Tag: temecula wine

Temecula Wine Pairings For Your Thanksgiving Table

In just a few weeks, your tummy will be rumbling and your mouth salivating with the promise of the once-a-year feast that is Thanksgiving. America’s biggest food holiday serves up the chance to do some serious (and seriously fun) wine and food pairing. Here in Temecula Valley, Southern California’s Wine Country, we’ve got the perfect wine pairings to go with each Thanksgiving course. No matter what your budget, this simple guide will have your friends and family giving thanks to you for making their holiday meal extra special.

Light Appetizers + Mellow Whites

These bright yet mellow whites pair well with lighter dishes to kick off your Thanksgiving meal. The floral notes of light white wine complement a fall salad of pears, blue cheese and walnuts; a selection of fruit and cheeses match nicely with a Chardonnay; and light Pinot Grigio will sing next to your pumpkin soup.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery 2012 Special Selection Chardonnay; $25.00

Danza Del Sol Winery 2015 Pinot Grigio; $28.00 (1st Annual People’s Choice Blind Tasting Award Winner)

Monte De Oro Winery 2015 Nostimo; $23.00 (1st Annual People’s Choice Blind Tasting Award Winner)

Herbacious Side Dishes + Spicy Reds

The spicy notes derived from these unique wine grapes pair especially well with stuffings and gravies seasoned with holiday herbs like sage, thyme and rosemary. Having a vegetarian Thanksgiving? These wines work well with earthy mushroom and winter squash dishes too!

Mount Palomar Shorty’s Bistro Red; $20.00

Avensole 2012 Second Block Zinfandel; $60.95  (1st Annual People’s Choice Blind Tasting Award Winner)

Doffo Winery 2013 Syrah; $58.00

Poultry & Meats + Bold Reds

Whether it’s wine or food, everyone looks forward to the main course. The dark fruit flavors in these big reds will enhance similar flavors in your herb-rubbed turkey or peppered roasts. Whether you’re serving poultry, lamb or beef, all three are bold enough to stand up to a rich meat course.

Baily Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon; $30.00

Fazeli Cellars 2012 Khayyam; $58.00

Wiens Family Cellars 2014 Bare Knuckle Petite Sirah; $48.00

Dessert + Sweet Wines

Your Thanksgiving meal isn’t complete without dessert, and no dessert is complete without wine – at least that’s how we feel! Apple pies and pear tarts are practically made to pair with Ponte’s sweet moscato, where red delicious apples, kiwi , pears, and apricots come together nicely with honeysuckle and jasmine undertones. Or try the People’s Choice Blind Tasting award winner, Briar Rose’s Estate Riesling with your fruit tarts or pies.  And for a special treat, buy a bottle of Renzoni port to pair with a fudgy chocolate cake.

Briar Rose 2013 Estate Riesling; $25.00 (1st Annual People’s Choice Blind Tasting Award Winner)

Ponte Winery 2015 Moscato; $28.00

Robert Renzoni Paradiso Port; $49.00

One Meal, One Wine

Looking to simplify your evening by serving one wine from start to finish? Any of these four, well-priced wines fit the bill. Each is lighter on the palate, with only subtle hints of sweetness making them suitable to drink from appetizers all the way to dessert. Bon appetit!

Maurice Car’rie 2015 Chenin Blanc; $20.95

Miramonte Winery 2014 Grenache Blanc; $28.95

Falkner Winery 2015 Sauvignon Blanc; $24.95

South Coast Winery Ruby Cuvee; $22.00

October Winery Events

The long, exhausting days of harvest are coming to a close and cooler days are signaling the start of fall here in Temecula Valley Wine Country. It’s a great time to visit and take in events such as a Halloween party at Avensole Winery, Oktoberfest at Europa Village, a murder-mystery dinner at Oak Mountain Winery – and much more!

Avensole Winery
Halloween Party / October 30 / 11am-5pm / Blind trick or treat wine tasting. Guests will win special prizes each time they can guess the correct wine. Haunted water fountains and live music by Cougrzz Rock from 1pm-4pm / Open to the public. Reservations are available for private tables by calling 951.252.2003

Live Music in the Restaurant and Marketplace Friday and Saturday from 5p-8p / All free and open to the public.

Live Music on the Tasting Room patio Saturday & Sunday from 1p-4p /All free and open to the public.

Baily Vineyard & Winery
Dog Day Sundays / Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Live acoustic music on the patio

Bel Vino Winery
Karaoke Night / Every Friday 6p-9p / Free admission / Karaoke every Friday night at Bel Vino Winery in the Barrel Room / Happy Hour from 6pm-7pm; select Bel Vino Bistro menu offered from 6p to 8:30pm / No outside food or drinks allowed.

Live Band every Saturday and Sunday / 12pm to 4pm / Admission is always free / Bands play on our Hilltop Terrace Stage

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Prix Fixe Friday at Meritage and Live Music / 5pm to 8pm / For $35 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Reservations are not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889

Brunch Specials every Sunday at Meritage / 11am / Cost is $25 / Includes a mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert.
*All food from Meritage is farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally outsourced.

Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 1pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1 barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary. For more information call 951.676.4001

Live Music at the Courtyard Patio / Every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $40pp / Available Mid-week 1pm and 3pm; Weekends 1pm and 3pm / Reserve your place for an indulgent wine and food pairing designed to tantalize the senses. Guests enjoy five specially-selected Carter Estate Winery wines paired perfectly with a variety of cured meats, artisan cheeses and accompanied with season accoutrements. Each pairing last approximately 90 minutes and is limited to just eight participants to allow for one-on-one interaction / For reservations call today: 844.851.2138

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Sunday Live Music / 2:00-5:00pm / Free to the public / Oct. 2-Don Brennan / Oct.9-James Holland / Oct.16-Will Summer

Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Free to attend / Oct. 7- Jeff Brinkman / Oct. 14- Jasmine Seek / Oct. 21- Lyndsey Carrier / Oct. 28- Evan Diamond-Goldberg / Happy Hour 2 for 1 glasses of wine from 7-8pm / Industry and Wine Club benefits honored / Deli is open until 7pm

Danza del Sol Winery
Get Sauced / October 2 / 3p-6p / Cooking demo class and small plates prepared by The M Group. Wine pairing, recipes and wine discounts / $60 pp; $54pp Wine Club Members / Tickets can be purchased at Danza del Sol Winery or by calling 951.302.6363 ext.26

Adios Taco Tuesday / October 11 / 5:30pm-8:30pm / Join us on the Tasting Room Patio for our last Taco Tuesday of the year for tacos, burritos and more! / Live Music / Admission is Free / Wine and selected beer available for purchase / Wine club discounts apply to bottle purchases only.

Food Truck Friday & 4th Annual Danza de la Muerte Halloween Party / October 28 / 5:30p-10:00pm / Join us in your best costumes, for a WICKED good time! / Devilicious Food Truck and God Save The Queen Food Truck; Music by DJ C2 Events and costume contest / $8.00* Pre-sale, $10.00* at the door; *plus tax. Includes one Spooky Cocktail per admission

Live Music on the Patio at Danza del Sol / Every Saturday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Check our website www.danzadelsolwinery.com for a schedule of performers.

Europa Village
Oktoberfest –Hof Brau Boys / October 7 / 6p-10p / Annual Oktoberfest event to benefit “All From the Heart” non-profit organization. Six local breweries, food, games & more! / Tickets are $49 to general public. Military discount 30%. / Includes entry, commemorative glass, first beer, and dinner / Must be 21 and older only / For reservations log on to www.europavillage.com

Movie in the Vines ~ “Psycho” / October 27 / 6p-8p / An outdoor screening of Psycho (Filmed in 1960- Rated R) / Free with online RSVP / Food truck, popcorn, candy and wine available for purchase / Please bring blankets / For reservations log on to www.europavillage.com

Friday Night Entertainment / 6:00-9:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / Oct. 21- Blue Fish / Oct. 28-Halloween Fright Night at Europa with Big Truth. Costume contests and more!

Live Music every Sunday / 1:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / Oct. 2- Cougrrz Rock Duo / Oct. 9- Jimmy Patton / Oct. 16- Sam & Stacy / Oct. 23- Luis Andre / Oct. 30- Joe Baldino.

Falkner Winery
Sip N Paint Class “Falling Leaves” / October 13 / 6p-8p / $45 pp. / Includes all materials and a glass of wine. Additional wine available for purchase by the glass or bottle / Reservations is required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com

Wine Appreciation Class / October 15 / 10am-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45 per person / $40 Connoisseur / $20 VIP; $70 per person with lunch option / Reservations required 951.676.8231, ext. 109 or email wineclub@falknerwinery.com

Funday, Sunday in the Yard Garden / Every Sunday in October / 12:00-3:00pm / Game Competition starts at 1pm as well as other limited availability lawn games. Taco bar, carafes of sangria, and beer will be available for purchase / Must be present to register prior to 1:00 pm for the game competition

Leoness Cellars
Live Music in The Restaurant at Leoness every Friday 5pm-8pm & Saturday 5-8pm / Free and open to the public.

Live Music in the Barrel Room Sunday 1pm-4pm / Free and open to the public.

Lorenzi Estate Vineyards & Winery
David Maldonado CD Release Event / October 9 / 12p-4p / Emmy nominated, guitar maestro David Maldonado is one of the only living Flamenco/Spanish composers left worldwide / $50 pp. includes Paella and copy of the new CD included / RSVP required and paid in advance. Contact Julie Perez 619.405.1247; Julie@maldonadomusic.com

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Night of the Living Wine-O’s / October 28th at 6:00pm / Featuring costume contests, live music, DJ and more! Tickets are $10 and include a glass of ‘Spooky Sangria’. Tickets are pre-sale only, available at Lorimar locations, and online http://www.lorimarwinery.com/feat-event-157685/Night-Of-The-Living-Wineos.html

Spooky Movie in the Vines / October 24th / Starts at sunset at Lorimar’s vineyard lawn.

Live Music Friday & Saturday / 6p-9p / Free to the public

Live Music Sunday / 2p-5pm / Free to the public

Masia de la Vinya Winery
Live Music on the Patio / Every Saturday / 12:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Enjoy great wine and live music! / Check our website www.masiadelavinya.com for a schedule of performers.

Maurice Car’rie Winery
Let’s Dance! / 7p-10p / Dance outside on the patio under the lights with our stellar line up of live bands. It’s a FREE concert! Great Music that will have you on your feet all night long! The whole family is invited! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the fun on the lawn. Food and our famous fresh baked Sourdough Brie bread and award-winning Maurice Car’rie wines will available for purchase/ October 1st / Old School – this professional rock band is hi-energy fun that performs timeless songs with a raw twist / October 15th / Lifetime Rocker – LTR combines four amazing Temecula Valley musicians in an impressive performance of technical expertise, soulful sounds, and smooth harmonies / October 29th – Kepi Payne Project – this high-energy band performs an eclectic variety of music / No cover charge for the public / For additional information call 951.676.1711 or visit www.mauricecarriewinery.com

Miramonte Winery
Live Music & Entertainment / Every Friday and Saturday / 7p-10p / Every Sunday 4p-7p / October – Indica Roots / October 7- Ruben V / October 8- Bluefish / October 14- Mickie Arnett / October 15- Tralain / October 21- JD Priest / October 22- Alaina Blair / October 28- Nathan James / October 29- Tricia Freeman / Free to the public / No reservations required. For more information please visit www.miramontewinery.com

Monte De Oro Winery
Spanish Home Style Dinner Night / October 13 / 6:30p-9:30p / Family style meal service with platters of pasta, bowls of paella, roasted pork tenderloin, toasted marcona almonds, and dessert. Come eat with friends and family and meet new ones / Cost and reservation information – $38 ($32 for wine club members) including a glass of wine / Reservations strongly encouraged: www.montedeoro.com; click on Order Events.

Epicurean Delights Lunch / October 23 / 1p-3p / A hosted 3 course plated lunch with 7 wine pairings from Monte De Oro’s award winning wine collection. Meet Chef William Campbell and learn about the food and wine pairing creations he’s developed. Afterwards, enjoy 3 additional wine tastings in Monte De Oro’s tasting room / Cost and reservation information – $50 per person ($42 for wine club members). By reservation only; limited to 40 people. Please visit www.montedeoro.com; click on Order events.

Blind Syrah Tasting / October 21 / 7:00p-9:30p / A hosted blind tasting of 10 Syrah Wines from California accompanied by epicurean appetizers, tapas and dessert. Compare and contrast before the big unveiling over dessert. Educational, relaxing and fun. Bring your friends! / Cost and reservation information – $60 per person ($54 for wine club members). Reservation required. Please visit www.montedeoro.com; click on Order events.

Mount Palomar Winery
Paint Nite Series / Pink Tree of Life – Oct. 2 / Beautiful Butterfly – Oct. 9 / I Wanna Wine You Up – Oct. 16 / Fall Pumpkin – Oct. 23 / Flower Skull – Oct. 30 / Time 1p-3p / Raise your glass to a NEW kind of night out! Paint Nite® invites you to create art over a glass of wine at a Mount Palomar Winery, guided by a professional artist and party host. Grab your friends and spend two hours drinking, laughing, and flexing your creative muscles. There’s no experience necessary and we’ll provide all the supplies, so you don’t have to worry about a thing (except having a great time!) /
Cost: $45/ Tickets at: https://www.paintnite.com/events/1100055.html

Take Steps for Crohns & Colitis / October 23 / 3:00 pm / Take Steps is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s national walk program. These walks raise funds for mission critical research and patient support programs, and help increase awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two painful and unpredictable digestive diseases. Our walks are family-friendly festivals held in more than 120 communities across the country with activities for everyone including games, music, and great food. Funds raised through Take Steps will help transform the lives of those impacted by these diseases, and support CCFA’s critical research, education, and patient support programs/
Cost: Donation / Register: www.cctakesteps.org/temecula

Live Music at Annata Bistro/Bar / Every Friday – Sunday through October, starts 10/7/16 / 5p-8p / Mount Palomar Winery’s on-site restaurant Annata Bistro/Bar is hosting live music nights every Friday – Sunday for the month of October! A local musician or band will perform live in the restaurant for all diners from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, starting on October 7th. Annata Bistro/Bar will be serving our regular weekend menu as well as craft cocktails, beer on tap, and Mount Palomar wines / Free for diners / Reservations: www.mountpalomarwinery.com/annata

Oak Mountain Winery
Woofs & Purrs in the Vines / October 16th / 12p-4p / 100% of the money earned at this event goes to Cause Fur Paws organization and towards our furry friends diabetes treatments / Admission donation of $35 includes a logo glass, one glass of wine, catered lunch and live music / For tickets and info call 9561.699.9102 or email val1@causefurpaws.org.

Menu Mayhem – Recipe for Murder / October 28th / 6p-9p / A Taste for Wine and Murder. It’s a tour of California Wine Country with its peaceful vineyards and picturesque wineries. The annual wine-tasting festival is in full swing when the body of local vineyard owner, Barry Underwood, is found hidden beneath his wine cellar. Barry has been missing for six long years but with the discovery of his body comes a wealth of new clues to solve the mystery. It’s a vintage murder and you may be a suspect. Come Join us for a gourmet dinner wine and an evening you won’t soon forget / Call 951 699-9102 or email events@oakmountainwinery.com / Book Online www.oakmountainwinery.com/events.

Ponte Winery
Live Music in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday / 6p-9p / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar open late every day, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn. The Cellar offers live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night! Sip to the sounds of a variety of musicians, from jazz sax and alternative contemporary to rock blues! / Time and Entertainment schedule varies / Free to attend / Visit www.pontevineyardinn.com for an entertainment schedule.

Happy Hour in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Monday-Thursday / 4pm-7pm / Free to attend / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, for happy hour specials on craft beer, flatbreads, wine and more!

Football Specials in The Cellar Lounge / During NFL Football Games, during business hours Sunday, Monday and Thursday /Enjoy food and drink specials in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn during NFL games! Watch the game on the big screen while enjoying your favorite Ponte wine on tap. Visit our website for more information / Cost: No cover charge, food and drink specials $4 – $15.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Haunted Wine Tours / October 28 – 31 / Start and end time: 4:00 – 5:30 pm / From October 28 through October 31, South Coast Winery has paired up some of our best “Deliciously Haunted” wines with some Spook-Tacular & Goulish Foods. Please join our Haunted Wine Tour at 4:00pm for a 90 minute adventure. Limited space, reservations required, sorry no minors allowed costumes optional / Cost: $55.00 per person, $50 per person wine club / Reservation Information: Call to reserve today. (951) 587-9463

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours / Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday/ $40pp; $35pp Wine Club Member / Learn more about our spectacular Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today /Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years of age to attend.

Sunday’s Live Musical Entertainment in Vintner’s Garden / Sunday, October 2, 16, 23, 30 / 2pm-5pm /Join us for live music entertainment in our Vintner’s Garden /October 2 & 23 – Diego Mondragon; October 16 & 30 – David Maldonado.

Music Entertainment at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant lounge / Friday & Saturday evenings through October 29th / 6pm-9pm / Join us for live music entertainment in our Vineyard Rose Restaurant lounge / October 6, 15, 28 – Alex Guillen, Guitarist; October 8 – Michael Staff, Pianist; October 14, 22, 29 – David Reynolds, Pianist; October 21 – Greg Shibley, Guitarist / Cost: FREE / No reservations required but recommended for dinner. Please check out our events calendar on SouthCoastWinery.com for more details.

Happy Hour at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant/ Monday – Friday / 3pm – 5:30pm /Join us in our Vineyard Rose Restaurant lounge for appetizers, lite bites & pizzas / Reservation Information: Reservations Recommended. 951.587.9463 ext. 7230

Break-Up with Your Make-up – Jane Iredale at the Grapeseed Spa / October 8 / 11am-3pm / Your $30 consultation includes a 30 minute session and a glass of South Coast award winning wine. Even better, you may apply the $30 to your Jane Iredale purchase / $30 due when you make your appointment / Reservation Information: Limited Space – Book today! 951.587.9463 Ext. 3513
Happy Hour at the GrapeSeed Spa / Available Monday – Friday through November 30. Gather your girlfriends and head to the GrapeSeed Spa Monday – Friday for their Wine & Dandy Happy Hour and indulge in a 50-minute body-massage cocktail, which includes a powerhouse collection of vegetable and fruit actives. This total body recovery and hydration happy hour isn’t served anywhere else! Get even happier with an award winning glass of wine and spa access / Cost: $99 / Reservation Information: Call 951-587-9463 Ext. 3513 to make your reservations today.

Happy Hour at the GrapeSeed Spa / Available Monday-Friday through November 30. Gather your girlfriends and head to the GrapeSeed Spa Monday-Friday for their Wine & Dandy Happy Hour and indulge in a 50-minute body massage cocktail, which includes a powerhouse collection of vegetable and fruit actives.  This total body recover and hyrdation happy hour isn’t served anywhere else! Get even happier with an award-winning glass of wine and spa access / Cost $99 / Reservation information: Call 951-587-9463 ext. 3513 to make your reservations today.

Thornton Winery
Sharon Ride Epilepsy Foundation Fundraiser / Oct. 9th / 7:00am when race starts / A 50 mile ride or 25 mile ride / Cost: $50 includes champagne brunch / For reservations call 649.296.0161

Friday Live Music / 6pm-9pm / $5 Cover fee / Oct. 7-Lifetime Rockers; Oct. 14-Crimson Crow; Oct. 21-Big Truth; Oct. 28-Kanan Road / Call (951) 699-0099 to reserve a table!

Jazz Concert Series Line-up:
Ottmar Liebert / Oct. 1st / 7pm / Cost: Gen. Adm. $75, GSP $150
Spyro Gyra & Lee Ritenour / Oct. 2nd / 4pm / Cost: Gen. Adm. $75, GSP $150
Brian Culbertson / Oct. 8th / SOLD OUT
Richard Elliot & Peter White / Oct. 16th / 4pm / Cost: Gen. Adm. $75, GSP $150
For tickets and information please log on to www.thorntonwine.com

Wiens Family Cellars
Refugio Wine Paired Dinner / October 28 / 6:30pm-9:30pm / A Cabernet and Malbec lover’s delight! At this event we’ll showcase three vintages of our flagship Refugio Cabernet Sauvignon along with one vintage of our Refugio Malbec; each paired with a wonderful dish! During the event our wine making team will present each vintage and discuss some of the history, attributes of the wine, and how each vintage has aged throughout the years. If you find a particular vintage that you enjoy, each of these wines will be available for purchase on this one night only! Seating is limited to the first 160 guests so be sure you claim your spot before it is too late; these events always sell out/ Cost: $90.00 ($72.00 Wine Club) / For tickets please visit our Event page at www.wienscellars.com.

Wilson Creek Winery
Taste of Tahiti ~ Polynesian Dinner Show / October 9 / 5p-10p / Join us for an extravagant dinner gala under the stars! Dine on an array of seafood such as fresh clams, mussels and oysters, along with lamb and venison flown in directly from New Zealand. Live bands, Polynesian Revue, dancers and other entertainment from the islands of Raiatea, Huahine, Hawaii and New Zealand, will get your heart pumping. You will feel like you are right there on the islands! /For more information: www.tasteoftahiti.org /Adult Dinner: $79 Child Dinner (3-12) $40 / Add unlimited wines with dinner for additional $25 per person

Wine Academy / October 9 / 1p-3p / Top notch winery instructors will make your wine experience interactive and interesting. Harvest Experience 2; Tank and Barrel Tasting with Guz Vizgirda / Cost are $45 Non-members, Wine Club $30 / For reservations call 951.699.9463

Live Entertainment / Every Saturday, 12-4 pm – FREE to public /10/1 – JD Priest / 10/2 – Jeff Tucker / 10/8 – Smoothie Jones / 10/9 – Tim Walsh / 10/15 – Apryle Dalmacio/ 10/16 – Funk Shui Planet / 10/22 – Justin Bourdreaux / 10/23 Lindsey Carrier / 10/29 – Michael Le Clerc / 10/30 – Buzz Cam
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Welcome Peltzer Family Cellars!

A big wine country welcome to our newest winery here in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country!  Peltzer Family Cellars, located just off Rancho California Rd, opened their cellars doors this week to celebrate a new chapter in the life of a deeply-rooted farming family.

September Winery Events

The kids are back in school, the evenings are getting cooler, but things are just starting to heat up in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country!  September is always a special month in wine country; we’re in the middle of harvest and are celebrating California Wine Month ~ Temecula style.  It’s such a great time to visit! Here are some of the fun events the wineries are hosting this month.

Avensole Winery
Live Music in the Restaurant and Marketplace Friday and Saturday from 5p-8p / All free and open to the public / 9/2 Harmony Road / 9/3 Izon Eden / 9/9 James Wells / 9/10 Danielle Taylor / 9/16 Jim Bianchi / 9/17 Tim Walsh / 9/23 James Wells / 9/24 Tim Cash / 9/30 Seabaz

Live Music on the Tasting Room patio Saturday 1p-4p and Sunday 2p-5p / All free and open to the public / 9/3 Michael LeClerc 1-4p / 9/4 Izon Eden 2-5p / 9/10 Hunter Pea 1-4p / 9/11 Old School Band 2-5p / 9/17 Izon Eden 1-4p / 9/18 Lucky Daze 2-5p / 9/24 Old School band 1-4p / 9/25 Danielle Taylor 2-5p

Baily Vineyard & Winery
Shakespeare in the Vines presents Equivocation / September 8, 9, 10,11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23 & 24 / Showtime starts at 7pm at Baily’s outdoor stage / Tickets: General Seating: Regular $22, Seniors 55+, Students, Military $17, Season Ticket $20. Royal Table Seating: Regular $30, Season Ticket $27 / Baily Winery maintains booth serving wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks / For ticket information please log on to www.shakespeareinthevines.com

Dog Day Sundays / Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Live acoustic music on the patio

Bel Vino Winery
Karaoke Night / Every Friday 6p-9p / Free admission / Karaoke every Friday night at Bel Vino Winery in the Barrel Room / Happy Hour from 6pm-7pm; select Bel Vino Bistro menu offered from 6p to 8:30pm / No outside food or drinks allowed.

Live Band every Saturday and Sunday / 12pm to 4pm / Admission is always free / Bands play on our Hilltop Terrace Stage

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Escape, The Ultimate Tribute to Journey Concert / Sept. 16 / 7pm-10pm / Doors open at 6:30pm / A concert under the stars! Sing and dance the night away with hit songs such as, Anyway You Want It, Separate Ways, Faithfully, Stone in Love and more / Wine, beer and food will be available for purchase / Legacy Wine Club Admission $20 / Regular Admission $25; $30 day of show / Purchase tickets at http://www.heyday.com/#!escape/geln8

Prix Fixe Friday at Meritage and Live Music / 5pm to 8pm / For $35 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Reservations are not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889
Brunch Specials every Sunday at Meritage / 11am / Cost is $25 / Includes a mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert.
*All food from Meritage is farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally outsourced.

Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 1pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1 barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary. For more information call 951.676.4001

Live Music at the Courtyard Patio / Every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $40pp / Available Mid-week 1pm and 3pm; Weekends 1pm and 3pm / Reserve your place for an indulgent wine and food pairing designed to tantalize the senses. Guests enjoy five specially-selected Carter Estate Winery wines paired perfectly with a variety of cured meats, artisan cheeses and accompanied with season accoutrements. Each pairing last approximately 90 minutes and is limited to just eight participants to allow for one-on-one interaction / For reservations call today: 844.851.2138

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Sunday Live Music / 2:00-5:00pm / Free to the public /

Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Free to attend / Happy Hour 2 for 1 glasses of wine from 7-8pm / Industry and Wine Club benefits honored / Deli is open until 7pm

Danza del Sol Winery
Taco Tuesday / Sept. 20 / 5:30pm-8:30pm / Join us on the Tasting Room Patio for tacos, burritos and more! / Live Music / Admission is Free / Wine and selected beer available for purchase / Wine club discounts apply to bottle purchases only.

Live Music on the Patio at Danza del Sol / Every Saturday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Sept. 3 – Jeff Johnson / Sept. 10 – Vivien Gaines / Sept. 17 – Sean Wiggins

Doffo Winery
Marcelo’s 65th Birthday Celebration / Sept. 24 / 6pm / Join us in celebrating our founder’s birthday, Marcello Doffo! / Enjoy a southern BBQ dinner by Lucille’s and listen to live performances by Elvis (Pala Casino Elvis) / $65 per person plus the purchase of bottle of wine per couple / For more info and reservation please go to www.doffowines.com.

Live Music by Carlos Naranjo / Sept. 4 / 1pm – 4pm / Free to attend / Enjoy Carlos sing and play his guitar on our patio.

Europa Village
Movie in the Vines –“Lego Movie” / Sept. 8 / 7:00pm-9pm / Outdoor screening of Lego Movie on our lawn area / Free with online RSVP / Food truck, popcorn & candy available for purchase.

Friday Night Entertainment / 6:00-9:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / Sept. 2 – Big Truth / Sept. 9 – Kanan Road / Sept. 16 – Blue Fish / Sept. 23 – Missy Anderson

Live Music every Sunday / 1:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / Sept. 4 – Luis Andre / Sept. 11 – Jimmy Patton / Sept. 18 – Danielle Taylor / Sept. 25 – Joe Baldino

Falkner Winery
Labor Day Weekend Concert / Sept. 2nd – 5th / 10am-5pm / Games, BBQ, and lunch specials. Live Music by Guilty Conscience, Sat., Sept. 3rd. Weekend lunch and Lobster Surf & Turf special in the Pinnacle Restaurant / Reservations requested at 951.676.8231, Option 4.

Wine Appreciation Class / Sept. 17 / 10am-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45 per person / $40 Connoisseur / $20 VIP; $70 per person with lunch option / Reservations required 951.676.8231, ext. 109 or email wineclub@falknerwinery.com

Funday, Sunday in the Yard Garden / Every Sunday in September / 12:00-3:00pm / Game Competition starts at 1pm as well as other limited availability lawn games. Taco bar, carafes of sangria, and beer will be available for purchase / Must be present to register prior to 1:00 pm for the game competition

Fazeli Cellars
Mobarak! Celebrate with Fazeli Cellars / Sept. 24 / 6pm-10pm / Mobarek! English translation is Congratulations! Come celebrate with Fazeli Cellars as we embark on our first harvest at the new winery / Delicious food, great wines and lots of dancing / 6p-7m is cocktail hour with unlimited sparkling wine, Persian fusion tray passed hors d’oeuvres, Persian food buffet and dessert table / Wine, beer, sangria and cocktails are available for purchase / Live entertainment and belly dancer / Hookah or Cigar Bar available in designated area from 8p-10p / Tickets $40 members, $50 non-members. Add $20 for Hookah or Cigar / For reservations visit www.fazelicellars.com

Hart Winery
Girls Night Out / Sept. 15 / 5pm-7pm / Enjoy wine, massages, and light appetizers / Wine Club $5 for a glass of wine, non-members $8 for a glass of wine.

Leoness Cellars
Harvest Celebration at Leoness / Sept. 30 / 6pm-10pm / Harvest is here again! The magical moment in the vineyards when we pick our grapes and celebrate the fruits of our labor! Join us for a celebration of harvest season. Enjoy wine and dinner, live entertainment and lawn games / $95 public / $85 members / For reservation log on to www.leonesscellars.com
Live Music in The Restaurant at Leoness every Friday 5pm-8pm & Saturday 5-8pm / Free and open to the public.
Live Music in the Barrel Room Sunday 1pm-4pm / Free and open to the public.

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery

Live Music Friday & Saturday / 6p-9p / Free to the public

Live Music Sunday / 2p-5pm / Free to the public

Masia de la Vinya Winery
Back to the 80’s / Sept. 9 / 6pm-8:30pm / This fun evening includes your favorite glass of Masia wine, hot grilled hamburgers with side dishes and condiments / 80’s Retro Candy Bar / Best Dressed Contest, games & prizes. DJ Phaded Mike will be spinning the tunes! / Cost $18-$20 / Reservation required. Email Erica for reservations e.jennings@masiadelavinya.com or online at www.masiadelavinya.com/events

Live Music on the Patio / 12:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Enjoy great wine and live music!

Maurice Car’rie Winery
Let’s Dance! / Sept. 3 / 7p-10p / Come join the fun and celebrate our 30 year anniversary! BIG TRUTH – a dynamic 5 piece variety, dance and party cover band that has performed over 350 shows in the 4 years they have played together. They offer versatility by covering a huge mix of music from classic and new rock favorites / Local artists will also join us to display their incredible photography and paintings / Food and award-winning Maurice Car’rie wines will available for purchase / No cover charge for the public / For additional information call 951.676.1711 or visit www.mauricecarriewinery.com

Miramonte Winery
Live Music & Entertainment / Every Friday and Saturday / 7p-10p / Every Sunday 4p-7p / Sept. 2 – Nathan James / Sept. 3 – Indica Roots / Sept. 4 – Alaina Blair / Sept. 9 – Ruben V / Sept. 10 – Bluefish / Sept. 11 – Terry Scheidt / Sept. 16 – Mickie Arnett / Sept. 17 – Missy Andersen / Sept. 18 – Lindsey Carrier / Sept. 23 – JD Priest / Sept. 24 – Midnight Satellites /Sept. 30 – Alaina Blair / Free to the public / No reservations required. For more information please visit www.miramontewinery.com

Monte De Oro Winery
Hot Havana Nights / Sept. 3 / 6:00pm-10:00pm / Salsa and Latin Dancing on Monte De Oro’s patio under the stars! Salsa instructions, Caribbean dancers, Cuban cuisine and award-winning wines; enjoy music by Ruben V & The Latin Sounds / $15 cover charge includes one glass of wine or sangria / For more information log on to www.montedeoro.com

Celebrating National Linguine Day / Sept. 15 / 6:00pm-9:00pm / Italian family style service with platters of pasta, bowls of Sunday sauce and meatballs, trays of lasagna, and dessert. Come eat with friends and family and meet new ones / $38 ($32 for wine club members), includes a glass of wine / Reservations strongly encouraged at www.montedeoro.com Click on Order Events.

Epicurean Delights Lunch / Sept. 18 / 1:00pm-3:00pm / A hosted three-course plated lunch with 7 wine pairings from Monte De Oro’s award-winning wine collection. Meet Chef William Campbell and learn about food and wine pairing creations he’s developed. Afterwards, enjoy 3 additional wine tastings in Monte De Oro’s tasting room / $50 per person ($42 for wine club members) Cover charge / Reservation only and limited to 40 people / To reserve please visit www.montedeoro.com and click on Order Events.

Sounds of Sunday / 1:00-5:00pm / Come, relax and end the weekend with a glass of wine and a Bistro entrée. Live music program every Sunday on our outdoor patio / For additional information please visit us at www.montedeoro.com

Oak Mountain Winery
Gourmet Winemaker Dinner in The Cave / Sept. 23 / 6pm-9pm / Join owner and winemaker, Steve Andrews, for a five-course dinner paired with wine for each course / For more information please visit www.oakmountainwinery.com events page or email events@oakmountainwinery.com/

Ponte Winery
Grape Stomp Festival / Sept. 25 / 4pm-9pm / Our 2016 harvest season is here, and with that comes our annual Grape Stomp Festival! Help us ring in autumn with the ultimate harvest season celebration. Everything is included for our guests: wine, a spectacular dinner, music, dancing and of course the grape stomp for our competitive guests! Find our more and purchase tickets online / Cost $89 for wine club members, $99 for non-members / Purchase tickets at shop.pontewinery.com

Live Music in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar open late every day, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn. The Cellar offers live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night! Sip to the sounds of a variety of musicians, from jazz sax and alternative contemporary to rock blues! / Time and Entertainment schedule varies / Free to attend / Visit www.pontevineyardinn.com for an entertainment schedule.

Happy Hour in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Monday-Thursday / 4pm-7pm / Free to attend / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, for happy hour for specials on craft beer, flatbreads, wine and more!

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Blessing of the Wines Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival / September 18 /4pm – 7pm / This is a fun-for-the-entire family “blessing” you don’t want to miss! Tickets include entrance to the festival, all-you-can-eat buffet, complimentary toast with the blessing, live musical entertainment, unlimited game play, PLUS the chance to win exciting prizes and everybody’s favorite: stomp those grapes. All ages welcome! / Cost: $55 Non Wine Club, $50 Wine Club, $15 Child (ages 4-12) / Reservation Information: Purchase tickets at store.wineresort.com. Separate ticket links to purchase Adult and Child tickets.

Wine, Dine and Painting / September 25th /10am-1pm /Take in the views and tap into your inner artist hosted by Wine + Vino’s Jill Roberts, then enjoy a fantastic lunch at the Vineyard Rose! This exclusive package comes with three-hour instruction and supplies to paint your masterpiece, and follows with a select lunch menu to redeem at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant. Price includes 1 glass of wine with lunch. Wine can be purchased during painting class by the glass or bottle / Cost: $75 per person, $70 Wine Club / Reservation Information: You can purchase tickets online at SouthCoastWinery.com/shop or call 951-587-9463 Ext. 5250 for more information.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours / Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday/ $40pp; $35pp Wine Club Member / Because you’ve got good taste…Get up close and personal as you learn more about our spectacular Southern California winery with a behind-the-scenes tour. From vineyards to crush pad, each tour concludes with a specially prepared wine and food pairing. Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Must be over 21 years of age to attend. Call 800-539-1375 Ext. 350 to reserve your spot today.

Chef’s Four Course Wine Down Wednesday Dinner / August 31 / 7pm / Vineyard Rose Restaurant’s Executive Chef Jason Rivas presents this exciting four-course, locally-sourced dining experience, with ultimate award-winning wine pairing with each course. Space is available for 40 people only and the first seating will begin promptly at 7 PM / Cost: 90++ per person / Reservation Information: Call 800.617.2819. All Sales are final. Chef reserves the right to substitute any item of like value without advance notice.

Music Entertainment at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant lounge / Friday & Saturday evenings through August 31st / 6pm-9pm / Join us for live music entertainment in our Vineyard Rose Restaurant lounge / Cost: FREE / No reservations required. Please check out our events calendar on SouthCoastWinery.com for more details.

Why Limit Happy to an Hour? / Happy Hours at Vineyard Rose Restaurant Monday-Friday 3:00p-5:30p / Join us in the Vineyard Rose Lounge for reduced priced selected appetizers, award winning select glasses of South Coast wines and local drafts. PLUS corkage fees are waived for any South Coast Winery wine bottles brought in to the Vineyard Rose Restaurant and consumed while dining on Wednesdays too! / Visit www.WineResort.com to view menus and find out more.

Sunday’s Live Musical Entertainment in Vintner’s Garden / September 11, September 25th / 2pm-5pm /Join us for live music entertainment in our Vintner’s Garden. Infointsale presents one of a kind bookmaker software for betting shops Featuring live music by David Maldonado / Free to attend / No reservations required.

GrapeSeed Stretch / Yoga at the GrapeSeed Spa / Saturdays: 8am Harmonizing Hatha / Sundays: 8am Hot Yoga / Resorts Guests $10 / Non-guests $20 / Spa Members: Complimentary / Call to reserve at 951.587.9463 ext. 3513

Happy Hour at the GrapeSeed Spa / Available Wednesday & Thursday through August 31 /2pm to 6pm / Gather your girlfriends and head to the GrapeSeed Spa on Wednesdays and Thursdays for their Wine & Dandy Happy Hour, starting at 2pm, and indulge in a 50-minute body-massage cocktail, which includes a powerhouse collection of vegetable and fruit actives. This total body recovery and hydration happy hour isn’t served anywhere else! Get even happier with an award winning glass of wine and spa access / Cost: $99 / Reservation Information: Call 951-587-9463 Ext. 3513 to make your reservations today.

Thornton Winery
Friday Live Music / 6pm-9pm / Free to public / Sept. 2 –Lifetime Rocker / Sept. 9 – Missy Anderson / Sept. 16 – Big Truth / Sept. 23 – Crimson Crow / Sept. 30 – Illegal Sveeds / Call (951) 699-0099 to reserve a table!

Jazz Concert Series:
Gerald Albright & Jonathan Butler / Sept. 10 / 7pm / $85 Gen. Adm.; $160 GSP
Pat Metheny / Sept. 17 / 7pm / $95 Gen. Adm.; GSP – $170
Keiko Matsui, Kenny Lattimore, Michael Lington / Sept. 24 / 7pm / $75 Gen. Adm.; $150 GSP
For reservations call 951.699.0099 ext. 3127 or ext. 129

Vindemia Winery
Adult Happy Hour / September 2 / 5pm-8pm / Light snacks available but guests are encourage to bring a picnic / Fun ukulele singer, adult comedy / Free to attend / Normal tasting, glass and bottle prices.

The Art of Wine Labels

You can’t judge a wine by its label—but a beautiful “cover” certainly can’t hurt. Temecula Valley wineries are putting just as much creativity and originality into their label designs as they are in their wines. And the results are inspiring.

Wine labels are the first thing that attracts a consumer when contemplating which wine to choose. Some first-time shoppers even choose a wine by the label–after all, the label builds the anticipation of what’s inside the bottle. It’s the quality of the wine itself that makes customers loyal fans.

Temecula Valley vintners are adorning their bottles with art that is not only beautiful, sometimes even fun, but often tells a sentimental story. The label of Lorimar Winery’s 2014 Chardonnay bears scenic photographs of the vineyard from which it came, in each of the four seasons. The images were taken by Temecula-based photographer Bodhi Smith, and the four-image work, called “Seasons of Del Oro,” is for sale on coasters and as an art piece at the winery.

Oak Mountain Winery’s Double Trouble 2013 Riesling has a bright blue label depicting Buddy and Bandit, the two beloved Queensland Heelers of vintners Valerie and Steve Andrews. The label is a watercolor painting by local artist Tamra Gerard. The artwork also can be found in “Winery Dogs of USA” book #3.

Robert Renzoni Winery’s 2013 Fiore di Fano, a Super Tuscan blend of estate-grown Cabernet, Sauvignon, Brunello Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, has special meaning to owner and winemaker Robert Renzoni. The classically styled painting that adorns the label was a gift from a special friend he met on a journey to his family’s hometown, Fano, Italy.

Wiens Winery’s Red Crowded is a red-wine blend so-named for the “crowd” of varietals in each vintage, such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Barbera, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Cabrenet Franc, Sangiovese and Syrah in the 2014. Red Crowded is one of a series, which also includes White Crowded and Pink Crowded (rosé) blends, fancifully designed featuring appropriately colored red, white and pink birds by local artist Kelly Vivanco. All three designs are available on posters and t-shirts. Do you love busty girls as we do? We offer you to browse our amazing library of bosomy chicks. Enter the world of big-breasted women at TheyAreHuge the site ! Enjoy frequent photo and video updates with famous slutty pornstars and unknown shy amateurs.

Falkner Winery’s 2014 Risque Riesling is illustrated with a sleek black pump and tube of vibrant red lipstick in a classy nod to consumers, often women, according to owner Loretta  Falkner, who like a bit of sweetness in their white wine. Risque Riesling is part of Falkner’s sweet Seductive Series, which also includes a red blend and rosé.

South Coast Winery vintner Jim Carter commissioned artist Tamra Gerard to paint a portrait of his dear Aunt Ruby as she might have looked in the 1920s for his Ruby Cuvée. Both the label and the carefully crafted sparkling Syrah in the bottle are intended to capture the effervescent charm of Ruby Carter, who was always the belle of the ball. The art can be found on t-shirts, posters, coasters and magnets in South Coast’s gift shop.

Newly opened Fazeli Cellars pays homage to owner BJ Fazeli’s homeland with a series of wines named for acclaimed Persian poets. The 2012 Ferdowsi Cabernet Franc is named for Abu Ferdowsi, widely known as the most influential figure in Persian literature, and is designed by BJ’s daughter, Romy Fazeli. The artwork features a stylized grapevine symbolizing Fazeli’s “Our Roots Run Deep” motto.

These are just a few of the beautifully designed wine labels from Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. Not only are the wines carefully and passionately crafted, so are the labels.

Drink Now…Or Cellar?? The Real Story on Aging Wine

Think all wine gets better with age?  The truth is, only a tiny fraction of wine is actually designed to stand up to and improve with aging.  In fact, 99% of all wine we buy is meant to be drunk right now. Although, when we say a wine is meant to be drunk now, we mean it is intended to be consumed within five years or so of buying it.  After those five years are up, the wine can actually start to deteriorate and lose many of the qualities that made it so delicious in the first place.

Most wines worth cellaring are considered premium wines.  Expect them to cost at least $30 a bottle.  Now, this doesn’t mean that all $30+ wines are expected to cellar well. The ability of a wine to age is influenced by many factors including grape variety, vintage, viticultural practices, wine region and winemaking style.

What’s the science behind the aging of wine?  In general, wines with a low pH (such as Pinot Noir and Sangiovese) have a greater capability of aging. With red wines, a high level of flavor compounds, such as phenolics (most notably tannins), will increase the likelihood that a wine will be able to age. Wines with high levels of phenols include Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Syrah.

The white wines with the longest aging potential tend to be those with a high amount of extract and acidity. The acidity in white wines, acting as a preservative, has a role similar to that of tannins in red wines. The process of making white wines, which includes little to no skin contact, means that white wines have a significantly lower amount of phenolic compounds, though barrel fermentation and oak aging can impart some phenols. Similarly, the minimal skin contact with rosé wine limits their aging potential.

So, you’ve found a wine you love…. how will you know if it’s worth storing? The smart approach is to buy direct from the winery and talk to them about the wine and how long they think it will last. They can definitely give you a good baseline for an expiration date. Of course, we say that wine is meant to be enjoyed, not looked at in a cellar, so pop your corks often!

Wine & The Super Bowl? You Bet!

Sure, wine may not be the first image that comes to mind when planning your Super Bowl celebration, but we’d bet that we can convince you that it should be!  Of course, when it comes to wine, we sure have a hard time imagining any celebration without it.

Here are some game day staples and some of our wine pairing recommendations:

Hot Wings ~ Riesling makes a good choice here….it will temper some of the heat of the wings!
We’d suggest: Baily Winery 2011 Riesling,  Danza del Sol Winery 2014 Riesling or Mount Palomar Winery’s 2013 Riesling

Pizza ~ Mmmm….pizza!  How about trying a Barbera with that?
We’d suggest: Europa Village 2013 Estate Barbera, Hart Winery 2012 Barbera or Ponte Family Estate Winery’s 2013 Barbera.

7 Layer Dip ~ Our favorite pairing for foods with Mexican flavors?  Malbec!
We’d suggest: Carter Estate 2011 Malbec, Doffo Winery 2013 Malbec or Foot Path Winery’s 2012 Malbec,

Burgers ~ Those of us in Southern California are lucky enough to be able to grill on most Super Bowl Sundays.  If you get that lucky, why not grill up a burger and enjoy with a hearty glass of Chardonnay?
We’d suggest: Oak Mountain Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Thornton Winery 2013 Chardonnay or Wilson Creek Winery’s  2014 “Yes Dear” Chardonnay

So, as you can see, wine and Super Bowl fare really are a match made in football heaven!

Perfect Pairings: Pumpkin & Wine

October….it’s the time of year we’re dragging the kids to the neighborhood pumpkin patch, decorating the house for fall and for some of us, already thinking about all of the yummy pumpkin recipes we want to make. From pumpkin soup, to pumpkin pie and everything in between, we’ve got a wine that will pair with it! Here are some tips for pairing wines with your favorite pumpkin dishes.

When the cold weather returns, there’s nothing better than a nice, big, bowl of soup. This time of year, pumpkin soup is a good choice. We’d most likely pair our soup with Chardonnay, Viognier and even Gewürztraminer. For you red lovers, try a Cabernet or Merlot. Try these: South Coast Winery 2011 Chardonnay Sans Chêne, Thornton Winery 2013 Viognier, Maurice Car’rie 2013 Gewürztraminer, Frangipani Estate Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lorimar Winery 2012 Allegro Merlot.

Pumpkin Risotto would pair well with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chenin Blanc. You may want to eat the whole bowl of risotto by itself (and we wouldn’t blame you), but it makes for a great side dish with roasted chicken too. Try these: Hart Winery 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Ponte Family Estate Winery 2014 Pinot Grigio, Maurice Car’rie Winery 2012 Chenin Blanc. Lyderystės mokymai, Primum Esse vadovų atranka

And, for our personal favorite….Pumpkin Pie. There are endless possibilities here. A Riesling or Muscat would be amazing. Better yet, get in the holiday celebrating mood and pop open a bottle of bubbly to enjoy with your pie. Try these: Miramonte Winery 2014 Riesling, Europa Village 2014 Bolero Estate Muscat Canelli, Wilson Creek Winery Grand Cuvee Sparkling Wine.

As you can see, although pumpkin dishes seem hard to pair wine with, there really are a lot of possibilities. Enjoy pumpkin season, all!

October Winery Events

Although Fall is here, there’s still plenty of abundant sunshine here in Temecula Valley!  That means that there’s still time to enjoy wine tasting on the patio of your favorite Temecula Winery, take in a concert or attend a winemaker dinner.  There are lots of fun and unique events going on in October.  Take a look!

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Shakespeare in the Vines at Baily Winery
Charley’s Aunt / Oct. 1, 2 & 3 / Showtime 7:30p / Price $22, Seniors, Military and Students $17 / For tickets visit www.ShakespeareInTheVines.org or call 951.402.7488

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays in October / 11:30a-2:30p / Live music on patio / Half price Sangiovese, Sangiovese Sangria and special menu items

Dog Day Sundays
Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Live acoustic music on the patio.

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting
Thursday-Sunday / 11:00a-2:30p / Tours and vertical tasting of library wines.  Sit down with bread and cheese plate; $30 (Reservations required 24 hours in advance) / Bar Tasting; $20.  Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Bel Vino Winery

3 Cigars, 3 wines, 3 Course Dinner / Saturday, Oct. 3 / 6:30pm -9:30pm / $55.95 Wine Club Members / $60.95 for non-members / Relish a gourmet dinner, accompanied by custom cigars hand rolled on-site*, and complemented with Bel Vino’s lush wines. Experience the incredible Temecula Valley nighttime views from the hilltop heights of Bel Vino Winery while enjoying wine pairing, cigar rolling and seminar and listening to cool DJ music. *Cigars: 3 from Casa Lovo, hand rolled on-site by Mrs. Lovo / Reservations required: phone 951.676.6414 or info@belvinowinery.com

Live Music / Saturday 12pm – 4pm / Oct. 3 – Michael LeClerc / Oct. 10 – All In / Oct. 17 – JD Priest / Oct. 24 – Kenny Hale / Oct. 31 – Ginger Cowgirl & The Silver Spurs / Sunday 11am-3pm / Oct. 4 – Shoot 4 Tuezday / Oct. 11 – Sam & Stacy / Oct. 18 – Kings of Rhythm / Oct. 25 – DOSE / Nov. 1 – Shoot 4 Tuezday

Briar Rose

Sip Into the Sunset / First Friday of each month starting August 7 / Open until 10pm / Music and wine under the stars in our enchanted garden or tasting room / Reservations required; call 951.308.1098

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Happiest Hours
Grab your friends and join us for a marvelous time!  Friday’s from 3:00p-6:00p in the lounge at Meritage at Callaway.  20% all tapas, $2 off wine by the glass, 20% off bottles of Callaway wines and available domestic, import and craft beers.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Sunday at Meritage at Callaway from 4pm-8pm in the main dining room.  Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria while soaking in the sunset vineyard views.  Live music from local musicians begins at 6pm. No cover charge. Reservations for parties of 5 or more are required.

October Entertainment Schedule; Oct. 2 – Harmony Road / Oct. 3 – Taylor Tickner / Oct. 4 – Al & Brad / Oct. 9 – Diego Mondragon / Oct. 10 – Natalie Brooks / Oct. 11 – Robin Adler*Dave Blackburn*John Quint / Oct. 16 Astra Kelly / Oct. 17 – Mickey Arnett / Oct 18 – R.O.C. Duo / Oct. 23 – Buzz Campbell / Oct. 24 – Taylor Tickner / Oct. 25 Robin Adler*Dave Blackburn*John Quint  / Oct. 30 – Astra Kelly / Oct. 31 – Diego Mondragon

Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Wine by the glass or bottle purchase available / Deli is open until 7pm / Oct. 2 – Frankie & The Invisibles / Oct. 9 – Britt Doehring / Oct. 23 – Kelly Moore / Oct. 30 – Michael Thomas.

Sunday Afternoon Live Music / 2pm- 5pm

Doffo Winery

City of Hope Fundraiser/ Saturday, Oct. 17 / 10am-4pm / $10 fee / Live music and food vendors / Sponsored by Super Bike Corsa and Doffo Winery

Live Music on the Patio / 1pm-4pm / Free

Danza del Sol Winery

Live Music on the Patio / Saturdays from 1pm-5pm / Free / Grab your friends and head over to Danza del Sol for an afternoon of wine and great music / Oct. 10 – Astra Kelly / Oct. 17 – Michael SG / Oct. 24 – Fandango / Oct. 31 – Vivien Gaines

PERFECT PAIRINGS – Wine and Cheese Class / Thursday, Oct. 15 / 6:30pm – 8:30pm / $35 pp; $31.50 wine club members / Join us in the Barrel Room as the cheese monger from Temecula Valley Cheese Company guides you through a tasting of five Danza del Sol wines, four artisan cheese pairings and one gourmet chocolate / Limited Space / RSVP to Kelly Hefley 951.302.6363 ext. 26 or k.hefley@danzadelsolwinery.com

GET SAUCED – Best of the Wurst / Sunday, Oct. 18 / 3:00pm to 6:30pm / $60 pp; $54 wine club members / Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of food, wine, and culinary entertainment in our Club House. Cooking demo class and small plates by The M Group. Wine pairings by our educated staff, recipes to take home and special wine discounts provided / Limited Space / RSVP to Kelly Hefley 951.302.6363 ext. 26 or k.hefley@danzadelsolwinery.com

3^rd Annual Danza de la Muerte – Halloween Party / Friday, Oct. 30 / 5:30p to 10:00pm / Tickets $8 pp pre-sale / $10 pp at the door / $7 pp – Inter-winery / Price includes one Spooky Sparkling Cocktail per admission / Food can be purchased from Devilicious Food Truck, music by DJ Mike Carroll from C2 Events, S’mores Bar, Photo Booth and Costume Contest / RSVP to Kelly Hefley 951.302.6363 ext. 26 or k.hefley@danzadelsolwinery.com

Europa Village

Oktoberfest – Hof Brau Boys / Friday, Oct. 2 / 6pm-9pm / $15 admission / Beer tasting from four breweries, games, raffles, auction /  For tickets and additional information please visit www.europavillage.com or call 951.695.7175

Cooking Demonstration Event – Hashbrowns / Saturday, Oct. 17 / 11am-1pm / $45 / Cooking demonstration with Executive Chef Dean / For tickets and additional information please visit www.europavillage.com or call 951.695.7175

Movies in the Vines / Thursday, Oct. 22 / 7pm-9pm / Outdoor viewing of “Beetlejuice” on 15’ screen / Free with online RSVP / For tickets and additional information please visit www.europavillage.com or call 951.695.7175

Friday Night Entertainment / 5:30pm-8:30pm / Free / Live music on Veranda; Food Truck / Oct. 19 – Mrs. Jones Revenge / Oct. 16 – Bar Stow Prophets / Oct. 23 – Crimson Crow / Oct. 30 – Blue Fish; Costume Contest  6pm to 9pm

Live Music every Sunday/ 1pm- 4pm / Free / Live music on Veranda / Oct. 25 – Joe Baldino

Falkner Winery

Wine Appreciation Class / Saturday, October 17 / 10:00am-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45pp; $40pp Connoisseur; $20pp VIP; $70pp with lunch / Reservations required 951.676.8231 x.109

FREE Concert / Sundays 12:00p-3:00p / /Dancing, Sangria, Beer, BBQ in the yard garden / 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25 – Guilty Conscience Band.

Leoness Cellars

Live Music at The Restaurant at Leoness / Every Friday 5pm-8pm / Every Sunday 1pm-4pm / Free to the public / Oct. 2 – Astra Kelly / Oct. 4 – Inbar Horowitz / Oct. 9 – Malissa & Jerod / Oct.11 – Dustin Jake / Oct. 16 – Michael LeClerc / Oct. 18 – Vince Mendoza / Oct. 23 – Frank Alves / Oct. 25 – Michael SG / Oct. 30 – Shultz

Live Music in the Barrel Room / Every Sunday / 1:00p-4:00p / Free to the public / Oct. 3 – Todd Ashley / Oct. 10 – Malissa & Jerod / Oct. 17 – Tim Cash / Oct. 24 – Tim Moyer / Oct. 31 – Joel Reese

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery

Thriller Halloween Party / October 30 / 6pm- 10pm / $8 in advance; $10 at the door / Costume contest, spooky sangria and more! See you there if you dare. / Tickets online www.LorimarWinery.com

Mount Palomar Winery

Wang Chung Live Concert / Thursday, October 1 / 6pm-10pm / An intimate evening with Wang Chung! One of the most successful bands of the 80’s playing the songs they made popular! / Tickets start at $30 and are available online at http://bit.ly/wangchungtix.

Dionysus Dash / Sunday, October 4 / 8:15am / A 5K run through the beautiful vineyards of Mount Palomar Winery. This event is for novice and avid runners, wine tasters and Greek walkers. Event includes wine tasting, music and awards / Ticket $49.99 and are available online at http://bit.ly/dionysusdash

Oak Mountain Winery

Cause Fur Paws / October 18 / 12:00pm – 4:00pm / $35 Admission / Includes logo glass, one glass of wine, catered lunch and live music / 100% of the  money earned goes towards our furry friends diabetes treatments!

Menu Mayhem – Recipe for Murder / The Cave at Oak Mountain / October 31 / 6:00pm-9:00pm / $65pp; $60 Club Member / You and your guests are members of the audience for a taping of the local cable access channel’s most popular cooking show, “The Chicken Friar,” hosted by Brother Dominick Vobiscum. But it seems that there’s a lot more cookin’ “behind the scenes” than in front of the camera. In fact, before the evening is over the entrée just might include a big helping of MURDER!  Come join us for a gourmet dinner prepared by our own Chef Steve; includes 2 glasses of wine and an evening you won’t forget / Reservations required; events@oakmountainwinery.com or call 951.699.9102/ Book online at www.oakmountainwinery.com/events.

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

Ponte Family Estate Winery

Team Ponte Training Runs/Walks through the Vineyard
Every Wednesday nights at 5:45p through mid-November / Ponte associates, wine club members and members of the community come out to Ponte Winery to train for the upcoming Wine Country Half-Marathon, which will be held on November 21^st. The group runs, walks and/or strolls a clearly marked 3.1 mile loop through Ponte Family Estate’s vineyards. Meet in front of the Ponte Winery Tasting Room porch/parking lot / Free to attend

Live NFL on the Big Screen / Every Thursday, Sunday and Monday throughout the 2015 NFL season / The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Free to attend.

First Sundays – Live Music in the Reserve Room*
Sunday, October 4th / 12:00p-4:00p / Brian Stodart; Alternative Contemporary / The Reserve Room will host a variety of live musical artists the first Sunday of each month in 2015.  *The Reserve Room is a tasting room for wine club members only.  Join the Wine Club and enjoy complimentary tastings in our exclusive venue.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Happy Hours at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Monday-Friday 3:00p-5:30p / Join us in the Vineyard Rose Lounge for reduced priced selected appetizers, award winning select glasses of South Coast wines and local drafts.  PLUS corkage fees are waived for any South Coast Winery wine bottles brought in to the Vineyard Rose Restaurant and consumed while dining on Wednesdays too!   Visit www.WineResort.com to view menus and find out more.

Wine Wednesdays at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
6:00p-9:00p / Wednesday nights just got even better at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant as award winning pianist, Blessie Isaac-Hopkins, takes the helm behind our elegant grand piano.  This world traveler and life-long student of music has performed internationally over the course of her career at many high-end hotels and resorts, including the Peninsula, Regent, Westin, Hilton and Shangri-la Hotel and now you can enjoy her music at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Reserve today for an unforgettable Wednesday evening with fine wines, delicious food and live music between the hours of 6:30p to 9:00p. Call 951.587.9463

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. Call 951-587-9463 x 2 for more information or reservations.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours
Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday.  $40pp / $35pp Wine Club Member. Get up close and personal as you learn more about our spectacular Southern California winery with a behind-the-scenes tour.  From vineyards to crush pad, each tour concludes with a specially prepared wine and food pairing. Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Must be over 21 years of age to attend.   Call 800-539-1375 Ext. 350 to reserve your spot today.

Summer Wine Series
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, 6p-8p / Join us for extended hours in the Tasting Room Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights this summer!  $30 ticket gives you access after hours from 6:00p-8:00p and includes a bottle of South Coast wine to take home.  Call 951.587.9463 ext. 7261 for more information.

Yoga Classes at Grapeseed Spa
Sunday 9a-10a, Monday 10:30a-11:30a / $12 per class / Yoga mat, towels and water provided.  Call 951.587.9463 ext. 3513 to reserve your session.

Get Movin’ & Groovin’ to the Grapeseed Spa
October / 7:00p-9:00p / Meet up with your spa friends and enjoy live entertainment on the veranda this summer.  Best of all, it’s free, but reservations are required. Award winning wines and appetizers are available for purchase.  Call to book today 951.587.9463 ext. 3513.

Thornton Winery

Friday Live Music
Wine Specials, Live Music, Food Specials, and Dinner Menu / 6:00p-9:00p / October 2 – Ry Bradley; Country Western/ October 9 – Mor Sol / October 16 – Black Hat Patsy / October 23 – The Neil Diamond Review / October 30 – Mrs. Jones Revenge / No Cover Charge. Seating Available at Courtyard, Covered Patio & Café / Reservations suggested, call 951.699.0099

Champagne Jazz Concert Series
Saturday, October 10^th – Jesse Cook / 7:00p / General Admission tickets – $65 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $140 (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table)

Sunday, October 18^th  – Jazz Attack w/ Richard Elliot, Peter White and Euge Groove / 4:00p / General Admission tickets – $75 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $150 SOLD OUT (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table)

Chef’s Counter / Friday, October 30^th / 7:00pm / Admission $125 plus tax & gratuity / Reservations a must! Seating is limited to 8 people.

Wilson Creek Winery

Easton Corbin Concert with Special guest Lauren Alaina / Sunday, Oct. 4 / 6pm to 9pm / Join us for a fantastic evening among the stars with incredible performances by two of country music’s hot artists! / Orchestra $90; wine club $81 / Reserve $70; wine club $63 / General $50; wine club $45 / For tickets log on to www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

Taste of Tahiti’s Extravagant Polynesian Dinner Show / Saturday, Oct. 10 / 5:30pm to 10pm / Sharing and combining cultures together through food, music, dance and people. Feast on a fabulous dinner, specially prepared with fresh Ahi flown in from Tahiti. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian show with performances my Mele’uahne, Puahi dancers and Papena! / Dinner ticket $75 adult; $37.50 child / VIP Dinner ticket $135 adult; $67.50 child / For tickets log on to www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

Riesling Experience: Wines of the Rhine and World Class Rieslings / Sunday, Oct. 11 / 11am, 1pm to 3pm / Wine Club $25; Non-members $35 / Call Wine Club to reserve your spot 951.699.9463.

Temecula Valley Winery Owners Tell All! Their “Family Favorites.”

Have you ever wondered which wine is a “family favorite” at your favorite Temecula Valley winery?  We have too…so, we decided to ask a few of our winery owners which of their wines is their favorite….and, why.  Of course, we knew that asking them this question would be much like asking parents of multiple children which is their favorite, but we thought we’d give it a whirl!

Nick Palumbo, owner of Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery says that he and wife Cindy’s fave is the “Tre Fratelli” Meritage blend.  As Nick tells it, not only is this wine consistently very good, but it’s got sentimental value for the Palumbo Family as well.  It is one of the first blended wines they produced in 2002 when Palumbo Winery opened and takes its name “three brothers” from the 3 boys of the Palumbo Family. The current release 2012, is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

The Lin Family, owners of Callaway Vineyard & Winery, have a brand new favorite wine. They challenged their winemaker, Craig Larson, to pull out all the stops and “do whatever it took, with no cost restrictions” to create a Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects their dedication and passion to bring the best quality wine in all of Temecula Valley and California.  What came of this challenge is the OPR, the Owner’s Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which the Lins believe has captured the very essence of everything they envisioned.

Over at Oak Mountain Winery, owners Steve and Valerie Andrews’ favorite is their Tenacious.  This wine is a Syrah-heavy Rhone blend named after Valerie’s mother who passed away over 25 years ago.  Val says “my mother, Arlene was tenacious in everything she did, and she did plenty.  Her license plate on her car was Ten8shs.  Whether she was working in the family liquor store, volunteering at the hospital, battling cancer or just being a great mom and friend, she was tenacious.  My parents introduced the wine industry to Steve and I, and look what happened!  Sorry to say, the wine is so good we drank it all…but a new vintage is coming soon.”

Monte De Oro Winery’s Ken Zignorski is passionate about their Syrah.  For him, it’s all about how well it pairs with food. Ken says “I like pairing the Syrah with a nice ribeye steak or tri-tip on the grill.  It’s got a full-bodied, mellow and a nice, lasting finish for me.  And, I think that Syrah is one of those grapes that really demonstrates Temecula Valley’s capabilities as a wine region.”

Rick & Jennifer Buffington, owners of Cougar Vineyard & Winery, lists Aglianico as their family favorite.  A black grape grown in the southern regions of Italy, it originated in Greece and was brought to the south of Italy by Greek settlers. Although it’s not a popular wine amongst the Temecula wineries, it is one that the Buffington family is proud to offer since it isn’t widely available and is very unique.  They appreciate the wine’s complexity, high acidity, firm tannins, rich flavor and its ability to pair well with food.  Plus….it only gets better with age!

At Briar Rose Winery, owners Les & Dorian Linkogle didn’t hesitate when it came to their favorite wine.  Sacrament is a rare and historic Mission Wine.  The Mission Wine is made from the Mission Grape planted by Father Junipero Serra to use for the Sacrament of Communion as he established 9 California missions from 1769-1782.  These Mission Grapes, also known as the Heritage Grape of the State of California, were planted along the El Camino Real by the Founder of California Missions.

Well, it’s safe to say that our owners love their Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends!  So, what is your favorite Temecula Valley wine….and why??