Blog

Posts Tagged ‘temecula award winning wines’

Temecula Valley Winery and Mother’s Day Events for May

Monday, April 29th, 2013

~ Mother’s Day is Sunday May 12 ~

Check out the fabulous events and exciting activities happening at our Temecula Valley wineries throughout May! Don’t miss Cinco de Mayo festivities, a fashion show luncheon, spa specials, winemaker tours, tons of live concerts and the best wine country brunches for Mother’s Day.

 

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Mother’s Day Champagne Buffet Brunch at Carol’s Restaurant
Sunday, May 12, 11:00am Seating/1:00am Seating. Includes champagne, soft drinks, coffee, or tea. $54.95 per person plus tax and gratuity | $19.95 Children 12 and under, children 5 and under free. Reservations necessary, credit card for reservation: 951- 676-9243.

New! Saturday Knight’s at Carol’s begins Saturday, May 4. Live local musicians will be featured every Saturday night along with a new, more casual dinner menu featuring flatbread pizzas, burgers, pasta dishes, and appetizers. Hours: 5p to 8:30p on the vineyard patio or in the European inspired Bacchus Hall. Local wines and micro-brewed beers as well as wine cocktails will be offered, plus two local beers on tap. Reservations recommended, dancing shoes optional. For more info, please contact Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery: 951-676-9243.

 

Bel Vino Winery

Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 12 from 10:00a-2:00p
Includes live music by Mark Renk/ $55 per person plus tax and gratuity, Wine Club Members / $65 per person plus tax and gratuity, Non-Members/$25 per person plus tax and gratuity, children 3-12.


Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Mother’s Day Special
Wine tasting for two, two sandwiches or salads or a large meat and cheese platter for just $24!

 

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Mother’s Day at Meritage at Callaway
Sunday, May 12; 
11am-4:30pm. Join Meritage at Callaway this Mother’s Day for a relaxing lunch or dinner in 
beautiful Temecula Wine Country. Live music performed by local favorite, Ryan Dart, will begin at 2pm. Regular dinner menu available afterwards, last reservation at 7 pm. Reservations required by calling 951-587-8889.

 

Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Cinco De Mayo Celebration
Sunday, May 5; 12:00p-4:00p. Live music, Mexican food, beer, specialty wine drinks and wine tasting. Please call 951.491.0825 for more information.

 

Danza del Sol Winery

“Get Sauced”

Thursday, May 23; 6:00p-8:00p. 
$45 per person, plus tax | $40.50 per person, plus tax for wine club members
Cooking demo, class, and small plates by the M Group, wine pairings by our educated staff, recipes to take home, special wine discounts! Menu: Shrimp Sautéed w/Margarita Sauce (Tomatoes, Garlic & Basil), Carne Asada Lettuce Wraps w/ Pickled Jalapeno Sauce, Fresh Fruit Sauce w/Spiced Chocolate-Dipped Chips. Reservations are required. Call Kelly at 951-302-6363 ext. 26

 

Doffo Winery

Mother’s Day Special
Sunday, May 12. Complimentary cupcakes for all of the ladies coming for wine tasting. Call 951-676-6989 for more details.

 

Europa Village

Live Music; Complimentary
6:00p-9:00p
Friday, May 3 – Classic Rock Tribute | Friday, May 10 – Guilty Conscience | Friday, May 17 – Big Truth Band | Friday, May 24 – Abacus | Friday, May 31-Different Drum

1:00p-4:00p
Sunday, May 5 – Jim Gentry | Sunday, May 12 – Guilty Conscience | Sunday, May 19 – Geoff Ryle | Sunday, May 26 – Leo Gosselin

Cinco De Mayo
Sunday, May 5. Come dressed for Cinco De Mayo and receive 10% off purchases; Save $2 on Southwest Chicken Paninis

Rancho Damacitas – Cooking Demonstration
Tuesday, May 7
6:00p-8:30p
$85 per person for three events. For Tickets & Information Call Rancho Damacitas – 951-302-2317

Mother’s Day Luncheon
Sunday, May 12
 at 1:00p; $58 per person, plus service charge and sales tax. $25 per person, plus service charge and sales tax for children 11 and under. Wine club members are $52.50 per person, plus service charge and sales tax and $22.50 per person, plus service charge and sales tax for children 11 and under. Includes a gourmet three-course lunch, Sangria, and entertainment.

Mystery Dinner Theater
Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19; 6:00p-10:00p. For reservations and more information, please call 1-888-383-3767 or e-mail events@europavillage.com

Theater Foundation Gala Dinner
Monday, May 27; 
5:00pm. 
$85.00 per person. For reservations & questions call 951-541-2588

 

Falkner Winery
VIP Vertical Tasting


Saturday, May 4, 10:30am-12:30p. $50/person plus tax; $40/person plus tax for Food & Wine Club members. This tasting session will focus on eight (8) vintages of the Falkner Amante-Super Tuscan. *For those who are not familiar with the term “vertical tasting,” it means tasting multiple vintages of the same wine from the same producer.

Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch

Sunday, May 12; 10:00a-3:30p. $59.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity | $49.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity for Wine Club members | children 3-10 are $24.50, plus tax and gratuity | $19.95, plus tax and gratuity for Wine Club members. Children under 3 are free. All food will be prepared by their award winning Executive Chef Gianni Ciciliot and his excellent staff. Having been designated “Best Restaurant of the Inland Empire” six years in a row and “Best Chef” for 3 years by readers of Inland Empire magazine, this promises to be a spectacular and memorable event. Champagne will be part of the meal along with other beverage options. Plus live entertainment. Reservations should be made by calling the restaurant at 951-676-8231 ext. 1 or by visiting the website.

 

Frangipani Estate Winery

Mother’s Day Brunch
10:00a-2:00p; 
$16.95 per person | $10.95 children 10 & under. Along with your brunch, enjoy a complimentary glass of specialty sparkling wine drinks. Advance reservations are required by calling the winery at 951-699-8845.

 

Keyways Vineyard & Winery

2 1/2 Hour Winemaking Tasting Tour
Every Monday and Friday at 12:00p; Saturdays & Sundays at 10:00a & 1:00p. $29 per person. Includes 2 1/2 hours with a wine specialist in our vineyard, production facility and barrel room with at least 12 wine tastings (including tank & barrel tastings) and food and wine pairing with gourmet cheeses and meats. Reservations required by calling the winery at 951-302-7888.

Wine Down Fridays
6:30p-9:30p. Live music by Michael Chain and discount wine by the glass and bottle.

Jill Roberts Art Class
Every Wednesday in May; 1:00p-4:00p; $50 per person. Come take an art class in the vineyard, conducted by Jill Roberts of Dorland Arts Colony – includes a glass of wine!

 

Leoness Cellars

Fashion Show & Luncheon
Thursday, May 9; 11:30a-2:30p. $58.00 per person, plus tax | $48 per person, plus tax. Includes lunch, a glass of wine, and a fabulous show with special show discounts and giveaways.

“Friends & Wine” Concert Series, hosted by Ronnie Laws and performance by Diane Schuur, two-time Grammy Winner with repeat performances at The White House and Carnegie Hall. Sunday, May 12th; 4:30p Showtime. Limited winery tour, VIP Seating, Private Meet & Greet and wine reception with Diane Schurr and Ronnie Laws. $89 per person, plus tax | VIP Seating with glass of wine is $69 per person, plus tax. | Open seating is $49 per person, plus tax. A portion of the proceeds will support music therapy for students with autism and placement of musical instruments in local Temecula Valley schools. Reservations required by e-mailing reservations@leonesscellars.com or by calling 951-302-7601 ext. 150.

 

Lorimar Winery

Mother’s Day Special
Sunday, May 12. On Mother’s Day, Lorimar Winery will be offering a glass of Grenache sparkling wine, as well as a chocolate covered strawberry.  There will also be a “Buy a bottle of wine for your Mom, because you are the reason she drinks” sale of 20% off all wine purchases. Call 951-694-6699 for more information.

 

Monte De Oro Winery

Mother’s Day Brunch at Monte De Oro
Sunday, May 12; Seating at 10:00a and 12:00p. $58.95 per person, adults | $48.95 per person, adult Wine Club members | $14.95 per person, children 3-12. Enjoy a gourmet brunch and toast Mom with Mimosas or champagne to say “thanks” for all that she does for you throughout the year. Includes unlimited champagne and a bottle of wine for each Mom. For reservations, call 951-491-6551.

 

Mount Palomar Winery 

Mount Palomar Winery, Shorty’s Bistro

Fridays in May; 5:00p-9:00p.Wine & Unwind- Friday Night Dinner, Wine Tasting and Live Music performed by Mark Sage Band. Questions contact Cristina Lagman 951-676-5047 x112. RSVP - http://www.mountpalomar.com/Events/Wine–Unwind-Friday-Nights

4th Annual Wine Country Wiener Fest

Sunday, May 511:00a-4:00p– Family-friendly games, local vendors & services, silent auction, raffles & door prizes. Food & Beverages and Adult Wine Tasting. “Dexter’s Derby” Dachshund Races! Mount Palomar Winery, Event Pavilion. For more info – www.wienerfest.info.

 

Mother’s Day Brunch w/ unlimited Champagne and Mimosas

Sunday, May 1211am, 1pm or 2pm Seatings. Mount Palomar Winery will be prepared to spoil your taste buds. This brunch offers up such goodies as Salmon drizzled with a lemon dill sauce, around the world cheese display and amazing carving and salad stations…plus much more to satisfy your every delight. Questions contact Cristina Lagman 951-676-5047 x112. RSVP - http://www.mountpalomar.com/MothersDay

 

Thornton Winery

Cafe Champagne’s Mother’s Day Buffet
Sunday, May 12; 12:00p-5:00p. $59.95 adults, $22.95 children (under 5 free). Reservations required by calling 951-699-0099.

Champagne Jazz Series

Saturday, May 4 – 7:00 pm: Poncho Sanchez, Arturo Sandoval. General Admission: $65; Gourmet Supper:$140 | Saturday, May 18 – 
7:00 pm. Peter White. General Admission: $75
; Gourmet Supper:$150

Live Music on the Patio, Complimentary

Friday, May 3rd; 6:00p – 9:00p: Big Truth | Sunday, May 5; 12:30p – 3:30p: Tim Walsh | Sunday, May 12; 12:30p-3:30p
: Diego Mondragon 
(Mother’s Day) | Sunday, May 26; 12:30p-3:30p: Mrs. Jones Revenge (Unplugged) | Friday, May 31 
6:00p – 9:00p| Master Splinters & Shredders

 

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch 
Sunday

Sunday May 12; 10:00a-4:00p. South Coast Winery celebrates mothers in grand style in the Vineyard Rose Restaurant. This event sells out each year so reserve early for best selection. Call today: (951) 587-9463 ext. 7237

Mother’s Day Spa Package

Three treats in one at South Coast Winery Resort’s GrapeSeed Spa. Celebrate that special mother in your life with this exclusive treat now thru May only! We’ll pamper you with three body treatments wrapped into one dynamic spa service that include:

•    Delectable Exfoliating Sugar Back Scrub
•    Ultimate Back and Foot Massage
•    Fabulous sugar kissed hand treatment
•    Complete your treatment with a skin-tastic 25-minute facial including anti-stress oil and a pressure point facial massage.

Seal this delicious day with a chilled glass of sparkling wine and spa goodies to go. Visit www.WineResort.com for details or Call 951-587-9463. Book Now For Only $185 PP. (Original Price $240) Mention Code: Just Because… Spa reservations subject to availability and must be booked in advance. Expires May 30, 2013.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Wines of the Month Offerings:
SAVE 10% on these special monthly selections now:

  • May: 
2011 South Coast Winery Riesling, $14
  • 2011 South Coast Winery Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyard Merlot, $24

 

Share

Temecula Winery Spotlight: Get to Know… Wilson Creek Winery

Friday, April 19th, 2013

The Story

When the Wilson family acquired a 20-acre Temecula vineyard in 1996, their intentions were simply to build a family business producing great Temecula wines. 17 years later, Wilson Creek Winery is among the top-visited Temecula Valley wineries and the entire Wilson family can still be found on property every day welcoming loyal visitors and newcomers alike.  Winery guests feel the warm energy and personal touch of Wilson Creek the moment they step into the expansive tasting room or sit down for a great wine country meal at The Creekside Grille restaurant. Meet the whole Wilson family here!

Wilson Creek offers locally-sourced California cuisine at their al fresco restaurant. Their picturesque property features an outdoor pavilion, gazebo and beautiful picnic spots overlooking the vineyards. Inside the winery, guests can browse the charming gift shop and visitor center. Wilson Creek is also known for hosting dreamy wine country weddings and fabulous special events.

The Wines

“Great winemakers, much like great chefs, have a vision for the taste, smell, and ultimately the enjoyment of delicious wine.” says Etienne Cowper, Wilson Creek’s master winemaker, resident enologist and all-around wine expert.

Etienne is involved in the entire winery process from planting to picking. He has over 25 years of history in making award-winning wines, including a 16-year stretch at Mount Palomar Winery in Temecula; in addition, he’s worked with La Vina Winery in New Mexico and honed his expertise alongside famous Napa Valley winemaker, Jed Steel from Kendall Jackson Winery. Southern California wine enthusiasts are encouraged to stop by and meet Etienne—he always loves to chat about Wilson Creek wines.

Wilson Creek’s Almond Champagne is perhaps the best known of the wines offered by this Temecula winery, but they also boast dozens of unique and popular wines for taste and purchase, from sauvignon blanc and viognier to zinfandel and port. Shop all Wilson Creek wines here.

Looking to buy Wilson Creek wines at a store or restaurant venue outside of Temecula? Click here. And be sure to check out Wilson Creek’s Wine Club, which offers VIP privileges all year round.

The Tasting Room

The tasting room is open from 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week.

Tasting fee is $15 per person weekdays and $20 per person Saturday, Sunday & holidays.

Wine tasting tours are $20; available weekends only. Wine club members taste free along with 3 guests. Join today.

Click here for a 2-for-1 Wilson Creek tasting coupon.

The Winery Restaurant – Creekside Grille

One of the best al fresco restaurants in Temecula Valley wine country is The Creekside Grille.

Restaurant hours: Monday-Friday, 11am – 4 pm | Saturday; 11am -5 pm | Sunday; 10am – 3pm. Open 7 days a week.

The Creekside Grille menu changes every season – take a look! All Wilson Creek wines are offered during dining, a perfect opportunity to do some customized wine and food pairing with friends and family.

New! Bubble Brunch Buffet – every Sunday from 10am-2pm at The Creekside Grille. Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, omelet stations, waffle stations, seafood stations, carving stations and dessert stations. Buffet Prices: $29.95 per person • $26.95 Wine Club; Children 3 – 12: $12.95 | Buffet and Unlimited Champagne: $37.95 per person • $34.15 Wine Club

For reservations call: 951.693.9463 or visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com/restaurant

Events

May 10 – Pato Banton Reggae Concert
June 9 – Cigar Night
June 14 – Michael Lington & Bill Champlin Jazz Concert
July 21 – Gloriana Country Concert
August 23 – Parrotheads – jimmy buffet tribute concert

Latest News!

New Spring Menu
Expansion in tasting room
New Sparkling Sangria
 
Wilson Creek Winery address:
35960 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, CA 92591
951.699.WINE (9463) | info@wilsoncreekwinery.com
 
 
Share

Wine Country Recipe: Salt and Pepper Skirt Steak, Courtesy of Doffo Winery

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013

Salt and Pepper Grilled Skirt Steak

Recipe courtesy of Doffo Winery in Temecula Valley, CA

Skirt steak is a flavorful cut of beef so you don’t need to do much before throwing it on a hot grill. Just a simple marinade followed by a healthy salt and pepper seasoning will do the trick. Serve with roasted spring veggies or salad greens and a generous side of garlicky chimichurri sauce. Purchase Doffo’s famous chimichurri sauce here!

Makes 6 Servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

2 tbsp soy sauce
2 cloves mashed garlic
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
2 lbs beef skirt steak
1 1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
kosher salt to taste

Preparation:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and whisk together thoroughly. Add the skirt steak, and toss in the marinade until all the pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let sit, at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Remove skirt steak from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Season with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt. Cook about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare on a very hot, preheated outdoor grill, or on a grill pan indoors. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Be sure to slice against the grain for the best results.

Pair this dish with Doffo Private Reserve 2010 Malbec.


Share

Temecula Valley Celebrates First Ever “Wine Tourism Day” on May 11

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

 

The first-ever Wine Tourism Day in North America will take place on Saturday, May 11th, 2013 with wineries, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses offering a variety of events to the public throughout the country.

 

Temecula Valley wine country is proud to celebrate Wine Tourism Day with a very special tasting offer! On May 11 only, join us for “Reserve Day” and receive an additional taste of a VIP Reserve wine at any participating Temecula Valley winery!

 

Select wineries are also offering a bottle or case discount on those reserve wines (discounts may vary), so this is the perfect time to sample and stock up on some of Temecula Valley’s top shelf wines.

 

Below is a list of participating wineries offering”Reserve Day” tastings to include a specially bottled reserve wine:                             Keep checking back for added winery updates!

 

The inspiration for a Wine Tourism Day comes from Europe, where the European Day of Wine Tourism has been ongoing since 2009. Attendees of the 2012 Wine Tourism Conference, an annual gathering of the industry’s leaders, discussed bringing the concept to North America.

“There are now over 7500 wineries in 205 American Viticultural Areas, 38 authorized wine appellations in Canada, and another 40 appellations in Mexico”, says Allan Wright, president of Zephyr Adventures, the active wine tour company organizing Wine Tourism Day. “Most of these wine regions and many of these wineries are dependent on visitors who sleep in hotel beds, eat in restaurants, and buy wine from cellar doors. Wine tourism is very important to the success of many local economies and is a subject worth commemorating.”

Wine Tourism Day is supported by a number of industry partners including LocalWineEvents.com, Touring and Tasting Marketing & Media, WineAmerica, the Wine Industry Network, the Wine Tourism Conference, and Zephyr Adventures, in addition to wine and tourism associations in wine regions throughout North America.

For more information and to find a list of events on Wine Tourism Day, please visit www.WineTourismDay.org. Events differ and can range from wine pairing dinners to music events to structured tastings.

Help spread the word about wine tourism by sharing the event through your social media channels!

Twitter: twitter.com/winetourismday | #WineTourismDay

Facebook: facebook.com/WineTourismDay

 
Temecula Valley wine country is an idyllic, easily-accessible, year-round wine destination where visitors can experience premium winemaking in a warm, welcoming atmosphere along with fine dining, stunning scenery and exciting events; only a 60-90 minute drive from all major Southern California cities.

Share

Winery Spotlight: Get To Know… Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery

Wednesday, March 6th, 2013

The Story

Located off the beaten path on Barksdale Circle, Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery is committed to producing handcrafted wines from estate-grown grapes that proprietor Nick Palumbo believes are ideally suited to Temecula Valley. The 13-acre family-run winery is often described as “boutique,” but Nick favors the term “artisanal” to describe the involvement and passion that goes into their daily operations, from the vineyards to the tasting room.

 

The Wines

For Nick – a grape grower and winemaker who is both an artist and a cultivator – it’s all about the wine… beginning with the vineyards. The family’s 13 acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese; they recently planted a block of Viognier and Syrah on a neighboring property to expand their wine portfolio.

Specializing in full-bodied reds, Palumbo winery offers both single-varietal bottlings as well as a few special blends, like the popular Meritage, “Tre Fratelli” and the Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon, which help round out the wine list and showcase the versatility and depth of quality for which Palumbo wines are known.  “I believe there are only two basic ingredients in making fine wines: the fruit itself and the barrel it’s aged in,” Nick is fond of saying.

Nick and his wife-and-partner-in-crime, Cindy, live on the winery property, which makes their vineyards as much a part of the family as their four children. This intimacy with their vineyards has given the pair a “sixth sense” that enables them to intuit what the vines need, how the fruit is developing, and what will ultimately be required in the cellar to produce stellar wines. The family is also invested in their estate for the long haul, practicing sustainable farming as a member of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, which they believe will protect the viability of their vineyards for generations to come.

Click here for the tasting room wine line-up!

 

The Tasting Room

Tasting Room Hours: Open daily from 11am – 5pm

Tasting Options: Standard Tasting $10 | Includes 5 wines

Mini-Tour and Tasting $25
Get out of the tasting room and into the cellar to learn what makes Palumbo winery so special. A member of the Palumbo family will guide you through the “Dirt to Bottle” process touching on all aspects of production, from their sustainable farming practices to the art of hands-on winemaking. Standard tasting and logo glass included. Tours available by appointment.

Barrel Tasting, Tour and Lunch with the Winemaker $125
This VIP tasting experience is the ultimate way to discover the stylistic influence of winemaker, Nick Palumbo, as well as the natural influence of Temecula Valley terroir. Guests will be taken on a tour of the estate vineyards followed by a private barrel tasting. To top off the experience, guests will enjoy a special wine pairing and gourmet picnic lunch with Nick on the Palumbo patio overlooking the vineyard. Four-person minimum with 48-hours advance reservation required.

 
Palumbo Family Vineyards address and contact information:
40150 Barksdale Circle Temecula, CA 92591 | 951.676.7900
info@palumbowines.com | wineclub@palumbowines.com

 

Share

Temecula Winemaker Roundtable: Fun Facts About… Red Wine Blends

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

Red wine blends are increasingly popular in the US, though they’ve long been the standard for regions as famous as Bordeaux, the Southern Rhone and Tuscany. Why? Because winemakers appreciate the flexibility and control blending allows; they are able fine tune the final wine to bring out the best of each variety and use them to balance each other. Like a meal made with one ingredient or a song that features only one instrument, single variety wines are sometimes less interesting and harmonious than blends.

Red wine blends may be labeled a variety of ways. Some popular blends you may see in Temecula include “Meritage” or “Super Tuscan” wines, but wineries frequently give their blends proprietary names, such as Monte de Oro’s Synergy 65, Callaway’s Calliope Red or Wilson Creek’s Double Dog Red.  This is a fun way of making the wine more identifiable, but it also signifies that the winery has truly created a wine that is theirs and theirs alone, since no two blends are exactly alike!

*See below for more Temecula red blends.

 

Here are five fun facts about red wine blends!

Facts courtesy of The Daily NewsWikipedia, Wine.LoveToKnow
  1. Bordeaux blends: Red Bordeaux blends are generally made from a combination primarily dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot.  They also often include Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carménère.
  2. A red Meritage is a Bordeaux-style wine made in California that is a combination of at least two of six varietals:  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot or Carmenère.
  3. A Super Tuscan originally served as reference to an Italian viticulture region. While some Super Tuscans are single varietal, most are blends primarily containing Sangiovese or Merlot, some are blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and some even more unusual blends which might include Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.
  4. GSM is a classic combination of three grape varieties (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre) from the southern Rhone Valley.  It is also referred to as a Southern Rhone blend.
  5. Rhone blends from France’s Rhone Valley can contain up to 22 varieties.  As the US has only 12 of those varietals planted, New World wines are most often a combination Syrah and Viognier blended with Mourvèdre, Grenache, Roussanne and Marsanne, and perhaps Counoise, Cinsaut, Grenache Blanc and Petite Sirah.


 

Looking for a great Temecula Valley red wine blend?  Check these wines out!

 

Share

World of Wine Preview: Tickets On Sale Now for VIP Winemaker Dinner, Vineyard Tour & Breakfast, Special Overnight & Shuttle Packages

Friday, February 22nd, 2013

Temecula Valley’s first passport event of 2013 is just one week away!

WORLD OF WINE WEEKEND IS MARCH 2-3.

Southern California food and wine-lovers who are looking to bundle their event tickets with a special VIP experience, a shuttle service, an overnight stay – or all of the above! – can choose from several World of Wine packages.

*New VIP packages for 2013! Tickets are limited, reserve today.

 

Saturday, March 2: WoW Passport PLUS Thornton Winemaker Dinner
Join veteran winemaker, David Vergari and winery owner Steve Thornton for a scrumptious four-course dinner perfectly paired with Thornton wines.

$179 for World of Wine 2-Day Passport Ticket + Dinner
*  Amuse-bouche; served with NV Thornton Blanc de Noirs
*  Individual tapas plate: fennel salami, garlic shrimp cannellini bean salad, saffron aioli; served with Thornton 2011 Chardonnay
*  Slow-braised boneless beef short ribs, creamy soft white cheddar polenta and spring vegetable ragout with an Estate Syrah demi-glace; served with 2010 Thornton Estate Syrah
*  Old-fashioned strawberry shortcake with a Cherry Caramel Kiss wine reduction; served with a Caramel Cherry Kiss!

Sunday, March 3: WoW Passport PLUS Cougar Winery Vineyard Tour and Breakfast
Join Cougar Winery for a behind the scenes “Ground to Glass” vineyard and winemaking tour with continental breakfast.

$114 for World of Wine 2-Day Passport Ticket + Vineyard Tour and Breakfast
*  Check in time is 8:45am
*  Tour starts promptly at 9am
*  Includes a glass of Cougar bubbly and continental breakfast

 

 

 

World of Wine shuttle and overnight packages

WoW + Ride Transportation Package
    • WoW + Ride packages are from $59-$189.  
    • Event guests can leave the driving to the professionals during World of Wine Weekend! Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle offers several packages, which include: passport event tickets, pick-up / drop-off, shuttle service to 9-10 wineries per day, wine and food samples at each winery stop, map of Temecula Valley and a souvenir glass.
    • Grapeline shuttles pick up at all local hotels and at Pechanga Casino for day-trippers. Guests who book these packages get to skip the check-in process at the TVWA.
    • Got event tickets and just need a ride?  Grapeline offers a 2-day shuttle, Saturday shuttle and Sunday shuttle during WoW weekend
    • World of Wine two-day tickets are $99 per person, so the $199 Weekend Package is a savings of about $10 — plus the added convenience of the friendly shuttle service.
    • Visit TemeculaWines.org/Events or call TVWA at 800.801.9463 to book
WoW + Stay Overnight at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
    • Package offered on Sunday, March 3 only
    • Price: from $289
    • Overnight Stay in Luxury Deluxe Villa
    • Two World of Wine Passport Tickets (Sunday Tickets Only)
    • Complementary Pre-Selected Bottle of South Coast Wine
    • Visit TemeculaWines.org/Events or call TVWA at 800.801.9463 to book
WoW + Stay Overnight at Temecula Creek Inn
  • Package offered on Sunday, March 3 only
  • Price: from $218
  • 1-night stay at Temecula Creek Inn1-day Passport to World of Wine event for two
  • Visit TemeculaWines.org/Events or call TVWA at 800.801.9463 to book

 

Temecula Valley wine country is an idyllic, easily-accessible, year-round wine destination where visitors can experience premium winemaking in a warm, welcoming atmosphere along with fine dining, stunning scenery and exciting events. Temecula Valley is only a 60 – 90 minute drive from all major Southern California cities.

Temecula Valley Wine Country in Southern California

Share

Wine Country Recipe: Provencal Roasted Chicken

Thursday, February 21st, 2013

Provencal Roasted Chicken Recipe

Courtesy of Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Roasted chicken is the perfect comfort food. It’s easy to cook and yields delicious results. If you have an extra ten minutes, go ahead and marinate the chicken before roasting. Use an organic chicken if possible. Not only are they raised humanely, but they taste better too. Roasted chicken will eat well with just about anything. From a green salad and baguette to grilled vegetables or a creamy risotto, there’s no shortage of creative combinations to complete your main course.

Serves 5-6

Ingredients:

1 Whole Chicken 3-4 lbs
2 tbsp olive oil
4 oz soft butter
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Fresh herbs: lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage, bay leaf, marjoram
4 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
1 lemon, halved

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 375 F. Rinse chicken under cold running water. Pat dry and place in a roasting pan, breast side up.

2) Pierce the inside of each thigh with the tip of a knife, then stud a clove of garlic into the hole.

3) Season the cavity of the chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Place the cut lemon, remaining garlic and ¾ of the herbs (stems can be intact) inside the chicken cavity.

4) Chop the remaining herbs; incorporate the herbs w/ the butter, olive oil, salt and pepper, then rub over outside of the chicken and under the skin.

5) Tie the legs together to ensure that the bird cooks evenly.

6) Roast until the chicken is cooked to 165 degrees when meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, approximately 1 hour; cooking time will vary depending on your oven and size of the chicken.

7) Baste bird with the pan drippings every 15 minutes or so.

8) After the chicken is fully cooked, place on a platter to let rest for about 7-8 minutes.

9) For a quick sauce, deglaze the roasting pan with a generous splash of Callaway white wine and 2 cups of chicken broth or water. Scrape the bottom of the roasting pan with a spatula to loosen the browned bits, then cook over medium-low heat until reduced by half. Slice or segment chicken and spoon sauce over to serve.

Suggested Wine Pairings: Callaway 2009 Special Selection Dolcetto & Callaway 2010 Special Selection Sauvignon Blanc

Enjoy!

Share

Winery Spotlight: Get to Know… Miramonte Winery

Saturday, February 16th, 2013

Miramonte Winery

 

The Story

Miramonte Winery is the passion project of Cane Vanderhoof, whose entrepreneurial spirit and love of wine led him to found this Temecula Valley winery in 2000. Located among the wineries on Rancho California Road, Miramonte is perched on a stunning hilltop overlooking the valley. The contemporary-chic tasting room, expansive patio and garden verandas offer an elegant and peaceful way to experience Southern California’s wine country.

Miramonte Winery is a dog-friendly winery, so bring your four-legged friends! And if wine tasting is not enough, sample one of the winery’s fabulous Food Boards (more details below) or enjoy live music entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights from 7-10pm.

 

 

The Wines

Miramonte specializes in wines made from Rhone grape varieties, including their Provence-style Grenache rosé and Estate Syrah. Visitors can also look forward to sipping favorites like Cabernet, Chardonnay and Sangiovese. Check out the Miramonte wine store here!

Miramonte Wines

Miramonte Wine

All of Miramonte’s wines are handcrafted by seasoned winemaker, Reinhard Schlassa, whose pedigree includes a lengthy stint at Oregon’s renowned Argyle Winery, where he made sparkling wines in the Methode Champenois style. UC Davis educated, he has made wine with many icons of the industry, on three continents, over a span of two decades.

The Miramonte vineyards are sustainably managed. Taking into account the climate and the soil, the team at Miramonte has chosen a natural approach to farming in order to protect the land and sustain the amazing cycle of life that exists in the vineyard.

Click here for more info on Miramonte Winery Wine Club!

 

Wine Tasting

Tastings are $12 for 6 tastes Monday through Friday, and $15 on Saturdays and Sundays.

www.HulsePhoto.com

Bottled wines are $15-$40. Wines by the glass are $5-$12.

On Saturdays and Sundays, Miramonte offers chef-prepared artisan cheese, charcuterie and Mediterranean food boards for $15-$25.

When to Visit

Generally speaking, Monday through Thursday can be a quieter tasting experience with plenty of personal attention from the staff. If you’re looking for a little more energy, consider visiting Friday through Sunday. Peak hours are 2-6pm.

The Ultimate Winery Tour

Miramonte Winery tours take guests through the vineyard, the crush pad and the barrel cellar, offering VIP access to the incredible property. Tours are approximately 30 minutes, followed by a private, beautifully-appointed wine tasting on the amazing Starlight Veranda.

Monday thru Friday, $20

Wine tasting included
Available 12-5 PM, by appointment only.

Saturday & Sunday, $25

Wine tasting included
Regular Tours 12 PM & 2 PM, reservations required.

Tours Phone: (951) 506-5500 #108
Tours Email: tours@miramontewinery.com
*Private tours subject to available time slots.
 
Miramonte Winery Address:  33410 Rancho California Rd Temecula, CA 92591-4928
Phone #: (951) 506-5500
Hours:  Sunday – Thursday; 11am – 6pm. Friday & Saturday; 11am – 10pm
Website: miramontewinery.com

 

Miramonte Winery, Temecula Valley

 

Share

Winery Spotlight: Get to Know… Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

The Story

Cougar Vineyard & Winery is one of Temecula Valley’s smaller boutique wineries, producing approximately 4500 cases per year. Owners and winemakers Rick & Jennifer Buffington are passionate wine-lovers; they have been making wine for 20 years and are known for their hands-on approach to every aspect of the winery operations.

Italian varietals are Cougar’s specialty.  In addition to unique wines and fun-loving staff, this popular wine tasting stop also hosts cool events and boasts a devoted wine club following.

Cougar Winery & Vineyard, Temecula Valley

The Wines

Cougar produces reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines so there’s a wine to suit every palate. Rick & Jennifer love to introduce rare and unique Mediterranean grapes to the Temecula wine scene. Cougar proudly offers lesser-known Italian varietals like Vermentino, Montepulciano and Brachetto. The latter was just recognized as a grape varietal in the United States and Cougar Vineyards is one of only two commercial wineries that are growing it. Visit Cougar’s wine store here!

Cougar Wines from Temecula Valley, CA

 

Wine Tasting

The Cougar Winery tasting room is open 7 days a week from 11-6pm.

Tasting Room Pricing:

  • $10 for 6 tastes
  • $15 for 6 tastes + logo glass
  • $22 for 6 reds-only tastes (available Friday-Sunday)

 

Vineyard tours and wine production tours are available Friday-Monday. Call to reserve your spot at 951-491-0825 or visit www.cougarvineyards.com.

Cougar Winery & Vineyards address: 39870 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592

 

Exciting news for spring 2013!

Cougar Winery announces their new tasting room and eatery, Sangio’s Deli – opening in early spring 2013! The addition of another food stop on De Portola Road promises to provide hungry wine-lovers with even more options to fill up between sips.

Get the latest news by visiting the Cougar blog. Make sure to say hi to black labs Monte and Mocha on your next visit to Cougar Winery & Vineyards!

Monte & Mocha, Cougar Wine Dogs | HulsePhoto.com

Cougar Winery Olive Tree, Temecula Valley

Share