It’s February- the month of love- and there are endless ways to share a romantic experience with the your sweetheart in Temecula Valley Wine Country. From a festive hoe-down to a relaxing massage; dancing to romantic dinners, there’s something for everyone!

Mount Palomar Winery:
“Passionate Pairings”-  4 course dinner with wine parings in the barrel room. Friday and Saturday February 10th & 11th. Dinner begins at 6 pm. $85 per person. Ticket includes admittance in to Intoxication (explained below)

“Intoxication” – A Night of Dancing at the Red Door Lounge- Friday and Saturday February 10th & 11th. 8:30 -11:30 pm. Open to the public – $10 cover at the door
For more informattion and tickets, go to http://www.mountpalomar.com/ValentinesDay

Thornton Winery:
Romantic Rendezvous- a four course dinner with wine pairings. Tuesday, Feb 14, 2012, 7 PM
$85 plus tax & tip. Reservations:  951-699-0099

Longshadow Ranch Vineyard and Winery:
Valentine’s Hoe Down- Grab your honey and come on over! Dancing, mechanical bull rides and the Newlywed game! Also, a sneak peak at the new barrel room and a flight tasting. February 11th from 7-11pm. General admission $20 per person; Wine Club $15 per person
Reservations required- please rsvp by February 9, 2012 to 951-587-6221 or susan@longshadowranchwinery.com

South Coast Winery and Resort:
“A Month of Love” overnight stay packages. Chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne, hot-air balloon rides, spa treatments and roses, oh my! There are so many to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect package for two of you, and the best part is, these specials are available all month from February 1- 29th! For a complete list and pricing, visit www.wineresort.com/resort-events/resort-specials.

Valentine’s Day Dinner
Tuesday, February 14
5:30pm- 9pm
Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day dinner celebration in the Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Award-winning Chef Mike Terry will serve up a special romantic gourmet menu as guests enjoy an intimate evening in the dining room or terrace overlooking the surrounding vineyards. Valentines Day menu can be found
online at SouthCoastWinery.com Call the Vineyard Rose Restaurant at (866) 994-6379 ext. 2 for pricing, menu and to make a reservation.

Decadence Massage Package at the GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery
Entire month of February
Package Price: $105 per person
Grab your loved ones and friends and create a world of tranquility and relaxation with the Decadence Massage Package at the GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery. The Decadence Massage Package includes a 50-minute massage in one of our custom single or couples treatment rooms, followed by a complimentary glass of our award winning sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries, served on our veranda overlooking Mount Palomar. The Decadence Massage Package also includes a spa day pass so one can enjoy all the GrapeSeed Spa has to offer, like a heated outdoor saltwater pool, alfresco whirlpools, private steam rooms, saunas and state-of-the-art fitness center.. Call the GrapeSeedSpa at (866) 994-6379 ext. 7280 to make a reservation. Valid February 1st – February 29th. *Black out dates apply.

Bel Vino Winery:

Bel Vino Superbowl Sunday: Watch the New York Giants battle the New England Patriots on five 60 inch throughout the winery! Nosh on fantastic game-day menu items such as Grilled Steakhouse Sliders, Mini Taquitos, Roasted Potatoes, Buffalo Wings and a Chips & Salsa Bar. $14.95/person (beverages not included in price). Must be 21 years or older.Please call 951-676-6414 to purchase tickets.

Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing Dinner: Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day dining experience in the Bel Vino Barrel Room. Enjoy an ultimate five-course dinner, each served with a premium Stuart Cellars wine. Our international award-winning chef, Jorge Alvarado, presents a gourmet Mediterranean menu prepared with flavorful Latin influences. Adding to the ambiance,a multi-talented acoustic duo from the Mark Sage Band will fill the room with romantic
melodies. February 14; 6:30-9:30pm. $80.00 per person; $70.00 per person, wine club. Reservations required. Please call 951.676.6414

Wilson Creek Winery:

On Saturday, February 11, enjoy an intimate, candlelit 4 course dinner in the Barrel Room. Live piano music and a bottle of champagne is included. Two seatings: 5:30pm and 8:00pm. Regular  $140.00;  Wine Club $126.00. If you’d like to celebrate on Valentine’s Day, visit Wilson Creek February 14th for a a romantic 4 course dinner and an evening of dancing in the Ballroom. Reservations start at 7:00pm. Price is per couple and includes a bottle of champagne.Regular  $140.00;  Wine Club $126.00. For reservations, please call 951.699.9463.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Be Mine: Valentine’s Dinner at Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Saturday, February 11
6:30pm to 9:30pm in the Barrel Room
$160 per couple/ Wine Club Members $144 – inclusive
Join us for a candle-lit dinner in our rustic, elegant, and romantic Barrel Room. Enjoy a four-course meal created by Meritage at Callaway’s Executive Chef Mike Henry each course paired with a Winemaker’s Reserve or Special Selection Callaway wine. Dance
and dine while listening to live music. Reservations are required. Reserve online at www.callawaywinery.com or call 951.676.4001.

Romance Found at Meritage at Callaway
Saturday, February 11th & Wednesday, February 14th
Seatings available at 5:30pm and 7:30pm
$75.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Enjoy a romantic dinner this Valentine’s at Meritage at Callaway. On Saturday, February 11th and Wednesday, February 14th, Chef Mike Henry will offer guests a special Valentine’s Prix Fixe dinner menu with seating at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. A rose presentation greets every lady that will be joining us each evening. Once seated, an amuse bouche, or small bite, will be brought to the table paired with a glass of Callaway Special Selection 2008 Bella Blanc. A Prix Fixe menu selection then awaits you. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 951-587-8889 or online at www.callawaywinery.com under Meritage at Callaway’s page. Vegetarian selections available.

Wine Lover’s Tasting for Two
February 11-14
Offered from 10am to 4pm
$25 per couple
Reservations Suggested
Bring your Valentine to Temecula’s first winery to celebrate your love and enjoy this Wine Lover’s Tasting for Two. Hosted in the tasting room at Callaway Vineyard & Winery the celebration begins as each couple is greeted with a single red rose and samples of our Bella Rose sparkling wine. Next, you choose to taste two additional passionate pink rosesor two romantic red wines from our Wine Lover’s Tasting Menu. The grand finale: our zin-fully delicious ruby Port served with a pair of decadent chocolate dipped strawberries. Two souvenir tasting glasses are included to commemorate this special occasion.

Ponte Family Estate
Valentine’s Day Dinner
Tuesday, February 14
7:00pm-10:00pm
$95 per person, $86 Wine Club
Join as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, Ponte style! The winery will be transformed into a romantic setting for you to woo your loved one. Enjoy a sparkling Moscato greeting, butler passed hors d’oeuvres, a delectable four-course dinner prepared by our executive chef and paired with some of our favorite Ponte Wines. Live entertainment and dancing to top it off! Reservations required. Book online at www.pontewinery.com or by calling 951.694.8855

Falkner Winery
Valentine Wine Dinners
Sunday, February 12 & Tuesday, February 14
7:00pm
$79 per person, $69 per person Wine Club
Join Falkner Winery for a romantic Valentine’s Dinner in their award-winning restaurant in Temecula. Enjoy a wonderful four course dinner with individual wine pairings and entertainment.Reservations are required. Book online at www.falknerwinery.com or call 951.676.8231 ext.

Valentine Lunch Specials at Pinnacle Restaurant
11:30am-3:30pm
Saturday, February 11 through Tuesday, February 14
For $55 plus tax and gratuity for two people, diners can choose either one shared appetizer or salad for two, a choice of individual entrees and a shared dessert of either New York Style Cheesecake or Molten Chocolate Cake. Also included will be a non-alcoholic beverage per person. Selected wines will be offered as an option with the special at $5 per glass. For reservations, book online at www.falknerwinery.com or call 951.676.8231 ext. 1

Oak Mountain Winery
Valentine’s Day Dinner & Swing Dance Lessons
Tuesday, February 14
6:00pm-9:00pm
$70.00 per person, Wine club $65.00 per person
Chef Michael, from the Ritz Carlton, is pulling out all the stops for this romantic steak dinner at Oak Mountain. For reservations, please call 951-699-9102.

We’re starting a new series here called “Meet Your Winemaker,” so you can get to know the folks behind the wines we all enjoy so much! Temecula Valley Wine Country is made up of so many fascinating, creative and talented people that we felt the need to give you an all-access pass into the stories behind the people behind the wine. So welcome to the inaugural “Meet Your Winemaker” post, highlighting veteran winemaker Jon McPherson of South Coast Winery, Resort & Spa.

Jon has been in the business most of his life, moving out to Southern California from his native Texas in 1985 and carrying on his family’s winemaking tradition. Read about his journey here:

Q: What inspired you to go into wine making? 

I could lie and say, “The moment I had a 1976 Johnson-Turnbull Cabernet.”  Or, “When I saw the harvest in Burgundy.”  Truth be told, as a small child, I was pressed into service by my father (founder and pioneer of the modern Texas wine industry ‘Doc’ McPherson), who had the grand idea that growing grapes in west Texas would be a great occupation/hobby/pursuit of happiness.  He purchased some land in early 1972 and started planting grapes in ’73 and ’74.  Since I was young, and certainly able, I found myself on the end of a post hole digger, shovel, hoe and any other manual labor implement used in the vineyard.

Weekends, summers, vacations, were all spent going to the vineyard with my dad.  As a kid, this was not the idea of a good time- for sure- but my father saw it as a way to keep me off the streets, off of drugs, and away from girls.  I missed a lot of cartoons, and general mischief that my friends all enjoyed, but this all seemed to work out pretty well, and by the late 70’s when my father decided to start Llano Estacado Winery I had enough experience running around grapes that I was drafted into service for a cellar hand.  I worked with several different winemakers that came through Llano in the 80’s, and I saw that the lifestyle and actual work that was part of the winemaker’s life was very much something that I wanted for myself.  Besides, it was a good time.  I grew up in the business, and by the time I was graduated from high school, I had figured out that this was what I wanted to do.

Q: Did you have a wine-making mentor, and if so, can you tell us a bit about him or her?

Certainly my father, who made wine at home in “experimental” batches.  He was a chemistry professor at Texas Tech University, and he was all about wine chemistry and what it took to make a good wine.  Other than that, there was the Australian Terry Belltrame, Joe Norman (formerly of Heitz Cellars)  Bill Ward (Vineyard manager of Chappellet in the 80’s, no longer with us) , Ron McClendon (retired from Allied Domeq), Greg Fowler (Shramsberg, Mumm Napa and Seagrams), Carol Shelton (has her own label of the same name) and Sam Balakian (ASV and SVP wineries) all had a part in what I know and believe to be true of the winemaking industry.  They all have their own story, but I worked with them at various stages and times and I learned what I could from their perspective.

Q: Have you had any “oops” moments during your early days of winemaking? If so, we’d love to hear the story!  

Many years ago (1988) on a rainy February day, I was working on some outdoor tanks and I was moving wine from tank to tank.  It was raining quite heavily, and my eye glasses were all covered in water and I couldn’t see clearly.  I needed a valve for what I was doing, so I grabbed the closest valve that was handy off of what I thought was an empty tank.  I was met with a stream of 35 degree wine, and besides being wet from the rain, I was now soaked with ice cold wine.  After the initial shock, I did manage to compose myself and get the valve back on the tank (a 12,000 gallon tank to boot) but I lost about 200 gallons of wine and swore never to work in the rain again.

On another note, I had an intern that worked for me one harvest (2001) that seemed to screw up everything she touched.  Her first screw up was when she pumped syrah over a cabernet fermentation.  I wanted to fire her.  No, I wanted to kill her. Then fire her. Instead, everyone convinced me that she would never make that mistake again, and would be all the more conscientious in future cellar work. I took the advice, and chilled out. After all, everyone deserves a second chance.  So we tell her not to turn on another pump without direct supervision. Sure enough, when she is suppose to only set up for a move of wine from tank to tank, she takes it upon herself to turn on the pump. She walks away from the pump and doesn’t tell anyone she has started the movement. Well, she forgot to close the racking valve on the tank she was pumping into.  When she returns she finds the wine streaming from the tank and over 1,000 gallons lost.  That sent me up the wall and her out the door.  She resigned on the spot, and I never heard from her again. I don’t think she stayed in the business.

Q: What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as a winemaker?

Bagging not one, but two Golden Bear Awards (an honor presented to the winery that wins the most medals and awards at the California State Fair’s prestigious wine competition). Oh, and back in the day I was the most award winning sparkling winemaker in the country, for four or five years.

Q: Give one piece of advice to aspiring winemakers.

Always be passionate about making wine. Just don’t fall in love with it.  The minute that you fall in love with it you lose all objectiveness and the ability to approach wine in an analytical manner.

South Coast Winery and Resort:

“A Month of Love” overnight stay packages. Chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne, hot-air balloon rides, spa treatments and roses, oh my! There are so many to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect package for two of you, and the best part is, these specials are available all month from February 1- 29th! For a complete list and pricing, visit www.wineresort.com/resort-events/resort-specials.

Valentine’s Day Dinner
Tuesday, February 14
5:30pm- 9pm
Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day dinner celebration in the Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Award-winning Chef Mike Terry will serve up a special romantic gourmet menu as guests enjoy an intimate evening in the dining room or terrace overlooking the surrounding vineyards. Valentines Day menu can be found
online at SouthCoastWinery.com Call the Vineyard Rose Restaurant at (866) 994-6379 ext. 2 for pricing, menu and to make a reservation.

Decadence Massage Package at the GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery
Entire month of February
Package Price: $105 per person
Grab your loved ones and friends and create a world of tranquility and relaxation with the Decadence Massage Package at the GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery. The Decadence Massage Package includes a 50-minute massage in one of our custom single or couples treatment rooms, followed by a complimentary glass of our award winning sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries, served on our veranda overlooking Mount Palomar. The Decadence Massage Package also includes a spa day pass so one can enjoy all the GrapeSeed Spa has to offer, like a heated outdoor saltwater pool, alfresco whirlpools, private steam rooms, saunas and state-of-the-art fitness center.. Call the GrapeSeedSpa at (866) 994-6379 ext. 7280 to make a reservation. Valid February 1st – February 29th. *Black out dates apply.

Bel Vino Winery:

Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing Dinner: Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day dining experience in the Bel Vino Barrel Room. Enjoy an ultimate five-course dinner, each served with a premium Stuart Cellars wine. Our international award-winning chef, Jorge Alvarado, presents a gourmet Mediterranean menu prepared with flavorful Latin influences. Adding to the ambiance,a multi-talented acoustic duo from the Mark Sage Band will fill the room with romantic
melodies. February 14; 6:30-9:30pm. $80.00 per person; $70.00 per person, wine club. Reservations required. Please call 951.676.6414

Wilson Creek Winery:

On Saturday, February 11, enjoy an intimate, candlelit 4 course dinner in the Barrel Room. Live piano music and a bottle of champagne is included. Two seatings: 5:30pm and 8:00pm. Regular  $140.00;  Wine Club $126.00. If you’d like to celebrate on Valentine’s Day, visit Wilson Creek February 14th for a a romantic 4 course dinner and an evening of dancing in the Ballroom. Reservations start at 7:00pm. Price is per couple and includes a bottle of champagne.Regular  $140.00;  Wine Club $126.00. For reservations, please call 951.699.9463.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Be Mine: Valentine’s Dinner at Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Saturday, February 11
6:30pm to 9:30pm in the Barrel Room
$160 per couple/ Wine Club Members $144 – inclusive
Join us for a candle-lit dinner in our rustic, elegant, and romantic Barrel Room. Enjoy a four-course meal created by Meritage at Callaway’s Executive Chef Mike Henry each course paired with a Winemaker’s Reserve or Special Selection Callaway wine. Dance
and dine while listening to live music. Reservations are required. Reserve online at www.callawaywinery.com or call 951.676.4001.

Romance Found at Meritage at Callaway
Saturday, February 11th & Wednesday, February 14th
Seatings available at 5:30pm and 7:30pm
$75.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Enjoy a romantic dinner this Valentine’s at Meritage at Callaway. On Saturday, February 11th and Wednesday, February 14th, Chef Mike Henry will offer guests a special Valentine’s Prix Fixe dinner menu with seating at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. A rose presentation greets every lady that will be joining us each evening. Once seated, an amuse bouche, or small bite, will be brought to the table paired with a glass of Callaway Special Selection 2008 Bella Blanc. A Prix Fixe menu selection then awaits you. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 951-587-8889 or online at www.callawaywinery.com under Meritage at Callaway’s page. Vegetarian selections available

Wine Lover’s Tasting for Two
February 11-14
Offered from 10am to 4pm
$25 per couple
Reservations Suggested
Bring your Valentine to Temecula’s first winery to celebrate your love and enjoy this Wine Lover’s Tasting for Two. Hosted in the tasting room at Callaway Vineyard & Winery the celebration begins as each couple is greeted with a single red rose and samples of our Bella Rose sparkling wine. Next, you choose to taste two additional passionate pink rosesor two romantic red wines from our Wine Lover’s Tasting Menu. The grand finale: our zin-fully delicious ruby Port served with a pair of decadent chocolate dipped strawberries. Two souvenir tasting glasses are included to commemorate this special occasion.

Ponte Family Estate

Valentine’s Day Dinner
Tuesday, February 14
7:00pm-10:00pm
$95 per person, $86 Wine Club
Join as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, Ponte style! The winery will be transformed into a romantic setting for you to woo your loved one. Enjoy a sparkling Moscato greeting, butler passed hors d’oeuvres, a delectable four-course dinner prepared by our executive chef and paired with some of our favorite Ponte Wines. Live entertainment and dancing to top it off! Reservations required. Book online at www.pontewinery.com or by calling 951.694.8855

Falkner Winery

Valentine Wine Dinners
Sunday, February 12 & Tuesday, February 14
7:00pm
$79 per person, $69 per person Wine Club
Join Falkner Winery for a romantic Valentine’s Dinner in their award-winning restaurant in Temecula. Enjoy a wonderful four course dinner with individual wine pairings and entertainment.Reservations are required. Book online at www.falknerwinery.com or call 951.676.8231 ext.

Valentine Lunch Specials at Pinnacle Restaurant
11:30am-3:30pm
Saturday, February 11 through Tuesday, February 14
For $55 plus tax and gratuity for two people, diners can choose either one shared appetizer or salad for two, a choice of individual entrees and a shared dessert of either New York Style Cheesecake or Molten Chocolate Cake. Also included will be a non-alcoholic beverage per person. Selected wines will be offered as an option with the special at $5 per glass. For reservations, book online at www.falknerwinery.com or call 951.676.8231 ext. 1

Oak Mountain Winery

Valentine’s Day Dinner & Swing Dance Lessons
Tuesday, February 14
6:00pm-9:00pm
$70.00 per person, Wine club $65.00 per person
Chef Michael, from the Ritz Carlton, is pulling out all the stops for this romantic steak dinner at Oak Mountain. For reservations, please call 951-699-9102.

It’s the end of yet another long, work week, and you’re probably sitting at your desk dreaming of ocean views, great food and wine and soaking up the sun while sounds of the sea. Well, looks like you’re in luck, because we have all of those things rolled into one, fabulous trip, and we’d love for you to join us!

The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association’s 2012 Pacific Coastal Wine Cruise leaves the San Diego Harbor on May 27 for five nights of fun, and you don’t want to miss the boat (literally!). We’ll be cruising up the picturesque Pacific Coast, making stops in San Francisco, Victoria British Columbia and breathtaking Vancouver British Columbia and you’ll have multiple wine tasting and wine pairing options to choose from during the trip. Make the trip even better with a pre or post-cruise wine tasting tour of Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Here are all of the details so you can make sure not to miss out on what is sure to be an amazing trip:

Date: May 27-June 1, 2012

Rates include the cruise, (2) bottles of Temecula Valley wine per cabin, a private cocktail party with lots of surprises, nightly turn-down gifts, t-shirts and more

Inside cabin starting from $509*
Ocean view cabin starting from $619*
Veranda cabin starting from $769*
Concierge cabin starting from $849*

Reservations: Please contact Ocean One Travel Center at www.oceanone.com or 888-353-1922

We hope to see you on board!

(Ed note: The dish pictured is the same dish but served with brussels sprouts)

Feeling the post-holiday slump caused by copious amounts of cake, Grandma’s twice-baked loaded potatoes, candy canes, spiral ham, green bean casserole, turkey, eggnog and pie? We’re feeling stuffed just writing that sentence! Luckily for us (and you!) this month’s Wine Country Recipe is a light, healthy and delicious salmon with fresh vegetables that will boost you right into a clean start for the new year.

Falkner’s Herb Trio Encrusted Salmon with Oven Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Garlic Sautéed Broccolini and a Sherry Red Bell Pepper Sauce

1 cup of panko bread crumbs

1 teaspoon each of dried basil, tarragon and thyme

2, 6-oz pieces of skinless salmon fillet

Olive oil

10-12 fingerling potatoes

1 bunch broccolini

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

1 oz. Sherry

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

1 Tablespoon butter

Preheat the oven to 350.

Toss the fingerling potatoes in a bowl with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. You’ll put the salmon in the oven in about 10 minutes.

Mix the panko and dried herbs together. Rub a little olive oil on each salmon filet, season with salt and pepper, then and encrust them well with the mixture.  Heat a saute pan, add 2 TBS olive oil, then sear each side until the crust is golden. Put the pan (make sure it’s oven safe!) into the oven with the potatoes for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile,  in a separate pan, heat some olive oil and add the broccolini, 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic and saute for 5 minutes. Transfer the broccolini to a plate.

Using the same pan, heat up 2 teaspoons of olive oil, then add the diced bell peppers and saute until softened. Turn the heat off,, then add the sherry. Turn the heat back on and reduce the sauce for about 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and swirl the butter in until well blended.

Plate the potatoes, broccolini and salmon and serve with sauce. Enjoy a glass of Falkner Winery Amante to complete your meal!

First of all, we’d love to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year! Can you believe it’s already 2012? We thank you so much for your support over the years and look forward to creating the best wine tasting experiences for you in this new year.

Speaking of wine- here are some of the events happening in Temecula Valley Wine Country in January. We hope you’ll join us!

Bel Vino Winery (formerly Stuart Cellars)

Every Saturday – 12pm-5pm
Tapas & Wine -Come enjoy an afternoon of delicious tapas paired beautifully with our wines. $19.95 per person Or $34.95 for two

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

January 22- 10am-12:30pm

A Taste of Winter Seminar: Learn about the winemaking process from the winemaker himself. In winter, the vines are pruned for their winter nap. Craig will talk about why pruning is good for the vine, how pruning is done and what is considered before each snip. This instruction will be followed by a relaxed discussion in the Chardonnay Room where topics like how to serve and store wines will be addressed. Various bottles will be viewed and you will learn what bottle shapes and sizes can tell you about the wine that’s in them. We finish this seminar with a delightful tasting of our ruby port and dessert wines, paired with dessert, of
course! It sounds pretty amazing, right? Our guests love these seminars and winemaker, Craig Larson, so make your reservation early! Space is limited to twenty guests and seminars sell out very quickly. $88.40 Per Seminar; Legacy Club Member Price – $79.65 Per Seminar. Buy tickets here.

Europa Village:

January 12, 2012 – 6:00pm-7:30pm

Inn at Europa Village Culinary Workshop – Soups ON!: Enjoy sipping on Europa Village wine while you learn and taste three styles of soup preparation, then bring the recipes home to create your own. $85 per person.
January 17- 6:00pm-7:30pm -

Europa Village Cave Sommelier Workshop –  Introduction to wine tasting: Learn a few precious tips that will help you have more fun and more confidence while tasting wine. (the ideal conditions for tasting; the serving temperature; progression of the tasting; reading the label I; the 5 “s”) $49 per person.

For questions and reservations please contact Europa Village events at 951-216-3380 or events@europavillage.com

Leoness Cellars

January 15- 2:00-5:00pm

3rd Sunday “Taste & Tunes” in The Restaurant at Leoness! Enjoy perfect wine, food and music pairings with the Vineyard Troubadour for a memorableal-fresco dining experience!

The Restaurant at Leoness is celebrating California Restaurant Month with the following specials all month:

• $5 Daragh’s Caesar Romaine (1/2 portion than the usual size)

• $10 Roasted Smokin’ Ham Full Sandwich

• $15 Mac N Cheese for Grown Ups

Ponte Family Estates:

Now through January 31

Canned Food Drive: Give and you shall receive. Help up fill the shelves of the local Temecula Community Pantry by bringing in 5 or more canned goods during your next visit to the winery. As a thank you we will offer you 10% off in the Tasting Room on wine and gifts. Wine Club Members will receive a 30% discount. Let the giving begin! (Discount cannot be combined with any other offer)
South Coast Resort Spa & Winery

Sunday, January 15- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Bridal Open House: Come experience the splendor of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s full service Bridal Packages & Wedding Getaways. Join us for a tour of our beautiful resort in full wedding
decor. Meet with our dedicated sales and catering representatives. Let the magic of our vineyards. * Free Admission
Reservations: call (866) 994-6379 Ext. 7215 or visit TheBridalOpenHouse.com

January 28- 11:00am-2:00pm

Wild Women of Wine Country Cooking Class: Kick up your heels ladies! We’re bringing a new definition to COOKWARE at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s WILD WOMEN of WINE COUNTRY COOKING SHOW Benefiting Thessalonika Family Services. Come dance, dazzle and drink, while South Coast Winery
Resort & Spa’s very own Chef Jason demonstrates the fine art of cooking! Thessalonika Family Services’ mission is dedicated to providing quality long-term care and treatment for children needing out-of-home services. Reserve your place today!
Purchase tickets at SouthCoastWinery.com or call: (866) 994-6379 Ext. 7210

Nothing says the holidays like a glass of bubbly, so this is the perfect month to explore what many of you will be toasting with while counting down to the New Year!

1. Many wine historians believe the world’s first sparkling wine was produced in the Limoux region of southwestern France in 1531 by monks.
2. The British were the first to see effervescence in wine as a desirable quality and investigated as to why the bubbles were formed.
3. Grapes used for sparkling wine are harvested early, when their acid levels are still high.
4. There are two different methods for the secondary fermentation of sparkling wine. The Méthode Champenoise (The Champagne Method) is where the base cuvee is combined with sugar and yeast in the bottle in which it is eventually sold, while The Charmat Method takes place in steel tanks in which the yeast and sugar are added to start the fermentation process.
5. There are many kinds of sparkling wines- from France’s Crémant to Spain’s Cava; Italian Prosecco to Portuguese Espumante….the list goes on and on.

Some sparkling wines to enjoy for your holiday from Temecula Valley Wine Country:

Briar Rose Brut Champagne

Danza del Sol Espumosa

Maurice Car’rie VR Raspberry California Sparkling Wine

Lorimar Vineyards Grenache Sparkling

Oak Mountain Brut California Champagne

South Coast Winery’s Spumante Diamante

Thornton Winery’s 2004 Brut Reserve Natural

Wilson Creek Winery’s Grand Cuvee Champagne

This month’s Wine Country Recipe is from the wonderful folks at Robert Renzoni Vineyards. It’s a classic Spaghetti Alla Carbonara- a decadent pasta dish made from pancetta, eggs and Parmigiano Reggiano. Using farm-fresh, free-range organic eggs and aged Parmigiano Reggiano will take this dish up to a whole new level, so make sure to put those items on your shopping list. Also- you don’t want to forget the wine- a dish this delicious deserves a nice Robert Renzoni Vineyards 2008 Sangiovese. Salute!

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

1 lb dry spaghetti
2 tbsp Robert Renzoni Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 oz diced pancetta
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

Bring large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook 8-10
minutes. Meanwhile, heat Robert Renzoni Olive Oil in a deep skillet
over medium flame. Add pancetta and cook for 2-3 minutes. Toss the
garlic into the skillet with the pancetta and sauté for another minute,
then reduce flame to slow cooking.

Drain pasta and save a little water. Add drained spaghetti to the
skillet with pancetta and garlic. At this point, beat the eggs and
chopped parsley. You can add some of the pasta water for better
consistency.

Serve on a big oval plate, Italian Family Style, and garnish with
Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh chopped Italian parsley.

Serve with Robert Renzoni Vineyards 2008 Sangiovese.

Recipe courtesy of Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Rustico Ristorante and
Pizzeria

January is California Restaurant Month, so we’d like to take this opportunity to preview the month-long event by highlighting the bounty of restaurants right here in Temecula Valley Wine Country. In case you needed another reason to visit beautiful Temecula Wine Country, here are eight more mouthwatering ways to get the most out of your wine country experience!

The Restaurant at Ponte: Recognized as a top 50 restaurant for outdoor dining in the US by OpenTable, the Restaurant at Ponte serves a wide selection of Farmers’ Market salads, grape-wood fired pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, natural beef, sustainable seafood and homemade desserts. Chef Vincent Logan’s seasonally-driven menu uses only what is fresh and available at that time of year. Share a bottle of Ponte wine with friends over the Butcher’s Platter- the Chef’s selection of cured meats, olives, mustards and capers, or treat yourself to the Lobster Macaroni made with three cheeses and topped with herbed breadcrumbs. Whether you decide on one of Ponte’s signature wood-fired pizzas, grilled seafood options or the Chocolate Blackout Cake, you’ll always have a delicious experience at The Restaurant at Ponte.

The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars: Chef Daragh Matheson crafts Italian and French provincial cuisine for this 3,800 square foot restaurant overlooking the vineyards at Lenoness Cellars. Hailing from Ireland, Chef Daragh is a classically trained chef who has worked in some of the world’s top restaurants, including the Michelin-named Whites on Green in Dublin. Guest favorites include the Mac ‘n Cheese with Truffle Oil, Hand-cut French Fries Topped with Crispy Bacon and Parmesan,  and Rack of Lamb with Tomato and Mint Sauce. Next time you’re in the mood to be swept away on a wine and culinary experience, try The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars.

The Pinnacle at Falkner Winery: Voted 2010 Best Restaurant and Best Chef by readers of Inland Empire Magazine, The Pinnacle offers Mediterranean-style cuisine and outstanding service, in addition to Falkner wines. Appetizers include Fresh Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto, Ancho Spiced Shrimp and Avocado, and the Trio of Mushroom Soup. For heartier appetites, the Baked Chicken Cannelloni, topped with alfredo sauce and parmesan cheese, is the perfect choice to satisfy that craving for comfort food. For California Restaurant Month in January, Chef Gianni Ciciliot will be offering The Winemaker’s Pasta- fresh pasta tossed with jumbo shrimp and fresh herbs- for only $15.00.

Meritage Restaurant at Callaway Winery: Executive Chef Michael Henry creates diverse, seasonal menus that accentuate Callaway’s long history of fine Temecula wine. Having worked at many top fine dining establishments, including a stint at Cesar’s in Atlantic City for Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, Chef Michael focuses on freshness and seasonality for the menu at Meritage. Share a variety of tapas (small plates) like Crispy Steak Fries with Parmesan, Parsley & Peppercorn Aioli, Ceviche “Mixto” with Ahi, Octopus, Clams, Mussels & Blue Crab and Asparagus Risotto Fritters with Gorgonzola & Roasted Garlic Cream with a group. The Kobe Beef Cheese Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms, Provolone, Peppercorn Aioli & Fries and Spaghettini & Carlsbad Manila Clams & Mussels with an Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Fennel & Baby Tomato Sauce are both popular entrees that can be enjoyed while looking out onto Callaway’s gorgeous vineyards. In January, for California Restaurant Month, guests will have the opportunity to order a Roasted Pork Belly or Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Kebob with taste of paired wines for just $20.

Carole’s Restaurant at Baily Vineyard and Winery: Carole’s Restaurant menu incorporates local produce, fruits and herbs, honey, olive oil, and estate grown produce. Nosh on some Mushroom Drops- Crimini mushrooms stuffed with basil and sundried tomato cream cheese- while trying to decide between the Duet of Raviolis, the Tri-Tip Skewers with Gorgonzola Butter, the BBQ Pork Loin Sandwich and the other mouthwatering offerings on Carole’s entree menu.  Sit near the fireplace, enjoy live music every Saturday and Sunday and finish off your meal with a glass of Baily’s 2006 Vintage Port. What an amazing evening!

Shorty’s Bistro at Mount Palomar Winery: Shorty’s Bistro’s Mediterranean inspired appetizers, sandwiches, homemade soups, freshly made hummus, stone oven pizzas, delicious entrees and elegant desserts make it an ideal choice for wine country guests looking for variety.  Meat-lovers would be thrilled with the Braciole Beef Baguette, a sandwich of seasoned roast beef, charred tomato, whole grain mustard, gouda, lettuce and onion while vegetarians can delight in The Quattro Fromaggio, a stonebaked pizza topped with mozzarella, cheddar, monterey jack, feta and parmesan cheese with fresh rosemary and extra virgin olive oil. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Shorty’s is opened for dinner, and the eclectic menu features a Sweet Onion & Chicken Tart, Seared Salmon with Sofrito and Tri Tip Roast with Portabella Mushroom. Mark your calendars for January’s California Restaurant Month, since Shorty’s will be offering Scallops and Shrimp Skewers Over Risotto, served with wine and cheesecake for a set price of only $30.

Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery and Spa: Vineyard Rose offers wine country visitors a taste of Southern California with a hint of Tuscany. Start your day off with a delicious breakfast (served Monday through Friday from 7:00-10:45am) of Rolling Hills Bananas Foster Pancakes, Country Biscuits With Sausage Gravy or a California Spa Omelette. The lunch menu has something for everyone, with items ranging from Coconut Shrimp all the way to Lamb Osso Buco. Planning a romantic dinner? The Vineyard Rose Restaurant not only offers the ambiance, but dishes like Gnocchi al Fresco and Butter Poached Scallops will help set the mood for a meal to remember.

Café Champagne at Thornton Winery prides itself on its “Contemporary Fusion Cuisine,” which has won the Gold Award for Contemporary Cuisine for eleven consecutive years from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association. The Vineyard Tapas Plate, comprised of Tuscan Salami, Garlic Herb Shrimp, Marinated Mushrooms, Roasted Tomato, Olives, Goat Cheese Spread and Cracker Bread pairs perfectly with Thornton’s 2010 Tempranillo, while the Baby Spinach and Honey Roasted Pear Salad goes well with Thornton’s 2010 Mouvedre. Dinner entrees such as the Butter Poached Lobster Panini and the Pan Roasted Maple Glazed Salmon are two of the many reasons why Café Champagne was granted 5 stars for contemporary cuisine from the Southern California Restaurant Writers.

Creekside Grille at Wilson Creek Winery: Executive Chef Steve Stawinski brings 20 years of experience to the newest member of the Temecula Valley Wine Country restaurants. The Fall menu features a California Cheese Plate, Red Curry Pumpkin Dip in addition to an array of salads and sandwiches. When owner Mick Wilson discovered an allergy to gluten, he had Chef Steve develop a gluten free menu, which includes Flatbread with Zinfandel Soaked Dried Cherries, Creekside Garden Rosemary, Fresh Mozzarella, CA Olive Oil and Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar and a Creekside Burger served on a gluten free bun. Surrounded by the lush 30 year old Cabernet grapevines, herb garden and flower-filled baskets, the view and ambiance set the scene for an enjoyable day in the wine country.

Anyone hungry yet? Contact any one (or all) of these fine, wine country restaurants to check hours of operation, seasonal menu items and special offers. Make your reservation today!

Monte De Oro Wine Tast­ing Experiences

Tra­di­tional Tast­ing Expe­ri­ence — Enjoy your tast­ing in the Main Room or on the patio, includes 6 tastes. $10 per per­son (glass not included.)

Pri­vate Tast­ing Expe­ri­ence - 60 minute tasting in a pri­vate set­ting, includes 6 tastes, imported & domes­tic cheese plate.
Reser­va­tion Required - $25.00 per per­son, 10 per­son min­i­mum (glass not included.)

The Tast­ing Room at Monte De Oro is open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mon­day through Sun­day. For direc­tions to Monte De Oro Win­ery, click here.

Tours at Monte De Oro

For $16, take a tour of the beautiful property and winemaking facilities.

Tour Includes:  Bar­rel room tour, tour of the grounds, wine mak­ing edu­ca­tion, bar­rel tast­ing and tra­di­tional tast­ing (glass not included.)

Available on week­ends 11am & 1pm; call for reser­va­tions

*For more infor­ma­tion, please call 951–491-6551 or email info@montedeoro.com