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Earth Day ~ April 22

earth day

Each year, Earth Day – April 22  – marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement.  The idea was that of Earth Day founder, Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, who was devastated after witnessing the ravages of a 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, he realized that if he could infuse that energy with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, it would force environmental protection onto the national political agenda.

As a result of his efforts, on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness and the extinction of wildlife, suddenly realized they shared common values.

Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, and led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

Today, it is celebrated by billions of people around the world and is observed in over 190 countries. Worldwide Earth Day celebrations utilize educational programs to inform people of ways they can help protect the environment and our natural resources.

Earth Day worked because of a spontaneous response at the grassroots level. No one thought they would organize 20 million demonstrators!  Just think what could happen if we garnered that kind of response to a few simple tasks that each of us could easily do in just ONE day.  Think about it.  What a difference we could make!

A few simple things that provide huge impacts might include planting a tree every year, switching off lights when not in use and using recyclable bags for grocery shopping.  Easy enough, huh?  Check out our Recork and Recycle Pinterest page for some great recycling ideas.

Or you could always “save water and shower with a friend” like they did in the 70’s…

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April is Down to Earth Month!

2015 Down to EarthApril is California Wines: Down to Earth Month and it’s an ideal time to check out earth-friendly Temecula Valley wines made with sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices.

Wineries from around the state are celebrating Down to Earth Month throughout April.  Here in Temecula, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is hosting its 32nd Annual Grape Day on April 23.  The event fortifies the commitment of the local wine industry to keep abreast of current – and new – efforts and studies conducted throughout the state aimed at keeping the wine industry sustainably conscious.  We invite anyone interested in winemaking and winegrape growing to join us.

Being good neighbors and good stewards of the land are important values in the California wine community. The state’s growers and vintners have been using sustainable winegrowing practices for decades, with educational efforts beginning as early as the late 1950’s. Today, the Temecula Valley is home to three wineries who have made an even stronger commitment to sustainability and transparency.  Through self-assessment and certification programs created by the Wine Institute, the California Association of Winegrape Growers and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery, Ponte Family Estate Winery and South Coast Winery Resort & Spa have each conquered the next step, which is to become a Certified Sustainable Winery.  And more are on their way to certification!

Some super, easy to spot examples of sustainable practices in Temecula Valley include:

  • The use of beneficial birds to control pests (look for hawk perches and owl boxes)
  • Cover crops (no, we didn’t forget to mow between the vines!)
  • Drip irrigation systems to manage and monitor water use (as well as deficit irrigation techniques)
  • Composting:  the recycling of grape “must”, skins and seeds back into the vineyards as fertilizer.

Come check it out.  And if you can’t make it here in person, just open a bottle of Temecula Valley wine and toast our commitment from green grapes to glass!

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April Winery Events

spring-easter-wines

Spring has officially arrived! We invite you to come out to wine country and enjoy Easter Brunch, take in a concert or comedy show, or simplywind down with a glass of wine and live music.

 Baily Vineyard & Winery

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays in April; / 11:30a-3:00p / Live music, mulled wine, cheese fondue, 1/2 price Sangiovese

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

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

Easter Sunday at Carol’s Restaurant
Sunday, April 5 / 11:30a-3:00p / Regular menu, plus a few Easter specials.  2nd Annual Dog Easter Egg Hunt at 1:00p.  Dogs will be hunting for plastic eggs filled with turkey hot dogs.  Live music by Lenny Hansell, local Idyllwild musician.

Bel Vino Winery

Live Music
Saturdays & Sundays in April / 12:00p-4:00p / April 4 – Debbie Diamond / April 5 – Sam & Stacy / April 11 – Crimson Crow / April 12 – Shameless / April 18 – Michael LeClerc / April 19 – Dominic Rocha / April 25 – Kenny Hale / April 26 – Sheyna Gee

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Easter Sunday
Meritage at Callaway will be featuring an a la cart, brunch inspired menu from 10:00a-4:00p.

Happiest Hours
Grab your friends and join us for a marvelous time!  Friday and Sunday 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.

Wine Flight Fridays
EVERY Friday beginning at 3pm
Travel around the world with us and experience a different wine region every month. Savor and compare the varietals that best represent a particular region paired with a special selection of Tapas typical of that region. This month, enjoy a wine flight of 3 wines from South America for $15.

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 and no reservations required.

Live Music Fridays
Every Friday from 5:00p-8:00p

Open Mic Night at Meritage at Callaway
Thursday, April 2 / 6:00p-9:00p / A creative life needs to be lived out in the OPEN; heard and shared with others. Join us for an evening of tapas, wine & creative collaboration. We will provide the stage, you provide your words, your unique sound and your talent. Come early to sign up.  Call (951) 587-8889 or email stefano_butto@callawaywinery.com for more information.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Live Music
Every Friday evening / 5:00p-8:00p / Come enjoy live music at Cougar Winery.  The deli is also open later until 7:00p.  For musician schedule, visit www.cougarvineyards.com.

Danza del Sol Winery

Live Music on the Patio
Saturdays in April / 1:00p-5:00p / April 4 – Two Fish / April 11 – Hamilton & Shultz  / April 18 – Nathan Rivera / April 25 – Samantha Shultz

“Get Sauced”
Sunday, April 12 / 3:00p-6:30p / Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of food, wine and culinary entertainment in our clubhouse.  $60 per person; Wine Club $54 per person.

Europa Village

Live Music
Fridays from 5:30p-8:30p and Sundays from 1:00p-4:00p / April 3 – Danielle Taylor / April 5 – Bryan McManus/ April 10 – James Wells / April 12 – Jimmy Patton / April 17 – Mrs. Jones Revenge Duo / April 19 – Dustin Jake / April 24 – Dustin Jake / April 26 – Joe Baldino

Magic Night
Friday, April 24 / 7:30p-9:00p / $17.50 per person; $15.75 per person, Societe Member (ticket price includes one glass of wine)

Falkner Winery

Wine Appreciation Class
Saturday, April 18 / 10:00a-12:30p / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45 per person / $70 per person with lunch. / Reservations required by calling 951-676-8231 xt. 109

Free Concert – Guilty Conscience Band
Sundays April 12, 19 and 26 / 12:00p-3:00p / Dancing, Sangria, and BBQ in the yard garden

Club Vine at the Pinnacle
Thursday, April 23rd / 6:00p-10:00p / Reserve the date for a fun evening event with DJ, dancing, food wine and more!  Open to Wine Club, Industry and public.  Free cover or $30 (2) for reserved table.

Longshadow Ranch Winery

Summer Bonfire Saturday Nights
Every Saturday night through October / 6:00p-10:00p / No admission price / Live music, mechanical bull rides, along with wine.  Supervised children with their families are welcome to attend.

Leoness Cellars

Art & Wine Showcase ~ Featuring Erin Hanson Landscapes in Oil
Friday, April 17 / 6:00p-10:00p / Enjoy a night of Leoness wine, live music and hors d’oeuvres as we showcase the works of Erin Hanson.  A portion of the art sales will go to benefit the Our Nicholas Foundation, which supports those diagnosed with Autism and their families.  There is no cost for the event, however it is an exclusive event and therefore RSVP is required.  RSVP to Alexandra@leonesscellars.com.

Wine & Vine Symposium ~ Experience Syrah in a New Way
Friday, May 8 / 4:00p-6:30p / Members $45; Non Members $49 / Sip along with our team of expert farmers, winemakers and Master Sommelier, Eddie Osterland, as they share their anecdotes and insights into wine production – from seedling to bottle.  Tasting and discussing a variety of exclusive Leoness Syrahs not available in our tasting room. Pre-purchase tickets online at www.leonesscellars.com.

Lorimar Winery

Live Music
Fridays & Saturdays 6p-9p / Sundays 2p-5p

Art + Vino with Jill Roberts
Friday, April 17 / 6:00p / An interactive and entertaining art experience!  Enjoy Lorimar wine while painting a beautiful picture. / $60 per person; $55 per person, wine club.  Price includes one glass of wine, small bites and all painting materials.  Tickets available online, in wine country, Old Town or by phone at 951.694.6699.

“Laugh Your Glass Off” Comedy Show
Thursday, April 23 / 7:00p / Join us for a night of comedy as we bring you talented comedians that will make you Laugh Your Glass Off! / $35 per person; $30 per person, wine club. Tickets include one glass of wine.  Mature audience only.  Tickets available online, in wine country, Old Town or by phone at 951.694.6699.

Movie in the Vines – The Avengers
Monday, April 27 / Sunset / Free admission; wine and concessions available for purchase.

Mount Palomar Winery

Bottles “n” Brushes Painting Class with Wine
April 9, 12, 28 / 12:00a-3:00p  (April 12th class is 1:00p-4:00p)/ $45 per person – includes a glass of wine!  (Discount given for multiple guests) / To sign up or for more information, please contact Dorothy Hawthorne at 951-302-3088 or doughawthorne@verizon.net.

LOVEDRIVE: A tribute to The Scorpions
Friday, April 24 / 6:00p-9:00p / $25 per ticket (pre-sale) $30 at the door / Contact Robert Walker at 760-716-6295 or heyday@heyday.com

Oak Mountain Winery

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

Oak Mountain Winery University

Bubbles 101 – We want to burst your bubble with our champagne class / Oak Mountain Winery’s Sparkling Wine Class will have you taste three of our handcrafted sparkling wines made and bottled here in Temecula.  You will be served 3 of our sparkling wines paired with artisanal cheeses.  Learn fun facts you always wanted to know about sparkling wines and champagne.

Blending Reds – Create, bottle and label your very own blend / In our Blending Class, you get to be the Winemaker!  You will be supplied with three of Oak Mountain’s red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, tasting notes, a measuring flask and pipette, three wine glasses for sampling your creation and a “cheat sheet” provided by our own winemaker to help you with the process.  You will have the option to bottle your custom blend of wine for an additional $29.  We will then pop in a cork and add a personalized label and you’ll take home wonderful memories – as well as a one-of-a-kind bottle of wine.

Wine Tasting for Dummies 101 / Our beginners class for Wine Tasters.  This is a good class to take if this is your first visit to a winery and want to know the basics of wine tasting.  You will taste three wines paired with delicious gourmet cheeses and dark chocolate toffee.  You will also get to sample eight of our infused Avocado Oils and Balsamic Vinegars that are only available at Oak Mt. Winery.

Rhone Wine Class 201 / Our second, more advanced class after taking Wine Tasting 101 is our Rhone Wine Tasting Class 201.  Learn how these grapes are grown here in the valley and how wine is made, while tasting varietals from different areas in the Rhone region of France.  Just like the 101 class, you’ll get 3 wine tastings and 8 tastings of Avocado Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.

Bordeaux Wine Class 201 / You will learn how these grapes are grown and how they are harvested and processed, while tasting Oak Mountain wines from different areas in the Bordeaux region of France.  Just like the 101 class, you will get 3 wine tastings and 8 tastings of Avocado Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.  We recommend that you have taken our Wine Tasting 101 class prior to this course.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Wine & Dine Chef’s Table at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
For those who truly love to dine, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s culinary team offers a front row seat into their world with a special “Chef’s Table Dinner”. The Vineyard Rose Chefs create a custom five-course menu just for you. Our expert Winemakers then pair each course with our award winning wines to heighten the dining experience to another level. Whether it’s a special celebration or an intimate affair, our Chef’s Table dinner for 2 to 8 guests will define the art of fine cuisine with a memorable evening of food and wine for only $135 per person. Call 951-491-8077 to reserve your table 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.

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

Vintner Vault Thursdays
Bring your spouse, your loved-one, your partner, your friend and treat yourself to a wine tasting experience for two. / Couples Tasting: $20 wine tasting for two people.  Includes two keepsake South Coast Winery wine glasses with your paid tasting

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. 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.

Wiens Family Cellars

Crowded Vertical Dinner
Friday, April 3 / 6:00p / A vertical tasting dinner of several past Crowded vintages and the brand new 2013 Crowded.  We will be pouring and presenting four vintages of Crowded all on the same night!  At this event, you’ll taste our 2010, 2011, 2012 and the brand new 2013 Crowded along with food pairings.  All of these past releases will be available for purchase at the event.

Spring Fling Dinner & Dancing
Saturday, April 11 / 6:00p / The word from the bird is that we decided it’s time for a good old fashioned 1950’s spring fling dinner and dancing night!  We encourage you to come dressed in your primo cool cat and foxy attire for a night of fab food, wine and music.  It’s going to be a gas!

Wilson Creek Winery

Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 5 / 10:00a-3:00p / Brunch buffet $49.95, per person / Wine Club $44.95, per person / Children $14.95, per person / Brunch buffet with sparkling wine $59.95, per person / Wine Club $53.95 per person / Reservations required by calling 951.699.9463.

Wine Academy ~ “Wines of Australia and New Zealand”
Saturday, April 18 / 11:00a-1:00p / $35 per person; $25 per person, wine club / These monthly courses are aimed at empowering you in your wine knowledge and experience.  Our top notch winery instructors will make your wine experience interactive and interesting with each course highlighting a different topic. Limited space and reservations required by calling 951-699-9463.

Live Entertainment
Saturdays and Sundays / 12:00p-4:00p

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World of Wine Weekend is here!

WOWlogo_no year_burgundy_lgRevisedIf the weather doesn’t WoW you, the wines surely will!

Let’s face it, there’s just no other place on earth where Mother Nature delivers sunshine like in SoCal!  And this weekend promises to be an absolutely beautiful one.

What?  No plans??  Come on out for our annual World of Wine barrel tasting event.  Thirty member wineries will be supplying ticketholders with some very fine wine along with some complementing tasty bites.  The event is scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday from 10a to 4:30p each day.  There are a limited number of tickets still available online at www.temeculawines.org.  And at $99, it’s a great deal!  Hurry up though, we don’t want you to miss out.

We promise lots of sun perfectly paired with fabulous wine!

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