February 1, 2017
Avensole Winery
Valentine Couples Dinner at the Restaurant / February 10-14, 2017 / 11:00a-8:00p / Indulge your senses with a romantic prix fixe Valentine’s menu created especially for the occasion. Enjoy an enchanting evening on our beautiful outdoor terrace, where the scene is set for romance with live entertainment and an unforgettable gourmet four-course culinary delight for two / Includes one glass of Explore wine or beer per person. Special cocktail for the weekend: P.S. I Love You Martini / Cost: $150 per couple / Please call our concierge to make your reservations: 951.252.2003 ext. 301.
Hosted Tour & Wine Tasting /Available on Sunday of each the month / 2pm-3:30pm / For every adventure, there is discovery, for every unique place, there is a story. Take a guided journey through our lush vineyards and experience our rich heritage and handcrafted Avensole wines / Cost. $35 / Reservations required. Please call 951.252.2003 x305 to reserve.
Gourmet Cheese Artisanal Tour & Wine Tasting / Available on Friday of each month / 2pm-4pm / For the ultimate Wine Country experience, delight in an educational tour through our vineyards. Avensole Winery boasts some of the oldest vineyards in Temecula Valley, combined with the newest amenities, and has become the destination for wine lovers. Conclude this tour with a culinary treat pairing 7 Avensole wines with local gourmet Mangia Cheese, guided by our wine experts / Cost: $75 / Reservations required. Please call 951-252-2003 x305 to make a reservation.
Live Music in the Restaurant and Marketplace Friday and Saturday from 5p-8p / Guests of Avensole’s Restaurant are in for a culinary treat. Avensole offers a charming place to savor eclectic foods and delicious wines in a lively atmosphere. The vibrant indoor and outdoor setting creates a perfect venue to gather and relax with your friends and family while you sip you favorite Avensole wines and enjoy the wide array of craft beers and cocktails offered / All free and open to the public. Please feel free to call our Concierge 951.252.2003 x301 and reserve table for dinner or join our bartenders for drink at our bar / For a list of entertainment schedule please log on to www.avensolewinery.com
Live Music on the Tasting Room patio Saturday & Sunday from 1p-4p / Enjoy live music at the Tasting Room patio with views over the vineyards. Gourmet Mangia cheeses are available for purchase to complement Avensole wines, and cheese and charcuterie platters are available to order from the Restaurant / All free and open to the public. Open seating at the Tasting Room patio.
Baily Winery
Valentine’s Day Lunch at Carol’s Restaurant / February 10, 11 & 12 / 11:30a-3:00p / Enjoy a 3-course Valentine’s special lunch menu. Live Music by Chuck Sacayan on Saturday and Sandii Castleberry on Sunday / $29.95 per person plus tax and gratuity / Please call for reservations at 951676.9243
A Valentine Candlelight tasting for 2 / Feb. 10, 11 & 12 / 11:30a-3:30p with seating’s every hour at Baily Estate Tasting Room / Special Cabernet Sauvignon and Port tasting, charcuterie and chocolate plate for two / Cost: $35 per person / Seating is extremely limited so reserve today. Call 951.972.9768.
Bel Vino Winery
Sweetheart Dinner / February 14th / 6:00 to 9:00 pm / Treat your valentine to an evening of romance filled with exquisite wines, five course meal and wine pairing, dancing and as our gift to you a bottle of Prima Port / Cost: $85 per person for Wine Club Members, $99.95 per person for non-members / For reservations please call 951-676-6414 for reservations, visit www.belvinowinery.com, or visit the winery to purchase tickets.
Friday Night Live at Bel Vino / Every Friday 6p-10p / Free admission / Wine, Beer and specialty cocktails 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
Valentine’s Dinner at Meritage / February 14th / Seatings at 5-5:30, 7-7:30, 9-9:30 / This is a gourmet four course, prix fixe menu served with an Amuse Bouche and a long stemmed rose. Featuring Live Music / $75.00 per person, tax and gratuity not included / The menu can be viewed online at www.callawaywinery.com. For Reservations call 951.587.8889
Cupid’s Flight Couples Wine Tasting / February 11th through 14th / 10:30am – 5:00pmach person may choose from a trio of wines to sample, 2 oz of each, which also includes chocolate covered strawberries and a long stemmed rose (roses are available while supplies last)
Chocolate covered strawberries can be purchased additionally, in a serving of 6, for $20.00. Long stemmed roses can be purchased for $5.00 each / $37.50 per couple/ $30 for wine club members / Purchases can be made in the gift shop, or by calling 951.676.4001. No reservations required.
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 / Please check our website for a list of scheduled performers.
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
10th Annual Super Chili Bowl / February 5 / 2pm-8pm / Calling all Super Chili Cooks! It’s time to show off your best dish! Only 10 competitors each year for the coveted Top Chili Cook title! Sign up soon as these spots go quick. Chili competition kicks off at 3pm. Wine club attendees are $25, Non-wine club $30. All paid parties of 4 -6 can reserve the location of their table! Please let us know your group name and desired location! Tables are on a first come basis but there’s not a bad seat in the house. Price includes chili tasting, food and wine or beer. Price increases by $5 day of the event / Email events@cougarvineyards.com or Call 951-767-8398 for more information.
Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Happy Hour 7-8p two-for-one glasses of wine / Free to the public
Sunday Live Music / 2:00-5:00pm / Free to the public
Danza del Sol Winery
Get Sauced / February 12th / 3:00 PM / GET SAUCED!! for Valentine’s. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of food, wine, and culinary entertainment in our Club House! / Price: $58.60 – $65.00 / Please visit us at www.danzadelsolwinery.com for reservations and information.
Live Music on the Patio at Danza del Sol / Every Saturday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Feb. 4 – Sean Wiggins / Feb. 11- Tim Apple / Feb. 18- JD Priest / Feb. 19- Two Fish / Feb. 25- Tony Suraci / Please check our website www.danzadelsolwinery.com for additional information.
Europa Village
International Languages of Love / Feb. 11 / 4pm & 6pm / We invite you to “taste” with your ears, and then with all your five senses, as we take you a multi-sensory journey of live music, wine, and cuisine from France, Spain and Italy. Tasting is 90 minutes in length / $79 per person. Please call (951) 695-7175, ext. 207 or visit our website www.europavillage.com for tickets.
L’Amore at Europa / Feb. 14 / 6pm – 8pm / Europa Village presents an intimate candlelight 5-course gourmet dinner paired with Europa’s fine wines. Dinner prepared by award-winning Chef Dean Thomas. $125 per person. Please call (951) 695-7175, ext. 207 or visit our website www.europavillage.com for tickets.
Wine Education Class – Italian Wines / Feb. 19 / 11am & 2pm / Hosted by our in-house sommelier, Dr. Doug Garman, you will learn about six Italian wines Europa offers with a light food pairing / $35 per person. Two classes available at 11am and 2pm / Please call (951) 695-7175, ext. 207 or visit our website www.europavillage.com for tickets.
Live Music every Sunday / 1:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / 2/5 – Astra Kelly / 2/12 – Jimmy Patton / 2/19- Sebastian Sidi / 2/26- Joe Baldino.
Falkner Winery
Valentine’s Lunch at the Pinnacle / February 11 through February 14th / Valentine Lunch Special for 2 in the Pinnacle Restaurant / Cost: $59 for Two + + (normal menu also available) Extended Sat hours 11:30-4:30. Sun-Tues 11:30- 3:30 / Reservations required 951-676-8231 option 4 or online at www.falknerwinery.com.
Valentine’s Dinner in the Pinnacle Restaurant / February 14th / 5:30-9:30pm / Early seating 5:30 $99++ ($89++ Wine Club) Regular seating $115+ tax per person ($104+tax wine club) / For full menu please visit www.falknerwinery.com / Live Entertainment provided by Jeff Johnson / Reservations required 951-676-8231 option 4 or online at www.falknerwinery.com.
Sip N Paint Class “Wine” / February 16th-Couples (or Individual) / 6-8 pm / Includes all materials & Wine available for purchase by glass or bottle / $35 per person or $60 per couple / Reservations are required. Please log on to Artfusionbdk.myshopify.com.
Wine Appreciation Class / February 18th / 10am -12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45/person /$40 Connoisseur/ $20 VIP; $70/person with lunch option / RSVP’s required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com
Fazeli Cellars
Fazeli’s First Valentines Dinner / Feb. 11th & Feb. 12th / Begins at 6:00pm / Come enjoy champagne upon your arrival and enjoy an elegant 5 course meal paired with wine and specialty drinks. Enjoy a strawberry and chocolate fountain, dessert bites and coffee to finish off this romantic evening. Enchanting music will be performed by Diego Mondragon / Limited space available so pick your Valentine date soon! / Cost: $120 Non-members, $100 club members / For reservations please visit www.fazelicellars.com.
Vintners Musical Showcase / February 18 / 6p-10p / Variety of up and coming musicians – Food, wine and beer available for purchase / For reservations and information please visit www.fazelicellars.com
Salsa Night with Salsafama / Saturday, February 25 / 7p-10p / A 45-minute free lesson (no partner required) followed by dancing, dancing, dancing. Glass of Sangria with entrance / Cost: $15.00/non member – $10/member / Food and beverage available for purchase / For reservations and information please visit www.fazelicellars.com
Legacy at Fazeli Cellars / Every Friday evening of each month / 6p-10p / 3 course dinner for 2 with a bottle of wine and live entertainment / Cost: $99.99/non member couple, $79.99/member / For reservations and information please visit www.fazelicellars.com
Live Music at our Tasting Room / Every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Check our website www.fazelicellars.com/events for a schedule of performers.
Leoness Cellars
A Midwinter’s Dream Dinner / February 14 / 5p to close / Four-course, wine-paired dinner for two with limited reservation available. Dine in The Restaurant at Leoness with a special pre-fixed menu for two, specially paired with your favorite Leoness Cellars wines / Cost, menu information and reservation: $100 per person. Reservations can be made on our website: http://www.leonesscellars.com/The-Restaurant
Longshadow Ranch Winery
Legends of the Wild West Dinner Theater & Variety Show / Feb. 10 & 17 / 7pm- 9:30pm (Doors open at 6pm) / An amazing hand written organic Western themed comedy production featuring the finest dancers, vocalists & actors available. We are so proud to have Broadway veterans from Tony award winning productions in this show. Family friendly as always but a great date night as well. / Buffet style supper includes Western spaghetti in ample portions with ranch style meatballs, steamed mixed veggies and garlic bread, Dessert to follow. *Vegetarian option available. Please specify in reservation notes. Wine, beer, soda and bottled water available. Coffee available with dessert / VIP tickets $35**; Gen. Adm. $25** / **A two drink minimum is required and not included in ticket price. VIP ticket includes – priority service and seating. Front of the line for meet-and-greet/photos with performers on stage / This will be an outdoor event so dress accordingly. Inclement weather will result in rescheduling. No refunds on ticket purchases / For tickets and reservations, please log on to: https://squareup.com/store/longshadow-ranch-winery
Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Valentine’s Day Brunch / February 12 / 10:00am – 12:30pm / Celebrate ‘Love Day’ a little early with mimosas, brunch and more/ Tickets are $35/person, $25/under 21 / Tickets available online at www.lorimarwinery.com. Space is limited!
Live Music Friday & Saturday / 6p-9p / Free to the public
Live Music Sunday / 2p-5pm / Free to the public
Please check our website www.lorimarwinery.com for a schedule of performers.
Masia de la Vinya Winery
Live Music on the Patio at Masia de la Vinya / Every Saturday from 12pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Feb. 4 – Astra Kelly / Feb.11- Fandango / Feb.18- Tralian Rox / Feb. 25- Dustin Jake/ Please check our website www.masiadelavinya.com for additional information.
Miramonte Winery
Live Music & Entertainment / Every Friday and Saturday / 7p-10p / Free to the public / No reservations required / Friday line up: Feb. 3rd, JD Priest- Wildly soulful. All-American rock, incredibly popular local favorite! February 10th, Ruben V- Latin & salsa music! /Feb. 17th, Mickie Arnett- 90’s rock and covers! / Feb. 24th, Alaina Blair- Country/pop with some rock and soul! / Saturday line up: Feb. 4th, Midnight Satellites- Gutsy, modern rock performers. Big sound! / Feb. 11th, Bluefish- Big rock sounds from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s! / Feb. 18th, Missy Andersen- Known as a Southern California’s top blue’s diva! / Feb. 25th, The Core- Eclectic variety of jazz, rock, pop, & soul! /For additional information please visit www.miramontewinery.com
Mount Palomar Winery
Tequila Tastings / Saturdays and Sundays through the month of February / 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM / Mount Palomar Winery is hosting Temecula’s only tequila tastings on our beautiful outdoor patio! Enjoy samples of top shelf Asombroso tequilas, made from 100% blue agave. You’ll enjoy 5 samples of fine tequila, including San Francisco World Spirits Competition double gold award winners and a bonus margarita sample / Prices and availability subject to change, more at http://www.mountpalomarwinery.com/Annata-Bistro/Bar/Tequila-Tastings / Tickets: $25 at the door
Paint Nite in the Barrel Room / Feb. 5, 11, 12, 18, 25 /1:00p – 3:00p / 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!) / Tickets: https://www.paintnite.com/venues/133232.html
Valentine’s Day in Annata Bistro/Bar / Feb. 14 / 4:00p – 9:00p / There is nothing more romantic than a four course meal, a glass of sparkling wine, and a stunning view of the Temecula Valley. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Annata Bistro/Bar and enjoy a beautiful evening in Temecula Wine Country. We’re offering an exclusive menu only available for Valentine’s day, including an appetizer, soup or a salad, your choice of four delectable entrees, and a delicious dessert / Reservations at: https://www.mountpalomarwinery.com/Valentines-Day
Oak Mountain Winery
Valentine’s Dinner / Feb. 11 / 6:00pm / Enjoy an elegant four-course dinner at The Cave / Cost: $90 for pp., $85 for Club members / Reservations is required. Please log on to www.oakmountainwinery.com to view a full menu and to reserve or call 951.699.9102
Ponte Winery
Valentine’s Day at The Restaurant at Ponte / February 14 / 5:00p-8:00p / Join us at The Restaurant at Ponte on Valentine’s Day for live music and a romantic dinner featuring a special menu / Cost: Entrées range in price from $21 – $135 / Reservations required: 951-252-1770.
Live Music in The Restaurant at Ponte / Every Friday and Saturday night / 5:30pm-8:00pm / Enjoy live music while dining at The Restaurant at Ponte Winery / Free to attend / Visit www.pontewinery.com for more information.
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 specials on craft beer, flatbreads, wine and more!
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Wine, Dine and Painting / February 5 / 10:00 – 1:00pm / Wine, Dine and Painting Class hosted by Jill Roberts of Art + Vino, the original and most popular Art and Painting class in the Temecula Valley! Take in the views and tap into your inner Picasso, then enjoy a fantastic lunch at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant! This package comes with two-three hour instruction and supplies to paint your masterpiece, and follows with a select lunch menu and glass of wine to enjoy at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant / Cost: $70 Wine Club | $75 Non Wine Club / Reservation Information: Purchase online or call Wine Club at 951-587-9463 Ext. 5250
Valentine’s Day Dinner at The Vineyard Rose / February 14 / 5:30 – 9:00pm / Treat your sweetheart to a memorable Valentine’s Day dinner in The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Chef Jason Rivas will serve up a special gourmet menu as guests enjoy an intimate evening in the dining room overlooking the surrounding vineyards. Please visit our website to view our 5-course dinner menu / Cost: $125pp – includes a specially selected South Coast bottle of wine / Call (951) 491-8077 for reservations.
Bridal Showcase / February 26 / 10:00am – 3:00pm / You’re invited to our Bridal Showcase South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Enjoy our Award Winning Sparkling Wine and delectable hors d’oeuvres; envision yourself on your wedding day in our romantic locations. Wedding Specials and promotions will be offered for weddings booked on Sunday, February 26th, 2017 only. Space is limited, signed contracts and nonrefundable deposits must be submitted to receive special offers. Meet with our Exclusive Vendors as they offer complimentary expert wedding advice, décor ideas and day-of discounts / Cost: FREE / Reservation Information: RSVP to 951-587-9463 Ext. 7275
Golden Bear Wine Tour / Saturday and Sunday / 11am-12:30pm, 2pm-3:30pm / This Tour will highlight why South Coast Winery has been awarded California Winery of the Year for the 4th year. You will be able to experience 8 of our award winning wines paired with Chef Choice individual plates of California cuisine. You will also receive a logo wine glass to take home to remember your experience with us while you enhance your wine knowledge. Golden Bear Tours are offered Saturday and Sunday at 11 am and 2pm. Space is limited, advance reservations are required. Must be over 21 years of age to attend. This is a 75-minute walking tour followed a 45-minute food and wine pairing / Cost: $60 per person, $55 Wine Club / 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. Must be over 21 years of age to attend.
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. try this site 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.
Indulgent at GrapeSeed Spa / Through February 28th / Now you can enjoy an ancient method of relaxation with a four handed tandem massage. Energy, balance, and relaxation are heightened with the choreographed massage that ignites complete euphoria. Our Indulgent Package Includes: 50-Minute Tandem Massage, Poolside Lunch, Glass of South Coast Wine / Cost: $239 / Call our GrapeSeed Spa to book today! (877) 552-1731 .Service cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Available February 1st through 28th, 2017.
#RoséAllDay / Every Sunday in February / 5:00pm – 6:30pm / Gather your friends for GrapeSeed Spa’s popular Vino Vinyasa class. Our talented yoga instructor will lead you on an amazing 80 minute journey focusing on chakras within. This session features four of our most popular Rosé wines! / Cost: $30 / Call our GrapeSeed Spato book today! (877) 552-1731. Service cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Available February 1st through February 28, 2017.
Sunday’s Live Musical Entertainment in Vintner’s Garden / 2pm-5pm /Join us for live music entertainment in our Vintner’s Garden / For a schedule of entertainment please visit www.southcoastwinery.com
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
Thornton Winery
Valentine’s Dinner at Café Champagne / February 14 / 5:00p – 9:00p / 4-course meal, music and your Valentine will receive a rose. / Cost: $82.95 / For reservations please call 951.699.0099.
Vindemia Winery
Valentine’s Wine & Cheese Tasting / Offered February 10th – 20th / 11am-5pm / Calling all red wine lovers! Join us at Vindemia Winery for a special Valentine’s wine and cheese pairing in our romantic outdoor tasting room and scenic patio. Our high-quality wines and incredible views are sure to make the occasion memorable / $20 for 5 tastes with cheese pairings, bread, and olive oil / No appointment needed.
Wiens Family Cellars
Reserve Zinfandel & Chocolate Dinner / Feb. 10 / 6:30pm-9:30pm / The ultimate wine and chocolate lover’s dinner! Each chocolate infused course is perfectly paired with a vintage Zinfandel to create a pairing that is pure ecstasy! Romantic candlelight, beautiful décor, and great company make this the ideal Valentine’s date night. In addition, we will have bottles of the vintage Zinfandels, only available at the dinner for purchase to take home / Cost: $100 Regular $80 Wine Club / Purchase tickets www.wienscellars.com
Wilson Creek Winery
Bubble Brunch Buffet / Every Sunday / Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, omelet stations, waffle stations, seafood stations, carving stations and dessert stations with beautiful vineyard views / Buffet (+ unlimited sparkling): $46.95, Buffet only: $36.95, Children: $14.95 / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Creekside Grille / February 14 / Accepting reservations between 6-7:30pm / T your sweetheart to a fabulous and delicious 4-course dinner including a long stem rose and a bottle of Sparkling Wine surrounded by a romantic view and live entertainment /$120 per couple + tax/gratuity / For reservations Call 951-699-9463.
June is here! Graduations, Father’s Day, the return of long summer days — what more reason do you need to visit Temecula Valley wine country? From Shakespeare in the Vines, to “sip and paint” classes to a good ole’ fashion crab boil, we’ve got something for everyone!
When the sunshine stays with us and makes our days longer, we’re always looking for ways to stay outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. We think this recipe would be a great dish to enjoy while doing just that. This can be served as a light appetizer or savory dessert. Our friends at 
May is filled with some pretty special days; Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, International Sauvignon Blanc Day, Chardonnay Day and even National Wine Day! Plenty of reasons to celebrate in Temecula Valley Wine Country.
Moscato, Muscatel, Muscat… what’s the difference between them? Just the names, actually. Rather than just being one grape, Muscat includes a family of grapes in a range of colors (from white to brown, or to near black.) For instance, Moscato is the Italian name and Muscatel the Spanish.
So, what exactly goes on in the vineyards when it’s winter time? The annual growth cycle of Temecula Valley’s grapevines consummates in autumn with leaf fall followed by vine dormancy. After harvest, typically August-October in Temecula, the vine’s roots and trunk are busy storing carbohydrate reserves produced by photosynthesis in their leaves. Once the level of carbohydrates needed by the vine is reached, the leaves change from green to yellow and start to fall off the vines. Usually after the first frost, the vine enters its winter dormancy period. During this time, winemakers get a break from the bulk of their farm work as the vines sleep and start to prepare for the next wine season.
In Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country, the family that wines together, stays together. At least that’s what it seems like given the number of family owned and operated wineries that populate the region.