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Winery Spotlight: Get To Know…Longshadow Ranch Winery & Vineyard

March 23rd, 2012

The story:

Longshadow Ranch Winery & Vineyard has been a favorite of Temecula Valley wine country visitors for a decade.  This family-owned operation offers fine wines, live entertainment on weekends, carriage rides through the vineyards, and friendly service with a smile.  The winery is solely operated by the Brodersen family comprised of John, Susan and their three young children – along with great help from their excellent staff.

This winery offers some unique activities like a horse-drawn carriage that takes guests on wine tasting trips through the vineyards, led by their team of massive Belgian Draft Horses.  Folks are welcome to come down to the ranch and visit the horses in their petting zoo.  The winery also features a concert stage and expansive lawn where visitors can catch national acts throughout the summer and live music on on any given weekend.  Wine club members can attend many of these events free of charge.

The wines:

Longshadow Winery proudly offers a variety of friendly and accessible reds and whites.  Check out the Outlaw Red Gunslinger’s Reserve, the 2008 Estate Vineyard Syrah, and the 2009 White Feather Chardonnay.  They also offer Italian and Spanish varietals like the 2008 Estate Sangiovese and 2008 Tempranillo, plus popular dessert wines such as their Ponderosa Port, perfect for special occasions.  Longshadow wines are available for purchase at the winery and through their online wine shop.

Tastings:

Wine flights are $15 each, includes 5 premium wines and logo glass
Tasting room hours: Mon – Thur 11 am – 5; Fri 12 – 5 pm; Sat & Sun 10 am – 5 pm

39847 Calle Contento, Temecula CA 92591; (951) 587-6221

 

 

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Meet Your Winemaker…..Damian Doffo, Doffo Winery

March 22nd, 2012

Damian and Marcelo Doffo

The father and son team of Marcelo and Damian Doffo share winemaking duties at their family-owned Doffo Winery, and pride themselves on handcrafted wines through which they share their Argentine and Italian heritage. Both men share a passion for great wine and vintage motorcycles-the latter which they display in MotoDoffo, the family’s private collection of over 100 beautiful bikes from years past.

Patriarch Marcelo was off on a business trip, so son Damian is profiled in this month’s “Meet Your Winemaker.”  We’re sure Dad would be proud!

1) What inspired you to go into winemaking?

When I was 10, my father started making wine in our backyard, and I had no intention of becoming a winemaker due to him telling me I was going to help him and “that was that.” However, as I grew older, the inspiration started coming from becoming a wine enthusiast, which eventually grew into a desire to learn the craft. I sincerely cherish being able to share the passion with my father and the time we spend developing a wine together is what keeps us going. Winemaking is as much of an art as it is a science, and to be able to create something that brightens someone’s mood is enough motivation to continue mastering our craft.
2) Did you have a winemaking mentor, and if so, can you tell us a bit about him or her?
I believe it goes without saying that my father is my mentor. His philosophy to winemaking is to keep it simple and to make do with what you have. When my father first started out in this industry, the tools, facilities and his own knowledge were very sparse, so the production was done with minimal resources. It may have not been the ideal situation but he always got the job done.  As we developed and became a winery, our production methods have still continued to be very simple and we trust our instincts when it comes to decision making.  We feel that although we are growing, we can not lose our way of doing things, so we continue to handcraft our wines and do not employ all the technological amenities offered for wine production. In other words, we like to keep it “old school.”

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

For the safety of my employment I can’t go into a lot of detail! I will say that once, I was assembling all of the wines prior to bottling while my father was out of town on a business trip. I was working on our Zinfandel barrels when a customer asked for me  in the tasting room. I left my assistant to continue emptying the Zinfandel barrels, assuming that he would read the labels on them. I may have been gone all of 3 minutes and when I returned,  I was met with an unpleasant surprise.  Lets just say that the Zinfandel that was suppose to be dry got a little late harvest Zinfandel added to it! The mistake completely threw off my assembly! Luckily, with my dad being out of town, I had a few days to work on the wine before his return, and my mom and I decided it would be best to not let him know until the wine was already bottled. However, all’s well that ends well- after we bottled the Zinfandel, he tried it, loved it and so did the customers. That wine ended up selling out in a matter of months!

4) What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as a winemaker?

As a young winemaker that is a tough question, especially because we do not submit our wines to competitions. However, my greatest achievement as a winemaker is knowing that I have gained the trust of our family to be in charge of our production, from harvest to bottling. That, for me, is greater than any medal or recognition in the industry.  It’s a very rewarding feeling knowing that my father and mother trust me to not only make the wine but to continue our tradition of producing premium wines and trying to take our small family winery to the next level.

5) Give one piece of advice to aspiring winemakers:

My advice to aspiring winemakers is to follow your instincts. The industry has several norms and everyone has an opinion on how and why you should do certain things, but as a winemaker you have to trust your palate and believe in yourself. Also, never stop learning, and keep yourself well informed on all aspects of the operation of the winery.
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5 Facts About…Wine Bottles

March 16th, 2012

This month’s “5 Facts About…” post isn’t about a varietal, but about what our favorite wines come in–the glass bottle! Although many of us may not think much about these vessels, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association’s Enology Committee, led by Nicholas Palumbo and Jim Hart, make sure all the winegrowers in our region continue learning about every aspect of the wine making process to ensure we’re producing the best wine possible. Keeping up with changes, trends and improvements in the global glass industry is just one of the many topics discussed during their monthly Enological Roundtable, so we thought we’d share a few interesting facts about what an important role the bottle plays in the world of wine.

  1. The cavity at the base of a wine bottle helps out with aging sediment.
  2. Many wine producers are moving to make lighter bottles to help save glass.
  3. The color of wine bottles isn’t the only thing that’s green: California has one of the highest percentages of glass bottle recycling, reaching nearly 80%.
  4. All glass, including wine bottles, can be recycled endlessly without any loss in purity or quality.
  5. “Boxed wine” has gotten a bad rap, thanks to decades of the “cheap stuff” being sold in bland cardboard containers. But these days, sommeliers and wine geeks are touting the advantages of The Box as an alternative storage vessel. Eco-types love it because it’s lighter and easier to recycle, wine pros like it because the bag inside the box collapses as you drink, keeping oxygen from spoiling the rest of the wine–and we like it because you can fit several bottles worth of wine in one box! Alas, nothing beats glass for romance and aesthetic appeal, so Temecula wineries won’t be making the switch any time soon.

 

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Wine Country Recipe: South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Coffee Rubbed Beef Brisket, Braised Red Cabbage and “Neep” Puree

March 8th, 2012

This month’s wine country recipe is a great make-ahead meal since the brisket cooks “low and slow” until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Since both side dishes can also be made in advance, it’s the ideal meal to put together on Sunday for a Monday night dinner that will leave your family thinking you slaved all day in the kitchen!

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Coffee Rubbed Kobe Beef Brisket, Braised Red Cabbage and “Neep” Puree

Brisket
1, 2-pound beef brisket
1/2 cup instant coffee powder
2  Tablespoons of your favorite BBQ rub
¼ cup salt
1 Tablespoon pepper

Preheat oven to 200˚.
Mix coffee powder, BBQ rub, salt and pepper together and rub liberally all over the brisket. Put the meat in an oven-proof pan and roast for approximately 5 to 6 hours (the brisket should be extremely tender and just about falling apart). Let meat rest for about 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Braised Red Cabbage

1 head red cabbage
1 stick butter
1 cup red grenadine
1 cup balsamic vinegar

Cut the core of the cabbage out and shred remaining cabbage.  Heat up a large pot with 1 TBS of the butter; saute the cabbage briefly. Add the grenadine and balsamic vinegar and reduce over low heat. When the liquid is just about gone, add the remaining butter and continue to cook until butter is melted (the liquid tightens and should be like syrup). Toss to coat the cabbage. Turn off heat and season with salt and pepper.

“Neeps”

5 medium to large turnips
½ lb Butter
Salt to taste
Pepper taste
Milk to cover half
Water to cover half

Peel and cut turnips into chunks. Add the turnips to a large pot and cover half way up with milk, then completely cover with water. Cook over medium heat until turnips are fork tender. Drain liquid, and mash with a potato masher. Stir in butter and seasoning.

Plate the brisket, cabbage and “neeps” together for a delicious meal.

Wine pairing: Any South Coast Zinfandel

 

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March Events in Temecula Valley Wine Country

February 29th, 2012

Spring is in the air in Temecula Valley Wine Country, so it’s the perfect time to come out, take in the “greening” of wine country and enjoy the multiple events we have planned for this mild-weather season.

World of Wine Barrel Tasting Weekend, March 3 and 4, 10:00am-4:30pm:

Join us for our annual barrel tasting weekend, where you can take self-guided tours of 30+  wineries, sampling wine right from the barrel as well as from the many bottled offerings at each with one passport. Delicious bites will be served to pair with the wines and you can enjoy all of this in beautiful wine country. It’s a great way to learn more about the winemaking process, sample new wines and experience the enjoyment of great food and wine combinations at over 30 wineries for one, set price. Click here to purchase your tickets now.

Danza del Sol Winery:

March 11- 1:00-5:00pm: Live music by Caleb Fritel

March 17- 1:00-5:00pm: Live music by Jeff Johnson

March 24- 1:00-5:00pm: Live music by Vini Contreas

March 31- 1:00-5:00pm: Live music by Stereoflux

Europa Village:

March 6- 6:00-7:30pm: Sommelier Workshop – Wine Geography II – New World

Old grape varietals meet new “terroirs.” We’ll compare the flavors of the new wine countries to old world ones (California, Argentina, Australia/New Zealand, South Africa). This event is limited to 12 guests so make your reservations early! $49.00 per person / Société $44.10 per person. Call for Reservations 951-216-3380.

March 20- 6:00-7:30pm: Sommelier Workshop – Wine & Food Pairing Basics

Let’s review some established guidelines and new trends on how to make wine and food dance rather than fight. This event is limited to 12 guests so make your reservations early! $49.00 per person / Société $44.10 per person. Call for Reservations 951-216-3380.

Keyways Winery:

Every Friday- 7:00-9:30pm: Wine Down Fridays

Enjoy listening to different artists each week as they bring you sing along favorites and classics to rejuvenate your soul. Advanced reservations & payment required for dinner by the Wednesday prior to the event.  $25/person; $15 for Keyways Wine Club members (limit two).
Schedule of artists and menus:

March 9: Saxophone & Vocalist Norm Douglas
Menu: Baby Green Salad with Julienne Apples, Dates, Manchego Cheese, Candied Walnuts and Balsamic Vinaigrette. Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast. Cilantro Rice with Mixed Vegetables. Chocolate Chip Cookies. Click here to purchase tickets or call (951) 302-7888.

March 23: Guitarist & Vocalist Jim Gibson
Menu: Blue Cheese Wedge Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Artichoke Hearts. Homemade Lasagna with Sausage. Garlic Bread and Onion Medley. Brownies. Click here to purchase tickets or call (951) 302-7888.

Miramonte Winery:

Every Friday and Saturday in March- 7:00-10:00pm: Live Music 

Since 2001, every Friday & Saturday night Miramonte has been home to some the finest live music in the Inland Empire. Offering great wine, beer and live music from 7-10 PM, these weekend events have evolved into signature wine/music events in Temecula wine country. Prix-fixe chef-prepared meals and incredible cheese plates available.

Schedule of artists:

March 2: Craigsband
March 3: 4019
March 9: Nathan James
March 10: Shoot For Tuezday
March 15: Collekt
March 16: JD Priest
March 23: Bluefish
March 24: Missy Anderson
March 30: Shoot For Tuezday
March 31: Steroflux

Oak Mountain Winery:

March 2: 6:00-9:00pm: Cooking Class with Temecula Catering

Join Temecula Catering as they teach you to make a four course gourmet meal. Each course is paired with an Oak Mountain wine. Reservations required, call 951-699-9102 or email Valerie at vandrews@oakmountainwinery.com.

March 25: 10:00am-2:00pm: Dog/Pet CPR Class

Topics covered in the 4-hour Pet First Aid and CPR course include rescue breathing, canine & feline CPR, snout-to-tail injury assessment, choking, bleeding, shock management and much more. $59/person. Register here.

 

 

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Winery Spotlight: Get To Know…Briar Rose Winery

February 24th, 2012

Bigger doesn’t always mean better. A great example of this is Briar Rose Winery, a boutique winery producing 2,400 to 3,500 cases of award winning wines each year.

The story:

In the early 90′s, Les and Dorian Linkogle moved to Temecula so that their son, legendary motocross rider Larry “Link” Linkogle, would have enough space to ride. The Linkogles purchased an estate, which featured replicas of Snow White’s cottage which were built by a former Disney artisan for his wife, with the promise to not change the architecture. In the late 90′s, the couple started growing grapes and sold them to local wineries; in 2002 Carl Key of Keyways encouraged the Linkogels to start their own winery. After five years of perfecting their wine making process and getting all of the proper licenses, Briar Rose Winery was born.

The wines:

Briar Rose has won awards for its Cabernet Sauvignons, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Viognier and Merlot. Other offerings include, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, a Super Tuscan Blend, Gewurztraminer, and a wine lager, “Talking Frog.”

Tastings:

Briar Rose’s tasting room is by reservation only, so be sure to book before you go by calling (951) 308-1098. The tasting room is open Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 a.m to 5:00p.m., with the last appointment being at 4:00 p.m. The tastings last just under one hour. Small bites are also available for purchase.

Briar Rose Winery is located at 41720 Calle Cabrillo in Temecula.

 

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WOW: World of Wine in Temecula Valley Wine Country- March 3 and 4

February 16th, 2012


Now that the holidays- Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day- are behind us, we have to admit to having a bit of the post-celebration blues. After all, sharing wine and food with friends and family is one of life’s great pleasures, wouldn’t you agree? Luckily, there’s an event on the horizon that has all of those elements: World of Wine (WOW),  happening March 3 and 4 from 10:00am to 4:30pm right here in beautiful Temecula Valley Wine Country!


Armed with a map and a signature, souvenir wine glass, you can take self-guided tours of 30+  wineries, sampling wine right from the barrel as well as from the many bottled offerings at each. Delicious bites will be served to pair with the wines and you can enjoy all of this in the mild, spring climate. It’s a great way to learn more about the winemaking process, sample new wines and experience the enjoyment of great food and wine combinations at over 30 wineries for one, set price.


If you’d like to sip and leave the driving to someone else, there are transportation options available through the following companies:

Executive VIP Shuttle, The Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle, West Coast Chauffeur & Transportation

Make it a weekend with WOW overnight packages available at the following hotels:

Embassy Suites Temecula Valley Wine Country (requires a two-night stay), Temecula Creek Inn

This event draws return attendees each year, but if you’ve never been to Temecula Valley Wine Country, WOW is a great way to get to know this beautiful wine region located right in Southern California!

Two-day and Sunday-only tickets are still available, to purchase, click here.

 

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Meet Your Winemaker: David Bradley, Winemaker/Owner, Vindemia Vineyard & Estate Winery

February 13th, 2012

Vindemia Owners David and Gail Bradley

 

This month’s “Meet Your Winemaker” installment is about Vindemia Vineyard & Estate Winery owner and winemaker David Bradley. David also owns and operates California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures in Temecula.

Q: What inspired you to go into wine making?

A: I am a commercial hot air balloon pilot. I started flying balloons in 1977 and in Temecula in 1986. Passengers on our flights would ask questions about grape growing and winemaking (our pilots have served over 35,000 bottles of sparkling wine over the years), so I began learning more about the vineyards I was flying over and the characters in Temecula who made wine- and there were quite a few! I would stop growers and picking crews and ask questions.

Over the years I learned more and got very interested. I saw that Mesa Verde (now called Van Roekel) Winery was for sale and dreamed of one day owning a vineyard and winery. Having children, building a business and financial restrictions put The Dream on hold but it never left my mind. I asked more questions, bought books and began looking for vineyard property. It seemed like understanding viticulture and our region’s climate would be the place to start. Weather patterns and subtle climate influences are my background from years of hot air ballooning so growing conditions and vineyard placement was a little easier to grasp. My grandfather was a chemist, so as a kid I was familiar with the equipment in a wine lab and scientific note taking but I didn’t  know much about wine….cuvee rouge and white zinfandel were my friends! As a kid I remembered all the smells in the chemistry lab, and as an adult I noticed, while flying, that I had a good sense of spatial awareness and changes in my environment- especially smells. You can smell rain, desert winds at 4000 feet, cow poop when the wind is out of the North, In-N-Out onions when you step on certain weeds…so I think my sense of smell really opened my mind up to wine and the world of wine making.

In short, I am a balloon pilot who is a student of winemaking.

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

A: Yes 4 mentors,  Dr. Enrique Ferro, Jon McPherson, Javier Flores and Marshall Stuart.

Enrique is a Doctorate of Enology and has spent his life in California and Baja California helping others make beautiful wines. He has been a patient teacher.

Jon and Javier are the winemakers at South Coast Winery and are masters of the craft, from sparkling to floral whites to deep expressive reds. When I am in a jam I call the “Dynamic Duo.”

Marshall does it all from vineyard operations to crushing 600 tons while talking on the phone- nothing phases him. He is a giant friend who makes big reds.

Just having the opportunity to grow up with and talk with these four winemakers has been a great pleasure. They make working and producing wine the best job you could have.

 

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

A: In the early days,  “oops moments” seemed like a once-a-vintage tradition. Probably the one with the best outcome was in 2008, while I was making a cabernet franc off the vineyard at the corner of Rancho California road and Calle Contento. We had a beautiful lush wine with a high PH that we crushed at Stuart Cellars, and it needed some acid. I added the acid and filled out a work order. The way I filled out the order made it seem like the wine needed acid (instead of relaying the message that it had already been added) so the next morning, the assistant winemaker at Stuart Cellars came in and added acid. The result was a wine that had a deep, beautiful color that tasted like Sweet Tarts candies! Marshall Stuart, the owner of Stuart Cellars, said in a calm voice that his Estate Cabernet Franc actually needed more acid and color, so we blended the two wines and the 2008 Cabernet Franc became a “two vineyard” select, which turned out to be one of our best wines- it went on to win Best of Region Red for South Coast Appellation at the California State Fair in 2010.

Q: What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as a winemaker?
A: Understanding just how important every decision you make in the vineyard shows up 15 minutes after you crush. That, and being a lifelong student to the art.
Q: Give one piece of advice to aspiring winemakers:
A: If someone tells you that it is a crazy idea – do it!
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Wine Country Recipe: Thornton Winery’s Yukon Gold Potato Soup

February 8th, 2012

What’s more comforting to sit down to after a long, hard day than a piping hot bowl of creamy potato soup? The only thing we can think of to make Thornton Winery’s Yukon Gold Potato Soup even more appealing is a glass of Thornton 2010 Chardonnay, a loaf of crusty bread and a fresh green salad to complete the meal. Warm, hearty and delicious, this soup will taste even better the next day, so you can take the leftovers to lunch and make all of your coworkers envious!

Ingredients:

1 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup carrots, diced
2/3 cup yellow onion, diced
3-4 Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1-2 quarts chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
Salt, pepper
Process:
Sauté celery, carrots, onion, garlic and thyme in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables are soft, 4-5 minutes. Add potatoes, cover with chicken stock and reduce heat and simmer about 1 hour or until potatoes are fully cooked. Add heavy cream, puree until very smooth and season with salt and pepper.

Serves 6-8

Pair with Thornton 2010 Chardonnay

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February Winery Events in Temecula Valley Wine Country

January 31st, 2012

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.

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