Tag: wine tasting temecula valley

It’s Never Too Late for a Life in Wine!

It is often assumed that winery owners were born with dirt under their fingernails and raised among the vines by families who have been making wine for generations. While Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is certainly home to those with winemaking in their blood, a quick tour through the region also yields an entirely different crop of wine leadership – entrepreneurs who saw the promise of the region and left wildly different careers to build a life in wine.

One of the most iconic wineries in the region, Wilson Creek Winery, is home not only to great wines, but also to a diverse cross-section of skill sets. CEO Bill Wilson was a Series 7 financial planner specializing in tax-deferred annuities before answering the call of the vine, while Wilson Creek’s winemaker, Gus Vizgirda, was previously a self-described “cartoonist, weatherman, officiant, teacher and vineyard yoga guru.”

While owner & winemaker Robert Renzoni of Robert Renzoni Vineyards was actually born and raised in the wine business, he broke off early on to pursue music, touring with his alt-rock band “Absent” for 9 years before returning to his roots. The music never left him though, and today many of Renzoni’s wines are named for musical references, like the Pinot Grigio-Viognier blend, “Cantata” and the Super Tuscan-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, “Sonata.”

Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery owner and winemaker Nick Palumbo played in New York City post-grunge band “The Morning Glories” and was also a chef in both New York and San Diego, cooking for the likes of George W. Bush and Wesley Snipes, among others. His wife and winery co-owner, Cindy, was an insurance agent for 15 years prior to jumping into wine.

Wiens Family Cellars owner and general manager, Jeff Wiens, had to go through two previous careers before landing in wine, including a 10-year stint as professional drummer, as well as a Senior Industrial Engineer in the aerospace industry.

But Temecula Valley isn’t only made up of former rock stars. Careers in business before wine were also common. Briar Rose Winery owner Les Linkogle had a successful career in mortgage banking, while his wife, Dorian was an executive vice president at the Aetna Corporation for 25 years before the two followed their lifelong dream to produce wine.

Frangipani Estate Winery owner and winemaker, Don Frangipani was growing mushrooms for his wife, JoAnn’s family’s mushroom farm in Escondido, as well as for their own mushroom-growing business on Mt. Palomar, and cooking for one of her family’s restaurants, before launching his career in wine.

Summer Whites for Every Palate

There are few better ways to cool off on a sunny summer day than with a cold, crisp glass of white wine. This season, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country invites wine lovers to sip their way through the region’s stunning whites. With so many delectable selections—from those made from lesser-known varieties to unique blends—Temecula Valley vintners offers a refreshing bottle to suit every palate.

Viognier: This darling of the wine world is widely produced in the region, and is a great alternative to Chardonnay because of its traditionally rich, luscious mouth-feel.

• South Coast Winery Viognier 2015, $20: An aromatic peach and nectarine bouquet with a rich, velvety finish, from the winery that just was just named the 2016 California Golden State Winery of the Year for the fourth time. No other winery has received the coveted “Golden Bear” four times in the history of the competition.

• Van Roekel Estate Viognier 2014 (Maurice Car’rie Winery), $22: This award-winning, estate-grown Viognier boasts notes of apricot and Asian pear, with hints of citrus blossom.

Sauvignon Blanc: Always a warm-weather favorite, this aromatic varietal grows well in Temecula Valley terroir. Many local wineries offer bright, fruit-forward bottlings perfect for picnics and outdoor dining.

• Monte De Oro Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $19: Made from 100% estate-grown fruit, this wine was selected as the white dinner wine for the 2016 Daytime Emmy Awards. Citrus and tropical fruits round out this well-balanced summer sipper.

• Oak Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $21: Succulent melon and grapefruit mingle together in this medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc. A light influence of French Oak adds unexpected complexity.

And now, for something completely different: Temecula Valley has a huge selection of lesser-known French, Italian, Spanish and even Portuguese varieties. Summer is the perfect time to get out of your comfort zone and discover a new favorite.

• Palumbo Grenache Blanc 2014, $28: Wine Enthusiast Magazine gave it 91 points, describing it as “texturally grippy and tense, with flavors of yellow pear, lemon rinds and ever-so slight stone fruit, with tongue-tingling acidity deep into the finish.”

• Ponte Vineyards Vermentino 2015, $31: This native Italian grape finds great expression in Temecula Valley. Notes of passion fruit, pink grapefruit and apricot give way to a crisp, refreshing, food-friendly finish. Casino.com

A little from column A, a little from column B: Temecula Valley offers not only stellar red blends, but some fantastic proprietary white blends as well.

• Mount Palomar Shorty’s Bistro White NV, $19: This unusual, award-winning blend of Palomino (a grape commonly used in making sherry), Cinsaut (a red grape) and Viognier is bright and easy-drinking, with notes of pineapple, peach and honeysuckle.

• Robert Renzoni Cantata 2015, $22: This blend of 60% Pinot Grigio and 40% Viognier offers a crisp bouquet of apple and pear on the nose with a hint of pineapple on the finish.

Summer Wine Pairing Guide

Ah, the sizzle of summer is upon us. Whether you’re spending your hot summer days and long summer nights relaxing at the beach, chowing down at a backyard barbecue, or picnicking in the park under a shady oak tree, these cool and crisp whites, rosés and sparkling wines will please every palate. All of these wines can be purchased online or in the tasting rooms, so choose your favorites this week! Here’s our guide to beating the heat in the most delicious way:

Whites
• Lorimar Winery 2014 Chardonnay – Crisp, tart green apple, Bartlett pears and honey suckle with a medium length finish.
• Monte de Oro 2014 Pinot Gris –Wine opens up with peach and apricot flavors couples with pears, lemon/lime, guava and kiwi accents.
• Briar Rose Winery Citronier– Aromas of exotic fruit with a brilliant lemon flavor. Sure to bring a smile to every summer celebration

Rosés
• Oak Mountain Winery 2015 White Merlot – Sweet cherry and raspberry aromas characterize this wine. Soft, round, juicy cherry and berry flavors form structure and a full, rich texture.
• Robert Renzoni Vineyards 2014 La Rosa (Rosé of Sangiovese) –Light strawberry citrus flavors are layered with hints of cranberry, passion & tropical fruit, and a hint of pink grapefruit.
• Falkner Winery 2014 Irresistible Rosato –This semi-dry white wine tastes of ripe pear, cinnamon, apple pie, and spice.

Sparklers
• Wilson Creek Grand Cuvee Sparkling Wine –Light and refreshing, and very fun. Great in Mimosas! A fun party sparkling wine.
• Maurice Car’rie & Van Roekel Winery Pomegranate Sparkling Wine– This lively refreshing California Sparkling Wine is bursting with refreshing flavors of pomegranate – a perfect accompaniment to your summer picnic basket.
• South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Pinot Grigio Sparkling – Finished as a “Brut” this is a Pinot Grigio with wonderful nuances of pears and apples, a touch of tropical fruitiness and crisp acidity.

Image by © Laura Doss/Corbis

Temecula Valley Winery named California Winery of the Year!

We were so excited to learn that our very own, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, has once again been named California Winery of the Year for an unprecedented 4th time!

Sacramento has just released the results from the nation’s oldest and most prestigious wine competition, and Southern California Temecula Valley’s South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has been named the 2016 California Golden State Winery of the Year.

Records were broken this year at the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition as South Coast Winery was the first and only winery in the competition’s history to be presented with a four-time championship, naming it the 2016 California Golden State Winery of the Year. South Coast Winery brought home the first California State Winery of the Year award to its Southern California Temecula Valley home in 2008 and then followed it up with a back-to-back win in 2009. It earned the top title in the California State competition again in 2013 and now celebrates its fourth win for 2016.
South Coast Winery Winery of The Year 2016

Dating back to 1854, the California State Wine Competition premieres only wines made with fruit grown in California; and there were 2,854 wines judged from 750 of the state’s top wineries during this year’s competition.

“South Coast Winery is truly honored to be bringing this recognition to Temecula Valley Wine Country, especially with only 13 years of wine production. This award is a reflection of the dedication and the collaboration between our soil and vines, the vineyard team and our talented winemakers. I’m humbled to be a part of it,” states Jim Carter, the owner/vintner for the Southern California winery resort.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Carter and the entire South Coast Winery team!

July Winery Events

With so much going on in Temecula Valley during July and throughout the summer, you’ll be hard-pressed to pick just one activity to experience. Enjoy the warm days, cooler nights – and air-conditioned wineries. Take in a summer concert or sign up for a cooking class; attend a live play or see a famous jazz artist.

Avensole Winery
Live Music in the Restaurant and Marketplace
Friday and Saturday from 5p-8p / All free and open to the public / July 1 –Seabaz / July 2 –Danielle Taylor / July 8 –James Wells / July 9 &15 –Harmony Road / July 16 –Tim Walsh / July 22 –James Wells / July 23 –Izon Eden / July 29 –Jim Bianchi / July 30 –Hunter Pea

Live Music on the Tasting Room patio
Saturday 1p-4p and Sunday 2p-5p / All free and open to the public / July 2 & 3 –Izon Eden / July 9 –Old School Band / July 10 –Lucky Daze / July 16 –Michael LeClerc / July 17 –Shultz & Hamilton / July 23 –Lucky Daze / July 24 –Danielle Taylor / July 30 –Old School Band / July 31 –Tim Cash

Baily Vineyard & Winery
Shakespeare in the Vines presents Hamlet
July 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31 / 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
Red, White & BBQ
Sunday, July 3rd / 12pm to 4pm / Celebrate Independence Day at Bel Vino Winery / Available for purchase will be BBQ entrées that include hamburgers, BBQ ribs and chicken, Brauts, along with two sides, extras and dessert / Please RSVP at 951.676.6414 or email dayna@belvinowinery.com

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 / July 2 –The 80’s Brigade / July 3 – Kanan Road / July –Gin Piston / July 10 –The VIB / July 16 –Soul Fire / July 17 –Bill Watson / July 23 –Nathan James / July 24 –Kanan Road / July 30 –Gin Piston / July 31 –The VIB

Briar Rose
Sip Into the Sunset
First Friday of each month / Open until 10pm / Live music from 6p-9m and wine under the stars in our enchanted garden or tasting room / Purchase a glass of wine or a bottle / Outside food allowed at these events only / Reservations required; call 951.308.1098

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Live Music at the Courtyard Patio
Every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm

Friday Night Delights at Meritage at Callaway
Start your weekend off at Meritage every Friday. We have it all, sunset, live music, sangria, savory bites, good vibes and more. Relax and chill with friends on our Vineyard Terrace with panoramic views of wine country / $15 regular / $10 industry / Price includes a glass of freshly made red or white sangria and choice of two farm-to-table hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Diamond / For more information please visit www.callawaywinery.com

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 / 7/3 –James Holland / 7/10 –Don Brennan / 7/17 –Shaula Walko / 7/24 –James Holland / 7/31 –Aaron White

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 / 7/1- Lindsey Carrier / 7/8 –Jeff Brinkman / 7/15 –Joshua Taylor / 7/22 –Jerry Gontang / 7/29 –Frankie and the Invisibles

Danza del Sol Winery
Taco Tuesday
July 12 / 5:30pm -8:30am / Tuesday’s just got tastier! Join us on the Tasting Room Patio for tacos, burritos, and more! Live music and admission is free. Food, wine and selected beer will be available for purchase. Wine club discounts apply to bottle purchases only. Wine Club complimentary glass excluded from this event/ For more details visit www.danzadelsolwinery.com

Food Truck Friday
July 22 / 6:30pm-10:30pm / $7 -$8 / Join us for a fun night of food, Wine, Rhythm and Blues! Live music featuring Missy Andersen / For more details visit www.danzadelsolwinery.com

Live Music on the Patio
1:00-5:00pm / Grab your friends and head over to Danza del Sol for a Saturday afternoon of wine and great music / July 2 –Steroflux / July 9 –Hamilton & Shultz / July 16 –Tralian Rox / July 23 –Danielle Taylor / July 30 –Britt Doehring

Doffo Winery
Live Music on the Patio
Every Saturday in July / 1p-4p / Free to the public / July 2 –Martin Mancuso / July 9 –Camille Marsh / July 16 –Lucy Laforge / July 23 –Alex and the Band / July 30 –Tralian Roslyn

Europa Village
Movie in the Vines – Finding Nemo
July 21 / 7:00p – 9:30p / Free to the public / For more information on this event, please visit www.europavillage.com

Friday Night Entertainment
6:00-9:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / July 9 –Kanan Road / July 22 – Boomer McClenn / July 29 –Blue Fish

Live Music every Sunday
1:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / July 3 –Astra Kelly / July 10 –Jimmy Patton / July 17 –Danielle Taylor / July 24 –Luis Andre

Falkner Winery
16th Anniversary Celebration
July 2nd – 4th / 11p – 5p / Live music, yard games and tournaments! Wine raffles every hour – 1 ticket per tasting. 50% off case sales, restaurant special baby back ribs, taco bar and bbq.

Wine Appreciation Class
July 16 / 10a-12:30p / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45 per person, $40 Connoisseur, $20 VIP. $70 per person with lunch option / RSVP required at 951.676.8231 ext. 109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com

Funday, Sunday in the Yard Garden
Every Sunday in June / 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
Annual Wine & Vine Symposium
July 15 / 5p-7pm / Featuring Los Caballos Vineyard. Sip & learn with our expert panel as they take you through a cheese paired tasting of our exceptional Merlots and share insights into the farming and winemaking process. Our panel Gary Winder, Stage Ranch Founder & Leoness Co-Owner, Mike Rennie, Leoness Co-Owner, Tim Kramer, Winemaker, Pete Mousis, Associate Winemaker, Billy Bower, Director of Agriculture, Daragh Matheson, Chef & Directory of Culinary Operations / Pre-purchase tickets at $79, Wine Club Members $69. Limited availability on tickets so reserved now by calling 951.302.7601.

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
Smoke & Vine: A Night of Cigars and Wine
July 24 / 6p – 8p / Tickets are $85 / $76.50 for Wine Club Members / Tickets include three course dinner, two cigars paired with Lorimar wines / Tickets are available in the tasting room or online at www.lorimarwinery.com

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
12:00-4:00pm / July 2 –Dustin Jake / July 9 –Sean Wiggins / July 16 –Michael SG / July 30 –JD Priest Free to the public

Maurice Car’rie Winery
Let’s Dance!
July 9 / 7p-10p / Come join the fun and celebrate our 30 year anniversary! Dance with the dynamic Live Remedy! Liver Remedy is a Souther California based band who love to play fun and energetic Country and Rock music. They always leave the fans wanting more! 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 / Free to the public / Friday, July 1st, JD Priest / Saturday, July 2nd, DevOcean / Sunday, July 3rd, The Counterfeits / Friday, July 8th, Ruben V- Latin & salsa music / Saturday, July 9th, Bluefish / Sunday, July 10th, Lindsey Carrier / Friday, July 15th, Mickie Arnett / Saturday, July 16th, Indica Roots/ Sunday, July 17th, Rhonda Parish & Vince Mendoza duo / Friday, July 22nd, Nathan James / Saturday, July 23rd, Midnight Satellites / Friday, July 29th, Big Truth Band / Saturday, July 30th, Tricia Freeman / Sunday, July 31st, Twofish / No reservations required. For more information please visit www.miramontewinery.com

Monte De Oro Winery
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

Mount Palomar Winery
Murder…Without a Clue
July 15 / 7pm – 10pm / Catch a killer over cocktails in the Mount Palomar Winery barrel room! This interactive murder mystery event is hosted by the talented performers from Dainty Dames Events and includes a delectable 3 course meal, a glass of champagne, and a mystery to solve. Don’t miss it! / Tickets are $120++, $110++ for wine club members / Tickets and more online at www.MountPalomarWinery.com/MurderMysteryDinner

Paint Nite – Coco Caliente
July 17 / 1pm – 3pm / 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 $45, includes supplies / More online at www.MountPalomarWinery.com/Upcoming-Events

Noise Pollution: The AC/DC Experience
July 22 / 6pm – 10pm / Live at Mount Palomar Winery
Playing all the hits such as: Back In Black • Dirty Deeds (Done Dirt Cheap) • Highway To Hell • Thunderstruck • You Shook Me All Night Long • TNT • Hell’s Bells For Those About To Rock…and so many more! / Tickets $25, $30 at the door / Tickets online at Heyday.com

Ponte Family Estate Winery
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
Chef’s Wine-Down Wednesday Food & Wine Paired Dinner / July 20 / First seating at 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. $90++ per person / Reservations required. Call 951.587.9463 Ext. 7226 /All sales are final.

Wine, Dine & Painting Class
July 24 / 10am-2pm / 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 / $75 per person / $70 Wine Club / Purchase tickets online at SouthCoastwinery.com or call 951.587.9463 Ext. 5250

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.

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.

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

Thornton Winery
Friday Live Music
6pm-9pm / Free to public / July 1 –“ Jason Lohrke as Neil Diamond”- The Early Years / July 8 –Crimson Crow / July 15 – Little Lies Band with Big Truth / July 22 –“Mick Adams & the Stones – Rolling Stones Tribute Band” / July 29 –B.I.G. / Call (951) 699-0099 to reserve a table!

Jazz Concert Series
Al Jarreau / July 16 / 7pm / $85 Gen. Adm.; $160 GSP
Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown / July 23 / 7pm / $85 Gen. Adm.; $160 GSP
For reservations call 951.699.0099 ext. 3127 or ext. 129

Wilson Creek Winery

Doors Tribute Band Concert – Wild Child / July 8 / Doors open at 6pm/ $35 / An Amazing Doors Recreation Live in Temecula Wine Country Live re-creation of a 1960’s Doors concert right here in Temecula Valley Wine Country. With over 20 solid years of world tour experience, Dave Brock’s Doors Experience has flourished in the competitive L.A. Music Scene faithfully re-creating a live Doors Concert on stage. The music and voice is painstakingly reproduced to give the essence of Jim Morrison live on stage / Purchase online at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

Wine Academy – Portugal Wines / July 10 / 1 pm – 3pm / Instructor: Mick Wilson
$45 non members; $30 members / Please call to make reservations: 951-699-9463

Weekend Entertainment / 12p -4p / Free to the public / July 2 – JD Priest / July 3 – Anthony Suraci / July 9 – Smoothie Jones / July 10 – Buzz Campbell / July 16 – Dustin Jake / July 17 – Jeff Tucket / July 23 – Anthony Suraci / July 24 – Justin Bourdreaux / July 30 – Michael LeClerc / July 31 – Lindsey Carrier

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.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Harvest season….it’s the hustle and bustle, the night time glow of the lights in the vineyards and the bins full of fruit.

Although winemaking happens all year long, the harvesting of the grapes is one of the most crucial parts of the winemaking process.  To ensure quality wine, one of the most important decisions a winemaker must make is when to pick the grapes. Determining when to harvest requires a bit of science; the grapes’ acidity and sweetness should be in perfect balance. Of course, Mother Nature also plays a vital role in the ripening of grapes; a mid-summer rain can slow the ripening process and leave the vines susceptible to fungus.

In Temecula Valley, because of our warm weather, our harvest crews mostly pick the fruit at night or in the cool hours of the very early morning.  Thus, images of winemakers growing beards and sleeping during the day start appearing on our Facebook feed.

While there’s a lot more to harvest season than just harvesting the grapes, this signals the beginning of what truly is the most wonderful time of the year!  Be sure to follow us on Facebook for a glimpse into harvest happenings.

Celebrating California Wine Month

Although we never need a reason to raise a glass in celebration, we’re eagerly awaiting the return of California Wine Month.  This September marks the 11th consecutive year that California’s governor has proclaimed California Wine Month; in honor of our state’s contribution as the leading wine industry in the United States.

September is the perfect time to visit Temecula Valley Wine Country. We invite wine lovers to explore and experience our premiere wine country in two ways.  SIP your way through wine country with the SIP Passport; you pick which four of the 30+ wineries to visit and when to visit them throughout the month.  Or, experience each of our wineries at our region’s signature food and wine event, CRUSH!

Event Details:

September SIP Passport:

When: Valid September 1-30; visits may be concurrent or spaced throughout the month.

What: Voucher for a full tasting flight at any four participating Temecula Valley wineries; includes souvenir wine glass.

Tickets: $40 per person (Monday-Thursday); $50 per person (Friday-Sunday). For more information and tickets, click here.

6th Annual CRUSH ~  A Wine & Culinary Showcase

When: Saturday, September 19 from 7-10:00 p.m.

Where: Wiens Family Cellars, 35055 Via Del Ponte, Temecula, CA 92592

What: Upscale event bringing together 30+ Temecula Valley wineries; fine cuisine from local chefs, caterers and restaurants and live entertainment to set the mood.

Tickets: All-inclusive tickets are $85 per person; VIP Tickets are $110 and include admittance to the pre-event exclusive winemaker tasting and reception, beginning at 6:00pm. Tickets are on sale now here!

Mid-Week Wine Tasting Guide

For many, summer vacation is quickly coming to an end.  But, how about squeezing in one more little get-a-way before the dog days of summer are over?

Whether you can get away overnight, or just want to take a day trip, a mid-week visit to Temecula Valley Wine Country should prove to be a relaxing and enjoyable break.

There are many advantages to visiting wine country during the week.  Much less busy weekdays are the perfect opportunity to allow yourself time to enjoy our 30+ member wineries’ offerings.  At a slower pace, you’ll be able to enjoy more one-on-one time with the knowledgeable wine servers (or even the winemakers and/or winery owners themselves if you’re lucky) at each of your stops.

In addition, the tasting prices tend to be lower during the week than on the weekends and some wineries even offer two-for-one wine tasting coupons and additional discounts if you’re tasting during the week.  And, if we haven’t convinced you yet….there’s no waiting in line to dine at our wonderful wine country restaurants that are very busy on the weekends. If you’d like to spend the night you’ll be pleased with the selection of hotels and their reduced mid-week rates.  Hotels in the area are generally booked months in advance on the weekends.

You may want to visit in September, as we’re celebrating California Wine Month with a special weekday SIP Passport.  This passport allows you to visit any four wineries of your choice for $40.  Visit our website at www.temeculawines.org to purchase your passport. Good wine goes well with an excellent mobile slots casino games , played on your smartphone or tablet.

While we’d love to see you at any time here in Temecula Valley Wine Country, give us a try on a Wednesday sometime….we think you’ll be glad you did!