Tag: temecula wine tasting

Behind the Vine: Harvest Predictions

During a recent conversation with one of our winemakers we had to laugh when he said “there are only three things certain in life: death, taxes and Harvest!”  That’s true…Harvest IS looming.  For months, we’ve been hearing predictions, and even some friendly wagers among our winemakers, on just when we should expect for harvest season to start.

Generally, wine harvest season takes place for about 2 months because wine grapes ripen at different times. We normally see harvest August through October.  But, in recent years, harvest has come early for most varietals due to mild winter and spring seasons and dry, hot summer months.

So, are we on track for another early Harvest?  The season definitely started with an early bud break, but we did have a longer, cooler spring than expected, so things did slow down a bit. And, following tradition the past few summers, we’ve experienced some monsoonal-type thunderstorms in the afternoons bringing much needed rain.  So what does all this mean for the start of harvest?  It’s really anyone’s guess.

But, one thing’s for sure….”Squeezin’ Season” as we lovingly refer to it around here, is just around the corner.  It’s a perfect time to visit wine country; not only are the vineyards beautiful with all that ripening fruit, but there’s a lot of activity going on in the vineyards and in the winery cellars.  And, if you’re lucky, you may get to experience part of what wine grape harvesting is all about!

August Winery Events

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Temecula Valley Wine Country this summer.  The grapes love summer and so do we! From grape stomping events, wine making workshops, movies among the vines and evening concerts, we’ve got something for everyone.  Here are just a few events from which to choose.

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays in August
11:30a-3:00p
Live music and wine specials.

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

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

Briar Rose Winery

Sip Into Sunset
Friday, August 1
5:30p-9:00
Live music, food & wine.
Call 951-308-1098 to make reservations.  Seating is limited.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

SIP, STOMP & PLAY
Saturday, August 2
6:00p-9:00p
$60 per person / $54 per person, Wine Club Members
$30 for children 4-11
Face painting, live music, dancing, grape stomping contests!

Prime Rib Fridays
Every Friday at Meritage at Callaway
5:00p-8:00p
Three-course Prime Rib dinner, wine specials & live music
$35 per person!

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Sunday at Meritage at Callaway
4:00p-8:00p
Live music and Watermelon Sangria

Falkner Winery

Sunday Concerts & BBQ
Every Sunday in August
12:00p-3:00p
Sangria, BBQ & dancing

Wine Appreciation Class
Saturday, August 16
10:00a-12:30p
$45 per person

Leoness Cellars

Live Music
Fridays 5:00p-8:00p in the Restaurant at Leoness
Sundays 1:00p-4:00p on the patio

Painting in the Vines
Wednesday, August 20
4:00p
$50 per person
Create a painting while enjoying award winning wines, artisan cheese and views.

Harvest Vineyard Tour and Tasting
Tour of winemaking facility and wine tasting
90 minutes
$40 per person
Reservations required

Lorimar Winery

Live Music
Fridays & Saturdays 6:00p-9:00p
Sundays 2:00p-5:00p
August 1  – Shultz & Hamilton
August 2 – Michael LeClerc
August 3 – Annette Da Bomb
August 8 – Guilty Conscience
August 9 – Lance Dieckson
August 10 – Fuzzy Rankin
August 15 – Radical Pie
August 16 – Kepi Payne Project
August 17 – Lance Dieckson
August 22 – Kanan Road Band
August 23- Lifetime Rocker
August 24 – Buzz Campbell
August 29 – Oceans of Sand
August 30 – Master Splinter and the Shredders
August 31 – Michael LeClerc

Epicurean Cooking Demonstration
Wednesday, August 6
4:00p-6:00p
$25 (+tax) per person / Wine Club Members – $20 (+tax) per person
Interactive cooking demo preparing Pesto Sauce & Baked Salmon and Lorimar Wine pairing.

Movie in the Vines ~ Featuring: Ratatouille
Monday, August 25
Wine Bar and Concession stand will open at 6 pm.
$1 Admission – Includes small bag of popcorn!
Film begins at Sunset on the Barrel Room Lawn!
Bring your own beach chair or blanket!

2nd Annual Game Night
Tuesday, August 26
Begins at Sunset

Monte De Oro Winery

Fuel – Live in Concert
Saturday, August 23
Doors open at 6:00p
$55 General Admission / $105 VIP Dinner Seating / Wine Club discounts are available

Mount Palomar Winery

Live Music
1:00p-4:00p
August 2 – Bodie
August 3 – Shameless
August 9 – Rum Soaked Raisins
August 10 – Harmony Road
August 16 – Bodie
August 23 – Journey Man Band
August 24 – 3 Blind Mice
August 30 – Entouraj
August 31 – Bodie

Bottles “n” Brushes (Painting Class with Wine!)
Wednesday, August 6
1:00p-4:00p
2 tickets for $80
Contact Dorothy Hawthorne at 951-302-3088 for more information.

Bottles “n” Brushes (Painting Class with Wine!)
Wednesday, August 20
1:00p-4:00p
2 tickets for $80
Contact Dorothy Hawthorne at 951-302-3088 for more information.

ESCAPE a Tribute to: JOURNEY Concert
Friday, August 22
7:00p-10:00p
For more information, please call 760-716-6295 or heyday@heyday.com

Oak Mountain Winery

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

Live Music & Food Trucks
Saturday, August 23
6:00p-9:00p
Live music by American Made and food truck fun!

Oak Mountain Winery University
2014 Spring Semester Classes
$15 per student; $12 for wine club members.  Classes run for one hour.

Bubbles 101 – Taste three of our handcrafted sparkling wines paired with artisanal cheeses.

Blending Reds – Create, bottle and label your very own blend

Wine Tasting for Dummies 101 – Our beginners class for Wine Tasters.

Rhone Wine Class 201 – Our second, more advanced class after taking Wine Tasting 101 is our Rhone Wine Tasting Class 201.

Bordeaux Wine Class 201 – You will learn how these grapes are grown and how they are harvested and processed.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Wine & Dine Chef’s Table at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Custom five-course menu paired with wine
$135 per person.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Divas in D’Vines
Every Sunday during football season
12:00p- 3:00p
Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Enjoy half priced mimosas, sangria and Spumante Diamante.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu
Monday-Thursday
11:30a -3:00p
Specially priced $9.99 lunches at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant for those aged 55 and over.

Marvelous Mondays
Every Monday at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
5:30p to 9:00p
Half-priced bottles of select featured wines with the purchase of 2 entrees.

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour
Daily
11:00a and 1:00p
$40 per person; wine club members $35
Walking wine tour culminates
Private, plated wine & cheese pairing
Reservations strongly suggested.

 Thornton Winery

Summer Concert Series
Bobby Caldwell & Keiko Matsui
Saturday, August 2
7:00p
General Admission $70 per person; Gourmet Supper $145 per person

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave.
Saturday, August 23
7:00p
General Admission $75; Gourmet Supper SOLD OUT

Al Jarreau & Vincent Ingala
Sunday, August 24
5:00p
General Admission $70; Gourmet Supper SOLD OUT

Thornton Winery’s Chef’s Counter
Friday, August 29
7:00p
$125 per person, plus tax and tip
An interactive Chef’s Table in a private kitchen.
Five-course meal prepared right in front of you.
Seating is limited to 10 people, so reservations are a must!

Wiens Family Cellars

The English Beat Summer Concert
Friday, August 15
Doors open at 5:30p

Wilson Creek Winery

Live entertainment
12:00p-4:00p
August 2 – JD Priest
August 3 – Mark Norris
August 9 – Smoothie Jones
August 10 – Buzz Campbell
August 16 – Billy Watson
August 17 – Michael Le Clerc
August 24 – Astra Kelly
August 30 – JD Priest

Wine Academy – Summer Wine Pairing Experience
Saturday, August 9
11:00a-1:00p
$35 per person; $20 per person, wine club
Enjoy learning more about wine in an informal atmosphere.

Garratt Wilkin & The Parrotheads Concert
Friday, August 15
7:00p-10:00p
$35 General Admission; Wine Club $25 (limit 2)
The #1 Jimmy Buffet tribute band is back by popular demand.

“Winemaker for a Day – Harvest Edition”
Monday-Thursday, August 18-21 (nightly)
$670 per person
One night stay at the Wilson Creek Manor, pick grapes in the vineyard, making wine in the cellar, delicious food, wine and more!
Space is very limited and reservations required.

July Winery Events

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

Baily Vineyard & Winery

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

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

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

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

Bel Vino Winery

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

Briar Rose Winery

Sip Into Sunset

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

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

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

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

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

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

Doffo Winery

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

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

Falkner Winery

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

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

Lorimar Winery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Palomar Winery

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

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

Oak Mountain Winery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

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

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

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

Marvelous Mondays
5:30p – 9p each week
Half-priced bottles of select wines with the purchase of 2 entrees.
Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here.

Wine Down Wednesdays
5:30p-9:00p through July 31st.
Enjoy live music & half-priced select appetizers w/ purchase of 2 entrees.
Enjoy with our Winemakers Reserve bottles of South Coast Wines.
Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here.

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour
Daily / 11:00a and 1:00p / $40pp / Members $35pp
Stroll the vineyards and the winery.
Private, plated wine & cheese pairing with a Wine Concierge.
Reservations strongly suggested:  Call 951.587.9463 x7219.

Thornton Winery

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

LTR
Friday, July 11  / 6:00p-9:00p

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wilson Creek Winery

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

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

Big Dreamers: David Bradley, Vindemia Winery

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

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

Interview with Winery Owner and Winemaker David Bradley, Vindemia Winery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Temecula Spring Wines and Special Sparklers for Mother’s Day

May is a big month for wine and dine celebrations! Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, weddings and spring birthdays… So what Temecula Valley wines perform best in these lovely pre-summer months? And what’s the best seasonal fare to pair them with?

*Reminder tip! Get the most balanced flavor from your bottle by using the simple 15 minute rule for serving all wine: Pull whites and rosés out of the fridge 15 minutes before drinking; put reds in the fridge for 15 minutes before drinking.

Spring Whites: Crisp Vermentino and Floral Viognier-Rousanne Blend

Try some unique whites this spring and give your family something to talk about at the next picnic. How about…

Of Spanish-Mediterranean origin, Vermentino is often a grape used in white-wine blending. Relatively low in alcohol with crisp acids, Cougar Winery offers their 100% 2013 Vermentino for $17. Serve this white alongside grilled spring vegetables like asparagus, artichokes and charred green onions.

Palumbo Family Vineyards’ Brezza di Mare Viognier-Rousanne is a Rhone-style blend (meaning in the style of the Rhone wine region in the South of France) which sells for $19.95. Made up of 75% Viognier and 25% Rousanne, this food-friendly white blend has a minerality that goes nicely with fresh seafood (think chilled mussels and shrimp) or a charcuterie platter if you’re having a weekend get-together.

Spring Reds: Fruity Merlot and Spicy Tempranillo

Lighten up with some easy-drinking reds, perfect for a spring day or evening. We recommend…

Leoness Cellars focuses on sustainable practices in the vineyards and it shows in their wines. Try the fruit-forward 2010 Vineyard Selection Merlot, $55. This bottle is a great stand-alone drinker and has a high likelihood of being consumed before the food is finished cooking. But if you must pair it with your meal, serve with a medium-rare pork loin with cherry compote or a spring pasta tossed with early-season tomatoes, asparagus and caramelized spring onions.

Miramonte Winery offers an excellent quality 2010 Tempranillo for $38.95. Technically a blend (80% Tempranillo, 10% Grenache, 10% Cinsault), this Spanish red pairs well with cooked meats hot off the grill, like lamb chops and brats served with a side of grilled peppers and onions.

Special Wines for Mother’s Day: Sparklers and Spring Three-Packs

Think ahead and pop into one of these Temecula wineries for mom’s perfect brunch beverage. Our favorites…

For special toasts to mom, there’s nothing like a sparkler. But first, some background. What’s the difference between champagne and spumante? Well, it begins with the country of origin. For a sparkling wine to be officially designated as “Champagne” it must be made in the Champagne region of northeast France. Spumante (also known as Asti Spumante) is a sparkling white wine from the Piedmont region of Italy, made from Muscat Bianco grapes.

Champagne and spumante are crafted differently as well. Unlike Champagne, Asti is not made sparkling through the use of secondary fermentation in the bottle but rather through a single tank fermentation utilizing the Charmat method. While Champagne can land anywhere on the scale between sec (sweet) or brut (dry), Spumante tends to be on the sweeter side; another well-known version is Moscato d’Asti.

Ponte Estate offers two California bubblies: the popular Moscato and the beautiful Rose Spumante. Moscato – by itself or in a Mimosa with fresh OJ or tangerine juice – pairs perfectly with your Sunday Mother’s Day brunch (think Quiche Lorraine and fruit.) Its gentle bubbles will tickle your taste buds with mellow flavors of apricot and nectarine. Even better, pick up Ponte’s Sparkling Wine Trio for $92 (or $69 wine club sale.) You’ll get a bottle of Moscato 2012, Rose Spumante 2012 and Vernaccia Nera 2011.  This sparkling trio will certainly keep glasses filled throughout your Mother’s Day celebrations.

Another top winery choice for that special Mother’s Day bottle is South Coast Winery, which makes a variety of unique California sparkling wines like Pinot Noir Rosé, Pinot Grigio Sparkling and Spumante Diamonte. Pair these with your favorite brunch items – eggs benedict, french toast with strawberries and even a ham & cheese melt topped with powdered sugar (ala Monte Carlo.) And send mom home with a bottle, too.

Last but not least, Leoness Cellars has put together a hand-selected spring three pack for your Mother’s Day picnic: White Merlot, Grenache and Melange de Blanc. The White Merlot is a lovely pink hue, bursting with berry flavors. Melange de Blanc is a Rhone-style white wine blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne and pairs perfectly with seafood, soft french cheese and seasonal fruit like fresh strawberries. The Grenache is a soft and supple medium-bodied red (a warm-climate alternative to Pinot Noir) that matches the flavor of barbecued meats and light pasta salad. Remember to serve all three of these wines cool.

Happy Spring & Happy Mother’s Day from Temecula Valley Wine Country!

Big Dreamers: Mike Rennie & Gary Winder, Leoness Cellars

In the third installment of our new blog series “Big Dreamers,” we interview veteran wine experts and longtime partners Mike Rennie and Gary Winder, owners of Leoness Cellars on De Portola Road in Temecula Valley. When Mike and Gary founded their winery in 2003, they chose the name Leoness Cellars, which means “village of dreams” in Gaelic.

Farming citrus and avocados in the region as far back as the 1970’s, Gary teamed with up with fellow farmer and friend Mike to begin their viticulture journey in 1990.  They opened the first version of the tasting room in 2003 and the upgraded edition in 2006.  Now one of the most beloved and picturesque wineries in Temecula Valley, Leoness focuses on top quality wines, sustainable practices in the vineyards and first-class service in their tasting room and restaurant.

Photo Credit: Touring & Tasting

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

Interview with Winery Owner and Winemaker Mike Rennie, Leoness Cellars

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

Gary Winder and I have been farming in Temecula for many years. We farm not only wine grapes but citrus and avocados. This harvest will be Gary’s 64th.

March Winery Events in Temecula Valley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wine Down Wednesdays
Enjoy live music & half-priced select appetizers w/ purchase of 2 entrees
Enjoy with our Winemakers Reserve bottles of South Coast Wines.
Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here.

Thursday Night Mixers
Single and want to mingle?
Thursday Nights 6 pm to 9 pm.
Regular price $15; Thur Evenings $10. Click here.

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour
Daily / 11:00a and 1:00p / $40pp / Members $35pp
Stroll the vineyards and the winery
Private, plated wine & cheese pairing with a Wine Concierge.
Reservations strongly suggested:  Call 951.587.9463 x7219.

Thornton Winery
1st Annual “Grains & Grapes” Event
Saturday, March 8 / 6:30p /
Thornton Winery pairs up with Refuge Brewery
Meet and greet with:

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

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

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

Winery Spotlight: Get to Know… Doffo Winery

The Story

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

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

The Wines

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

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

To shop the Doffo wine store online, click here.

The Tasting Room, Marketplace and Winery Tours

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

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

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

SIP AND TOUR

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

Weekdays: 11am and 2pm

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

Admission: $45/person

Tours are approximately 1 1/2 hours

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR

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

Hours: 10am – 5pm

Admission: Free

MOTODOFFO MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION VIEWING

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

Hours: Thursday and Sunday 10am – Noon

Admission: Free

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

Celebrate with Doffo

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

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

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

5 Reasons to Visit Temecula Valley During the Week

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

1.  10% Off Your Lunch.

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

Cafe Thornton, Thornton Winery

2.  No Lines. Anywhere.

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

Miramonte Winery Patio

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

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

Damian Doffo, Doffo Winery

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

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

5.  Great Hotel Rates.

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

Ponte Vineyard Inn

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

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

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

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

2014 World of Wine Event Details



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

WHEN: March 1 – 2, 10am to 4:30pm

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

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

TICKETS:

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

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

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