Blog

HEIRLOOM TOMATO AND BLACK OLIVE TART

October 1, 2020

Make this colorful savory tart in late summer when tomatoes are at their flavor peak. Serve in thin slices as an appetizer or in bigger portions with a side salad for lunch. The tart also works nicely as a side dish for a roast leg of lamb or roast chicken. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Zinfandel.

Makes one 9-inch tart to serve 6 to 8

Ingredients

Tart dough

1 cup (125 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature, in 16 pieces

1-1/2 pounds (680 g) heirloom tomatoes, cored and sliced ¼ inch (6 mm) thick, ends discarded
1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1 dozen kalamata or black olives, pitted and halved
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled fine
2 tablespoons (28 g) goat cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoon plain yogurt, or as needed
1 small clove garlic, very finely minced
Basil leaves for garnish

Directions

In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt and pulse to blend. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon water over the mixture and pulse until it begins to come together into a dough.

Turn the dough out onto a large sheet of plastic wrap and, using the plastic wrap as a barrier to avoid touching the dough, shape the dough into a ball. Wrap in the plastic, then flatten into a thick round disk. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Unwrap the dough and place it in the center of a 9-inch (23-cm) tart pan with a removeable bottom. (Do not use a black metal tart pan or the dough will likely overbrown.) Again, using the plastic wrap as a barrier to avoid touching the dough, press the dough with your hand to flatten it until it covers the bottom and sides of the tart tin. You should have just enough dough to make a thin crust with no trim. Take care to make the dough evenly thick or it may burn in spots. Prick the tart shell with a fork in several places. Lightly cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a sheet of aluminum foil in the tart shell to cover the bottom and top with pie weights or dried beans in an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the pie weights and the foil. Return the tart pan to the oven and continue baking until the crust is lightly browned all over, about 15 minutes longer. Set on a rack; leave the oven on.

While the tart crust bakes, place the tomato slices on a double thickness of paper towels. Sprinkle evenly with the salt. Let stand for 30 minutes. Pat the surface with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Transfer the slices to a cutting board and cut them in half, taking care to preserve their shape.

Arrange the tomato slices in the baked tart crust in concentric circles, working from the outside in and overlapping the slices. You should be able to fit all or most of the slices but reserve any extra for a salad. Tuck the olive halves into any crevices. Brush the surface with olive oil and scatter the oregano over the top. Return the tart to the oven and bake until the tomatoes are soft and sizzling, about 30 minutes. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes. The tart is best when warm, not hot.

In a small bowl, blend the goat cheese and yogurt until very smooth. Add more yogurt if needed to create a sauce you can drizzle. Add the garlic (use less, if you prefer) and salt to taste.

Remove the tart from the tin and place on a serving platter. Drizzle with the goat cheese mixture and top with a few torn leaves of basil. Serve warm.

Suggested Pairings:

Doffo Winery ~ 2017 Zinfandel – This Zinfandel is sure to delight the senses with aromas of plum, raspberry, figs, and cherries.

Hart Winery ~ Huis Vineyard Zinfandel – This fruity, classic Zin has been aged 12 months in premium American oak and blend with a kiss of Petite Sirah.

Leoness Cellars ~ 2017 Cellar Series Zinfandel – This wine offers rich aromas and flavors of blackberry and blueberry with hints of vanilla and lavender framed by soft tannins and a long, silky finish.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa ~ 2014 Wild Horse Peak Zinfandel – Rich berry fruit and peppery notes with delicate caramel and chocolate.

Recipe & photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

Harvest is Here! Discover the Unique Tools and Techniques Temecula Valley Winemakers Use to Produce Some of Your Favorite Wines

September 1, 2020

Winemaking is equal parts agriculture, science, and art. This magical combination has allowed for infinite permutations and possibilities for different styles and flavors of wines, and captivated wine lovers all over the world.

While many may assume that wine is simply fermented grape juice, from soil to grape to cellar to glass, there are, in fact, many, many options available to the winemaker when it comes to crafting a unique product. Some are more common – like aging the wine in small or large oak barrels. Other techniques are less traditional, and may be linked to a winery’s signature style, a winemaker’s preference, or a desire to experiment with something new and different.

Since harvest in Temecula Valley has officially begun, we thought it would be fun to pull back the curtain on some of this magic that happens in the winery. So, we caught up with a few Temecula Valley winemakers who shared with us some of the offbeat techniques and traditions they use to create the region’s world class wines.

Nick & Cindy Palumbo
Owners, Palumbo Winery

Palumbo Vineyard & Winery

In addition to only farming their own grapes, which allows them to pick precisely and by slope and orientation based on ripeness, Palumbo does all fermentation in open bins as opposed to tanks. Owner and winemaker, Nick Palumbo, feels this offers a much more hands-on approach.

“Oxygen is our friend during fermentation and punching down, and stirring of the active fermentation helps in a lot of ways,” he says. “Healthy fermentations, the efficient dissipation of heat (without costly, energy-hogging cooling units), and the binding, or ‘locking in’ of various flavor and color components are just a few reasons we do this.”

Palumbo also works with whole cluster pressing of their Viognier (grapes are neither destemmed nor crushed), resulting in more delicate, less astringent white wine due to the limited contact with skins and stems; and, hand-sorted, whole berry fermentation on their reds. Here, grapes are destemmed but not crushed, allowing the berries to more or less crush themselves under their own weight and begin fermenting with the addition of yeast. Winemaking in this way slows the release of tannin and color in order to give more control over the vinification process.

Oak Mountain Winery

In addition to having the first 104-foot subterranean wine cave in Temecula Valley, boasting more than 400 barrels of wine, a kitchen, banquet and tasting room, Oak Mountain is also home to a new, cutting edge piece of machinery, called “The CUBE.”

This vibrating grape destemmer ensures the gentlest possible process of removing grape berries from their stalks, and allows for raisined and overly mature grapes to remain on their stems so that they can easily be removed as waste. Only fruit free from defects is then recovered for fermentation, ensuring the resulting wine is clean and high quality.

Somerset Winery

Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Rome, Georgia…Temecula? What’s old is new again! Temecula newcomer Somerset Winery is making wine in Amphorae – giant vase-shaped clay vessels – a winemaking technique that originated thousands of years ago.

Winery president Kurt Tiedt, and winemaker David Raffaele, were intrigued by these vessels while attending the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in early 2020, and felt that they could be the key to taking their winery to the next level.

Since then, they have acquired three uniquely different amphorae – a classic Terracotta “Rotunda,” a “Terracotta Cigar,” and the “Opus 17” – a behemoth that stands over nine feet tall, has a six-inch thick interior, and weighs more than 8,000 pounds. All are imported from Italy.

These ancient vessels have seen a resurgence in recent years in many well-known wine regions because of their unique ability for winemakers to produce a wine that is somewhere between oak and stainless steel aged. While stainless steel tanks – being totally free from oxygen during fermentation – preserve the primary fruit characteristics of a wine, oak does the opposite. The porous nature of wood allows for plenty of oxygen and imparts other aromas, flavors, and additional tannin to the wine. Clay takes the best of both worlds – it, too, is porous and allows for the oxygen that is essential for giving a wine texture; but, it is neutral, so it also preserves the purity of aromas and flavors of the grapes, perfectly amplifying them in the case of quality fruit.

Somerset’s first Amphorae Syrah was just released, and is full-bodied, with mineral and earth tones and a creamy, smooth finish.

Hart Winery

Using Mission grapes from the Cazas and Hunter vineyards planted sometime between 1882 and 1905 on the Pechanga Reservation – by far the oldest wine grape plantings in Temecula Valley – Hart Winery produces a fortified Angelica wine made using the original winemaking techniques of the Franciscan missionaries. Angelica wine dates to the Mission period in California, and its name is thought to have been taken from the city of Los Angeles.

According to family history, the Hunter vineyards were planted from cuttings of original Mission Grapes taken from Mission San Luis Rey de Francia in Oceanside. Once extensive commercial vineyards, these two small remnant vineyards are still farmed by the descendants of the families who planted them well over 100 years ago.

DNA testing of the vines done by U.C. Davis confirms that these vines are original Mission rootstock – genetically identical to grape vines originally brought to California from Spain by Spanish Missionaries.

“[We at] Hart Winery are proud to work with the families who have preserved these heritage vineyards,” says Owner and Winemaker, Jim Hart. “We are honored to work with this exceedingly rare, ancient old vine fruit.”

Thought to be one of the first wines made in California, Angelica wines are fortified with brandy and aged for many years. Hart chooses to age their Angelica for over two years in old wine barrels, set outside in the warm Temecula sun, where the wine reacts with the heat and oxygen to develop deep caramel, hazelnut, root beer, and toffee notes. The barrels are never topped, and the heat plus the extended exposure to oxygen in un-topped barrels, ultimately changes the wine from its original light red to a brownish color as is typical for Angelica wines. It’s a rich, layered wine that makes for a decadent after-dinner drink with (or as!) dessert.

Akash Winery & Vineyards

Sometimes unique winemaking methods take the form of superstitions and traditions!

Akash Patel, Owner & Director of Akash Winery & Vineyards tells us they bury 11 pennies in the ground on the first day of harvest. According to the family, it’s an Indian good luck tradition that Mrs. Patel started for the winery. We’ll drink to that!

Happy Harvest!

Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, The Press Enterprise/SGNC

A Reflection on The Past Few Months And A Big Thank You to Our Consumers

June 2, 2020

As Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country begins the slow and careful process of welcoming visitors back to wineries and restaurants safely after this long break, we are all taking a minute to reflect on what the past few months have taught us, and what the future holds for our wine region.

Here are the top three things we have learned:

Temecula Valley is resilient.
From its humble start as a one-stop-sign town to its current status as one of the world’s top wine destinations, Temecula Valley has come through a lot in its relatively short 52-year history. The region has battled drought years, a near extinction thanks to a nefarious vineyard pest in the 90s, tough competition from other wine regions, and now a major shut-down that has been particularly hard for a place that relies on visitation to stay afloat.

And yet Temecula Valley always seems to emerge stronger than ever. Much like the Pierce’s Disease situation that nearly wiped us out forced us to invest in the research and tools to transform vine planting, grape growing and winemaking in the region, so has the current situation surrounding the pandemic encouraged us to regroup and find new and creative ways to reach our customers.

The people of Temecula Valley are light on their feet when it comes to pivoting, and it is one of the biggest keys to our resilience. Many of you have probably taken part in the dozens of virtual wine tastings our wineries have been hosting, or taken advantage of the great packages and partner offers that they have pulled together for customers. Many of you have watched as our winemakers and tasting room staff have taken their cameras and laptops to the vineyards and barrel rooms, offering virtual tours and the chance to get to know them better. If you are interested in podcasting your own shows, then the best laptop for podcasting is obviously the one that will support your media files. This nimbleness is what has allowed us to keep your wine country alive through these challenging times.

We know we will be faced with other obstacles in our future. And we know we will band together to come through them as we always do – stronger than ever.
Our community is all heart.
Almost without exception, the moment the stay at home orders were announced, our wineries started to not only figure out ways to support their employees in the face of layoffs and furloughs, but they found ways to give back to the community as well.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort contributed 50% of online wine sales to provide food and other provisions to furloughed staff members. Fazeli Cellars took 50% of the proceeds from bottles of their 2014 Mehregan and 2018 Norooz sold to go directly back to employees to help with expenses. Leoness Cellars and others created similar programs.

Mount Palomar Winery not only did a social media promotion for healthcare workers, but they also donated bulk wine to several distilleries to create hand sanitizers.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards, who had to furlough 40 of their 47 employees as a result of the shelter in place orders, began selling “Employee Support Packs,” with 50% of the proceeds going back to their employees. The Renzoni family also donated 50 generously sized hams for employees to pick up, along with a bottle of wine.

Doffo Winery organized weekly grocery boxes for their team, while Palumbo Winery donated several cases to the Cocina Urbana group in San Diego and to Goat and Vine in Temecula to give to chefs and wait staff who had been furloughed.

Wilson Creek Winery donated 50,000 wine tasting tickets (to the tune of $1.25 million) to healthcare workers in Riverside and San Diego for redemption once they are back open. They also donated 1,000 bottles to Temecula Valley Hospital.

Peltzer Family Cellars donated 300 bottles to the Temecula Valley hospital healthcare workers.

This is just a handful of ways our community has stepped up and given back during the COVID-19 pandemic. No matter how tough things get, we always look out for each other, and other communities in need.
Our friends and fans are loyal… and the only reason we are all still here today.
These past few months have been tough on everyone. But your support – whether it was maintaining your wine club membership, joining us for virtual tastings, ordering wines online or over the phone, engaging with us on social media, or simply reaching out to say hi – has gotten us through this.

We cannot thank you enough for your ongoing loyalty to our wineries and the Temecula Valley region in general, and we cannot wait to see your smiling faces back in our tasting rooms and restaurants hopefully very soon.

March Winery Events

February 28, 2020

Akash Winery
Yoga Class & Wine / Every Saturday and Sunday / 9:00am-10:00am / Tickets are $25 and includes one glass of rosé or sauvignon blanc wine at conclusion of the yoga class / Tickets can be purchased the day of the class or in advance at www.akashwinery.com

Avensole Winery
Hosted Tour & Wine Tasting Available on Sunday of each the month / 2pm-3:30pm / For every adventure, there is discovery, for every unique place, there is a story. Take a guided journey through our lush vineyards and experience our rich heritage and handcrafted Avensole wines / Cost. $35 / Reservations required. Please call 951.252.2003 x312 to reserve.

Gourmet Cheese Artisanal Tour & Wine Tasting / Available on Friday of each month / 12pm / For the ultimate Wine Country experience, delight in an educational tour through our picturesque vineyard vistas and conclude this tour with a culinary treat of artisanal wine pairings featuring 7 Avensole wines / Cost: $75 / Reservations required online at link: www.avensolewinery.com

Baily Winery
Estate Library Tasting / Every Thursday-Sunday / Available 11am-4pm / Enjoy exclusive library tasting of 5 different vintages (varietal will vary monthly). Tasting will take place at Baily Estate Tasting Room located on Pauba Road / Tours are available upon request / For reservations and pricing information please call Lisa at 951-972-9768.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Sebastian Sidi Live in Concert / March 14 / 8:00-10:00pm / General Admission $30.00, VIP Seating $45.00 / Callaway Vineyard & Winery proudly presents, piano virtuoso and performing artist, Sebastian Sidi with special guest artist saxophonist, Shashaty, guitarist Javier Lima and special performance by comedian, Janice Remland. Sebastian combines elements of Rock, Classical and Latin creating a unique genre of its very own. You will hear instrumental favorites such as “Phantom of The Opera”, “Chiquitita”, Love Story’s “Where Do I Begin” and many others including some of Sebastian Sidi’s original compositions! Doors open at 7:00 pm for seating and red-carpet event / Purchase Tickets: https://sebastiansidi.com/shows

An Evening with Mama Medium Jennie Marie / March 26 / 7:00pm to 9:00pm / General Admission $75.00 / Enjoy an evening out with friends and be entertained by Jennie Marie, Star of TLC’s Mama Medium. Share in the laughter and healing as she delivers messages from passed loved ones / Doors open at 6:00 pm. Live group reading is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Cash bar open during the event. Must be 18 years of age and older / Tickets can be purchased at www.jenniethemedium.com

Prix Fixe Friday & Sunday at Meritage / 5pm to 8pm / For $40 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Live Music offered on Friday nights Reservation is not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889

Brunch Specials every Sunday at Meritage / 11am / Cost is $30 / Includes a mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert. All food from Meritage is farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally outsourced.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member / 1pm & 3pm Monday-Sunday / Your guided experience includes a specially selected flight of five of our Carter Estate wines paired with perfectly matched culinary bites from our Chef. Learn about the history of our beautiful Temecula Valley & get a behind-the-scenes look at how our award-winning Sparkling wines are made. Our Wine & Food Pairings are approximately 90 minutes & limited to eight guests. Make your reservation today! Must be 21 or older / Reservation Information: Reservations recommended – Book a pairing on CarterEstateWinery.com

Venezia Late Night at Carter Estate Winery / Every Friday / 6:00pm-9:00pm / Join us in the Carter Estate Tasting Room every Friday night for live music. Available for purchase are wine by the glass or bottle and delicious food / Free Admission. No reservations required

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Salsa and Bachata Dance Lesson / March 15 / 2:00-6:00pm / Tickets are $20pp for Wine Club and $25 for Non-wine club / Dance lesson and then dancing in the Barrel Room. Space is limited and this will sell out! In conjunction with Salsafama. Entry includes a glass of Dolce Bubbly upon arrival, Dance lessons 2-3p followed by Salsa dancing from 3pm to 6pm. Dolce drink specials throughout the event / Tickets available through our events web page at www.cougarvineyards.com or call 951.491.0825.

Falkner Winery
Black & White Salsa Bachata / March 7 / 6:00-10:00pm; Beginner Salsa & Bachata Lesson 6pm-7pm; social dance 7pm-10pm / Salsa and Bachata Dance Show! Dress Black and, or White and come take some lessons and dance the night away in front of an awesome vineyards view from the beautiful Pinnacle restaurant at Falkner Winery! Salsa & Bachata lessons and Social Dance are free. / Includes a glass of Sangria. Tickets are $20 @ the door or visit https://store.falknerwinery.com/categories.aspx?Keyword=salsa

Vertical Cabernet Tasting with George Myers / March 28 / 10:30am-12:00pm / $50 per person plus tax; $45/person plus tax for Food & Wine Club members / Come and have some fun with George! You will be able to taste (5) of some 90-point Cabernet’s from our Library and a short class to go with! To make reservations, contact Holly at 951-676-8231 x109 or email wineclub@falknerwinery.com

Fazeli Cellars
Cooking Experience with Chef Daragh / March 26 / 6:30 – 9:30pm / $80 | $70 Members / Opening our season of cooking demonstrations with Certified Culinary Instructor Daragh Matheson (CCE, CEC) Fazeli Cellars will explore many of the classical recipes and traditional techniques used in professional kitchens around the world. We begin by our season in Italy learning to easily produce and handle fresh pasta. Each class is engineered to pair perfectly with a Fazeli Cellars wine to complete this interactive series / To reserve your spot please purchase tickets here: https://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-391443/Cooking-Experience-3262020.html

Peltzer Family Cellars
Supercross Watch Party / March 14 / 4:00-9:00pm / $10 entry includes a raffle ticket to win a signed pro jersey & dirt bike gear kit. A portion of ticket proceeds goes to benefit Road 2 Recovery / Come watch the Indianapolis Supercross LIVE with us on the B I G screen in the Crush House. We’re teaming up with Road 2 Recovery to raise funds for their amazing organization that aids AMA licensed professional motocross/supercross and action sport athletes with financial assistance while recovering from debilitating injuries. They also provide emotional and motivational support to these athletes and their families / Tickets can be purchased at https://peltzerfamilycellars.orderport.net/product-details/3304/314-Supercross-Watch-Party-Ticket

Nashville Nights / March 21 / 5:00-10:00pm / $20 entry or Early Bird Specials of $34 with entry + 2 beer tickets / $40 with entry + 2 wine tickets / Line Dancing | 5 – 6 pm. We’ll have an instructor for those who wanna learn Music line-up: Lee Koch Music | 6:30 – 7:30pm; The Highwayman Show | 7:30 – 10pm |Tony Suraci and his 10-piece all-star band capture the essence of Outlaw Country as defined by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. Guest singer Payton Howie tops off this dynamic performance! It will be night to remember! / For additional information and to purchase your tickets, please visit https://peltzerfamilycellars.orderport.net/merchandise/ticketed-events

Ponte Winery
Brunch at Bouquet Restaurant / Every Saturday & Sunday / 7:30am-3:00pm / Offering indoor & outdoor seating options, Bouquet is the perfect spot to gather for a gourmet brunch. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance with stunning fountain courtyard, pond & vineyards views / To view menu and for reservations please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Behind the Scene Wine Tour / Available daily / 1pmand 3pm / $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member or Military / Learn more about our spectacular Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today / Due to the limited sizes of each tour, reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years of age to attend.

Thornton Winery
B.I.G. – Brothers Igniting a Groove / March 20 / 6:00p-9:00p / $25 cover fee Order tickets through our web site: www.thorntonwine.com / Dinner tables available; guest dinner order required. Call (951) 699-0099 to make your table reservations.

JOURNEY CAPTURED – Journey Tribute Show / March 27 / 6:00p-9:00p / $20 cover fee / Order tickets through our web site: www.thorntonwine.com / Dinner tables available; guest dinner order required. Call (951) 699-0099 to make your table reservations.

Wilson Creek Winery
Bubble Brunch Buffet / Every Sunday 10am-3pm / $51.95, Buffet only: $41.95, Children: $16.95 / Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, omelet stations, waffle stations, seafood stations, carving stations and dessert stations with beautiful vineyard views / Buffet (+ unlimited sparkling). Now serving Bloody Mary’s! / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com or call 951.699.9463 for additional information.

Temecula Valley Wine Country Lands in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice as Best Wine Region

September 3, 2019

Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country has been named by USA Today as a 10Best Readers’ Choice for “Best Wine Region.” Out of 20 nominees across the United States, Temecula Valley Wine Country ranked number three in the country by an expert panel and the public.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our winegrowers and winemakers. Our wine region is beginning to get the recognition it deserves for its award wining wines, dining, and experiences,” says Kimberly Adams, President and CEO, Visit Temecula Valley.

“From our talented winemakers to chefs to tasting room staff and everyone in between, Temecula Valley is filled with passionate people who work tirelessly to make the region so special,” said Krista Chaich, Executive Director of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. “We are delighted to be counted among so many other great wine regions in this 10Best list, and that visitors everywhere have fallen in love with our community and our world class wines, just as we have.”

Temecula Valley Wine Country is located in the center of Southern California, just 60 minutes from San Diego, Orange Country, and Palm Springs, and 90 minutes south of Los Angeles. There are now nearly 50 wineries in the significant and diverse Temecula Valley AVA, a major AVA in Southern California. The wine region continues to gain recognition for its award-winning, premium varietal and proprietary blended wines.

More than three million travelers visit Temecula Valley to enjoy the region’s welcoming wineries, learning experiences, concerts and signature events, outdoor activities, and exceptional dining. Less-busy weekdays provide potential opportunities to converse with talented winemakers and friendly winery owners. Hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast inns are available among the vineyards, in and near Old Town Temecula, within the canyon, and along hotel row in Uptown.

For more information about Temecula Valley Southern California or to start planning your trip, go to VisitTemeculaValley.com.

Plan Your Mid-Week Visit

July 1, 2019

Whether you can get away overnight, or just want to take a day trip, a mid-week visit to Temecula Valley Wine Country should prove to be a relaxing and enjoyable break.

There are many advantages to visiting wine country during the week. Much less busy weekdays are the perfect opportunity to allow yourself time to enjoy our 35+ member wineries’ offerings. At a slower pace, you’ll be able to enjoy more one-on-one time with the knowledgeable wine servers (or even the winemakers and/or winery owners themselves if you’re lucky) at each of your stops.

For a less expensive wine tasting experience, take advantage of the weekday SIP Passport. This passport allows you to visit any five wineries (of the 30 participating wineries) of your choice for $45. Visit our website at www.temeculawines.org to purchase your passport.

And, if we haven’t convinced you yet….there’s no waiting in line to dine at our wonderful wine country restaurants that are very busy on the weekends. If you’d like to spend the night you’ll be pleased with the selection of hotels and their reduced mid-week rates. Go here to how to play craps information Hotels in the area are generally booked months in advance on the weekends.

While we’d love to see you at any time here in Temecula Valley Wine Country, give us a try on a Wednesday sometime….we think you’ll be glad you did!

July Winery Events

July 1, 2019

Ahhh….summer! 4th of July events, outdoor concerts and wine and food pairings are just a few of the summertime offerings in Temecula Valley’s wine country. Whatever day you choose to visit, you’ll be sure to find something fun to do!

Avensole Winery
Dueling Pianos / July 26 / 7:00pm – 10:00pm / $32 / $25 Wine Club / Avensole Winery invites you to a lively evening of Dueling Pianos. Q’s Tacos Food Truck – available for purchase / For reservations please visit http://www.avensolewinery.com/res-391859/Dueling-Pianos.html

Hosted Tour & Wine Tasting /Available on Sunday of each the month / 2pm-3:30pm / For every adventure, there is discovery, for every unique place, there is a story. Take a guided journey through our lush vineyards and experience our rich heritage and handcrafted Avensole wines / Cost. $35 / Reservations required. Please call 951.252.2003 x312 to reserve.

Baily Winery
Shakespeare in the Vines presents Measure for Measure / July 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 / Doors open at 6:30pm. Show starts 7:30 (ends around 9:30) /Outdoor stage at Baily Winery / Tickets: $22 / To purchase your tickets please visit http://www.shakespeareinthevines.org

Estate Library Tasting / Every Thursday-Sunday / Available 11am-4pm / Enjoy exclusive library tasting of 5 different vintages (varietal will vary monthly). Tasting will take place at Baily Estate Tasting Room located on Pauba Road / Tours are available upon request / For reservations and pricing information please call Lisa at 951-972-9768.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Guns N’ Roses Tribute / July 19 / 7:00-10:00pm / General Public $28.00 – Wine Club $25.20 / Appetite 4 Destruction has become, on a consistent basis, the highest audience drawing tribute to Guns N’ Roses on the entire west coast of the United States. Authenticity is everything and Appetite 4 Destruction does not disappoint. Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are not mailed. There will be a check-in table at the event. Doors open at 6:30pm. Seating is provided but feel free to bring your own. Wine, beer and food available for purchase. No outside food or alcohol allowed. Food provided by Devilicious Food Truck / Purchase tickets at www.callawaywinery.com

Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 2pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1-barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary, but for 10 or more highly recommended / For more information call 951.676.4001

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Wine & Chocolate Pairing / Every Friday of the month / 3:00pm / $45 Per Person ($40 Wine Club) / Your guided pairing experience includes a specially selected flight of five of our Carter Estate wines paired with 5 custom chocolates from local chocolate shoppe, SugarPlum Farm. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how our award-winning wines are made and learn how Carter Estate wines compliment and bring out the unique flavors of chocolate. Our Wine & Chocolate Pairing is approximately 90 minutes & has limited availability to provide a more intimate experience for our guests. Make your reservation today! Must be 21 or older. Reservation Information: Book a pairing on CarterEstateWinery.com

Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member / 1pm & 3pm Monday-Sunday / Your guided experience includes a specially selected flight of five of our Carter Estate wines paired with perfectly matched culinary bites from our Chef. Learn about the history of our beautiful Temecula Valley & get a behind-the-scenes look at how our award-winning Sparkling wines are made. Our Wine & Food Pairings are approximately 90 minutes & limited to eight guests. Make your reservation today! Must be 21 or older / Reservation Information: Reservations recommended – Book a pairing on CarterEstateWinery.com

Churon Inn Winery
Latin Music Series / July 20 / 6:00-10:00pm / Cost $25; $20 for Wine Club / Join us on our upper Tuscany patio for live music by Ruben V & the Latin Sounds, dinner, wine and dancing / For tickets and additional information, please our website http://shop.innatchuronwinery.com/reservation-events

Europa Village
Murder Mystery Dinner- Café Murder / July 27 / 6:00pm / Tickets: $80; Société $72 / Join us for an evening of mystery and intrigue. You will need to keep your eyes and ears open, because someone will be ruthlessly murdered by the end of the play, and it’s up to you to guess who-done-it! Performance will take place during a gourmet dinner prepared by Europa’s Executive Chef, Dean Thomas. For reservations please visit https://shop.europavillage.com/event/Murder-Mystery-Dinner—Cafe-Murder-July27

Murder Mystery Dinner – Café Murder / July 28 / 6:00pm / Tickets: $75; Société $67.50 / Join us for an evening of mystery and intrigue. You will need to keep your eyes and ears open, because someone will be ruthlessly murdered by the end of the play, and it’s up to you to guess who-done-it! Performance will take place during a gourmet dinner prepared by Europa’s Executive Chef, Dean Thomas. For reservations please visit https://shop.europavillage.com/event/Murder-Mystery-Dinner—Cafe-Murder-July28

Falkner Winery
19^th Anniversary Weekend Celebration / July 4-7 / 12pm-5pm / BBQ and yard games, live music by Northstar on Saturday, July 6^th. Wine raffles every hour from 12pm-4pm on all days! Huge gift shop sales, 50%-30% off wine by the case sales. Restaurant lunch special for two at $69. Wine, Sangria, beer and cocktails available.

Vertical Amante Tasting Class with George Myers / July 13 / 10:30am-12:00pm / Only $40 per person; Wine club members $35 / Includes 5 years of our amazing Amante! Rated 90+ points by Wine Enthusiast and all Gold Medal winners! / Space is limited, and reservations are required. Please call 951.676.9231 ext. 109 or email wineclub@falknerwinery.com

Havana Nights White Party Salsa Dancing & Live Entertainment / July 19 / 6:30pm-10:30pm / Wear your best dressed whites! Open to the public. Cover charge $25; Wine club members $15 / Includes a glass of Sangria upon arrival. Beer and Sangria, wine & appetizers available for purchase. Free lesson from 7p-8pm and open dancing from 8p-10pm / RSVP is required. Book a table of 8 by emailing rmurgo@falknerwinery.com / Purchase individual tickets online at www.Falknerwinery.com

Fazeli Cellars
Salsa Night! / July 13 / No partner or experience needed! Doors Open at 6:30 with 45-minute Salsa Lesson / Admission fee is $20 for non-members (+ tax) and $15 (+ tax) for wine club members – Includes a glass of Sangria. Special Food Menu Items! Wine, Beer, Sangria available for purchase! / Tickets sold at front door ONLY!

Foot Path Winery
Food, Wine and Music / July 20 / 6:30-9:00pm / The cost is $30.00 Per person, which includes food and a glass of wine / An evening of food wine and music with Jason Weber playing his Sax. Call the winery at 951-265-9951 for reservations and information.

Mount Palomar Winery
Paint Nite in the Barrel Room / July 7 & 14 / 1:00-4:00pm / $45 (Use Create30 to save $15) / Raise your glass to a NEW kind of night out! Paint Nite® invites you to create art over a glass of wine at a Mount Palomar Winery, guided by a professional artist and party host. Grab your friends and spend two hours drinking, laughing, and flexing your creative muscles. There’s no experience necessary and we’ll provide all the supplies, so you don’t have to worry about a thing (except having a great time!) To reserve please visit this link https://www.paintnite.com/venues/mt-palomar-winery-133232

Hella 90’s Tribute Fest Music & Fashion Festival / July 26 / 5:00-10:00pm / Tickets $28 General Admission, VIP Table $324. Club members – contact the winery for an exclusive coupon code! / 90’s Tribute Fest with: Faux Fighters (Foo Fighters Tribute), Infinite Sadness (Smashing Pumpkins), Robert Rankin Walker, Caden Levi! / Purchase your tickets at https://www.heyday.com/events-1/90s-tribute-fest-with-green-today-faux-fighters-and-more-tba

Ponte Winery
Ponte Family Fest 2019 / July 18 / 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. / $5 Guests (guests ages 4+) | $4 Members 100% of ticket sales go directly to charity! / Grab your loved ones (& little ones!) and let the good times roll at the Winery for our first-ever Ponte Family Fest! Join us on Thursday, July 18th from 5-9 p.m. for delicious eats from local food trucks, live entertainment, fun-filled activities for the kiddos and of course, plenty of wine for Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa… you get the gist! The best part? All proceeds from admission ticket sales and the Ponte Wine Bar (& a portion of proceeds from our vendors!) at Ponte Family Fest will benefit Rancho Damacitas nonprofit organization, located right here in Temecula Wine Country. So, mark your calendars, get excited and stay tuned for more details to come! / Purchase Tickets: https://shop.pontewinery.com/res-409655/Ponte-Family-Fest-2019.html

Happy Hour in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Monday-Thursday / 4pm-6pm / Free to attend / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, for happy hour specials on craft beer, flatbreads, Ponte wine on tap and more! Menu items $6 and up / For more information please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com

Brunch at Bouquet Restaurant / Every Saturday & Sunday / 7:30am-3:00pm / Offering indoor & outdoor seating options, Bouquet is the perfect spot to gather for a gourmet brunch. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance with stunning fountain courtyard, pond & vineyards views / To view menu and for reservations please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
4th of July Concert & Drone Light Show / July 4 / 6:00p-9:00p / Tickets from $15 to $80 per person / Celebrate the Fourth of July with South Coast WineryResort & Spa! We’re bringing back the Rhythm on the Vine® concert series with a spectacular Independence Day showcase. Country-pop duo Brown & Gray, known for their hit single “Top Down”, will headline the show, with local favorite Kanan Road opening. Then, at 9pm, we’re taking fireworks to a new level with Temecula Wine Country’s first ever Independence Day DRONE LIGHT SHOW!!! This show is in partnership with Visit Temecula Valley, and benefits Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County. This is an immersive experience you won’t want to miss / Purchase tickets at https://www.southcoastwinery.com/july4th.

Behind the Scene Wine Tour / Available daily / 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday / $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member or Military / Learn more about our spectacular Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today / Due to the limited sizes of each tour, reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years of age to attend.

Thornton Winery
Mediterranean Cooking Class / July 14 / 1:00-3:00pm / $75pp inclusive / For additional information and reservations please call 951-699-0099 or log on to www.thorntonwine.com

SANTANA Tribute / July 26 / 6:00-9:00 pm / General Admission – $15 in advance. $20 at the door. Wine & Food available to purchase! Must order tickets on our website: www.thorntonwine.com / Dinner tables available. Call (951) 699-0099 to make reservations. *All guests at table must order dinner!

Thornton Jazz Concert Series – The Brian McKnight 4 / July 20 / 7:00pm / General Admission: $95, Gourmet Supper Package: $180 / Please visit our web site for additional Jazz schedule and information www.thorntonwine.com

Wiens Family Cellars
The Alarm with Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel and Modern English / July 26 / 6pm-10pm / Wiens 2019 Summer Concert Series benefits MSJC Foundation / Tickets are available for general admission, VIP admission, VIP tables of 4 and VIP tables of 10. VIP extras include: VIP Menu • Private wine bar • Reserved Section • Access to V.I.P. area • Additional entertainment in V.I.P. area / General Admission: $65.00; VIP: $99.00; VIP Table of 4: $395.00; VIP Table of 10: $950.00 / For reservations please visit https://harbourproductions.live/index.php/events/alarm

Wilson Creek Winery
Rodney Atkins Concert / July 12 / Doors Open at 6:00 pm / Join us under the stars in the heart of wine country for an amazing up close and personal show with Rodney Atkins! Purchase Here: https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/res-416687/Rodney-Atkins-Country-Concert.html

Scotty McCreery Concert / July 18 / Doors Open at 6:00 pm / Join us under the stars in the heart of wine country for an amazing up close and personal show with Scotty McCreery! Purchase Here: https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/res-416727/Scotty-Mccreery-Country-Concert.html

Bubble Brunch Buffet / Every Sunday 10am-3pm / $51.95, Buffet only: $41.95, Children: $16.95 / Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, omelet stations, waffle stations, seafood stations, carving stations and dessert stations with beautiful vineyard views / Buffet (+ unlimited sparkling). A casino can be great for players from one part of the world, but it can also be terrible for other players with different tastes and habits. For this reason we have created a custom Casino Rating that is relevant for players from India. It consists of our rating of each casino on a global level as well as user-defined factors that will be important for players from India. Now serving Bloody Mary’s! / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com or call 951.699.9463 for additional information.

2019 Hall of Fame

May 1, 2019

Temecula Valley vintners were proud to introduce the latest Hall of Fame inductee at the 36th Annual Grape Day conference held on April 18, 2019 at South Coast Winery in Temecula, California. The inductee honored was the late Ben R. Drake, owner of Drake Enterprises, Inc., a Temecula-based farm management company, and a long-time board member of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association.

The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Hall of Fame was introduced in 2016 by Phil Baily, owner of Baily Winery and current President of the Board for the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA). The first inductees into the Hall of Fame were Vince & Audrey Cilurzo and John Moramarco. At the time, Baily noted “The recent passing of wine country pioneer Vince Cilurzo prompted the TVWA Board of Directors to consider ways we could honor his memory. In discussing this, we realized that other pioneers should be recognized, most notably Audrey Cilurzo, because Vince and Audrey partnered in their accomplishments. John Moramarco was unquestionably the key leader of our rise in the 1960s and for the following thirty-plus years.”

Since that time, the association’s Board of Directors has inducted the late John Poole and his son, Peter Poole, who founded and operated Mount Palomar Winery for over two decades, as well as Ely Callaway, founder of Callaway Vineyard & Winery and of Callaway Golf fame.

“This year’s Hall of Fame inductee was similarly accomplished and very well respected within Temecula Valley’s wine community and we’re very appreciative of his effort on behalf of all of us,” stated Phil Baily. Ben’s long service as a member and Chairman of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, and his service as a state-wide leader in the fight against Pierce’s Disease brought recognition and respect to our Valley. To many in our industry, Ben was Temecula. He was one of the three or four key players who did the most to grow the reputation of the Temecula Valley Wine Country.”

Ben was a fifth-generation farmer in Riverside County and a resident of Temecula since 1973. Ben founded Drake Enterprises, Inc., 40 years ago. They currently manage 750 acres of avocados and 450 acres of winegrapes in the Temecula Valley. Ben passed away this past November.

Ben accomplished much in his professional career, including being a long-time Board member and President of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, President of the Rancho California Water District Board of Directors, Past Chairman of California Association of Winegrape Growers and Past President of Riverside County Farm Bureau, just to name a few.

When asked about Ben’s contributions to Temecula’s thriving wine region, the TVWA’s Executive Director, Krista Chaich said, “It’s hard to know where to start when talking about Ben’s contributions to the success of Temecula Valley Wine Country. He was a tremendous leader and an ardent supporter of our wine region. Most notably, his leadership and guidance were never more apparent than when our winegrape growers were faced with the devastating loss of vineyards due to Pierce’s Disease, a bacterial infection that nearly wiped out our wine country. Ben called upon the State of California to assist in the fight against Pierce’s Disease through significant funding and helped to set up task forces and treatment and research programs. Many of us believe that had it not been for Ben’s efforts, our wine country wouldn’t be the thriving and award-winning wine region that it is today. Once you make a deposit, you can start playing for real on a regular basis, so it is important to look at the rating of the best online casinos and choose what you like. As a player, it will be useful for you to find out about all the benefits available to you. VIP clubs and loyalty programs, of course, have their advantages, and as soon as you find out what they are, you will not want to miss them. Finally, perhaps most importantly, there are many legal aspects that need to be considered before you start making money. https://casinobonusesfinder.ca/online-casinos/sports-interaction-casino”

“Ben served on our Board of Directors for several years and as the Board President from 2014 through 2016. During this time, he fiercely protected both our winery owners and wine grape growers and consistently put the best interests of our entire wine region first. Ben is missed tremendously, and this recognition is well deserved.”

Ben’s wife, Sharon, his daughters Katie and Courtney, his son-in-law JD Harkey, his three grandsons and his long-time assistant, Kathleen were on hand to accept the award on Ben’s behalf.

May Winery Events

April 30, 2019

Temecula Valley is blooming with fun spring events for your friends and family. From art classes to concerts, to brunch, come celebrate Mother’s Day and Memorial Day with a trip to Southern California’s wine country.

Avensole Winery
Hosted Tour & Wine Tasting /Available on Sunday of each the month / 2pm-3:30pm / For every adventure, there is discovery, for every unique place, there is a story. Take a guided journey through our lush vineyards and experience our rich heritage and handcrafted Avensole wines / Cost. $35 / Reservations required. Please call 951.252.2003 x312 to reserve.

Baily Winery
Carol’s Mother’s Day Specials / May 12 / 11am-4pm / Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery will be offering Mother’s Day specials on top of their regular menu items. Live Music will be provided from 11am-3pm / Reservations are highly recommended. For reservations call 951.676.9243.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Mommas and Mimosas / May 10 / 5:00-7:00pm / Wine Club: $45 per adult / $20 per child | General Public: $55 per adult / $25 per child / Treat your mom like the queen she is by enjoying an afternoon of creating your own unique flower crowns at our enchanting Vineyard View Terrace. Enjoy an assortment of light appetizers while sipping mimosas at our mom-mosa bar. Commemorate your afternoon with photos of your floral creations in front of our Mother’s Day photo wall / For reservation: R.S.V.P. to club@callawaywinery.com or call 951.676.4001 x400

Mother’s Day at Meritage / May 12 / 11:00am-8:00pm / Give Mom the love she deserves this Mother’s Day! On Sunday, May 12th, Executive Chef Josh Diamond is offering Mothers and their loved ones a captivating experience with delicious culinary creations!
For cost and reservations call (951) 587-8889 | View the menu online www.callawaywinery.com

Prix Fixe Friday & Sunday at Meritage / 5pm to 8pm / For $35 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Live Music offered on Friday nights Reservation is not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889

Brunch Specials every Sunday at Meritage / 11am / Cost is $25 / Includes a mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert. All food from Meritage is farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally outsourced.

Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 1pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1-barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary, but for 10 or more highly recommended / For more information call 951.676.4001

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Wine & Chocolate Pairing at Carter Estate Winery / Every Friday in May / 3:00pm-4:30pm / $45 Per Person ($40 Wine Club) /Your guided pairing experience includes a specially selected flight of five of our Carter Estate wines paired with 5 custom chocolates from local chocolate shoppe, Sugarplum Farm. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how our award-winning wines are made and learn how Carter Estate wines compliment and bring out the unique flavors of chocolate. Our Wine & Chocolate Pairing is approximately 90 minutes & has limited availability to provide a more intimate experience for our guests. Make your reservation today! Must be 21 or older / Reservation Information: Book your pairing at CarterEstateWinery.com

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
1st Annual Kentucky Derby Day / May 4 / 2:00-5:00pm / $35 Wine club, $40 Non-wine club includes food and one glass of wine or beer / Giddy up! Come enjoy the horse races on our big screen in the Barrel Room. We will be celebrating Derby Day at the winery! Wear your favorite Derby Day Attire. Prizes will be awarded for Best Derby Hat or Fascinator, Best Derby Crazy Tie and Best Derby Couple. Bubbly Basil Ginger Beer Juleps anyone? We’ll have them! / Please RSVP to events@cougarvineyards.com or call 951.767.8398.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Cougar / May 12 / 11:00am-12:30pm and 1-2:15 seating / $40pp Wine club, $45pp Non-Wine club. If available spots day of: $50pp Wine club, $55 Non-wine club / If you are looking for something special to do this Mother’s Day, make Cougar part of your plans. This year we will once again offer a Mother’s Day Brunch for all Mothers, families and anyone else celebrating Mothers everywhere! Long stem rose for Mom with prepaid advance reservation while supplies last / For menu and reservations, please visit events@cougarvineyards.com or call 951.767.8398.

Doffo Winery
Doffo Mother’s Day Brunch / May 12 / 11am-2pm / Celebrate Mother’s Day here at Doffo Winery! Enjoy a gourmet brunch buffet featuring French toast bake, a breakfast “strata” casserole, quiche, bacon and sausage, and don’t forget the mimosas made with our Paulina Sparkling wine! Tickets are $70 per person and include brunch and 2 glasses of Paulina Sparkling (bottomless mixers for mimosas included). Seating begins at 11am and will be based on family style tables of 6. Last seating is at 1pm. If you have a party of 6 or more, please include a note during checkout so we can accommodate your party / For tickets: https://shop.doffowines.com/mothers-day-brunch-p241.aspx

Europa Village
Mother’s Day Lunch / May 12 / 12pm-3pm / Adult Tickets: $54.99 / Société $49.49; Children tickets $18; Société $16.20 / Treat the Mom’s in your life to a lovely afternoon experience and show them how much they are truly appreciated! / For reservations please visit www.europavillage.com

Festa! featuring Endeavor / May 24 / 5:30-8:30pm / Free admission; Food tickets: $19; Children tickets: $19 / Société $17.10 / Enjoy wine, food and live music by Endeavor, benefiting Hospice of the Valley! / For reservations please visit www.europavillage.com

Falkner Winery
Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch in the Pinnacle / May 12 / 10:00-3:00pm / $74.95+/person (Wine Club $64.95+/person) Children (3-10) $30.50+/child (Wine Club $25.95+/child) / Entertainment provided by Brandon & Amanda / For full menu please visit www.falknerwinery.com / Reservations required, please call 951-676-8231 option 4

Wine Appreciation Class / May 18 / 10:00-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45 person; $40 Connoisseur; $20 VIP / RSVP required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com

Frangipani Winery
Rose & Rise Yoga Class / May 4 & May 18 / 9am / $35 pp / Yoga class, glass of wine and breakfast bar included in price / To reserve and purchase your tickets please visit www.eventbrite.com

Fazeli Cellars
Mother’s Day Brunch / May 12 / Champagne Greeting for all Moms, 3 Course Meal in our Banquet Room with Live Music / 2 Seating – Limited 11:30am | 2:00pm / $59.95 Non-Members | $49.95 Members; $19.95 Kids (12 & Under); $19.95 Bottomless Mimosa or Belini / Please email kellie@fazelicellars.com with your main course meal selection – if we do not receive your selection before the event a meal will be chosen for you.
http://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-391071/Mothers-Day-2019.html

Salsa Night! / May 25 / No partner or experience needed! Doors Open at 6:30 with 45-minute Salsa Lesson / Admission fee is $20 for non-members (+ tax) and $15 (+ tax) for wine club members – Includes a glass of Sangria. Special Food Menu Items! Wine, Beer, Sangria available for purchase! Purchase Tickets Here: http://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-391042/Salsa-Night-42019.html

Monte De Oro Winery
Mother’s Day Brunch / May 12 / 1st Seating: 9:30am – 12:30pm; 2nd Seating: 12:30pm – 2:30pm / $65 / WC $55 / Child (3yr-10yr) $25 / Celebrate Mother’s Day with family and friends at Monte De Oro with our annual Mother’s Day Brunch. Enjoy a buffet-style brunch with unlimited mimosas. Plus, all mothers in your group leave with a bottle of Monte De Oro award-winning wine! / Please reserve via http://shop.montedeoro.com/reservation-events

Meritage Blind Tasting / May 24 / 6:00-8:00pm / $70pp; Wine club $65 /A red Meritage is a blend of two or more of the red “noble” Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and the rarer St. Macaire, Gros Verdot and Carmenère. Join as we sample over 10 different Meritage offerings from various California wineries, including Temecula Valley, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles, etc. Epicurean appetizer, cheese and dessert pairings will accompany your tasting as well! Please reserve via http://shop.montedeoro.com/res-394927/Blind-Tasting-Meritage-Blend.html

Mount Palomar Winery
Rocky’s Comedy Live / May 4, 10, 11 & 18 / 6:00pm (early show) 8:00pm (late show) / Catch your favorite “A-List” and celebrity comics live, on-stage, inside Annata Bistro/Bar. Last dinner reservations for the bistro will be at 4 PM, snacks and drinks will be available during the show
For pricing and to purchase your ticket, please visit https://rockyscomedylive.com/ Ticket prices will increase if purchased at the door.

Mother’s Day at Annata Bistro/Bar / May 11 and May 12 / 11:00am-7:00pm; last seating 6:00pm / Celebrate Mom with a delicious Mother’s Day meal at Mount Palomar Winery’s on-site bistro! We will be offering signature dining items from Annata Bistro/Bar along with Italian classics like Pollo Farcito and Linguine with Scampi. The Mother’s Day menu will run all Mother’s Day weekend, and all Moms will receive one complimentary mimosa. Reservations are highly recommended. For pricing & reservations and to view the full menu please visit us online at http://www.MountPalomarWinery.com/MothersDay

Paint Nite in the Barrel Room hosted by Yaymaker Events / May 5 / 1:00-3:00pm / Tickets $38 / Grab your friends and unleash your inner artist at the Original Paint Nite! “Drink Creatively” in the Barrel Room (with our own bar…ooooh yeah) at Mt Palomar Winery. You’ll go from a blank canvas to a masterpiece of your own, with plenty of laughs along the way. Guided by a talented and entertaining artist, you’ll be amazed at what you create, and how much fun you have doing it. Yaymaker events give you everything you need to get up, get out, and get making! Instruction is provided by an expert host, so no experience is required, and everything you need is supplied. Grab your friends to paint, plant, tinker, and build—and give your week something to shout about / Sign up at https://www.yaymaker.com/us/ca/temecula/2456/venues/mt-palomar-winery-133232

Ghost in the Machine Concert: A Tribute to the Police / May 17 / 6:00-10:00pm / $28 online, ticket prices will increase if purchased at the door / Live in concert! In the vineyards, under the stars. Playing all the classics such as: Roxanne • So Lonely • Message In A Bottle • Every Breath You Take • Don’t Stand So Close To Me • Walking On The Moon…and so many more! / Reservations at https://www.heyday.com/events-1/a-tribute-to-the-police-live-in-concert

Peltzer Family Cellars
Paint & Sip with Pretty Paints to benefit Our Nicholas Foundation / May 9 / 6:00-9:00pm / $50 per ticket / Create your own beautiful succulent on a wooden mini pallet with help from an experienced instructor. Choose a word or quote that speaks to you. We’ll help with that! We’ll all be finding our creative side in the Crush House. Doors for our class will open at 5:55, and class will start promptly at 6:10 / Seats will be assigned, so please include the names in your party at checkout / All painting supplies, easels, paints and aprons will be provided! Wine & food is not included, nor can be brought in. Class is approximately 3-hours long, which includes a break mid class. MUST RSVP, No Walk Ins. No Sharing Boards / Payments are non-refundable but can be transferred as a courtesy one time if a notice is given at least 48 hours prior to class time / Must be Ages 18+ to attend, 21+ to purchase and consume alcohol. Please purchase tickets through https://www.etsy.com/listing/654157594/may-9-6-9-peltzer-winery-paint-sip-for?ref=shop_home_feat_1&frs=1

Peltzer Mother’s Day Brunch / May 12 / 1:00-3:00pm / $60 and includes a glass of our Prosecco mimosa. Additional glasses can be purchased for $12 / Tickets for kids under 12 is $45. Kids 4 and under are free! / Gather the whole family and join us underneath the mulberry trees to celebrate those lovely ladies! Before you take a seat, mosey on over to our flower crown station. Kendall Farms will create a gorgeous crown using fresh cut flowers and greenery from their farm so your mom can be the queen that we all know she is. Then, let’s start with a gourmet brunch by Mastiff Sausage Company with a crisp Prosecco mimosa in hand and listen to the acoustic sounds of Brian Stodart. After brunch, snag a themed sweet treat from The Sweet Apron! Once your belly is all full, let’s do a little shoppin’ with Market Detour and snag a complimentary photo in the Gonzalez Productions and Rentals photo booth so you can have your memories forever / 2nd Seating Tickets: https://bit.ly/2STYMWu/ 2nd Seating Tickets | Kids: https://bit.ly/2H5qqi1

Oak Mountain Winery
Mother’s Day Brunch / May 12 / Seating times from 11am-4pm / Members $53; Guests $59; Children 10 & under $17 / Includes a variety of brunch menu items and beverages. For a complete menu items, please visit our website www.OakMountainwinery.com / For reservations please call 951.699.9102 or order tickets online.

Ponte Winery
Happy Hour in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Monday-Thursday / 4pm-6pm / Free to attend / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, for happy hour specials on craft beer, flatbreads, Ponte wine on tap and more! Menu items $6 and up / For more information please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com

Brunch at Bouquet Restaurant / Every Saturday & Sunday / 7:30am-3:00pm Offering indoor & outdoor seating options, Bouquet is the perfect spot to gather for a gourmet brunch. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance with stunning fountain courtyard, pond & vineyards views / To view menu and for reservations please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant / May 12 / 10:00am-3:00pm / Celebrate Mom with a brunch buffet at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant. A la carte mimosa flights are available for purchase / Reservation and Menu Information: Make your reservations today! | 833.493.0896 or visit www.wineresort.com

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours / Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday/ $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member or Military. Learn more about our spectacular Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today / Due to the limited sizes of each tour, reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years of age to attend.

Thornton Winery
Neil Diamond Tribute / May 31 / 6:00-9:00pm / General Admission – $15 in advance. $20 at the door / Must order tickets on our website: www.thorntonwine.com / Dinner tables available. Call (951) 699-0099 to make reservations. All guests at table must order dinner!

Wiens Family Cellars
Mother’s Day Amour Brunch / May 12 / 11am-1pm / $100 per Guest Regular; $80 per Guest Wine Club / Treat Mom on her special day! Enjoy delicious food by Chef Volker, live music by Paul & Tawnie Music, a Mimosa bar with free-flowing Amour De L’Orange sparkling, photo booth, and coffee by Espresso Chauffeur! To purchase tickets please visit: http://www.wienscellars.com/res-413757/Mothers-Day-Amour-Brunch-2019.html

Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary’s “An Evening for the Animals Annual Gala” / May 18 / 6pm-10pm / $125 per guest / Please join us for what promises to be a spectacular evening to benefit the animals of The Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary at the gorgeous Wiens Family Cellars! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and perusing our silent auction tables. Mingle with like-minded supporters who share compassion for all beings. Followed by a delicious wine-infused, vegan dinner. After dinner, dance the night away with music by Kanan Road / Purchase Tickets Here: https://www.saleranchsanctuary.org/2019-fundraiser-wiens?fbclid=IwAR1-OXMzLhMuR5PGA_AufVN_GvT6z2ByO90M–clxNgneLn3kRi9P69lu7E

Wilson Creek Winery
Movie Night in the Vines / May 10th / Doors Open at 6:30 pm, Movie Starts at 8 pm / We will be open after hours! So, come enjoy a nice spin on date night with a Movie in the vines! Come watch the movie Sideways in our courtyard! A picnic-style buffet dinner will be available to purchase for you and your loved one! / Reserve Here: https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/res-416689/Movie-Night.html

Mother’s Day Brunch / May 12th / 10am-3pm / $75.95 (with Bubbly) / $65.95 (without Bubbly) / What do Mother’s Day & Brunch have in common? Both happen on Sundays! Come enjoy both at Wilson Creek Winery with the woman you’ve loved the longest! / Make Reservations Here: https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/res-416700/Mothers-Day-Brunch.html

December Winery Events

November 30, 2018

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Tree Lighting Celebration / December 14 / 5:00-9:00pm / Our Annual Barrel Tree Lighting Celebration is just around the corner! Bring the kids and family to meet Santa and enjoy cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, Christmas Carolers, discounts on wine, gifts and so much more! Come experience the magic of Christmas in wine country at Callaway Winery! /R.S.V.P. to (951) 676-4001. Free Admission.

Prix Fixe Friday & Sunday at Meritage / 5pm to 8pm / For $35 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Live Music offered on Friday nights / Reservation is not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889

Brunch Specials every Sunday at Meritage / 11am / Cost is $25 / Includes a mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert. All food from Meritage is farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally outsourced.

Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 1pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1-barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary, but for 10 or more highly recommended / For more information call 951.676.4001

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member / 1pm & 3pm Monday-Sunday / Reserve your place for an indulgent wine and food pairing designed to tantalize the senses. Guests enjoy five specially selected Carter Estate Winery wines paired perfectly with a variety of cured meats, artisan cheeses and accompanied with seasonal accoutrements. Each pairing lasts approximately 90 minutes and is limited to just eight participants to allow for one-on-one interaction / Reservations recommended – Book a pairing on CarterEstateWinery.com

Falkner Winery
Wine Appreciation Class / December 15 / 10am -12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge; $45/person /$40 Connoisseur/ $20 VIP; $70/person with lunch option. RSVP’s required 951-676-8231 x.109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com

Sip N Paint Class “Personalized Ornaments” / December 20 / 6pm-8pm / $35 per person; $30 for members / Includes all materials. Wines available for purchase by glass or bottle. Members do receive applicable discounts / Reservations are required online @Artfusionbdk.myshopify.com

Fazeli Cellars
Salsa Night / December 21 / Doors Open at 6:30 with 45-minute Salsa Lesson / No partner or experience needed! Admission fee is $20 for non-members (plus tax) and $15 (plus tax) for wine club members includes a glass of Sangria / Special Food Menu Items! Wine, Beer, Sangria available for purchase! /Purchase Tickets Here: http://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-390887/Salsa-Night-111618.html

New Year’s Eve Party “An Evening in Casablanca” / December 31 /$120 Non-Members | $100 Members / Includes: Champagne Greeting, 3 Course Dinner & Live Music, DJ, Dancing, Casino and a Champagne Toast at Midnight. Wine & Beer Available for purchase / Purchase Tickets Here: http://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-390943/New-Years-Eve-2018.html

Leoness Cellars
Winemaker Dinner / December 6 / 6:00pm – 10:00pm / $95 Members; $115 Non-Members, plus tax / VIP seating with owners, Mike and Lisa Rennie, in the Winder Room. $150 plus tax, no discounts. Only 16 seats available Enjoy a four course, wine-paired Winemaker’s Dinner hosted by Leoness Cellars winemaker, Tim Kramer and Executive Chef, Daragh Matheson. Sparkling wine reception under the Oak Tree and dinner following in The Restaurant at Leoness / Seating is limited / Reservations and tickets available by calling (951) 302-7601 ext.2

Lorimar Vineyard & Winery
Tree Lighting / December 2 / 5pm – 8pm / Kick off the holiday season off at Lorimar Winery with Santa, Cookies, and more! Free to enjoy but RSVP is requested by visiting us at https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-408801/Tree-Lighting.html

Smoke & Vine: An Evening of Cigars and Wine / December 7 / 7:00p / Tickets: $85.00 ($76.50 Wine Club) Join us for a relaxing evening on the Vineyard Lawn; including four course dinner from Chef Jorge, paired with cigars from Casa Lovo, and Lorimar award-winning wines / For reservations please go to: https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-408695/Smoke-Vine-An-Evening-Of-Cigars-And-Wine.html

Hanukkah / December 9 / 5pm – 8pm / Celebrate Hanukkah at Lorimar Winery with a Menorah Lighting, Latkes, and more! / Free to enjoy but RSVP is requested by visiting us at https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-408802/Hanukkah.html

Sunday Brunch Buffet / Every Sunday 11am –3 pm / $35 Adult / $31.50 WC / $15 (Ages 4-12) / Brunch includes one mimosa or glass of beer for ages 21+ / To Make a Reservation – https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-408083/Sunday-Brunch.html

Mount Palomar Winery
Paint Nite at Mount Palomar Winery / December 2, 9, 15 / 1:00p-3:00p / Tickets $45; Use the coupon code CREATE30 to save $15! / Raise your glass to a NEW kind of night out! Paint Nite® invites you to create art over a glass of wine at a Mount Palomar Winery, guided by a professional artist and party host. Grab your friends and spend two hours drinking, laughing, and flexing your creative muscles. There’s no experience necessary and we’ll provide all the supplies, so you don’t have to worry about a thing (except having a great time!) / For reservations: https://www.paintnite.com/venues/mt-palomar-winery-133232

Peltzer Family Cellars
Peltzer Ice Rink / Open daily now through January 6th / 3pm-9pm / Ice Rink Bar Open Friday through Sunday 4-8:40pm / The farm is freezing over, y’all! For the first time ever Peltzer Farms will be featuring a full on Ice Rink! Ice Rink will be closed if it’s raining, for safety reasons. Ice Rink may be closed on specific dates based on private events. Admission (includes a pair of skates) General Admission $15; Kids 5 and under (with paid general admission) $11; Crush Club (wine club) members get $2 off admission prices. Admission (if you bring your own skates) General Admission $13; Kids 5 and under (with paid general admission) $9.

Ponte Winery
Happy Hour in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Monday-Thursday / 4pm-6pm / Free to attend / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, for happy hour specials on craft beer, flatbreads, Ponte wine on tap and more! Menu items $6 and up / For more information please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Christmas at The Vineyard Rose / December 24th – Tuesday, December 25th / Brunch: 8:00am – 3:30pm | Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:00pm /Celebrate Christmas at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant with Christmas Day brunch and Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dinner / Reservations are required. Make a reservation at SouthCoastWinery.com

Harmonizing Hatha at the Grapeseed Spa / Every Mondays & Wednesdays / 9:00am – 10:00am This unique class enables you to find balance of body and mind. With gentle stretching, focused breathing and meditation, your instructor will take you on a journey through your personal chakras resulting in a mind and body that are more fluid and at ease / 4 people or more | $35 per person, 3 people or less | $65 per person / Spa Members | $16 per person / Reservation Information: Call 877.552.1731 to book your class.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours / Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday/ $45pp; $40pp Wine Club Member or Military / Learn more about our spectacular Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today / Due to the limited sizes of each tour, reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years of age to attend.

Wiens Family Cellars

New Year’s Eve 2018 Celebration / December 31 / 7pm-12:30am / $125 per guest / Join us this New Year’s Eve for our NYE dinner party! Enjoy a seated dinner followed by hours of DJ dancing to send the year 2018 off in style / For reservations please visit http://www.wienscellars.com/res-411819/New-Years-Eve-Celebration-2018.html

Wilson Creek Winery

New Year’s Eve Party / December 31 / 8 pm – 12:30 am/ Price: $150 / Wine Club $135 / Enjoy a 3-course food and wine-paired dinner with live music, a Dance Party with DJ, and a Late-Night Dessert Bar! Party Favors and an All-Night Bar included! Plan your last night of 2018, today! / Purchase tickets: https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/RESERVE.AMS