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MOTHER’S DAY IN WINE COUNTRY

Spending the day in Temecula Valley’s Wine Country……well, we can’t think of a better gift for Mom this Mother’s Day!  We’ve got you covered with brunches and lunches and everything in between. Here’s a list of wineries celebrating all of the Mom’s out there:

Altisima Winery
Mother’s Day Luxury Picnic | May 7 & 8 | Reservations available at 11:00am and 2:00pm | Partnering with Temecula Picnic Co. for a luxury picnic experience on Mother’s Day weekend | Tickets are $125++ per person or $110++ per person for members | Two special dessert releases with wine pairing for Mother’s Day! New Menu released at the restaurant for the week as well. Additional Information on our website and e-mail reservations@altisimawinery.com to book your picnic.

Avensole Winery
Celebrate Mom | May 8 | Celebrate Mom with our delicious Chef’s Mother’s Day special menu 11am-5pm at the Avensole Winery Restaurant https://www.avensolewinery.com/restaurant/ or call us at (951) 252-2003 x301. Reservations are recommended for this special date sells out early every year! Walk-ins are also always welcome!

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Special Mother’s Day Brunch at Meritage | May 8 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | Live music on our courtyard from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm featuring local musician Shea Givens. Reservations are highly recommended. Reservations: exploretock.com/callawaywinery  

Danza del Sol Winery
Mother’s Day Run for the Rose | May 7 | Doors open at 1PM | Wine Club: $12; General: $15 | Celebrate Mother’s Day with us with a Kentucky Derby themed party! | Ticket includes Sparkling greeting. Kentucky Derby hat competition, Charcuterie by V&G Charcuterie, New Rosé Releases, Photo ops & Local vendor shopping | Reservations required RSVP online or with Nathalie n.pierce@danzadelsolwinery.com or https://www.danzadelsolwinery.com/res-405355/Mothers-Day-Run-For-The-Rose.html 

Europa Village Wineries & Resort
Mother’s Day Brunch at Bolero | May 8 | 10:00am – 3:00pm | What mom really wants is what we all want: exquisite food, to spend quality time with loved ones, and the ability to come home to a clean kitchen afterward. Treat mom to an unforgettable Mother’s Day Brunch at Bolero Restaurante featuring a create your own crepes station, chilled seafood bar, carving station, and classic Spanish cuisine. Price: $89 adult $44 children | For reservations, please call us at 951.414.3802. 

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Party on the Piazza at Vienza | May 8 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Treat mom to an extra special day with our Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea party. Delight in delicious baked goods, tea sandwiches, sweet treats, bubbly, and live music from Harpist, Annette Wiles. General Admission: $85 Members: $76.50 Learn more at https://www.europavillage.com/spring-happenings

Falkner Winery
Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at Pinnacle | May 8 | 10:00am-3:00pm | Cost is $89.95/person (tax and gratuity not included) Wine Club $79.95/person plus tax and gratuity Children (3-10) $35.50/child++(Wine Club $30.95/child ++); Under 3 is free | Entertainment provided, call for Reservations at 951-676-8231 Ext. 4.

Frangipani Winery
Mother’s Day 3-course seated Dinner & Theater Show | May 8 |Doors open 6:30pm, show starts at 7:00pm | $75 per person plus tax, presented by Triple Threat Productions featuring songs from the award-winning musical Mamma Mia! | Purchase tickets by May 4 at www.Frangipanievents.com 

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Mother’s Day Brunch | May 8th | We are offering two seating at 11:00am & 2:00pm | $100 regular tickets /$90WC ($20 child/ $18WC child) | To reserve please visit https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-415096/Mothers-Day-Brunch.html 

Monte de Oro Winery
Mother’s Day Brunch | May 8 | 4 seating’s offered at 10:00am, 10:30am, 1:00pm, and 1:30pm | For reservations please visit  https://shop.montedeoro.com/res-399888/Mothers-Day-Brunch.html 

Oak Mountain Winery
Mother’s Day Brunch | May 8 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | $69 Non-Members – $59 Members – $17 for Children 10 and under | For reservation information please visit https://shop.oakmountainwinery.com/event-tickets-c11.aspx 

Peltzer Family Cellars
Mother’s Day Brunch on the Farmstead | May 8th at 10am and 1pm | $75 adults, $45 ages 3-11, 2 and under free | Reservations available on www.peltzerwinery.com  

Wilson Creek Winery
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Creekside Grille | May 8 | 10:00am | Enjoy a plated Sunday brunch at Wilson Creek Winery! | For additional information and to make your reservations please visit www.WilsonCreekWinery.com  

February Winery Events

Akash Winery & Vineyards
Valentine’s Dinner | February 14^th from 6:30pm-9:00pm | Join us for a 4-course dinner. Seating is for two only and space is limited to 10 tables (no group tables) | Cost $165 per person | Reservations can be made at www.akashwinery.com

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Meritage | February 14 from 5pm-8pm | Cost: $90.00 for wine club members.  $100.00 for General public. Price is per person, plus tax, and gratuity. A wine pairing option is available for an additional fee | Join us this Valentine’s Day for an intimate evening of fine dining, spectacular wine and romance. We invite you to indulge yourself and your loved ones in a decadent four course, prix fixe dinner with stunning sunset vineyard views.at Meritage Restaurant | Reserve your table at: https://www.exploretock.com/callawaywinery or call (951) 587-8889.

Churon Inn Winery
Valentine’s Day Dinner | February 13 & 14 | Enjoy a 3-course candlelit dinner with live music. Includes a bottle of sparkling wine | Cost is $99 per person/$89 per person for wine club members (price does not include tax and gratuity). | To view the dinner menu and to purchase your ticket, please visit our website, https://innatchuronwinery.com

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Heart Shaped Pizza Experience | February 13 & 14th from 11am-4:30pm | Wineclub $60 per couple; non-wine club $65 per couple | Grab your Sweetheart and escape to the vineyards this Valentine’s Day weekend 13^th & 14th. Heart-themed Lunch for Two with a View.  Your heart & belly will be full!  Email events@cougarvineyards.com for reservations

Danza del Sol Winery
Trivia Night | Every Friday Starting Feb 11th | Join us in our Tasting Room from 7pm – 9pm | Doors open at 6:30pm for seating. Food truck & prizes available.
Lover’s Flight in the Club House | February 12^th starts at 12:00pm | Bring out your significant other and enjoy a curated pairing by our winemaker and Boards & Baskets | https://www.danzadelsolwinery.com/res-405013/Lovers-Flight.html
Couples Crepe Cooking Class in the Club House | February 13^th from 10am-12pm | https://www.danzadelsolwinery.com/res-405012/Couples-Crepe-Cooking-Class.html

Doffo Winery
Sweetheart Dinner | February 12^th at 7:00pm | $165 per person | Please visit www.doffowines.com for reservation and to view our four-course pre-fixe menu details.

Frangipani Winery
Yoga in the Vines | February 12^th from 10am-12pm | $45 per person includes Yoga session, Wine tasting & light brunch. 
Valentine’s Day Dinner | February 14^th at 6:30pm | Enjoy a four-course all-inclusive wine paired dinner by Chef Volker Lutz with theater show entertainment by Triple Threat Productions of Elvis & Friends Theater
Show | $150 non-members: $140 wine club members
Yoga in the Vines | February 26^th from 10am-12pm | $45 per person includes Yoga session, Wine tasting & light brunch. 
Visit us at www.frangipanievents.com to purchase tickets to all our events.

Longshadow Ranch Winery
Special edition Valentine’s Day Date Night Paint & Sip | February 11 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm | Bring your valentine for a Paint & Sip date night in the Longshadow Great Lodge!  Each partner will create 1/2 of an overall painting, when held together it’ll be a completed picture!  | Tickets are $40 each and include a glass of Longshadow wine + everything that you need to create your own artwork | Please visit www.longshadowwinery.com to reserve your spot today.
Friday Night Flights – Wine & Food pairings in the Lodge. Bonfire Saturday Nights – Wine, BBQ, and Live Music at private fire tables. Sunday Brunch starting at 11am. For information on all these activities please visit our website at www.longshadowranchwinery.com for reservations and pricing.

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Galentine’s | February 8th from 6pm-9pm | Girl’s night with local vendors, photo booth, wine and more! | $10/$9WC | visit https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-414598/Galentines-Day.html  to purchase tickets or call 951-694-6699 X109
Valentine’s Day Dinner | February 14 from 7pm-9pm | Enjoy a romantic four-course prix fixe dinner for two with a bottle of Lorimar wine | $150/$135WC (1 adult ticket is for 2 people). To purchase tickets or call 951-694-6699 X109
Smoke and Vine | February 25th from 7pm-10pm | An evening of cigars and wine | $125/$112 WC | visit https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-414593/Smoke-And-Vine-An-Evening-Of-Cigars-And-Wine.html to purchase tickets or call 951-694-6699 X109

Masia de la Vinya Winery
Couple’s Paint + Sip | February 13 from 2:00pm -3:30pm | $40 per person; tickets via Pretty Paints https://www.prettypaintsparty.com/new-products-2/masiadelavinyavalentines
Karaoke Night |February 25th, 5:30pm – 9:00pm – The Mac Food Truck 4pm – 8:30pm  

Raul Ramirez Winery
Valentine’s Day Celebration | February 10th from 2:30 to 5 pm | Cost $69.00 per person | Seafood Paella and Tarta de Santiago by Spaniard Chef Alvaro Baeza and paired with our estate wines. Entertainment & Music by Lex Borja | To purchase your tickets please visit https://www.raulramirezwinery.com/product/Valentine-s-Celebration       

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Valentine’s Day Dinner Specials at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant | Available February 10th – 14th, 5:30pm – 9pm | To view specials and to make reservations, visit https://www.southcoastwinery.com/dining/valentines  
Romance Package is available for a Valentine’s Day Weekend Getaway. Package includes overnight stay in Luxury Accommodations, Bottle of Sparkling Wine, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, and Rose Petals. Book via https://www.southcoastwinery.com/dining/valentines  or call 844.977.0206.      

Wilson Creek Winery
Valentine’s Day Lunch and Dinner at The Creekside Grille | Monday, February 14th. Reservations recommended: https://www.wilsoncreekwinery.com/restaurant/reservations/  

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day All Month – or Year! – Long in Temecula Valley

We can think of no better way to experience romance than while sipping wine and taking in the rolling hills, hot air balloons, and gorgeous vistas of Southern California’s Temecula Valley. Whether you’re planning on hitting up some wineries with your significant other, hanging with your best gal (or guy!) pal, or rolling solo for a little self-care, we’ve got the wines and the experiences to help you celebrate your best Valentine’s Day yet, Wine Country-style.

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT

If you’re headed out to Wine Country for some in-person swirling and sipping, check out these fun special events and ongoing winery programs that are sure to get the romance flowing year-round.

SIP Passport:

This ticket to Wine Country allows you and your honey to sip your way through Temecula Valley at your own pace. Enjoy a curated wine flight at any five of the participating wineries, Monday through Friday (Valentine’s Day just so happens to fall on a Monday this year!) and see where the experience takes you.

Monte de Oro Signature Food and Wine Series:

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds on February 14^th, kick off the romance a little bit early at this feast for the senses including a multi-course culinary experience with a selection of Monte de Oro’s award-winning wines. Still determined to get out on the town on Valentine’s Day itself? Snag a ticket to Monte de Oro’s Valentine’s Day dinner, with a four-course meal, wine pairings, and live music.

Bottaia Blending Lab:

Sometimes, the best way spice things up is by taking on a new activity together. Become winemaker for a day at Bottaia’s unique wine blending lab, where you will roll up your sleeves and make your very own custom wine blend, complete with a cork and label. Lay the wine down to open up on your next anniversary or special occasion, or sip it while celebrating Valentine’s Day 2022.

Doffo Winery Sweetheart Dinner:

Romance doesn’t need to be all chocolate and roses, right? On Saturday, February 12, hit up everyone’s favorite moto-themed winery for a decadent four-course meal with wine pairings while rubbing elbow’s with the tight-knit Doffo family and fellow wine (and motorcycle) enthusiasts.

Galentine’s at Peltzer:

On February 11, ditch the guys and celebrate being single (or single for a day) while you dance, shop, sip, and nosh the night away. Enjoy local bites and food trucks, live music, a pop-up market, and of course, lots and lots of Temecula Valley wine. 

Wine and Wellness at Akash:

Sometimes connecting with your partner means reconnecting with yourself as well. Akash Winery not only offers ongoing yoga and fitness classes among the vines, but they have also launched a one-of-a-kind Wellness + Wine club, featuring access to yoga, Lagree-inspired workouts, and kickboxing classes, not to mention post-workout sips and monthly bottles to take home. Nothing like a little sweat – or zen – to get in the mood for romance.

STAYING COZY AT HOME

If you’re looking forward to a little Netflix and chill this Valentine’s Day, you’re going to need a steady supply of wine. Here are a few of our favorites for sipping with your favorite partner in wine.

Bubbles

And we don’t mean the bath kind! Temecula Valley produces some spectacular traditional method sparkling wines, made with quality grapes and painstaking attention to detail, for the perfect kickoff to any special occasion (or to sip, like we do, on any ordinary Monday).

A few to try:

Thornton Winery Brut NV, $54 – Close your eyes and you’re in Champagne! A blend of classic Champagne grapes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this crisp, clean sparkler boasts juicy apple, pear, and tropical aromas, and a toasty, creamy finish.

Bottaia 2020 Rosé Spumante, $45 – We love the offbeat blend of Italian grapes in this dry, soft-pink bubbly, with notes of strawberry, raspberry, melon, and lime zest.

South Coast Winery Ruby Cuvée Sparkling Syrah NV, $24 – Need something bright and juicy to pair with that box of Valentine’s Day chocolates? Pop a bottle of this deep crimson-colored red sparkling wine for a decadent treat.

Big, Bold Reds

There’s something about a rich, velvety red wine that just oozes romance. Temecula Valley is known for producing some truly exceptional full-bodied reds that are perfect for sipping with your significant other – with a special dinner or simply while curled up on the couch and enjoying each other’s company.

A few to try:

Baily Winery 2018 Meritage, $75

This rich, complex red is an elegant blend of classic Bordeaux grape varieties. It is lean but powerful, with ripe berry fruit, plum, sweet baking spices and an intriguing tobacco note.

Leoness Cellars 2018 Signature Series “Eloquent”, $99

This silky blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel is the ultimate contemplation wine. Dark berry fruit aromas are framed by notes of sweet and savory spice like vanilla, black pepper, chocolate, and anise.  

Fazeli Cellars 2017 Shiraz, $50

Taking its name from the fabled ancient Persian city of Shiraz, as well as the alternate spelling of “Syrah,” this wine boasts silky black currant and blackberry layered with vanilla, sweet tobacco, mocha and black pepper.

Something Sweet

Who needs a box of Valentine’s Day chocolates when you can sip your dessert with one of these indulgent sweet and fortified wine selections? Pair them with an after-dinner sweet treat, a salty cheese course, or nothing at all – they’re just that tasty.

A few to try:

Callaway Vineyard & Winery Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon, $26

Grapes spend extra time on the vines to develop the ripest possible fruit notes as well as elevated sugar levels to create this smooth, sensuous treat, packed with black cherry and raspberry jam, cinnamon and a hint of licorice.

Mount Palomar Limited Reserve Tawny Port, $65

This extremely limited bottling made from 100% estate grown grapes is made in the style of the great fortified wines of Portugal. A blend of 11- and 10-year tawny port, this rich, amber nectar is ripe with aromas of molasses, fig, tangerine, and brown sugar.

A Duo of Delicious Spreads

If you’re entertaining, these simple and delicious spreads might be just what you’re looking for. Serve these wine-friendly spreads individually or as a colorful duo with a basket of flatbread crackers, crostini or pita crisps. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Sparkling Wine or Sparkling Rosé.

Ingredients:

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Feta 

• 1 large roasted red bell pepper, skinned and seeded 
• 6 ounces (scant 1 cup/180 g) feta  
• 1 large garlic clove 
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 
• Hot red pepper and sea salt to taste 

Spinach, Cilantro and Tahini Spread 

• 1 cup (1.5 oz/45 g) packed baby spinach leaves (no stems) 
• ½ cup (65 g) frozen peas (no need to thaw) 
• 1 green onion, white and pale green part only, sliced 
• 6 to 8 sprigs cilantro, no thick stems 
• 1 small garlic clove, sliced 
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) tahini 
• Sea salt 
• Lemon juice, as needed 

Directions:

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Feta 

In a food processor, puree all ingredients until fully blended. The mixture will be soft. Chill slightly to firm it. 

Spinach, Cilantro and Tahini Spread 

Put the spinach, peas, green onion, cilantro and garlic in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Add the tahini and a large pinch of salt and blend until smooth. Taste for salt and add a few drops of lemon juice if needed to brighten the flavor. 

Suggested Pairings:

Callaway Winery ~ NV Sparkling Bella Rosé – Elegant in both color and flavor, this charming wine greets you with juicy peach aromas touched with spicy white pepper. 

South Coast Winery ~ Extra Dry Brut – Delicate apple and berry with toasty yeast notes.

Thornton Winery ~ NV Brut – A blend of primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, giving our wine exciting, crisp fruit characters while taking on a clean and straightforward yeast flavor from the lengthy tirage time. 

Wilson Creek Winery ~ Rosé Sparkling Wine – Crisp, elegant and flavorful.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California.

August Winery Events

August kicks off harvest season in wine country. The fruit is hanging heavy on the vines and visitors can enjoy the stunning views as they take in an exciting variety of summer events including movies in the vines, happy hours and plenty of outdoor live music.

Bel Vino Winery  
Estate Wine Launch Party | August 12^th at 6:00pm | Enjoy Food, Music & Wine. Hosted by winemaker George Bursick and owner Mike Janko. | Tickets are $86. Wine club members receive 10% off. Tickets must be purchased by July 29^th. Please email macey@belvinowinery.com.

Elton John Tribute Concert | August 6^th at 6:00pm
Madonna Tribute Concert | August 27^th at 6:00pm
Tickets may be purchase through at Heyday.com. Ages 16+ only.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Save-the-Date! September 11th – Sip, Stomp & Play Annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival. Tickets: $125.00 General Public, $112.50 Wine Club Members, $90.00 Kids ages 4-11. Ticket includes admission to the event, one glass of Callaway wine, dinner, wine specials and grape stomping. Purchase tickets at our San Diego – Gaslamp and Temecula tasting rooms or online at www.callawaywinery.com

Danza del Sol Winery
Paint Your Pet Party 3:00pm | August 1 |Tickets purchased through Shelley Garth @ www.paintyourpetpartyie.com or call 951-288-7536. Member: $50 | Non-member: $55

Foot Path Winery
Food Wine and Music | August 21^st  6:30 – 9:00pm | $35 wine club $40 non-wine club. Please call the winery for reservations at 951-265-9951.

Longshadow Ranch Winery
Matchbox Twenty Too Tribute concert at sunset!  August 6th |$10 pre-sale online, $15 ticket at the door, $175 VIP table for up to ten. Purchase online at Longshadowranchwinery.com

Monte De Oro Winery
70’s Themed Disco Wine Bingo on the Patio | August 7th Doors open 6:30pm. Bingo starts 7:00pm | Price $40.00 per person – includes 7 Bingo Games, 1 glass of wine and 3 raffle tickets. Wine prizes over $1,200 in retail value. Purchase online at www.montedeoro.com

Signature Food & Wine Pairing Lunch |August 8 – 11:30am | 2-Hour lunch, 4-course wine pairing lunch. Reservations required – $65.00 per person. Please visit www.montedeoro.com

Oak Mountain Winery
Cause Fur Paws Fundraiser | August 21st 6:00 – 9:00pm | Food, wine, blind auctions, best dressed dog prizes and more. | $15 donation for admittance include 1 glass of wine or beer.

Peltzer Family Cellars
Don’t miss Nashville Nights down on the Farm on August 21st from 4-10pm featuring three acts! Tickets range from $30 – $100 and can be purchased at peltzerwinery.com.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Join us for live Jazz performances on August 1st (Brian Simpson, Steve Oliver & Will Donato) and August 15th (Michael Paulo, Adam Hawley & Darryl Williams) | Shows begin at 7:00pm |Tickets available now starting at $65. https://www.southcoastwinery.com/concerts/jazz-concert-series

Harvest Season in Temecula Valley is Just Around the Corner: Here’s How to Celebrate

Get in the harvest spirit with these fun Wine Country events and activities

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – harvest! Right now, grapes are changing on the vine from hard little berries to ripe, juicy grapes ready for picking and pressing into wine. This is an intense time of year for vineyard and harvest crews as well as winemakers. Once harvest begins, they work for days on-end, picking grapes at night or in the early morning hours to keep them cool. It’s physical work, but the fruits of their labor – delicious bottles of Temecula Valley wine – make it all worth it.

It’s a beautiful time to be out in the vineyards though! The vines are lush with bright green foliage and big bunches of plump, colorful grapes. Local wineries are also gearing up for their annual harvest events, inviting visitors to take part in the festivities. From grape stomps to themed parties, here are a few Temecula Valley events worth checking out this harvest season.

South Coast Winery

Every Friday and Sunday, from September 10 through September 26, South Coast Winery will be holding their Grape Stomp events. Grape Stomps are composed of two-person teams, and the winner of each of these friendly competitions will receive a bottle of the special South Coast Winery 20^th Anniversary Blend.

Tickets start at $168 and include a wine flight for each person and a case of wine per two participants as part of the ticket price. Cases can be mixed and matched.

For more information and to reserve your spot, click HERE.

Danza del Sol Winery

Have you ever tasted wine straight from the barrel? It’s an amazing way to see how wine develops with time, and get a sense of its life-cycle before it makes it to the bottle and, ultimately, your glass.

On September 1, Danza del Sol is opening their barrel room up to the public for wine tasting and barrel sampling at their Roll Out the Barrel event. No reservations are required, so pop in for this fun, harvest-themed celebration, and enjoy a true wine-lovers experience, along with live music and food trucks on site.

For more information, click HERE.

Doffo Winery

Aspiring winemakers will want to check out the Doffo Barrel Club, a series of hands-on events that starts with harvest and culminates with you bottling your own wine.

In September, participants will join winemaker Damian Doffo in the early hours of the morning to help harvest, de-stem, and pitch the fermentation of a half-ton of grapes. Once Spring rolls around, participants will be invited back to the winery for a special Barrel Tasting event, where they will get a chance to sample the wine and see how it’s coming along. Lastly, come harvest time in October 2022, Barrel Club members will come together again to bottle their wine. A special edition Doffo Barrel Club wine label will include each member’s name.

Each Barrel Club membership includes access to all three events, ongoing communications from Damian about how their wine is developing in barrel, the opportunity to learn firsthand about the winemaking process, and a case of the wine they had a hand in making.

For more information on the Doffo Barrel Club, click HERE.

Not ready to become a winemaker just yet? Get in the harvest spirit at Doffo’s Renaissance-themed Midsummer Night’s Dream event on August 14, and enjoy live music and performances, games, and a three-course dinner. Costumes enthusiastically welcomed! Purchase your tickets HERE.

Callaway Winery

On Saturday, September 11, grab friends and family for the annual Grape Stomp event at Callaway. This harvest celebration features fun for the whole family, including face-painting, live music, dinner, dancing, and a grape stomping competition. Participants are encouraged to show up in their best Lucille Ball costume for a chance to win prizes in the Lucy lookalike contest.

Tickets are open to the general public (kids welcome!) as well as Wine Club members, and can be purchased at Callaway’s Gaslamp and Temecula tasting rooms or online. Each ticket includes event admission, a glass of Callaway wine, dinner, wine specials, and grape stomping.

For more information and tickets, click HERE.

Want More?

If you’re itching to get really involved in harvest, many wineries offer harvest internships and welcome volunteers to help pick grapes and assist with production. Perhaps you’re a wine student or an enthusiast looking to get some hands-on experience. If this sounds like something you are interested in, don’t be afraid to peruse wine-related job boards for harvest openings, or reach out to your favorite Temecula Valley winery to see if they have any harvest opportunities. You never know – this could be your next big career move!

The Merry, Merry Month of May!

May has so many national “wine days”, we can eat, drink and be merry all month long!  Along with Chardonnay, a familiar favorite, it’s a great excuse for you to try a couple of the lesser-known varietals like Muscat Canelli and Sauvignon Blanc – all of which grow well here in the Temecula Valley.

First up on the calendar is #MoscatoDay, which falls on May 9th.  The day was introduced here in the US by Gallo Family Vineyards back in 2012 to celebrate the rising popularity and sky-rocketing sales of the varietal.  If you know nothing about Moscato (or Muscat/Muscat Canelli), it originated in the Piedmont region of Italy where it’s a favorite due to its sweetness, lightness and affordability – and is popular as a sparkling wine. You’ll find Moscato table wines in white, red or rosé styles, and they make an especially delicious dessert wine.  With it’s bouquet of peach, honey and citrus, a delicate sweetness and fresh acidity, it’s perfect served with a plate of fresh cheeses.

Try the Muscat Canelli from Leoness Cellars or Lorimar Winery; or the Moscato from Ponte Family Estate Winery.

May 15th is #InternationalSauvignonBlancDay.  Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, the grape is also widely planted throughout New Zealand – and grows with ease here in the Temecula Valley.  An acidic wine that displays a citrus-y, grapefruit-like quality, it’s a pleasing choice for a warm summer day. A very versatile vino, Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with shell fish, grilled vegetables (even asparagus!) and cheeses.  It’s the perfect picnic wine!

A few faves include those from:  Europa Village , Maurice Car’rie Winery or Monte de Oro Winery.

And then there’s the day to pay homage to the old standby, Chardonnay, on #ChardonnayDay, May 21st.  The world’s most planted white wine grape varietal is enjoyed by fans all over the world.  Generally dry to medium-dry with pear, apple, tropical or citrus fruit flavors, Chardonnay is grown in virtually every wine-producing region.  Crisp and fresh with little to no oak aging, or creamy and buttery with extensive oak aging, there’s a Chardonnay out there that will make just about anyone smile!

Can’t live without Chardonnay’s are available at: Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Oak Mountain Winery and Thornton Winery.

Finishing out the month is #NationalWineDay, which is celebrated on May 25.  Not to be confused with National Drink Wine Day which is held in February, National Wine Day is actually just another lame excuse for us wine lovers to drink wine.  Because for wine lovers, everyday is wine day, right?  Cheers!

Temecula Winery Spotlight: Get to Know… Callaway Vineyard & Winery

The Story

Founded by entrepreneur and savvy businessman Ely Reeves Callaway Jr., Callaway Vineyard & Winery has been a Temecula Valley wine country institution for 40 years.  After extensive research in the late 1960s, Ely decided to plant his roots in Southern California’s South Coast AVA to take advantage of the “Rainbow Gap,” the gap between the mountains that allows Pacific Ocean air into Temecula Valley, creating a vine-friendly climate consisting of cool nights and warm days.

The Callaway vineyards were planted in 1969 and by the early 1970s, they were one of a handful of Temecula wineries producing and selling wine. Many say that Ely Callaway helped put Temecula on the map as a serious wine producing region. Now privately owned, the winery property was purchased by the Lin family of San Diego in late 2005. Callaway Vineyard & Winery wines are only available at the winery and are not available in any retail stores.

 

The Wines

Still one of the region’s largest wineries, Callaway proudly makes wine only from Temecula Valley fruit. The winery currently grows seven different grapes across 220 acres. The estate vineyards are planted with Syrah, Zinfandel, Viognier, Sangiovese, Dolcetto and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes; additional acreage is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes.

Callaway’s Special Selection wines are high quality, limited productions that best exemplify the Callaway legacy. These wines are meant to be accessible, food-friendly and fun!

The brand’s “Winemaker’s Reserve” wines are aged longer to develop more complexity in the bottle. Chosen barrel by barrel for richness and depth, these wines are typically bigger and bolder to satisfy the seasoned wine lover.

To shop for Callaway wine online, click here.

 

 

The Tasting Room

Renovated in 2012, the stunning Callaway tasting room is enclosed by glass windows and surrounded by rolling-hill vineyards. The Callaway tasting experience operates on a grand scale, offering daily tastings, automated wine tasting stations, patio wine flights and winery production tours daily.

The tasting room is open daily from 10am-5pm | 951.676.4001

Wine Tastings
Daily from 10am-5pm
Tasting include 4-6 tastes from different tasting menu options for $10.

Wine Flights
Tasting includes 3 tastes of any wine for $15http://www.temeculawines.org/blog/wp-admin/post.php?post=7453&action=edit
Enjoy the wine flights on our terrace while relaxing and taking in breathtaking views of Temecula’s wine country.

Winery Tours
$5 per person
Weekdays – 11am, 1pm, and 3pm | 
Saturdays – 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm | 
Sundays – 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm

Callaway’s online visitor center offers more details to help plan your visit.

 

The Restaurant

Meritage Restaurant at Callaway is a top dining spot in Temecula wine country for an al fresco lunch or dinner. Anglų kalbos kursai internetu įmonėms, Vilniuje, Kaune ir Klaipėdoje Intellectus.lt Chef Michael Henry focuses on crafting seasonal California-Mediterranean cuisine and is proud to source from neighboring farms, butchers and other Southern California artisans. The restaurant livens up every weekend with Live Music Fridays and Sangria Sundays!

Open daily
Monday – Thursday 11am-4pm
Friday – Sunday 11am-8pm
951.587.8889

View the restaurant menu. | Make a reservation.

 

Callaway Events

Callaway is especially proud to offer a fabulous winery space for large wine country weddings and private events all year round. Check the events calendar for all the details on the winery’s upcoming holiday events.