

Fazeli Cellars
Salsa Night | March 11th | 6:00 pm doors open (for those who pre-purchased tickets – tickets sold at door at 7pm) | 7:15pm beginner salsa and bachata class | 8:15pm dance, dance dance! | General admission $25 per person / $20 members (tickets sold at the door $35 per person) | Tickets include a glass of sangria | food truck available for purchase | For tickets visit: https://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-393616/Salsa-Night-31123.html.

Peltzer Family Cellars
The Peltzer Trading Post | March 5^th | 11:00am -5:00pm | Open event – all ages | Local vendors to shop from, delicious wine, DJ, kids activities, local food trucks and more!

The Killer Dueling Pianos | March 9th | 6:00pm – 9:30pm | 21+ Only | Join us at the Crush House for an interactive dueling piano performance by The Killer Dueling Pianos | Tickets are $55 each. Seating is first come, first serve and is family style | For more details and tickets visit: peltzerwinery.com.

Wilson Creek Winery
Wilson Creek Late Nights with J-Mann Music | March 31st | 5:00pm – 8:00pm |Enjoy wine, delicious food, and live music | No reservations needed

Raise a Glass to The Unstoppable Women of Temecula Valley Wine Country

March 2, 2023

Raise a Glass to The Unstoppable Women of Temecula Valley Wine Country

Temecula Valley is home to delicious wines, gorgeous vineyard views, welcoming tasting rooms, and an exciting Wine Country culinary scene. It’s also home to some absolutely inspiring women who, day in and day out, through their work in the vineyards, cellars, tasting rooms, and behind-the-scenes offices, leave their indelible marks on the bottles that grace our tables, and the experiences that go with them.

In celebration of Women’s History Month this March, as well as International Women’s Day on March 8, we want to recognize some of the amazing women in Temecula wine. We encourage you to get to know them, raise a glass to them, and, if you find yourself in Temecula Valley, come meet them in person.

Seabren Graebner, Tasting Room Manager, Peltzer Winery

Having worked at a handful of Temecula wineries for over 13 years, Seabren has had the privilege to see our beautiful valley expand and grow into what it is today. “I been fortunate to have had incredible female role models that have paved the way for me in the industry, igniting my passion for hospitality and all things Temecula Valley,” she says. “As a mom of 3, I strive to put my family first, while also pouring my heart into managing the Crush House (Tasting Room) at Peltzer Winery. I am thankful for the strong team both at work and at home that makes that possible. I hope to be an example by providing support and encouragement to women currently in or entering the industry.”

Sonya Ball, Director of Finance at Mount Palomar Winery

Sonya’s career over the last 30 years has been in finance, helping small businesses discover and build on their strengths. She’s been directly involved in the wine industry for over 14 years. As a single mom, raising two boys and working full time, she realized her true passion is in working with people, especially women, helping and empowering them to be the best version of themselves. She is also excited to be involved in the development and reorganization of the operations, and ultimately see the Mount Palomar Winery team and business flourish and thrive. “Historically the wine industry has been a male dominated field, but that is slowly changing,” she says. “Now we are seeing women winemakers, winery owners, and more women filling the upper management roles. At MPW I encourage our team to believe in themselves, to not give up. Here they are given an opportunity to show their full potential and achieve success.”

Abby Trybulski, Guest Relations Manager, Peltzer Winery

Abby’s extensive hotel background has led her to a strong career and passion for the hospitality industry. As the Guest Relations Manager at Peltzer Winery, she has an unwavering sense of responsibility to teach and inspire others to make guests feel at home, or to turn a “stranger” into a friend from their first interaction. She believes these relationships can last a lifetime, crediting her experience as well as her motivational and creative leadership style to build to higher sales and a true loyal guest base. “I am blessed to work at Peltzer where there is a culture that supports work-life balance,” she says. “However, by allowing me the support to coach and mentor, we find things to accomplish together. We celebrate our peers and our company’s successes large and small without any jealousy or competition.”

Taylor Israelsen, Executive Chef, Avensole Winery

Born in Southern California, Chef Taylor found her passion for food through her health and fitness journey, where studying nutrition allowed her to be creative with fresh ingredients. For the past five years, she has been a Chef at Avensole Winery, combining her classic French training and love for fresh, natural ingredients to create an enticing and creative menu. Taylor finds it essential to cultivate a rewarding work environment for the kitchen staff and allow team growth opportunities. “I champion an environment of inclusivity,” she says. “I always work to support my female colleagues to strive toward bettering themselves, moving up through the ranks, and ensuring that they face no barriers on their way to achieving their goals.”

Avensole is now an entirely women-owned and managed winery in Temecula Valley.

Olivia Bue, Winemaker, Robert Renzoni Vineyards

After graduating from UC Davis with a Viticulture and Enology degree, this SoCal native began broadening her experience at several wineries including two family-run operations: Mollydooker in McLaren Vale, South Australia, and Cakebread Cellars in Napa Valley. These experiences underscored her desire to work at a high-quality and family-run operation. She ultimately moved to Temecula Valley to be closer to her Southern Californian family, finally landing at Robert Renzoni, where she has been for the past eight years.

“I know many talented woman winemakers with their own personal labels as well as women running wine production facilities, some of whom I went to school with at UC Davis,” she says. “Supporting their product by sending friends to their tasting room as well as stocking my wine fridge with their new releases are ways I show my love and support. I also enjoy exposing and educating our tasting room staff about the winemaking process. This exposure gives them more confidence in the tasting room when they’re conversing with customers, and it also makes them more comfortable asking me questions about winemaking. We all share a similar passion so it’s gratifying when we get to come together!”

Kristina Filippi, Assistant Winemaker, Wilson Creek Winery

A lifelong resident of Southern California, Kristina Filippi grew up in the cradle of California’s wine-growing origins, the Cucamonga Valley. In fact, Kristina’s family has viticultural roots in Southern California related to the San Gabriel Valley that reach back to 1784. While attending college, Kristina was hired to work in the winery tasting room at Joseph Filippi Winery in Rancho Cucamonga. In 2008, she was invited by the Filippi family to learn the winemaking process from the ground up, training with enologist Tish Cooper and consultants Dr. Fred S. Nury, Emeritus Professor of Enology and Food Science at Cal State University Fresno, as well as retired winemaker and vintner Rene Biane.

She moved to Temecula in 2019 with hopes of getting in touch with those roots by learning more about the viticultural side of winemaking. Prior to joining Wilson Creek, she spent two years working in and managing vineyards in Temecula. “As a mother of two girls, and a woman working in a primarily male-dominated industry, I believe that the best action I can take to support and elevate women on a day-to-day basis is to make sure that I am striving to show up as a genuine and authentic person myself every day,” she says. “For me this means leading with clear, honest and compassionate communication, being open to reciprocal sharing of suggestions and ideas, speaking up when I see a problem, and being open to positive feedback as well as criticism. My hope is that by living and working in this manner I can help to foster an environment that empowers other women (and men for that matter) to feel comfortable to do the same, while offering encouragement in growing their own knowledge and experience in the wine industry as we all look forward to achieving and celebrating our individual and collective goals.”

Heidi Baker, Visuals and Merchandise Manager, Peltzer Winery

Heidi describes herself as “more of a guy’s girl than a girl’s girl,” and celebrates being surrounded by a variety of colleagues who share the same approach to “ruling the roost.”

“We find ourselves progressively working together as a cohesive herd,” she explains, continuing the farming analogy so fitting at Peltzer. “I bring old school to the plate with a slight chance of wisdom to pass along. They teach me new things, which helps me to grow and to not become stale. The end result may be taken different ways, but we all end up finishing together. As they say, ‘Teamwork makes the Dream work.’”

Nadia Urquidez, Assistant Winemaker, Doffo Winery

Hailing from a small town near Ensenada, Mexico, Nadia Urquidez earned a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a specialty degree in Oenology and Viticulture and has now worked with Doffo Winery for nearly eight years. Nadia is passionate about chemistry and brings a scientific approach to the Doffo winemaking team and has been instrumental in the creation of many award-winning and highly-rated wines.

“I am surrounded by amazing women,” she says. “I always try to encourage all the positive things they want to do, even if it is a small thought. I feel flattered when they ask me for advice. It doesn’t matter if it is personal or professional, I try to be there for them.”

Gabby Connelly, Director of Weddings and Events, Peltzer Winery

When this New Hampshire native and Navy Veteran isn’t busy planning the perfect day for couples deciding to tie the knot in Wine Country, she loves to spend her time outdoors hiking or snowboarding. “Things I do in my everyday life to support women is help manage a women’s military group, being a pioneering member of a women’s snowboarding and skiing group, planning and leading women’s outdoor excursions for snowboarding/skiing and constantly encouraging the strong women in my life whether they’re my co-workers or friends,” she says “Women are strong and deserve to be encouraged every day to be their best possible selves!”

Name That Winery

February 1, 2023

This winery was created by two brothers who decided to go into winemaking with a group of close friends. The name of the winery came from the street of their childhood neighborhood in the suburbs of Orange County, California. Now, this winery features wine produced from hand-made terracotta Qvevri and Amphorae from Impruneta, Italy to make Ancient Style wines so people can truly drink like the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. These wines are earthy, and minimalistic and have all the flavors from the tannins, but a creamy smooth finish instead of a hard astringent bite.

They have 7 varietals and they are distinct and unique. The barrel room has also been transformed into an Art Gallery or Museum for the history of winemaking and the art it takes to make the vessels and hand-blown glass Air Locks.

If you were sitting there thinking Somerset Winery, you are correct! (Give yourself a pat on the back!)

The Wines

Somerset Winery is located on the De Portola Trail near Robert Renzoni Vineyards. This beautiful winery offers delicious wines, great customer experiences, and a fabulous wine club.

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
Thursday 12 pm-8:30 pm
Friday – Sat 11 am-9 pm
Sun 11 am-7 pm

Wine Country Weddings in Temecula Valley

February 1, 2023

Mark the ultimate milestone in this Southern California wine destination

“Love is in the air… and everywhere I look around,” crooned the Scottish-Australian pop singer John Paul Young. And, come the month of February, he made a good point. From grocery store aisles to commercials to restaurant specials and events, romance is, indeed, everywhere you look.

The truth is, Temecula Valley is one of the most romantic places in the country year-round. With rolling hills reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside, gorgeous wineries offering everything from sparkling selections, juicy rosés, crisp whites, and plush reds, not to mention stunning vineyard views, dining and lodging among the vines, and Wine Country experiences to suit every preference, this Southern California destination is the perfect place for reconnecting with your partner… or better yet, embarking on that lifelong journey together in marriage. Few wine regions offer not only the beauty but also the robust Wine Country amenities that Temecula Valley does when it comes to wedding destinations.

With love on our brains this month, we have compiled a round-up of some of the spectacular options that Temecula Valley has to offer for anyone planning to say “I do,” Wine-Country-style.

Churon Winery

This outdoor wedding venue has a beautiful, elevated grand gazebo in which to exchange vows surrounded by panoramic views of all of Temecula Valley. The site also includes three tiers of manicured lawns, sculpted hedges, and a tranquil rock waterfall for that extra romantic touch. Want to stay on site? The Inn at Churon Winery also houses twenty-four guest suites with the option to book out every room for an entire wedding weekend. Most wedding packages include a complimentary stay for the royal couple in the spacious 900-square-foot bridal suite.

Wilson Creek Winery

Named “Most Photogenic Vineyard” by Forbes and four-time winner of Wedding Wire’s “Couple’s Choice” award, Wilson Creek is a family-owned, family-friendly property that encourages couples and their guests to feel at home during their wedding celebrations. Rolling vineyards painted with the rich colors of Wine Country surround this full-service venue and create countless spots for picture-perfect wedding photos. As an added bonus, Wilson Creek does not charge guests a room rental fee, opting instead for a food and beverage minimum, which allows couples to spend their budget on creating the perfect wedding experience.

Europa Village

This unique wedding destination along Rancho California Road in the heart of Temecula Valley showcases several different site options themed after celebrated European wine regions. Choose from a Spanish, Italian, or French backdrop at one of three gorgeous settings at Europa Village. The winery also features an Italian wedding cave with glittering chandeliers and wine barrels to capture the romance and ambiance of Europe on your wedding day, no passport required.

Maurice Car’rie Winery

If you’re thinking BIG (or small) for your wedding celebration, this charming winery features an indoor-outdoor event area that can host up to 400 guests, as well as fully-customizable wedding packages based on guest count and drink preferences. Their barn event space is flanked by the iconic Maurice Car’rie windmill that not only marks the rich history of the property – it was used from 1905 to 1965 by Yoder Camp to raise barley – but also provides a picturesque backdrop for special occasions and photos.

Altísima Winery

Couples who say “I do” at this newcomer to Temecula Valley are invited to exchange vows amongst olive trees, with pristine, rolling vineyards as their backdrop. The private lawn is a blank canvas for the reception, which allows for each couple to dream up a unique overall design and layout for their big day. Specializing in intimate weddings, custom menu creations, and specialty-crafted wine-based cocktails, Altísima can provide just about anything you could imagine to create the most memorable Wine Country wedding.

Leoness Cellars

Leoness Cellars’ panoramic ceremony site is one-of-a-kind with stunning views of Mount Palomar in the distance. After vows are exchanged and speeches are given, guests can keep the party going until midnight in the winery’s expansive Barrel Room for a truly unique wine-country wedding experience. To maintain exclusivity, Leoness only allows one wedding per day to ensure that the team can focus their attention on helping to create what some consider one of life’s most important memories.

Danza del Sol Winery

This much-loved winery not only features the Valley’s friendliest tasting room staff, it is also finally slated to begin hosting weddings starting September 2023. The ceremony site is located in the middle of the winery’s well-tended grapevines, with receptions taking place in the barrel room area that includes both indoor and outdoor space. Like Leoness Cellars, Danza del Sol also only allows one private event per day, so couples can expect their wedding team’s full attention at all times.

Gershon Bachus Vintners

This exclusive winery only hosts 25 weddings per year all of which are personally overseen by owner Christina, making this a truly high-touch wedding destination in Temecula Valley. The reception area sits adjacent to a beautiful pond and waterfall, and their hilltop winery and reception space sits above De Portola Road, offering stunning views of vineyards and ranches. The property is closed to the public prior to each wedding and also provides valet parking for total Wine Country luxury.

Peltzer Winery

This personality-packed winery, a favorite among the social media set, features rolling hills and vineyard views, canopies of lush trees and twinkling market lights, a vintage-inspired barn, and more carefully-curated stylistic elements than any mere mortal could collect in a lifetime. It’s a setting in which couples will feel like they’re being featured in a glossy magazine at every turn. Beyond brilliant aesthetics, Peltzer Winery offers plenty of versatility in event design without compromising unique character, making for the perfect mix of form and function for a Wine Country wedding.

Other great options in Temecula Valley include Bel Vino Winery, featuring some of the finest views in Wine Country not to mention a team of top-notch wedding planners at your disposal. Bel Vino’s flexible calendar and competitive pricing make this a solid choice for the lucky couple. Chapin Family Vineyards, tucked into a quiet corner of Wine Country, offers an intimate wedding venue with multiple options for ceremony and reception sites. Couples can also enjoy not feeling rushed over their wedding weekend by staying at Chapin’s exclusive vacation rental that can accommodate guests before their special day as well as a honeymoon night.

Thinking of popping the question? Let this be your sign that the time is now!

February Winery Events

February 1, 2023

Altisima Winery

Avensole Winery

Callaway Winery

Valentine’s Day Meal | Feb 14^th | Indulge yourself, and your loved ones, in a decadent, four-course, prix fixe dinner with stunning sunset vineyard views. A wine pairing option is available for an additional fee. | $120 General Public | $108 Wine Club (price is per person, tax and gratuity not included).

Doffo Winery

Samantha Doffo’s Birthday Celebration | Feb 4^th | 6pm-10pm | Performance by The Killer Dueling Pianos | One Glass of Wine Included – Food Available to Purchase | Visit our website to purchase tickets: https://shop.doffowines.com/samanthas-birthday-celebration-dueling-pianos-p583.aspx

Valentine’s Sweetheart Wine Pairing Dinner | Feb 11th | 6pm-9pm | Indulge in 4 wine-paired courses while enjoying live entertainment in our intimate MotoBarrel Room | Food and wine included | Visit our website to purchase tickets: https://shop.doffowines.com/doffo-sweetheart-dinner-2023-p585.aspx“

Doffo’s 25th Anniversary BBQ | Feb 25^th | 11am-3pm | Join the Doffo Family in celebrating 25 Years of Winemaking with a traditional Argentine BBQ | Tickets include food and one glass of wine | Visit our website to purchase tickets: https://doffowines.com/events/“

Europa Village

For The Love of Cooking with Chef Hany Ali | Feb 9th | 6 pm | Not a Chef? Don’t worry, we’re here to give you and your sweetheart an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience with an exclusive three-course meal and cooking demonstration with Executive Chef Hany Ali. If one or both of you are looking to expand your cooking and recipe repertoire, there’s no faster or more fun way than to have a pro walk you through the perfect meal | General Admission: $165 | Members: $148.50 | https://www.europavillage.com/celebrate-amore/

L’Amore Dinner | Feb 11th | 6 PM | Looking to go the extra mile? Treat that special someone to an evening of romance and wine and all things lovely and divine at our L’Amore Valentine’s dinner. Enjoy an intimate three-course gourmet dinner with exclusive wine pairings | Adults: $109 | Members: $98.10 | https://www.europavillage.com/celebrate-amore/

Valentine’s Day Dinner | Feb 14th | 5pm – 9 pm | Swoon your sweetheart with a variety of delectable and indulgent dishes like Kumamoto Oysters, Prime Beef Tenderloin, sautéed Foie Gras, and much more at Bolero Restaurant this Valentine’s Day. We promise the bonus points you’ll get for being extra thoughtful will be worth it | Reservations are strongly recommended, please call (951) 414-3802 or visit https://www.europavillage.com/celebrate-amore/

Girls’ Day Out | Feb 26th | 12 pm – 3 pm | Join Europa for a fun-filled day of food, wine, shopping, music, and a little self-care! Stroll through the courtyard at C’est la Vie with a glass of wine in hand as you savor delicious bites, sip on tantalizing wines, and shop with a variety of local vendors | Adults: $50 | Members: $45 (Ticket includes wine and food pairings) https://www.europavillage.com/celebrate-amore/

Sparkling Wine Flight | Feb 1st – Feb 28^th | Pop, fizz, clink. Add a little sparkle to your life during the month of February with our exclusive sparkling wine flight. Master the art of wine tasting as you discover the difference in the aromas, bubbles, body, and finish of each sparkling wine.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry & Wine Pairing | Feb 1st – Feb 28th | Chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven, but have you ever wondered if it could be more than that? Take your chocolate-covered strawberries to the next level and pair them with a delicious rosé, lovely red wine, and sparkling | Price: $35 (Incl. Aleatico Rosé, Libido, Sparkling Wine & Three Strawberries) | https://www.europavillage.com/celebrate-amore/

Love Locks at C’est La Vie | Feb 1st – Feb 28^th | We’re bringing a well-known tradition in Europe, where Parisians and tourists alike would declare their love for each other by writing their names on a lock, attaching it to Pont des Arts bridge in Paris, and throwing the key in the Seine River, to Europa Village. Grab a glass of wine, a sharpie, and a lock, and partake in a charming pastime \ Price: $10 (Includes: Heart-shaped lock and marker) | https://www.europavillage.com/celebrate-amore/

Tapas Tuesdays at Bolero |Tuesdays from 5 pm – 8 pm | Join us for our special take on happy hour with delicious tapas, cocktails, and live entertainment | https://www.europavillage.com/bolero/restaurant/

Fazeli Cellars

Brunch at Fazeli | Every Sunday starting February 12th | 11-3pm | Reservations recommended but not required

Salsa Night | Feb 18th | 6pm | 6:00pm – Doors open (for those who pre-purchased tickets – tickets sold at the door at 7pm only) 7:15pm – Beginner Salsa and Bachata Class 8:15pm – Dance, Dance, Dance! | General Admission: $25 (+ tax), $20 members – AT THE DOOR (7pm) $35 (+ tax) | Ticket prices Include a glass of Sangria (food available for purchase)

| Full Bar, Food Truck by Baja Shrimp, Dancing and Fun | No partner or experience needed! (21+ only) | All ticket sales are final/no refunds | https://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-393586/Salsa-Night-21823.html

Mardi Gras Mixer | Feb 25th | 3-8pm | Join us for local vendors, drink specials, wine, live music and more!”

Halter Ranch Temecula

Halter Ranch Temecula Grand Opening | Feb 10^th – Feb 12^th | Fri – Sat 11am – 6pm, Sun 11am – 3pm |

Leoness Cellars

Delightful Dinner | February 10th – February 14th, 2023 | (Excluding Monday, 2/13 as the Restaurant will be Closed) | 3-Course Pre-fixe Menu*| Members: $110 per person, Non-Members: $125 per person| Add-on Selected Wine Pairings to Compliment Dishes: $29 per person | (Bottle & By the Glass Available)

*“Delightful Dinner Menu” Will be Available Friday, February 10th through Sunday, February 12th, in addition to the Regular Restaurant Menu.

Restaurant Hours for 2/10-2/12 (Reservations are highly recommended):

Friday: 11:30am – 7:00pm
Saturday: 11:30am – 7:00pm
Sunday: 11:30am – 5:00pm

Pre-fixe Menu Only Will be Available on Tuesday, February 14th with Reservations Beginning at 4:30pm w/ Last Seating at 8:30pm.

Masia de la Vinya Winery

Karoke | Feb 24^th | Food Truck and URBN Market 4-8pm

Maurice Car’rie Ultimate Vineyards

Barrel Tasting | Feb 5^th | 11am – 4:30pm | Hosted in the Barn and The Barrel Room with our Winemaker, Gino DiMercurio,

Valentine’s Day Lunch Special | Feb 14^th | 11am – 4pm | Enjoy two paninis or soups and a bottle of Sparkling wine for just $40

Monte De Oro

Valentine’s Dinner | Feb 14^th | 6:00pm-9:00pm | Join Monte De Oro Winery for our Valentine’s Dinner!
Tickets available at https://shop.montedeoro.com/res-401794/Valentines-Dinner.html

Signature Food & Wine Series | Feb 19^th | 11:30am-1:30pm | Join Monte De Oro Winery for our Signature Food & Wine Series, featuring the culinary creations of Chef Alfred paired with our award-winning wines! |Tickets available at: https://shop.montedeoro.com/Reservation-Events

Wine Bingo | Feb 24^th | 6:30pm-9:00pm | Join MDO for a night of calling numbers and sipping your favorite MDO wine!
Tickets available at https://shop.montedeoro.com/Reservation-Events

Peltzer Family Cellars

Turn Up the Heat Salsa Night | Feb 11th | 21+ Only | Tickets online | We’re spicin’ things up in the Crush House for our first ever Turn Up the Heat Salsa Night with @kimbalight | For more details and tickets visit peltzerwinery.com. | Tickets avaliable at https://peltzerwinery.orderport.net/product-details/4290/211–Turn-Up-the-Heat-Salsa-Night

Thornton Winery

Valentine’s Day Dinner | Feb 14^th |5:00pm – 9:00pm |Enjoy a 3 course Valentine’s Day dinner in the beautiful Temecula Wine Country| $94 Adults, $34 Children (10 & Under) Plus Tax & Gratuity | Reservation Required: https://www.thorntonwine.com/holiday-events/valentines-day-at-thornton-winery/

Wilson Creek Winery
Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dinner |Feb 14^th | 7:00pm |Enjoy an exclusive 4-course dinner designed by our Executive Chef | Live music, and a bottle of Rosé Sparkling per couple to enjoy during dinner or take home to make your evening more memorable |$125 per person, $112.50 per person (wine club members) | Purchase tickets: www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

Salmon Sushi Pizza

February 1, 2023

Sushi Pizza is a fusion dish that originated in Toronto, Canada! A crispy rice patty is topped with a creamy avocado spread, sushi-grade salmon, sriracha mayo, and savory slices of nori. Pairs beautifully with a glass Temecula Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

Ingredients
Sushi Rice Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of short-grain sushi rice
2 cups water
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp raw or white sugar
1 tsp salt

Rice Pizza Base ingredients

1 egg white
2 cups cooked sushi rice
1 tbsp black and white sesame seeds

Sushi Pizza Ingredients

8 oz sushi-grade salmon thinly sliced
1/2 a sheet of Nori (seaweed paper) shredded
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 ripe avocado mashed with a pinch of salt and 1/2 of lime juice
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
1/4 tsp sesame oil
4 sprigs of washed cilantro

Directions
Sushi Rice

In a pot add all the liquids and stir until all the salt and sugar is dissolved.
Rinse rice under cold water until the water comes out clear.
Add rice to the pot and bring to a boil stirring once or twice.
Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for about 15 to 20 min or until all water is absorbed and rice is cooked.
Remove from heat and let cool.

Rice Pizza Base

pre-heat oven to 400 F
Gently fold the rice, sesame seeds, and egg together making sure not to squish the grains too much.
Lightly oil a baking pan or oven stone with oil or use a parchment or silicone pad on a baking pan to prevent sticking.
Have a little bowl of cool water nearby to wet your hands before handling the rice.
Divide the rice into 4 and using wet hands form rice balls that are 4 to 6 inches in diameter and gently flatten with your hands to about 1-inch-thick circles.
Place on a baking pan or stone and bake for 15 to 20 min. Remove from oven and let cool.

Building

Spread the mashed avocado over the baked rice pizza bases or paddies.
Place the thinly sliced salmon over the avocado placing the strips from the center to the outside rim.
Mix the nori and green onion together and sprinkle over each pizza
Combine the mayonnaise, Sriracha, and sesame oil in a small bowl and then spoon a bit into the center or drizzle it over each pizza.
Finish with a sprig of cilantro and enjoy

Suggested Wines:

Europa Village ~ 2018 Sauvignon Blanc – This wine offers a flintiness and bright acidity balance with a lovely richness of body highlighted by yellow apple and white peach.

Falkner Winery ~ 2020 Sauvignon Blanc -This delicious wine bursts with flavors of passion fruit, grapefruit, and key lime

Thornton Winery ~ 2020 Sauvignon Blanc – This popular Sauvignon Blanc offers delicious aromatics

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

Five 2023 Wine Country Resolutions We Can Get Behind in Temecula Valley

January 4, 2023

New Year, new you, right? No? That’s okay! You were probably pretty awesome, to begin with.

Either way, the start of a new year is a time to reflect on what we’ve achieved over the past twelve months, what obstacles we’ve faced, ways we can challenge ourselves, and ways we can pursue even more happiness in our lives.

And what brings more joy to life than wine? We can think of no better way to celebrate all that this crazy world has to offer than experiencing the warm, welcoming region of Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. But, it’s a new year, so why not use this fresh start to see what’s new at your favorite wineries, and experience the region in different ways?

With that in mind, we’ve come up with five great New Year’s Resolutions you can put into play right now in Temecula Valley. Happy sipping!

2023 Is the Year I… Get Out of my Wine Comfort Zone

Are you someone who seems to always gravitate to the same wine or style of wine? Perhaps you love full-bodied reds. Or sweet and cheerful sips are your go-to. Part of the “Anything but Chardonnay” crowd? The beauty of wine is that there are so many combinations and permutations on what a wine can taste like based on where the fruit is grown and how the winemaker crafts the final product that it’s nearly impossible to either categorically like or not like any given wine! One Chardonnay may be rich, full-bodied, and oaky, while another may be razor sharp, fruit-forward, and fresh. One Cabernet Sauvignon may be velvety and soft, while another one may be earthy and structured. That’s what makes the world of wine so exciting.

This is doubly true of the region of Temecula Valley, where we grow literally dozens of different grape varieties produced in many different styles from light and sweet to hearty and brooding, and everything in between. This year, make a point to try something new, like one of the many emerging grape varieties you may not have been familiar with, but that thrive in our Mediterranean climate, like Arneis, Fiano, Vermentino, Barbera, Montepulciano, and Mourvèdre. You might just discover a new favorite, or learn that your palate isn’t as picky as you thought it was!

2023 Is the Year I… Get to Know my Winemaker

When you learn more about what’s in your glass, the wine just seems to taste better. There’s something about understanding the journey from vine to grape to glass, and hearing the stories behind the wines we love, that enhances our appreciation of them. This year, why not make an effort to meet the talented people who work day-in and day-out to bring you delicious sips year-round?

The beauty of a smaller, family-winery-driven region like Temecula Valley is that the chances of you meeting a winery owner or winemaker while you’re wine tasting are actually pretty high. They’re even better if you’re out and about on a Monday through Friday! Don’t be afraid to ask tasting room staff if the winemaker is around. Chances are, he or she would be delighted to meet you and maybe even share a tank or barrel sample with you if you’re lucky.

2023 Is the Year I… Get my Hands a Little Dirty

And… if getting to know your winemaker makes your wine taste better, just think of how you’ll feel if you help make the stuff!

Temecula Valley is known for offering tons of great hands-on experiences that allow you to get even closer to what’s in your glass than you would simply uncorking and pouring.

Become a winemaker for a day at Bottaia’s immersive Blending Lab workshop, which invites you to try your hand at creating the perfect blend that you can bottle, label, and take home with you. Or, join Doffo Winery’s Barrel Club, in which you will participate in all aspects of winemaking, from harvest, to production, to bottling, and, of course, sipping.

During the harvest season, many wineries offer grape stops and other interactive experiences that encourage you to get a little dirty and find out just how much work goes into crafting that perfect bottle of wine for your table.

2023 Is the Year I… Discover the Magic of a Perfect Pairing

There’s that perfect sip of wine. And there’s that delicious bite of food. And then there’s the absolute magic that happens when the flavors of that perfect sip of wine mix and mingle with that delicious bite of food to create something even more mouth-watering together.

One of Temecula Valley’s greatest features is the selection of dining options among the vines. Unique to the region, Temecula is permitted to allow restaurants to co-exist within wineries, which is uncommon in many other domestic wine regions. A trip to Wine Country isn’t complete without experiencing the up-and-coming foodie scene that is happening in Temecula Valley, all while you sip the world-class wines from this Southern California mecca.

From casual bites like the delicious deli sandwiches and salads at Cougar Vineyard and Winery’s Sangio’s Deli, to al fresco pizzas and other Italian specialties overlooking the vines at Mama Rosa’s Trattoria at Robert Renzoni Vineyards, to more formal fine dining options like Bolero Restaurante at Europa Village or The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars, and plenty of options in between, you’re bound to discover the beauty of the perfect food and wine pairing.

Several wineries also offer tasting experiences specifically geared around food pairings, like Bottaia’s Seated Tasting with Charcuterie Pairing or Avensole Winery’s upcoming Winery Tour experiences which include seasonal wine pairings and exclusive tastings of their award-winning wines.

2023 Is the Year I… Learn that Less Can Be More

If you’re someone who has opted for Dry January, kudos to you! There are plenty of options for non-wine-related activities in Temecula Valley. However, if, like us, taking a WHOLE month off from wine sounds a bit daunting to you, why not explore some of the lighter style wines that Temecula Valley has to offer?

As we’ve said before, not all wines are created equal, and this is true for alcohol levels in wine. A quick check of your wine label will tell you the alcohol-by-volume (ABV) of the wine you are sipping. These can range anywhere from 5% for, say, a Moscato d’Asti, to a whopping 16%+ for some California red wines. Fortified wines are even higher.

Knowledge is power when it comes to what’s in your glass, so don’t be afraid to ask your server for the ABV of the wine you are being poured, or simply ask for a glass of something on the lighter side (be sure to double check though! Just because something tastes light doesn’t mean it’s got a low ABV).

Other options include choosing wines that are traditionally lower in alcohol, like some of the excellent, Champagne method sparkling wines that Temecula produces. Visit Carter Estate Winery and Thornton Winery to explore some of these selections. Or, try sharing your wine flight with your tasting partner and sip an ounce each instead of the full Monty on your own. Most servers in Temecula will happily accommodate this. Lastly, don’t be afraid of that dump bucket! All the pros use it!

However you choose to embrace the New Year, we hope it brings you plenty of delicious sips and memorable wine experiences in Temecula Valley.

Tag: temecula wine country

April Winery Events

Chicken and Waffles with Spicy Honey Sauce

Ingredients

Pork Tacos with Garlic Grilled Tortillas and Avocado Cream

Ingredients

March Winery Events

Raise a Glass to The Unstoppable Women of Temecula Valley Wine Country

Name That Winery

Wine Country Weddings in Temecula Valley

February Winery Events

Salmon Sushi Pizza

Five 2023 Wine Country Resolutions We Can Get Behind in Temecula Valley

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