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Mid-Week Summer Specials at Temecula Valley Wineries

Friday, May 31st, 2013

June is here! Graduations, Father’s Day, the return of long summer days — what more reason do you need to visit Temecula Valley wine country? Savvy travelers can avoid weekend crowds (and prices!) by taking advantage of fantastic Monday through Friday deals at many of our 35 member wineries. In addition to more elbow room in the tasting rooms and personal attention from winery staff, visiting Temecula Valley mid-week benefits your wallet and means you can afford to take the experience home with you by stocking up on great Temecula wines!

Looking for amazing 2 for 1 coupons and discounts to the best Temecula Valley wineries?

Visit our special offers page which offers the best Monday-Friday deals in wine country every month!

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Callaway is the place to be every Friday in June! Enjoy wine, tapas, entrees and house-made dessert while swaying to the sounds of recording artist Vini Contreas.

Keyways Vineyard & Winery

Every Monday and Friday, this lovely De Portola Trail winery offers a 2 1/2 hour Winemaking Tour & Tasting Class. From 1pm-3:30pm; reservations are required. Click here to learn more!

Leoness Cellars

This cool property always has a lot going on! Leoness continues it’s Wine 101 series on June 14 from 11am-2pm. $90 per person; $55 per person, wine club. This comprehensive wine tour exploring all elements of grape growing, wine production and wine tasting while enjoying Leoness Cellars’ award-winning wines with an artisan cheese and chocolate pairing. For reservations, call 951-302-7601 ext. 125 or e-mail hosts@leonesscellars.com

Miramonte Winery

This well-known Rancho California Road winery is new and improved following an extensive renovation, and is showing off the property by offering exciting behind-the-scenes tours daily.

Harvest Tour – $20
Tour & tasting. 6 wines included.
11 AM, reservations required.
For reservations, please call (951) 506-5500 #108

Winemaker’s Tour – Spring Promo $25 (reg. $75)
Tour, tasting, wine appreciation w/ food pairing. 10 wines included.
11 AM, 12 PM & 2:30 PM, reservations required.
For reservations, please call (951) 506-5500 #108

Mount Palomar Winery

One of the Temecula Valley’s first wineries, Mount Palomar is famed for its hilltop location and 360-degree views. Check it out for less on “2 for 1″ Tuesdays! Download the coupon here!

Ponte Family Estate

Monday-Friday, Ponte Winery offers their popular tasting flight for just $15 per person ($5 off the weekend price.) In addition to tastings, the Cellar Lounge (located next door to the winery at the Ponte Vineyard Inn) offers an extended Happy Hour Monday-Thursday from 4pm to 7pm. Drop by for special promotions on full-bar drinks and mouthwatering appetizers. Click here for the happy hour menu.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
South Coast offers their signature Happy Hour every weekday in the beautiful Vineyard Rose Lounge, 4pm to 5:30pm. Monday through Friday, come by and enjoy draft beer plus $3 off each glass of select South Coast Wines and deliciously discounted appetizers. Available only in the Vineyard Rose Lounge. Click here for the happy hour menu.

Want to book a weekday spa date? Click here for a 10% off mid-week spa treatments at The Grapeseed Spa.

Check back next month for another round up of mid-week specials in Temecula Valley!

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Wine Country Recipe: Grilled Salmon with Easy Lemon-Dill Sauce and Asparagus

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

Grilled Salmon with Easy Lemon-Dill Sauce and Asparagus

Recipe Courtesy of Wilson Creek Winery

Perfect for warm summer nights, this weekday meal is simple, quick and balanced. It has a lightness and lemony tang that refreshes and doesn’t weigh down the palate.

Pair this dish with…

While Wilson Creek pairs this with their Family Reserve Syrah, if you’re looking for a white – try a Sauvignon Blanc! Top choices include Callaway’s 2010 Special Selection Sauvignon Blanc or Falkner’s 2012 Sauvignon Blanc.

Ingredients:

2.5 lbs. fresh wild salmon fillets or steaks
1 lb. fresh asparagus
1 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons of fresh dill
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon

Directions:

Prepare a charcoal or gas-fired grill. If using a charcoal grill, group hot coals on one side of the grill base. Chop dill. Remove woody end of asparagus by cutting off last inch of the stalk or snapping at the base. Season salmon generously on both sides with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Place asparagus onto a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and juice from half the lemon, and turn with tongs to coat evenly. Place salmon directly over hot coals or on lowest shelf of charcoal grill for 2 minutes to sear, then move to a higher shelf (gas grill) or across from the coals (charcoal grill). Add asparagus with salmon on the grill and cook covered for about 10 minutes (five minutes on each side, depending on thickness of salmon.) For best results, do not cook past medium.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add sour cream, dill, paprika, salt & pepper and juice from 1/2 lemon and mix thoroughly. After salmon and asparagus have been removed from the grill and cooled slightly, pour lemon-dill sauce over salmon as well as over asparagus if desired, and garnish with fresh lemon and dill sprigs.

Tags: easy salmon recipes, Recipes, salmon recipes, sauvignon blanc wine pairing, summer wine pairing, Temecula Valley, temecula valley recipes, Temecula Valley Wine Country, temecula valley wine country recipes, temecula valley wineries, temecula wine, temecula wine country, temecula wine tasting, temecula winery, temecula wines, which wine with salmin, wine and fish pairing, wine country recipes, wine pairing, wine pairing suggestions, wine pairing tips, wine pairing with salmon, winery recipes
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Five Fun Facts About… Moscato

Friday, April 26th, 2013

Moscato, Muscatel, Muscat… what’s the difference between them? Just the names, actually. Rather than just being one grape, Muscat includes a family of grapes in a range of colors (from white to brown, or to near black.) For instance, Moscato is the Italian name and Muscatel the Spanish.

Here in the U.S., Moscato is making its mark and has become the hot wine of the moment. Some would say sweet versions of Moscato are ideal for the American sweet tooth; it’s also an easy wine for the new wine drinker to love.

For a perfect spring day, pack a picnic with a chilled bottle of Temecula Valley Moscato and pair it with good cheese, buttery crackers and seasonal fruit. Salud!

pipesmagazine.com

Here are Five Fun Facts About Moscato

1. Muscat is the only fine wine grape that doubles as a table grape.

2. Twitter currently buzzes with an average of 250 tweets an hour about people drinking their Moscato.

3. In addition to Moscato, Muscatel and Muscat, this common white variety is also known as Muscadel, Muscat Blanc and Muscat Canelli.

4. Virtually all pink Moscatos gain their hue from a splash of red wine, not skin contact.

5. The breadth and number of varieties of Muscat suggest that it is perhaps the oldest domesticated grape variety, and there are theories that most families within the Vitis vinifera grape variety are descended from the Muscat variety.

Looking for a great bottle of Moscato wine in Temecula Valley?

Check these wines out!

Article sources:

RoBeRt Haynes-Peterson/HawaiiBevGuide

Tags: about moscato, Callaway Vineyard and Winery, callaway winery, Danza Del Sol, danza del sol winery, europa village, moscato, moscato wine, muscat, muscat wine, ponte, Ponte Family Estate, Ponte Family Estate Winery, ponte winery, southern california wineries, temecula moscato wine, Temecula Valley, Temecula Valley Wine Country, temecula valley wineries, temecula wine events, temecula wine tasting, temecula wineries, temecula winery, visit temecula, white wine, wine country, wine tasting, wine tasting temecula valley
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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

See Full Events Calendar

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

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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.

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Tickets Still Available for Grape Day 2013

Friday, April 12th, 2013

Temecula Valley Wine Country to Host 30th Annual Grape Day Conference

Purchase tickets here!

One-day conference unites winegrowers, vintners and educators from Temecula Valley and beyond to share insights on best practices for growing, making and selling fine wine

The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) will host its annual Grape Day conference on Thursday, April 18 at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, inviting aspiring and current winegrowers, vintners and the wine-curious to a full day of education and insights about the world of winemaking. Open to the public, Grape Day routinely draws attendees from throughout Southern California and beyond, bringing wine professionals and newcomers together in a shared effort to continually improve the growing, production and marketing of fine wine.

Highlights from the 2013 Grape Day conference agenda include the following presentations:

Wine Sensory and Olfactory Education, with Alexandre Schmitt, Wine & Flavors SARL.

Schmitt studied his craft at the Institut Supérieur International du Parfum in Versailles. Guided by iconic winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet, technical director of Château Pétrus, he created the global consulting practice, Wines & Flavors.

Managing Vine Balance, with S. Kaan Kurtural, PhD; Department of Viticulture and Enology, California State University, Fresno. Dr. Kurtural joined the faculty at Department of Viticulture and Enology in 2008. Previously, he was appointed as the Senior Viticulture Extension Specialist at the Department of Horticulture at the University of Lexington Kentucky.

Regional Marketing, with Camron King; Executive Director, Lodi Winegrape Growers Association. King was vice president of state government relations at the California Association of Winegrape Growers for eight years prior to being named Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission in 2012.

The largest and most commercially successful region in the South Coast AVA, the viticultural zone spanning more than 2 million acres from Riverside County to the San Diego border, the Temecula Valley has long served as a steward of the Southern California wine community. Founded in 1983 as a way to help Temecula Valley’s nascent winegrowing community improve its knowledge of viticulture, Grape Day has since evolved into the region’s premier wine industry conference, introducing the latest research, methods and technology, and encouraging a collaborative spirit and dialogue within its membership and the broader California wine industry.

“Since 1983, Grape Day has contributed to the continued success of the Temecula AVA. Every spring, we look forward to sharing best practices, knowledge and experience with the unified grape-growing community here in Southern California,” says TVWA Viticulture Chair Ben Drake of Drake Enterprises, Inc. Ben was recently recognized by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) as the 2013 CAWG Leader of the Year.

Grape Day tickets are $65 for TVWA members, $85 for non-members and can be purchased online at TemeculaWines.org (click on Events) or by phone at (800) 801-9463. Conference includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch and wine and cheese evening reception.

About the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association

Comprising 35 wineries and more than 60 winegrowers, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is a nonprofit regional organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the quality wines and wine grapes grown in the Temecula Valley and South Coast Appellations. Established in 1984, the Temecula AVA consists of 33,000 acres, of which approximately 1,300 acres are currently planted to commercial vineyards. Known as Southern California’s wine country, the Temecula Valley is located in Riverside County just one hour from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs.

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California Wine Round-Up: Unusual Wines for Spring

Saturday, March 30th, 2013

Spring has sprung and Temecula Valley is celebrating with some unexpected wines! For the seasoned wine-lover, these unusual varietals offer a new and surprising twist to the classic wine tasting experience.

Check out our recommendations for some exciting wines coming out of Temecula Valley wine country. Now that’s something worth toasting – cheers!

Temecula Sparkling Wines for Spring

California sparkling wine is primarily made with chardonnay and pinot noir – but here are a few surprising sparklers to liven up your spring table!

South Coast Winery grows a large variety of fascinating grapes in Temecula Valley. This winery estate currently offers Sparkling Gewurztraminer (a popular German grape) and Sparkling Pinot Grigio (Italian white grape), both at $18. Their famous Ruby Cuvée* ($22) is bright red in color and made from syrah, which is a key grape from the Rhone region of France. The stylish bottle makes a favorite host gift for bridal showers, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and other girlie special occasions.

Thornton Winery offers a similar sparkler: their syrah/grenache blend – N.V.** Cuvée Rouge – retails for $24.

Counoise Blanc de Noir Sparkling ($24), produced by Oak Mountain Winery, offers an unusual sparkling wine – fruit-forward with a blush color and an earthy finish.

Food Pairing Tip: What should I eat with these wines?

Pair these spring sparklers with some seasonal fruit (oranges, cherries and strawberries) and locally-sourced cheese. We recommend a visit to Temecula Valley Cheese Company (951-693-9500.) Or top off with some OJ and you’ve got yourself one classy mimosa to serve with a simple spring frittata.

Temecula White Wines for Spring

Commonly found in Spain and Portugal, Albariño is a lesser-known white grape which does very well in Temecula Valley. Keyways Vineyards & Winery produces this bottle for $23, along with the French grape Roussane ($29) which is similar in taste to Viognier.

Bright, zesty and crisp, French fave Sémillon makes an appearance at the micro-boutique winery, Doffo Vineyards.

Wilson Creek Winery’s Spring White ($18.99) is a light and refreshing choice, and an obvious selection given the season.

Food Pairing Tip: What should I eat with these wines?

Sip these rare white wines alongside citrus-marinated salmon or a light asparagus & pea pasta dish topped with Parmesan. Might we also suggest a spring-vegetable paella?

Temecula Red Wines for Spring

Robert Renzoni grows an unusual Italian grape called Lagrein, which he then combines with Merlot to create an unexpected blend called Vecchio Frate – translation “Old Friar” – resulting in a perfectly light and fruity red to sip during these spring months. ($38)

Heard of Primitivo, Vermentino or Arneis? Don’t worry, most of us haven’t! But Cougar Vineyard & Winery boasts these virtually unknown Italian red grapes, happily introducing them to Southern California wine enthusiasts. (prices vary)

Food Pairing Tip: What should I eat with these?

Quick crab stew in tomato-fennel broth or Mediterranean grilled chicken salad not only pair well, but are simple weekday supper options when you want to keep things light and easy.

*cuvée means blend

**non-vintage meaning grapes from different years blended together

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” ~William Shakespeare

www.ronaldpratt.com

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Posted in "Best Of" Wines, Wine Pairing Guide | Comments Off

Temecula Valley Winery Events for April

Friday, March 29th, 2013

www.JensDaily.com

Spring in Temecula Valley, California brings some wonderful wine country activities, including movies in the vines, vineyard art classes, wine and women craft parties, wine tasting workshops, earth day specials and live music performances every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

See below for winery event details and check out the monthly event page for more information on Grape Day, April 18.

Come visit in April when the grape vines begin their bud break!

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Sangria Sunday at Meritage at Callaway

Sundays: April 14, April 21 & April 28

Sangria Sundays at The Lounge @ Meritage at Callaway. Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria. Live music from local musicians begins at 5:30pm. No reservations required. Visit our website for more information. Sangria, other drink specials and tapas available a la carte at The Lounge @Meritage.

Women & #WineWednesday

April 24th | 6pm to 8pm

Need some wine time with your girlfriends?

The last Wednesday of every month come to the Reserve Room for “Women & Wine Wednesday.” Sample Callaway wines and enjoy light appetizers. Each gathering will have a unique theme or craft to make & take home!

~Herbaceous Ladies~ At this month’s “Women & Wine” event visit with friends while creating wine cork herb labels with Callaway corks and wooden skewers. Reservations and pre-payment are required for these events. Call to RSVP: 951-676-4001.

For the full events calendar, click here!

Europa Village

Wednesday, April 10th 11:00am – 2:00pm
Art in the Vineyards Art in the Vineyard with Monti Ladd – “Roses & Vines”

Friday, April 19th 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Wine Education – Class 1 of 3

Sunday, April 21st 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Paint & Palate – Celebrating DaVinci’s Birthday
Paint, Sip & Enjoy!
A local artist takes you through, step-by-step, how to create your own masterpiece while sipping wine and having a ton of fun! Absolutely no art experience necessary!
Tickets cost only $35.

Thursday, April 25th 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Musical Wine Pairing Dinner – “El Fandango!”

Live music performances on Fridays and Sundays!

For the full events calendar, click here! Or call (760) 500-0383.

Falkner Winery

VIP Vertical Tasting

Saturday, April 6th | 10:30am to 12:30pm

The cost for the tasting is $50/person plus tax; $40/person plus tax for Food & Wine Club members.

Falkner Winery is pleased to announce its next VIP Vertical Tasting will be on April 6th and focus on our Cabernet Sauvignon wines. For those who are not familiar with the term “vertical tasting”, it means tasting multiple vintages of the same wine from the same producer. The next tasting session will focus on eight (8) vintages of the Falkner Cabernet Sauvignon. Inquiries call 951-676-8231.

Free Jazz Sundays

Sundays, April 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th | 3:00pm

For the full events calendar, click here!

Lorimar Winery

Movies in the Vines

Monday, April 22 | 8:00pm

Movie : “The Princess Bride”. Wine bar and concessions available.

Epicurean Food Demo

Wednesday, April 3rd | 4pm

Come experience an interactive cooking demonstration incorporating the unique items from the Lorimar Winery Epicurean display located in the gift shop.

Live Music Weekends, Come out every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 6pm for live music while enjoying first-class hospitality, sensational vibes and great wine. Inquiries call 951-694-6699.

For the full events calendar, click here!

Ponte Family Estate Winery

Earth Day Special – Offer valid Friday, April 19th through Monday, April 22nd.

Bring in empty bottles of Ponte Wine and get 2 Ponte Green Bucks per bottle to use toward another purchase in the tasting room.

April 24th, 2013 | 5:30 p.m.

Join Team Ponte! Come find out more about how you can train for a half marathon or 5K, raise money for local charity Rancho Damacitas and make some new friends along the way. April 24th meeting in Ponte Winery Reserve Room.

Inquiries call 951-694-8855.

For the full events calendar, click here!

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Where Every Day’s A Celebration

Three-Time Holder of WINE SPECTATOR AWARD OF EXCELLENCE. Whether it’s our Quality Wines, Foods, Happy Hour Wine Specials, Draft Beers & Appetizers; or our Ladies’ Happy Hour Sunday Escapes, there’s something for everyone. For Reservations, please call: 951-587-9463 x3

Behind The Scenes Winery Tour
DAILY: 11:00am and 1:00pm

Get up close and personal with the real workings of a winery during a harvest crush with South Coast Winery’s Behind the Scenes Wine Tours. This $40 walking wine tour culminates with a private, plated wine & cheese pairing with a fun and informative Wine Concierge. Wine Club Members, enjoy the tour for just $35 per person. Reservations strongly suggested: Call 951.587.9463x 7219

Blessing of the Vines Festival
Sunday, April 21st

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is kicking off its winegrowing season. Non-denominational Officiant officially blesses our vines, as they come out of winter hibernation, from deep beneath the ground, and light up our world with new growth and the promise of a fruitful harvest. Wine, food and family-fun and games are also a part of the mix. RSVP (951) 587-9463

Thornton Winery

Art of Winetasting Workshop

Saturday, April 6th | 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Pizza & Cabernet Sauvignon: $45.00 per person / $40.50 wine club members. Call for reservations: 951-699-0099.

For the full events calendar, click here!

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.

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Five Fun Facts About… Cabernet Franc

Friday, March 15th, 2013

Born in the Loire region of France in the mid-12th century, Cabernet Franc is an essential blending grape, found primarily in Bordeaux-style blends. Often referred to as “Cab Franc,” this herbaceous red grape also helps create Meritage magic together – along with its constant companions, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Cabernet Franc Grapes

Five Fun Facts About Cabernet Franc

Facts courtesy of Snooth, Wikipedia, and Huffington Post

Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are actually the “parents” of Cabernet Sauvignon – not vice-versa, as previously believed.
Across the world, Cabernet Franc is one of the twenty most widely planted grape varieties. Important wine regions include California, Bordeaux and Southwest France, Washington, Oregon, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, Italy, Hungary, Croatia and Romania.
Even though Cabernet Franc usually joins Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in Meritage blends, it can also be bottled as a single varietal. 100% Cabernet Franc wine is most often found in France, but New World regions like California have recently started to make it too.
Wherever Cabernet Franc makes a solo appearance, the grape makes leaner, fresher styles of Cabernet, designed for earlier consumption.
Flavor characteristics of the Cab Franc grape range from sweeter notes like plum, blackberry, violets, raspberry and blueberry to the more savory: sage, bay leaf, rosemary, tobacco, bell pepper and eucalyptus.
Bonus! Alternate names of Cabernet Franc are many! Aceria, Acheria, Arrouya, Bordo, Bouchet, Bouchy (Gascony), Breton, Burdeas Tinto, Cabernet, Cabernet Aunis, Cabernet Franco, Capbreton Rouge, Carmenet (Médoc), Fer Servandou, Gamput, Grosse Vidure, Hartling, Kaberne Fran, Messanges Rouge, Morenoa, Noir Dur, Petit Fer, Petit Viodure, Petite Vidure, Petite Vignedure, Plant Breton, Plant Des Sables, Trouchet Noir, Véron, Véron Bouchy, Véronais,and Cabernet Gris.

Red Wine

Looking for a great bottle of Cabernet Franc in Temecula Valley? Check these wines out!

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