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Posts Tagged ‘Temecula Valley’
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
Tags: nick palumbo, palumbo, Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery, palumbo wines, temecula award winning wines, Temecula Valley, Temecula Valley Wine Country, temecula valley wineries, temecula wine tasting, temecula winery, visit temecula, wine country, wine country activities, wine pairing, wine tasting, wine tasting temecula valley
Posted in Get To Know.., Winery News | Comments Off
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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Friday, February 22nd, 2013
Temecula Valley’s first passport event of 2013 is just one week away!
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.
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.
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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.
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Got event tickets and just need a ride? Grapeline offers a 2-day shuttle, Saturday shuttle and Sunday shuttle during WoW weekend
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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.
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WoW + Stay Overnight at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
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
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Thursday, February 21st, 2013
Provencal Roasted Chicken Recipe
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!
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Saturday, February 16th, 2013
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 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.
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
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Posted in Get To Know.., Meet Your Winemaker, Winery News | Comments Off
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
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Wednesday, January 30th, 2013
Are you familiar with late harvest wine?
Remember those small, lovely bottles you’ve seen in the dessert wine section of your favorite tasting room or wine store?
Many wine-lovers have yet to discover how delicious a late harvest wine can taste – especially when paired with cheese and honey, chocolate or a fruit-based dessert.
The perfect sweet dessert wine for Valentine’s day, late harvest wine is simple to understand and easy to find here in Temecula Valley!
Here are five fun facts about late harvest wine!
- “Late harvest” refers to wines made from grapes left on the vine longer than usual and picked later than normal. Late harvest grapes are often more similar to raisins, but have been naturally dehydrated while still on the vine.
- Late harvest wines are made around the world with almost every grape imaginable. Grapes like zinfandel and riesling are ideally suited to produce late harvest wine and are among the most popular.
- Grapes used for late harvest wines go through their full growth cycle and then some – becoming super sweet and losing acidity as they ripen.
- “Noble rot” is the term for the edible mold that causes grapes to lose nearly all of their water content. This natural process begins to take place in late September and can last until late October.
- Late harvest grapes are often hand-picked. Sometimes, the usable grapes from one vine may only produce enough juice for a single glass.
Looking for a great bottle of Temecula Valley Late Harvest Wine? Check these wines out!
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Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013
There’s only 10 days left to get $10 off the 23nd Annual “World of Wine” Winter Barrel Tasting Weekend!
Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3, 2013
The first passport event of 2013 offers two days of barrel samples, delicious food pairings and quality time with Southern California winemakers – plus fresh culinary events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
World of Wine in Temecula Valley is the perfect weekend of wine tasting for Southern California families, friends and couples.
For the first time ever, this up-and-coming wine region has added a limited number of exclusive dining and tour experiences to complement the 23rd Annual World of Wine passport weekend.
One of three annual events hosted by the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, World of Wine offers passport holders a chance to sample both wine and food at 35 wineries along an easy circuitous route via Rancho California and DePortola Roads.
Extra WoW for 2013!
*Please note, there are limited tickets available for these new VIP events — check back soon for more details and to purchase tickets!
- Friday and Saturday Winemaker Dinners at Thornton Winery and Baily Winery
- Gourmet Sunday brunch at The Restaurant at Ponte
- Sunday Vineyard Walks at participating wineries
WHAT: 22nd Annual “World of Wine” Winter Barrel Tasting Weekend
WHEN: March 2 – 3, 10am to 4:30pm
WHERE: Temecula Valley wine country; 60-90 mins from San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County and Palm Springs
HOW: Self-guided passport event, where guests can visit 35 member wineries at their own pace; winery map and souvenir tasting glass provided for each guests to keep
TICKETS: 2-Day Tickets: $89 Early Bird (through Feb 3); $99 thereafter. Sunday-Only Tickets: $79. Local residents of Temecula/Murrieta, 2-Day Tickets: $79. Designated Driver (food only) Tickets: $69. Call (800) 801-9463 for tickets by phone or purchase online at TemeculaWines.org/Events.
WoW + Ride Packages are available for a safe tasting weekend; The Grapeline Wine Country Shuttle is offering several all-inclusive packages ranging from $59-$189 ($10 off if booked prior to Feb. 1st); other transportation companies include Executive VIP Shuttle, Sunset Limousines and West Coast Chauffeur & Transportation. For more packages, please visit TemeculaWines.org/Events.
WoW + Stay Packages are available through The Inn at Europa Village and South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, located in wine country. For more information or to book an overnight stay, please visit TemeculaWines.org/Events.
*Please note, lodging usually sells out in advance.
See you there!
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Posted in Events, Winery News | Comments Off
Friday, January 11th, 2013
Zinfandel Chocolate Cupcakes
Recipe Courtesy of Briar Rose Winery, Temecula Valley Wine Country
Ingredients
Cupcakes
1 box devils food cake mix, such as Betty Crocker
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup Briar Rose 2008 Estate Zinfandel wine
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
For the frosting
6 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Briar Rose 2008 Estate Zinfandel wine
Garnish with chocolate curls
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan).
Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. Make cake batter as directed on box, using cake mix, water, 1/2 cup wine, oil and eggs. Stir in chocolate chips.
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about two-thirds full). Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, cocoa and salt with electric mixer on low speed until blended. Beat in 1/2 cup wine. If frosting is too thick, beat in more wine a few drops at a time. Frost cupcakes. Garnish with chocolate curls.
Enjoy!
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Sunday, December 30th, 2012
Considered one of the most food-friendly and approachable wines on the planet, Merlot surged to popularity in the United States in the 1990s. Now wine-lovers can find great Merlot and delicious Merlot blends from all over the world – from South America to France to Italy to right here in Temecula Valley, California.
Here are five fun facts about Merlot!
Sourced from Snooth/Wikipedia
- Did you know the word “merlot” translates to “young blackbird” in French? The name was thought to have been given either because of the grape’s beautiful blue-black color, or blackbird’s fondness for grapes.
- Merlot’s flavor profile fluctuates within the sweetness spectrum. Cooler climates bring out hints of berries, plum, and even tobacco. Merlot grown in hotter climates might mimic flavors found in fruitcake or chocolate.
- A bit about Merlot blends: When Merlot first arrived in California, it mostly sold as single varietal bottlings (100% Merlot) until winemakers began blending it with other red grapes in the French Bordeaux tradition. Now, California’s Meritage wines are a signature of the state and always include Merlot as one of the essential blending grapes.
- Merlot is so popular because of the grape’s ability to please all palates. Wines can range from very fruity simple wines to more serious, barrel-aged bottles.
- Merlot has a high sugar content and low acidity, which makes it a very food-friendly wine, able to be paired with a variety of dishes. For example, Cabernet-like Merlots pair well with grilled meats. Softer, fruitier Merlots go well with salmon, mushroom-based dishes and greens. Light-bodied Merlots pair well with shellfish like prawns or scallops, especially if wrapped in bacon or prosciutto.
Looking for a great bottle of Temecula Valley Merlot? Check these wines out!
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