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Archive for April, 2012

May Events in Temecula Valley Wine Country

Monday, April 30th, 2012

(For Mother’s Day events, please click here!)

Churon Winery

“Be the Winemaker” Night

Wednesday, May 16; 6:00p-8:30p

$35 per person; $25 for wine club

Winners receive the Gold Award and a bottle of their creation to take home.  Seating is limited and reservations required.  Call 951.694.9070 for tickets to the event.


Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Semi-Annual Salsa and Guacamole Competition

Saturday, May 5, Cinco De Mayo; 4:00p-7:00p

Our 2nd semi-annual Salsa & Guacamole competition. Compete together for the best in the west. Spicy, hot, savory, everything tasty judged by professionals. Feast on carne asada taco buffet, plus your choice of sangria, wine or beer. Additional beverages may be purchased. Participants are $10, paid at time of sign up, attendees get all this for only $25pp and $20pp for wine club members (day of event $35pp and $30pp for wine club members). Please RSVP 951.491.0825 or email wineclub@cougarvineyards.com or purchase your tickets through our secure online store today at www.cougarvineyards.com.

 

Europa Village

Art Class in the Vineyard
Wednesday, May 9; 1:00p-3:00p

Musical Wine Dinner: “Feria de Espana”

Wednesday, May 16; 6:30p-9:00p

Musical Wine Dinner: Feria de Espana

Thursday, May 17; 6:30p-9:00p

VINGO!
Tuesday, May 22
Fun and educational wine game

Art Class in the Vineyard
Wednesday, May 23; 1:00p-3:00p

Wine Dinner benefiting the Temecula Theater Foundation

Sunday, May 27

Live Music

Friday, May 4 – Rachael Stark from 6:30p-9:30p

Sunday, May 6 – Matthew Fagan from 12:00p-3:00p

Friday, May 11 – Cougrzz

Friday, May 18 – 4019′s

Sunday, May 20 – Leo Gosselin from 12:00p-3:00p

Friday, May 25 – Abacus

For more information on all Europa Village events, please visit http://europavillage.com.

 

Falkner Winery

Free Jazz on Sundays

Performances will be 3 hours beginning at noon and going until 3:00pm and will be held in their outside lawn area adjacent to the tasting room.   As the name indicates, every Sunday afternoon live jazz performances will be available to winery customers at no charge and with no reservations required. Chairs and tables will be provided for the audience.  Freshly prepared barbequed food and wine by the glass or bottle are available for each performance.


Frangipani Winery

Live Music performed by Michael Chain

Saturday, May 21 & Sunday, May 22; 12:00p-4:00p

 

Longshadow Ranch Winery

Steve Oliver Live in Concert

Friday, May 4; 6:00p

Featuring the amazing jazz guitar artistry of Steve Oliver, plus an acoustic performance by Longshadow Winery owner and winemaker Jon Brodersen.  General Admission: $25, Preferred Seating: $35.  Proceeds benefit Dorland Mountain Community for the Arts.  Wine, beer, and dinner will be available.  Click here to purchase tickets.

 

Miramonte Winery


Complimentary Live Music

Friday, May 4; 7:00p-10:00p

Stereoflux – Awesome band! Modern rock of 80s, 90s thru today.

Sunday, May 6; 2:00p-5:00p

Caleb Fritel – Soulfully inspired local songwriter, known for his passionate acoustics

Friday, May 11; 7:00p-10:00p

JD Priest – Wildly soulful. All-American rock, incredibly popular local favorite.

Saturday, May 12; 7:00p-10:00p

Shoot 4 Tuezday – Awesome band! Modern rock of 80s, 90s thru today.

Sunday, May 13; 2:00p-5:00p

Alex & Morgan (stereoflux acoustic)

Friday, May 18; 7:00p-10:00p

Mark Sage Band – Local Fav! Americana, R&B and soul …

Saturday, May 19; 7:00p-10:00p

4019′s – The Who meets The Clash meets The Ramones

Sunday, May 20; 2:00p-5:00p

Waylon Hicks – Well known in The IE. Comfortable, progressive, soulful jazz

Friday, May 25; 7:00p-10:00p

Master Splinter & the Shredders – Gutsy, modern rock performers. Big sound!

Saturday, May 26; 7:00p-10:00p

Missy Andersen – The queen of all local soul, rhythm and blues!


Monte De Oro Winery

Kentucky Derby Day

Saturday, May 5; 3:00p

Come and watch – live – the greatest 2 minutes in sports and see who will be crowned the 2012 Kentucky Derby winner.  As is tradition at Churchill Downs, for all those Ladies visiting Monte De Oro wearing hats, wine tasting will be 50% off our weekend price.

Friday Night Happy Hours at Monte De Oro

5:30p-8:30p; $6.50 glasses of wine and MDO Bistro Menu options available.

May 4 – The Brewer Boys

May 11 – Rachael Stark

May 18 – Nina Markert

May 25 – American Hero Night to benefit Corporal Juan Domengiz

June 1 – JD Priest

June 8 – Tim Moyer

 

Mount Palomar Winery

3rd Annual Wine Country Wiener Fest
Sunday, May 6; 11:00a-4:00p

Family-friendly games, local vendors and services, silent auction, raffles and door prizes, food and beverages and wine tasting. “Dexter Derby’s” Dachshund races with Kentucky Derby-style extravagant hat contest!  Visit http://www.wienerfest.info for more information.

Gypsy Tears Concert – Spanish Guitar & Dancing
Saturday, May 19; 6:00p-10:00p
To purchase tickets please visit www.heyday.com/Heyday/Events

 

Oak Mountain Winery

BBQ Cooking Class presented by Pete’s Firehouse BBQ
Friday, May 4; 6:30p-10:00p
$125 per person
Reservations are required!  Please call Oak Mountain Winery at 951.699.9102

Our hands-on BBQ Cooking Class will show you techniques to select, prepare, trim, season, cook and serve Baby Back Ribs, Pork Spare Ribs, St. Louis Style Pork Ribs, Beef Tri-Tip and much more!

 

Ponte Winery

Festival of Brides, The Upscale Bridal Show

Sunday, May 6; 11:00a-4:00p
Join us in the Vineyard Pavilion to meet top wedding vendors, tour Ponte Winery, see a wedding dress fashion show and enter to win grand door prizes.

 

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Horse & Carriage Package

Valid through May 31

$339 Weekdays & $439 Weekends (Fri/Sat)

Includes 2 hour horse & carriage ride, two lunch boxes, one bottle of wine with two souvenir wine glasses, plus a one night stay for two in a luxurious villa and six complimentary tasting coupons for South Coast Winery.

Reservations Required; call 951.587.9463 ext. 1 & mention code Carriage Special

Kirk Whalum in Concert
Saturday, May 19; 7:30pm

Tickets starting at $35.00 and are on sale now at www.cegseats.com or call (213) 742-6960.

Soulful, passionate, stirring…these are the words most often used to describe Kirk Whalum’s music.

 

Thornton Winery

Live Music on Fridays

Friday, May 4; 6:00p-9:00p

Performance by Waylon Hicks

Friday, May 11

6:00p-9:00p

Performance by Mark Sage

Friday, May 18

6:00p-9:00p

Performance by Leo Gosselin

Friday, May 25

6:00p-9:00p

Performance by Mark Sage

Champagne Jazz Series
The Sax Pack (featuring Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole & Marcus Anderson)

Sunday, May 6; 4:00p

Reservations are required.  Visit http://cf.thorntonwine.com/tickets.php for reservations.

Jazz in the City (featuring Paul Taylor, Marion Meadows & Jesse J
Saturday, May 12; 7:00p
Reservations are required.  Visit http://cf.thorntonwine.com/tickets.php for reservations.

 

Wilson Creek Winery

Sunset Jazz in the Vines

Sunday, May 6; 5:30p – 8:30p

$40 General Admission; $25 Wine Club Members

PURCHASE TICKETS: https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/SHOP.AMS?LEVEL=MID&CAT=EVENTS

Wilson Creek brings back ERIC DARIUS by popular demand! Known for his dynamic and exhilarating live shows, Eric Darius once again joins the Wilson Creek family for an evening adventure combining contemporary jazz with the truly unique atmosphere of wine country. Eric’s energy and musicality are undeniable. He fuses Jazz with Hip-Hop, R & B, Soul, and Rock for a new sound that’s exciting and truly innovative.

 

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Mothers Day in Wine Country: Brunch, Champagne, and much more!

Monday, April 30th, 2012

Mothers Day on Sunday May 13 is always a magnificent experience in Southern California’s wine country.  With dozens of wineries and brunches to choose from, Mom will indeed feel like the most special gal in the world.  Please scroll down for all Mother’s Day happenings in Temecula Valley!

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Mothers Day Champagne Brunch at Carol’s Restaurant
Sunday, May 13

11:00a-3:00p

$54.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity
$19.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity for children 12 and under

Children 5 & under free

Reservations are required by calling Carol’s Restaurant at 951.676.9243

See www.bailywinery.com for menu.

 

Bel Vino Winery

Mothers Day Champagne Brunch

Sunday, May 13; 10:00a-2:00p

$65 per person, non member; $55 per person, wine club; $25 per person for children under 12

Reservations required by calling Bel Vino Winery at 951.676.6414

Celebrate Mom with a gourmet brunch served with premium champagne and wines.  Our international award-winning chef, Jorge Alvarado, presents a menu prepared with flavorful influences from around the world.  Live entertainment will be provided by Robert Simon. Mom will receive a box of Port Chocolates and each adult reservation includes 2 glasses of champagne.

 


Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Sparkling Luncheon & Trunk Show

Thursday, May 10; 11am to 2pm

Ticket prices are $42 per person/$37.80 per person for Wine Club members (plus tax and service charge).

Featuring:

Johncee’s Closet ~ Park Lane Jewelry ~ Temecula Lavender Company

Enjoy an afternoon with friends and celebrate being a mom. Sip on sparkling Mimosas, Cranberry Coolers, Bellinis while shopping with our great vendors. Call 951- 676-4001 for reservations or visit us online at www.callawaywinery.com.

Mothers Day Specials at Meritage at Callaway

Now accepting reservations for lunch and dinner Friday, May 11, Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13. Chef Mike will be offering unique specials along with his new Spring inspired menu. Reservations are highly recommended.  Call 951- 676-4001 for reservations or visit us online at www.callawaywinery.com.

 

Danza del Sol Winery

Mothers Day Brunch at The Club House at Danza del Sol

Sunday, May 13; 11:00a-2:00p (only one seating)

$70 per person; $63 per person for wine club members.  All prices subject to tax and gratuity.

Reservations required by calling Kelly at 951.302.636. ext. 26

This Mothers Day, treat Mom to a Brunch at Southern California’s Premier Winery.  Enjoy a gourmet buffet brunch, live music, and a special treat for Mom while taking in breathtaking views of Temecula Valley.

 

Europa Village

Mothers Day at Europa Village

Sunday, May 13; 10:00a-6:00p

Releasing the 2010 Albarino and the 2011 Grenache Rose; Cabernet also for sale and moms get a free gift.

For more information, please visit www.europavillage.com


Falkner Winery

Mothers Day Champagne Brunch

Sunday, May 13; 10:00a-3:30p

All food will be prepared by their award winning Executive Chef Gianni Ciciliot and his excellent staff.  Having been designated “Best Restaurant of the Inland Empire” five years in a row and “Best Chef” for 2009, 2010, & 2011 by Inland Empire magazine, this promises to be a spectacular and memorable event.  This will be a special brunch menu served with Champagne along with other beverage options.  Live entertainment.

 

Lorimar Winery

Mothers Day Specials at Lorimar

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery will be offering a complimentary Fruit Tart with French Sour Cherry and Custard, paired with Grenache Sparkling at our Wine Country Tasting Room on Anza Rd. and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, paired with Sparkling Wine in our Old Town tasting room for every mom on Mothers Day!

 

Longshadow Ranch Vineyard & Winery

Mothers Day guest musician Carlos Reynosa, Native American Flutes 1-5pm and horse-drawn carriage rides from 1-3pm.  For details, please visit the Longshadow Winery.

 

Monte de Oro Winery

Mothers Day Brunch

Sunday, May 13; 10:00a-12:00p Seating Time

$59.95 per adult / Children 3-12 $12.95 / Children under 3 free

All tickets are subject to tax.  Gratuity is not included.

Wine Club Members please use CLUB in the coupon code for your special price.

Celebrate Mothers Day by joining us for our Mothers Day Brunch at Monte De Oro. Enjoy our gourmet brunch menu along with your favorite Monte De Oro wines and toast Mom with mimosas of a glass of champagne to say “thanks” for all that she does for your throughout the year.  Reservations are required, seating is limited.  Visit Monte de Oro for more details.

 

Mount Palomar

Mothers Day Champagne Brunch
Sunday, May 13; 11:00a to 4:00p
Adults $49 (Wine Club Members $42) plus tax; Children under 12, $19 (includes iced tea or 1 can of soda) plus tax

Celebrate Mothers Day at one of the oldest wineries in Temecula Valley while enjoying live music, a buffet-style brunch, and beautiful surroundings. Buffet with unlimited Champagne/Mimosas. Also includes raffles & prizes. Please make your reservations on our website at www.mountpalomar.com/mothersday or by contacting Laura at laura@mountpalomar.com or 951-676-5047 x118

 

Ponte Winery

Mothers Day Brunch at Ponte

Sunday, May 13; seatings at 11:00a, 12:00p & 1:30p

$65 per adult, $25 per child
$58.50 per adult, $22.50 per child for wine club

Delicious brunch, sparkling wines, live music. Visit http://shop.pontewinery.com/dept-293832/Special-Event-Tickets.html for more information or to purchase tickets.

 

Robert Renzoni Winery

Mothers Day at Robert Renzoni Winery

Live music from 2:00p-5:00p

Wine specials and a gift for Mom

 

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Mothers Day Brunch

Sunday, May 13; 10:00a-4:00p

$42.00 Per Adult (Includes 2 Complimentary Glasses of Champagne); $19.00 Per Child (Ages 5 to 10) Plus Tax & Gratuity

Three seatings available: 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Two-hour maximum seating. Call 951-491-8077 today to make reservations.

From chilled displays, salads, sliced fruit and berries, prime roast and omelets, to Chicken Marsala, oven- roasted sea bass, blueberry pancakes, smoked pork hash and desserts, our talented chefs have created a fantastic menu that mom will be talking about for years! Bring the whole family to the Vineyard Rose Restaurant—we also have a kids’ buffet menu.

May Grapeseed Spa Special

This Mothers Day and throughout May, reward your mom with the special attention she deserves at the GrapeSeed Spa. Pamper her with our exclusive Body Immersion Package, including a 50-minute warm stone full-body relaxation massage with rich emollients of May Cheng oil and body butter; a vanilla peppermint foot massage; a sugar- kissed hand treatment and rose facial, and a Moroccan Oil hair treatment. This unforgettable experience also includes a chilled glass of sparkling wine and spa products to take home. Available through May 30, 2012.

For more information, call 866-944-6379, ext. 7280 or visit SouthCoastWinery.com/Spa today.

 

Wiens Family Cellars

Mothers Day Wine Blending Experience
Sunday, May 13; 6:00p-9:00p
$62.50 per person, $50.00 per person for wine club

Reservations required.  Reserve your ticket here.

Join us for a night of tasting and blending wine. Each ticket holder will have access to 4 different barrels of wine where you’ll get to taste, blend, experiment and create a treasured bottle to take home.

 

Wilson Creek Winery

Sunday, May 13; 10:00a – 4:00p

Celebrate one of the most important people in your life!  Treat mom to a remarkable Champagne Brunch and afternoon in wine country. Let Mom sit back and relax among the blossoming vines while listening to the magical notes of pianist Frank Marter. All mothers will receive an extra special gift from the Wilson family.  Please call for Reservations: 951.699.9463

 

 


 

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Wine Country Recipe: Oak Mountain Winery’s Marinated Fromage Appetizer

Saturday, April 28th, 2012

Marinated Fromage Appetizer

Ingredients

2 blocks (8oz each) white cheddar cheese

2 pkgs (8oz each) cream cheese, softened

¾ cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers

½ cup Oak Mountain Tuscan avocado oil

¼ cup Oak Mountain pear pomegranate vinegar

¼ cup Oak Mountain Dark Cherry balsamic vinegar

3 tbsp chopped green onions

3 tbsp minced fresh parsley

2 tbsp minced fresh basil

1 tbsp sugar

3 garlic cloves minced

½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper

Toasted sliced French Bread or assorted crackers

To Make

Slice each block of cheddar cheese into twenty ¼” slices. Cut each block of cream cheese into 18 slices: sandwich between cheddar slices, using a knife to spread evenly. Create  four 6” long blocks of cheese; place in a 13X9” dish

Combine the roasted peppers, oil, vinegars, onions, herbs, sugar, garlic, salt & pepper: pour over cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight, turning once. Drain excess marinade. Serve cheese with bread or crackers.

Pair with Oak Mountain 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, available for purchase at the winery or online here.

For more recipes and food & wine events, please visit Oak Mountain Winery online or stop in anytime between 11am-5pm daily.

Winery Address:
36522 Via Verde
Temecula, CA. 92592
Phone: 951-699-9102
Fax: 951-699-9103

 

 

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Get to Know… Ponte Family Estate

Friday, April 27th, 2012

Ponte Family Estate is an experience that shouldn’t be missed during a getaway to Temecula Valley wine country.  And with the opening of the brand-new Ponte Vineyard Inn in May, everyone can enjoy their experience in Temecula Valley a little bit longer.

The Story

Claudio Ponte planted vineyards in 1984 and opened the popular winery in 2003.  Ponte Family Estate includes The Restaurant at Ponte, tasting room and marketplace, vineyards, wedding/event spaces and the latest addition, the Ponte Vineyard Inn.  Guests are invited to wine, dine and stay, all while enjoying friendly service and hospitality.

The Ponte Vineyard Inn – opening its doors in May!

Ponte Family Estate welcomes visitors to its 60-room boutique, wine country hotel on May 4, which is located next-door to the winery and each room as a vineyard-view.   Book a package today and enjoy an overnight stay in Southern California’s wine country.

The Restaurants

The Restaurant at Ponte is headed by the experienced Chef Vincent Logan.  This al fresco venue prides itself on sourcing local ingredients, serving natural and sustainable meats and fish and providing top-notch service.  A great place for Mother’s Day – or anytime!

The Restaurant at Ponte Dining Hours:
Monday-Thursday 11am-4pm
Friday & Saturday 11am-8pm
Sunday 11am-5pm
(951) 252-1770

For more information on dining at Ponte, please click here.

Within The Ponte Vineyard Inn, there will be the exciting addition of two new restaurants, open to all visitors:  Bouquet and The Cellar Lounge.

Bouquet offers a “sharing and pairing” menu and is conveniently located in the lobby of the hotel with both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant also serves continental breakfast Monday thru Friday and sit-down breakfast service Saturday and Sunday. Lunch is served from 11:30am to 3pm on weekends only. Dinner served 6pm to 9pm daily.

The Cellar Lounge is located in the basement of the hotel and offers a variety of small plates and entrees in a cool, rustic setting.  The Cellar Lounge boasts the only full bar in wine country and a carefully selected list of locally produced wines. Dinner served 5-10pm daily.

For more information on the new restaurants at The Ponte Vineyard Inn, please click here.

The Wines

Ponte Family Estate offers an approachable, memorable tasting experience that welcomes both new and experienced wine lovers with the mantra, “If you like it, it’s good wine!”™

  • Classics – single varietals like Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay
  • Blends – the best combinations go into Graciela, Super T, Meritage, and the Angry Wife lines
  • Sweet – Juliet, Isabel, and Beverino are top favorites
  • Sparkling & Fortified – Moscato, Rose Spumante, Port are perfect for dessert in wine country

The Ponte Winery Wine Club offers incredible VIP service and exciting perks for members all year-round.

Tasting

Flights include 6 wine tastings and a Ponte souvenir wine glass:
Mon – Fri $12 per person
Sat – Sun $20 per person
Open daily from 10am-5pm

Address & Phone Number
35053 Rancho California Road 92591
(951) 694-8855
(877) 314-wine

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Winemaker’s Roundtable: Five Facts About… Rosé

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Springtime is here and Mother’s Day is around the corner – is there a better time to start drinking rosé ?  Not a big fan, you say?  Well, rest assured it has come along way from the “blush” craze of the 1970′s and ’80′s.  Why don’t you give it another try with some of Southern California’s local grapes?  And in the meantime, you can impress your wine-loving friends with the following five fun facts about rosé  –

1.   Rosé has long been the signature wine of Provence, a region in the south of France that makes this “white” wine from red grapes — primarily Grenache.
2.   There are three methods to produce rosé:

    • the “skin contact” method, in which red grapes are crushed and the skins are allowed to remain in contact with the juice for a short period to impart color and flavor (the longer that the skins are left in contact with the juice, the more intense the color of the final wine.)
    • the “saignee” method, in which some of the juice used to produce red wine is “bled” from the tank shortly after crushing; this gives the final red wine more intensity
    • the “blending” method, which is rarely used and typically frowned upon, but involves simply blending a little red wine with white wine

3.   Rosé wines can be made still, semi-sparkling or sparkling.
4.   Rosé wine is made in a range of colors, from a pale orange to a vivid near-purple, depending on the grapes, additives and wine making techniques.
5.   American “blush” wines of the 70′s and 80′s were on the sweet side but the pendulum is now swinging back towards a drier, more traditional Provencal style made with grapes like Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan.

Temecula Valley wine country rosés to try:

 

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Temecula Valley Hosts 29th Annual Grape Day Conference on April 19

Monday, April 16th, 2012

The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) is hosting its 29th Annual Grape Day Conference on Thursday, April 19 from 7:30am to 6:00pm, featuring a full day of seminars and panels presented by wine industry leaders. With Grape Day, TVWA furthers its mission to continually improve wine quality in the Temecula Valley AVA, share new wine industry research and techniques with its members, and encourage a collaborative spirit and dialogue within its membership and the broader wine industry.

This educational event is open to all who have a professional interest in viticulture and winemaking.  Tickets are $60 for TVWA members, $80 for non-members; the conference includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch and wine and cheese evening reception. Purchase online at TemeculaWines.org (click on Events) or by phone at (800) 801-9463.

The 2012 Grape Day Conference will be hosted by Wiens Family Cellars.  Highlights from the conference agenda includes the following presentations:

  • State of the Industry – Mike Falasco, California Wine Institute
  • Postmodern Winemaking Principles – Clark Smith, Appellation America
  • Growing, Making and Selling the Mediterranean: Is Temecula In or Out? – with Ed Cohen, Regional Wine and Beer Manager for Cost Plus World Market; and Corie Brown, Managing Editor of Zester Daily (former wine writer for LA Times.)

Attendees will include wine business professionals and educators from UC Riverside, UC Kearney Agricultural Center, and Enartis Vinquiry, among others.

Tickets are still available!

Here’s some pics from last year’s Grape Day Conference –

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