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Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Temecula Valley Wine Country

Friday, January 20th, 2012


Yes folks, Valentine’s Day is less than one month away! That’s when cupid shoots his tiny little arrow at your sweetheart, who then turns to you with a look that says, “I’m sure you have something romantic planned for us for Valentine’s Day, yes?” Before panic starts to set in, you’ll remember that we’ve put together this handy guide that will help you create an unforgettable Valentine’s experience for the one you love. So breathe easy, make your reservations, then take all of the credit!

South Coast Winery and Resort:

“A Month of Love” overnight stay packages. Chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne, hot-air balloon rides, spa treatments and roses, oh my! There are so many to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect package for two of you, and the best part is, these specials are available all month from February 1- 29th! For a complete list and pricing, visit www.wineresort.com/resort-events/resort-specials.

Valentine’s Day Dinner
Tuesday, February 14
5:30pm- 9pm
Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day dinner celebration in the Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Award-winning Chef Mike Terry will serve up a special romantic gourmet menu as guests enjoy an intimate evening in the dining room or terrace overlooking the surrounding vineyards. Valentines Day menu can be found
online at SouthCoastWinery.com Call the Vineyard Rose Restaurant at (866) 994-6379 ext. 2 for pricing, menu and to make a reservation.

Decadence Massage Package at the GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery
Entire month of February
Package Price: $105 per person
Grab your loved ones and friends and create a world of tranquility and relaxation with the Decadence Massage Package at the GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery. The Decadence Massage Package includes a 50-minute massage in one of our custom single or couples treatment rooms, followed by a complimentary glass of our award winning sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries, served on our veranda overlooking Mount Palomar. The Decadence Massage Package also includes a spa day pass so one can enjoy all the GrapeSeed Spa has to offer, like a heated outdoor saltwater pool, alfresco whirlpools, private steam rooms, saunas and state-of-the-art fitness center.. Call the GrapeSeedSpa at (866) 994-6379 ext. 7280 to make a reservation. Valid February 1st – February 29th. *Black out dates apply.

Bel Vino Winery:

Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing Dinner: Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day dining experience in the Bel Vino Barrel Room. Enjoy an ultimate five-course dinner, each served with a premium Stuart Cellars wine. Our international award-winning chef, Jorge Alvarado, presents a gourmet Mediterranean menu prepared with flavorful Latin influences. Adding to the ambiance,a multi-talented acoustic duo from the Mark Sage Band will fill the room with romantic
melodies. February 14; 6:30-9:30pm. $80.00 per person; $70.00 per person, wine club. Reservations required. Please call 951.676.6414

Wilson Creek Winery:

On Saturday, February 11, enjoy an intimate, candlelit 4 course dinner in the Barrel Room. Live piano music and a bottle of champagne is included. Two seatings: 5:30pm and 8:00pm. Regular  $140.00;  Wine Club $126.00. If you’d like to celebrate on Valentine’s Day, visit Wilson Creek February 14th for a a romantic 4 course dinner and an evening of dancing in the Ballroom. Reservations start at 7:00pm. Price is per couple and includes a bottle of champagne.Regular  $140.00;  Wine Club $126.00. For reservations, please call 951.699.9463.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Be Mine: Valentine’s Dinner at Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Saturday, February 11
6:30pm to 9:30pm in the Barrel Room
$160 per couple/ Wine Club Members $144 – inclusive
Join us for a candle-lit dinner in our rustic, elegant, and romantic Barrel Room. Enjoy a four-course meal created by Meritage at Callaway’s Executive Chef Mike Henry each course paired with a Winemaker’s Reserve or Special Selection Callaway wine. Dance
and dine while listening to live music. Reservations are required. Reserve online at www.callawaywinery.com or call 951.676.4001.

Romance Found at Meritage at Callaway
Saturday, February 11th & Wednesday, February 14th
Seatings available at 5:30pm and 7:30pm
$75.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Enjoy a romantic dinner this Valentine’s at Meritage at Callaway. On Saturday, February 11th and Wednesday, February 14th, Chef Mike Henry will offer guests a special Valentine’s Prix Fixe dinner menu with seating at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. A rose presentation greets every lady that will be joining us each evening. Once seated, an amuse bouche, or small bite, will be brought to the table paired with a glass of Callaway Special Selection 2008 Bella Blanc. A Prix Fixe menu selection then awaits you. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 951-587-8889 or online at www.callawaywinery.com under Meritage at Callaway’s page. Vegetarian selections available

Wine Lover’s Tasting for Two
February 11-14
Offered from 10am to 4pm
$25 per couple
Reservations Suggested
Bring your Valentine to Temecula’s first winery to celebrate your love and enjoy this Wine Lover’s Tasting for Two. Hosted in the tasting room at Callaway Vineyard & Winery the celebration begins as each couple is greeted with a single red rose and samples of our Bella Rose sparkling wine. Next, you choose to taste two additional passionate pink rosesor two romantic red wines from our Wine Lover’s Tasting Menu. The grand finale: our zin-fully delicious ruby Port served with a pair of decadent chocolate dipped strawberries. Two souvenir tasting glasses are included to commemorate this special occasion.

Ponte Family Estate

Valentine’s Day Dinner
Tuesday, February 14
7:00pm-10:00pm
$95 per person, $86 Wine Club
Join as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, Ponte style! The winery will be transformed into a romantic setting for you to woo your loved one. Enjoy a sparkling Moscato greeting, butler passed hors d’oeuvres, a delectable four-course dinner prepared by our executive chef and paired with some of our favorite Ponte Wines. Live entertainment and dancing to top it off! Reservations required. Book online at www.pontewinery.com or by calling 951.694.8855

Falkner Winery

Valentine Wine Dinners
Sunday, February 12 & Tuesday, February 14
7:00pm
$79 per person, $69 per person Wine Club
Join Falkner Winery for a romantic Valentine’s Dinner in their award-winning restaurant in Temecula. Enjoy a wonderful four course dinner with individual wine pairings and entertainment.Reservations are required. Book online at www.falknerwinery.com or call 951.676.8231 ext.

Valentine Lunch Specials at Pinnacle Restaurant
11:30am-3:30pm
Saturday, February 11 through Tuesday, February 14
For $55 plus tax and gratuity for two people, diners can choose either one shared appetizer or salad for two, a choice of individual entrees and a shared dessert of either New York Style Cheesecake or Molten Chocolate Cake. Also included will be a non-alcoholic beverage per person. Selected wines will be offered as an option with the special at $5 per glass. For reservations, book online at www.falknerwinery.com or call 951.676.8231 ext. 1

Oak Mountain Winery

Valentine’s Day Dinner & Swing Dance Lessons
Tuesday, February 14
6:00pm-9:00pm
$70.00 per person, Wine club $65.00 per person
Chef Michael, from the Ritz Carlton, is pulling out all the stops for this romantic steak dinner at Oak Mountain. For reservations, please call 951-699-9102.

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Harvest Celebration Weekend: Pre-Sale Discount Tickets Available Until Sept 30

Monday, September 19th, 2011

21st Annual Harvest Celebration Barrel Tasting Weekend: November 5 & 6, 2011

If you missed the 2nd Annual CRUSH Event on September 10, fall brings another amazing opportunity to taste all 34 member wineries for one low passport price.  The Harvest Celebration Weekend is a much-anticipated annual tradition in Temecula Valley Wine Country.  Taking place from 10am – 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday, this two-day passport event is the perfect wine-tasting day trip or weekend getaway for couples, friends, and groups.  Wine-lovers from Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, Palm Springs, and the Inland Empire make the short drive every year to wine country to enjoy meeting winemakers and to sample wines not yet available to the public.

Simply purchase a passport ticket for a self-guided tour of all the Temecula Valley wineries; each stop includes wine-tasting flights, delicious small plates of food, and a special scarecrow Facebook contest you can participate in!  The winner will receive four tickets to the World of Wine 2012 event.

*Pre-sale tickets are available now until September 30th.   If you purchase your 2-Day Tickets now, you’ll save $10!  $89 per person (regularly $99)  This event sells out early so order your tickets today!  For more information, please visit our Temecula Valley events page.  Please note, “Sunday Only” tickets and “Designated Driver” tickets are also available at reduced prices.

Also, consider booking a shuttle to remove any worries about driving on your tour.  You can easily purchase your shuttle service and Harvest tickets directly with The Grapeline Wine Country ShuttleClick here to reserve and purchase now!

Thinking about spending the night?  Enjoy the Harvest Celebration Weekend with an overnight stay at Embassy Suites, Temecula.  Package includes tickets for two to the Harvest Celebration. *Limited number of reservations available, so book today!

 

21st Annual Harvest Celebration Barrel Tasting Weekend, Nov 5 & 6 Price
September Pre-Sale
SAVE $10 on 2-Day Tickets purchased through Friday, September 30, 2011 (regularly $99)
$89.00
Sunday Only
Sunday Only, non-resident
$79.00
Sunday Only ~ Local
Sunday Only ~ Local Temecula/Murrieta residents only.
$69.00
Designated Driver
Designated Driver; Food Only

 

No Saturday Only tickets available.  All ticket reservations are Will-Call. Tickets are non-refundable. Special Offers and Discounts may not be combined.

 

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September Winery Events, Concerts, and the “CRUSH” Wine & Culinary Showcase

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

September brings amazing events to the wineries, including our biggest event of the year – CRUSH!  Celebrate California Wine Month in Temecula Valley and experience Southern California’s wine country at it’s best.

CRUSH: Temecula Valley’s 2nd Annual Wine & Culinary Showcase

Saturday, Sept 10 |  6:30 – 9:30pm  |  Monte de Oro Winery:  All 34 Temecula Valley wineries and more than a dozen wine country restaurants will be pouring at this fabulous once-a-year tasting event.  Click here to buy tickets now!

More September Events:

Van Roekel Vineyards & Winery

Labor Day Weekend Watermelon Feed & Skate Reunion, Saturday, Sept 4 from noon-4pm – call 909-699-6961 for more information

Wiens Family Cellars

Friday Night Wine Lounge, 5:30pm

September 9 – Old School
September 16 -JD Priest

80’s Flashback Festival - Friday, September 23
Doors Open 5:30pm- Concert Begins at 8:00pm   Buy tickets

Wilson Creek Winery

Jeff Golub Concert (Golub is a contemporary jazz guitarist with 6 solo albums and 3 CD’s as the leader of the instrumental band “Avenue Blue”)

September 17- 7:00 pm

$55 General Admission • $49 Wine Club General Admission

$75 Preferred • $68 Wine Club Preferred

$120 Dinner • $108 Wine Club Dinner

Call for Reservations: 951.699.9463

Purchase on-line: www.wilsoncreekwinery.com


Winemakers Dinner

September 22nd at 6:30pm

Join Winemaker Etienne Cowper and Executive Chef Steve Stawinski for an inspired, exquisitely paired 3 course dining experience.

$50.00 per person; $45.00 per person Wine Club

Limited Seating

Call for Reservations: 951.699.9463

Purchase on-line: www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

 

September 25: We are releasing our special 2009 Malbec Reserve (95 cases) and our 2009 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (200 cases).

We’re also happy to announce the ompletion of our new production facility / moto-barrel room. Read more here.

Thornton Winery

Champagne Jazz Concert Series

GEORGE BENSON
with special guest Brian Simpson
Saturday, September 3rd – 7pm
General Admission Ticket $ 95.00
Gourmet Supper Package $ 170.00

SUMMER JAM
Featuring Norman Brown & Richard Elliot
Saturday, September 10th – 7pm
General Admission Ticket $ 75.00
Gourmet Supper Package $ 150.00

CHRIS BOTTI
Sunday, September 18th – 4pm
General Admission Ticket $ 95.00
Gourmet Supper Package $ 160.00

JAZZ ATTACK
Featuring Peter White, Rick Braun & Gerald Albright
Sunday, September 25th – 4pm
General Admission Ticket $ 75.00
Gourmet Supper Package $ 140.00

Monte de Oro

Classic Rock n Wine Concert – Friday, September 2
Doors Open 6:00pm, Concert Begins 6:00pm-10:00pm
Complimentary Glass of Wine- Your Choice
$25.00 General/$20.00 Wine Club/ $30.00 at the door
Concession Food will be available
Happy Hour on the Hill
Every Friday in September
4:00p-8:00p

1st Annual MDO Grape Stomp
Sunday, September 18
11:00a-3:00p
$35 Adults; $12.50 Kids. Buy tickets here

Breakfast with the Balloons
Saturday & Sunday, September 24 & 25
7:00a-9:00a
$29.99 Adults; $12.99 Kids 13 & Under. Buy tickets here

Baily Winery

October 22: 25th Anniversary Party
Dinner and wine included
$100 per person
Call for reservations – (951) 676-9463
Limited seating available- Call Today!
Live music every Saturday and Sunday in September from 2p-5p
Check their website at www.cougarvineyards.com for performers schedules.

1st Semi-Annual Salsa and Guacamole Competition
Compete for the best in the west.  Spicy, hot, savory, everything tasty judged by professionals.  Feast on carne asada taco buffet, plus your choice of sangria, wine or a Black Market Brewery special select beer.
$30 per person; $25 per person (wine club members). Buy tickets here

The Complete Works of William Shakespere
September 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24
All performances are outside on hilltop lawn area
Doors open at 6:30pm- Performances begin at Sunset
Tickets – $20; $15 for Seniors, Military, Students
Wine Down Fridays
September 9 and 23: 7:00p-9:30p
Includes dinner and a glass of wine and cover charge for live entertainment.
$15 Members; $25 non-Members. Buy tickets here

MoKeyto SaturdaysEnjoy complimentary music as you sip a glass of our Mojito. Mojito available by the glass. Wine available by glass or bottle.

Live entertainment: 1:30p-5:30p
September 3: Naomi Balcombe
September 10:  Jodi Siegel
September 17: Steph Johnson
September 24: Kelly Fitzgerald
Sangria Serenade- Enjoy complimentary music as you sip a glass of Keyways’ Sangria  or your favorite Keyways wine. Sangria available by the glass. Wine available by glass or bottle.
Live entertainment: 1:30p-5:30p
September 4– Tim Cash
September 11- Tony Suraci
September 18- Yvonne Perea
September 25- JD Priest

3rd Sunday Concert Series –Hosted by the Vineyard Troubadour
Sunday, September 18
Live music from 3p-6p, with concert at 5:00p

Longshadow Ranch Winery

Sundresses & Cowboy Boots
Friday, September 16
6:00p – 10p
Live country music, grape stomping, carriage rides and mechanical bull riding.
Visit www.heyday.com for more information

Strangelove- the ultimate Depeche Mode Tribute Band
Friday, September 30
6p-10p
Visit www.heyday.com for more information

Bonfire Saturday Nights
Every Saturday 6p-10p through 10/29
Open to the public, families welcome.  Horse drawn carriage rides, mechanical bull riding, face painting for the kids.  No admission charge.  Call 877-80-RANCH for more information.

Masia de Yabar Winery

First Annual International Tempranillo Day
Thursday, September 1
10a-5p
Taste the 2008 Tempranillo and receive a 10% discount on purchase of a bottle!  This special event is part of a promotion with TAPAS (Tempranillo Advocates Producers and Amigos Society)
Call (951) 303-3860 for more information

Oak Mountain Winery

BBQ Smoker Cooking Class with Firehouse BBQ
Friday, September 9
6:00p-9:00p
For more info please call 951-699-9102

Live Music every Saturday in the Pavilion
1:00pm – 5:00pm – Ongoing
Jimmy Blaze – Classic Rock

Live Music every Sunday in the Pavilion
1:00pm – 5:00pm – Ongoing Temecula Events
Smooth Sax by Norm

Behind the Scenes Wine Tour
Monday through Friday at 11:00a & 1:00p and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00a, 1:00p & 3:00p
Get up close and personal with the real workings of a winery during a harvest crush with the Behind the Scenes Wine Tour. The tour culminates with a private, plated wine & cheese pairing.
$25 non members; $20 members
Reservations strongly suggested.  Call (951) 587-9463

4th Annual Paradise Goddess Day
Friday, September 9
$150 per person
For more information, please visit www.GrapeSeedSpa.com

Bridal Open House & Mock Wedding Reception
Sunday, September 11
11:00a-4:00p
Free Admission for open house; $25 per person for reception.
Tour the beautiful resort in full wedding décor.  Attend a mock wedding reception at 4:30p
Reservations required: Call (951) 587-9463 ext. 7215 or visit The Bridal Open House

Harvest Celebration: Blessing of the Wines & Grape Stomp
Sunday, September 25
3:00p
$50 Club / $55 Non-Club; $15 Children
Fun-for-the-entire family “blessing” you won’t want to miss, complete with Chef’s fine BBQ, face painting, tractor rides through the vineyards, live musical entertainment and grape stomping contests.
Reservations Required: Call (951) 587-9463 ext. 7210 or visit www.wineresort.com

Summer Sunsets at Callaway
Fridays in September – 6pm-9pm
Wine specials, appetizers and live music.   No reservations necessary.
September 2: Tim Moyer – Jazz
September 9:  Kenny Marquez – Rock
September 16: Timy Moyer – Jazz
September 23: JD Priest & Matt Workman – Country, blues, rock
September 30: Kenny Marquez – Rock
Sunday Sunset Tapas Buffet – Meritage at Callaway
Sundays in September – 5pm-9pm
Live music (beginning at 6pm) and buffet is served until 7:30pm Drink specials; Tapas buffet price is $20 per person.

Crush Party

It’s time to celebrate harvest and the end of summer at Callaway.  Get a taste of what actually goes into getting the grape from the vineyard to the table and reap the rewards of all of our hard work!
September 24 – 5:00p-9:00p
$90 per person (inclusive) $81 per person (inclusive), Legacy Club Members. Buy tickets here  
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Winery Spotlight: Get to Know… Europa Village

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Europa Village is one of Temecula Valley’s newest wineries, having had their grand opening just this past April.  If you’re planning a trip to Temecula Valley, make sure to add Europa Village onto your wine country itinerary!

The Story

The story of Europa Village is a simple one of two passionate entrepreneurs and a guild of friends coming together with the vision of creating a one-of-a-kind comprehensive Wine Country endeavor that redefines the experience of visiting and living in the thriving Temecula Valley, Southern California’s Wine Country.

Europa Village guests are transported back into history, where service was gracious and unlimited. Picture yourself slowly unwinding at Europa Village, as the melodic music of life fills the air while you sip on handcrafted wines. Like a garden of Eden, choose your pleasure, whether it be soaking in the ambiance of C’est La Vie Wine Chateau, enjoying the Spanish zest for life with a Tempranillo from Bolero Cellars, or feeling the romance of a fine Italian wine from Vienza.

The Wine

Europa Village prides itself on having a French, a Spanish, and an Italian line of wines.  C’est la Vie, Bolero, and Vienza have uniquely different styles and offer an array of varietals.  Favorites include C’est la Vie’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Bolero’s Tempernillo, and Vienza’s Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio.  Click on the above link to learn more!

Tastings

Europa Village is open daily from 10am to 5pm; tasting fee is $15 per person.

33475 La Serena Way, Temecula, CA 92591; (888) 383-8767; europavillage.com

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Winemaker’s Roundtable: Five Facts About… Sauvignon Blanc!

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

For this month’s roundtable, Temecula Valley is talking about Sauvignon Blanc.  We all know how popular this crisp white wine is, but here are five interesting anecdotes about this universal grape that you may not know  – toss ‘em around at your next wine party!

  1. Sauvignon Blanc is a green-skinned grape variety which originates from the Bordeaux region of France. The grape gets its name from the French word sauvage (“wild”) and blanc (“white”) due to its possible early origins as an indigenous grape growing all over southwestern France.
  2. Sauvignon Blanc is widely cultivated in France, Chile, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, and California.  The first cuttings of Sauvignon Blanc were brought to California in the 1880s by Charles Wetmore, founder of Cresta Blanca Winery and were brought into mainstream popularity by Robert Mondavi in 1968.
  3. California Sauvignon Blancs tend to fall into two styles: The New Zealand influenced-Sauv Blanc have more tropical fruit undertones with citrus and passion fruit notes while the Mondavi-influenced Fumé Blanc are more round with melon notes.
  4. Along with Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc was one of the first fine wines to be bottled with a screwcap in commercial quantities and is usually consumed young.
  5. Sav Blanc always pairs well with cheese, chicken, and is one of the few wines that is a great match for sushi.

Pick up a great bottle of Temecula Valley Sauvignon Blanc from the following wineries:

 

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Watch our “CRUSH” teaser video now!

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Have you bought your tickets yet for our once-a-year CRUSH grand tasting event?  It’s only a month away and tickets are going fast!

Celebrate California Wine Month this September with the annual Temecula Valley Wine & Culinary Showcase on Saturday, September 10 from 6:30-9:30pm.  For only $65, guests will enjoy tastings from all 34 member wineries and more than a dozen wine country restaurants.  Taking place on the beautiful Monte de Oro winery patio overlooking the entire valley, this exciting evening will also include a sparkling wine reception, live entertainment, and personal mingling with your favorite Temecula Valley winery owners, winemakers, and chefs. 

Click here to purchase your tickets today!

 


 

 

 

 

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Temecula Wine Country – Summer Wine Pairing Guide

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Ah, the sizzle of summer is upon us. Whether you’re spending your hot summer days and long summer nights relaxing at the beach, chowing down at a backyard barbecue, or picnicking in the park under a shady oak tree, these cool and crisp whites, rosés and sparkling wines will please every palate. All of these wines can be purchased online or in the tasting rooms, so choose your favorites this week! Here’s our guide to beating the heat in the most delicious way:

 

Whites

  • Miramonte Winery 2006 Chardonnay – Well-integrated flavors with notes of honey, vanilla, and toasty oak – a great pairing with your gourmet cheese and summer fruit plate, $19.96
  • Monte de Oro 2009 Pinot Gris - 100% Estate Grown and everything you would expect from a summer white: light and crisp with a refreshing finish, $16

Rosés

  • Oak Mountain Winery 2010 White Merlot - A bright pink color, sweet cherry and raspberry aromas characterize this wine.  Serve chilled as an aperitif, or as an excellent accompaniment to picnic and barbecue fare, seafood, poultry and ham, $19
  • Falkner Winery 2010 Rosato - A lovely blend of Cabernet and Italian grapes, this delicate and delicious wine is great for sipping chilled or pairing with cheeses, salads, and fruit dishes, $14.95

Sparklers

 

 

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Cougar Vineyard & Winery: Summer Recipe

Monday, July 18th, 2011

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Provided by Cougar Vineyard & Winery owners Rick & Jennifer Buffington

*Pair with Cougar Vineyard & Winery Estate Sangiovese

Ingredients

Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-5

1/2 pound rotini or fusilli (corkscrew-shaped pastas)
1 garlic clove
1/2 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 tablespoon water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 ounce (1/4 cup) sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil), soaked in hot water for 5 minutes and drained well
1/4 pound smoked mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
8 ounces canned garbanzos, drained and rinsed
1 1/4 ounces sliced hard salami, cut into julienne strips
5 to 10 bottled small pepperoncini (pickled Tuscan peppers)
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves, minced

Method

In a kettle of boiling salted water cook the rotini until it is tender and drain. Refresh the pasta under cold water and drain well.

In a blender blend the garlic, the mustard, the vinegars, the water, the oil, and salt, to taste, until the dressing is emulsified.

In a very large bowl toss the pasta well with the dressing and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, the mozzarella, the garbanzos, the salami, the Tuscan peppers, the red pepper flakes, and the parsley.

Chill the salad, covered, for 1 hour. The salad may be made 2 days in advance and kept covered and chilled.

Enjoy!

Cougar Vineyards is located at 39870 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592

Open daily 11-6pm

951-491-0825

cougarvineyards.com

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Winemakers Roundtable: 5 Facts About… Rhone Whites!

Friday, July 15th, 2011

For this month’s roundtable, Temecula Valley is talking about Rhone white varietals.  Unfamiliar territory, you say?  Well, that’s what this blog post is for!  Here’s five fun facts about these refreshing grapes that you can toss around at your next wine party:

  1. The four main grapes in Rhone whites are Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc
  2. A white Rhone blend consists of two or more white grapes from its namesake appellation – the famous Rhone wine region in France, which is situated in the Rhone river valley.
  3. The Northern Rhone region is characterized by harsh winters and warm summers while Southern Rhone has a more Mediterranean climate with milder winters and hot summers.
  4. Top four regions for growing Rhone whites are California, Australia, South Africa, and Rhone (of course.)
  5. Common descriptors include honeysuckle, green apple, peach, nut, and spice

For examples of Temecula Valley Rhone whites, try:

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July Winery Events & Concerts

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

JULY EVENTS

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Taste of Summer Winemaking Seminar- Saturday, July 23
10am-12:30pm
$88.50 Per Seminar
Legacy Club Member Price – $79.65 Per Seminar
Prices are per person, plus tax

Falkner Winery

11th Anniversary Weekend- July 2-July 4
Join owners Ray & Loretta Falkner for a fun-filled weekend full of live jazz music, raffles, huge wine sales and lunch specials in their restaurant!

Frangipani Estate Winery

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare
Performances July 22, 23, 29, 30 & August 5, 6
7:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm)
Reservations Required

Keyways Winery

Wine Down Fridays, every 2nd & 4th Friday
Live Music, Dinner and Wine
Reservations Required

Robert Renzoni Vineyards
Grand Opening of their Picnic Grounds- Saturday, July 2
Featuring Kenny Marquez live from 2pm – 5pm
Picnic grounds to be open from 12 pm – 6pm!!

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Wild Women of Wine Country Burger & Winery Pairing Bun-Anza Cooking Class- Saturday, July 16
11:00am
After the huge success of January’s Wild Women of Wine Country Cooking Class, the talented chefs of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa are rested up and ready to go again for the season’s wildest cooking show yet.  Explore unique approaches to the season’s favorite gastronomic classic – the burger — using a little BBQ Sizzle, while our wine experts add the Drizzle — all guaranteed to delight, educate and entertain.  Learn hot little tips, tricks and specialty culinary secrets.  Best of all proceeds go out to the community’s non-profit organizations.

Stuart Cellars Winery

Shakespeare in the Vines- July 8 through July 22
6:00pm
Admission is free. Optional Dinner Package ~ $20 includes dinner courtesy of Gourmet Italia and two glasses of wine.
Futures Barrel Tasting- Saturday, July 30
6:30pm – 10pm
Wine Club Members $60, Non-Members $70
Reservations are required, please call (951) 676-6414 or see a Stuart Cellars Representative.

Wiens Family Cellars

Blending Seminar- Sunday, July 24
6:30pm
After a short seminar from the winemaker on blending principles, teams of four people at a table will experiment mixing different varieties to create their own ideal blend.

 

JULY CONCERTS

Monte de Oro Winery

4th of July Coastal Communities Concert Band- Monte De Oro Pops- Saturday, July 2
Doors Open: 6:00 p.m. Concert: 7:00 p.m.
VIP Seats-$80.00 /$75.00 Wine Club
Preferred Parking, Reserved Table Seating, Plated 3 Course Meal,
Souvenir Glass, (2) Complimentary glasses of Wine- Your Choice
Meet n Greet with Orchestra and Choir
General Admission-$40.00/ $35.00 Wine Club
Souvenir Glass, Complimentary Glass of Wine- Your Choice

CG Ryche Concert- Saturday, July 30
Doors Open 5:30 p.m., Concert Begins 8:00 p.m.
VIP Seats-$80.00/ $75.00 Wine Club
Preferred Parking, Reserved Table Seating, Plated 3 Course Meal
Souvenir Glass, Complimentary Glass of Wine- Your Choice
Special Meet n Greet / Admission to Drum Circle
General Admission-$40.00/ $35.00 Wine Club
Souvenir Glass, Complimentary Glass of Wine- Your Choice/ Admission to Drum Circle

Robert Renzoni Vineyards

Live music July 2, 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
2:00pm-5:00pm

Stuart Cellars Winery

“Sip into Sunset” Entertainment Series- Friday’s throughout the summer
6:00 p.m.
Admission is free. Optional Dinner Package ~ $20 includes dinner courtesy of Gourmet Italia and two glasses of wine.

June 17 – The Storytellers

June 24 – Norm Douglas

July 1 – Mike McGuill

July 29 – Rhandi & Associates

Thornton Winery

Champagne Jazz Concert Series- through October

DAVE KOZ – HELLO TOMORROW TOUR
Saturday, July 9th – 7pm
General Admission Ticket $ 85.00
Gourmet Supper Package $ 160.00

DAVE KOZ – HELLO TOMORROW TOUR
Sunday, July 10th – 5pm
General Admission Ticket $ 75.00
Gourmet Supper Package $ 140.00

JEFFREY OSBORNE
with Special Guest
Sunday, July 17th – 5pm
General Admission Ticket $ 65.00
Gourmet Supper Package $ 130.00

LEE RITENOUR & JESSY J.
Sunday, July 24th – 5pm
General Admission Ticket $ 55.00
Gourmet Supper Package $ 120.00

HERB ALPERT & LANI HALL
with special guest David Benoit
Saturday, July 30th – 7pm
General Admission Tickets $ 75.00
Gourmet Supper Package $ 150.00

Wiens Family Cellars

Friday Night Wine Lounge
5:30pm
July 8- Stone Senses
July 22- JD Priest

Wilson Creek Winery
Sunset Jazz in the Vines Concert Series- Warren Hill- Saturday, July 23
Doors Open 6:00pm Concert Begins 7:30pm

Live Jazz on the Weekends!
June 11- Jason Weber
June 26- JD Priest
July 2- Jason Weber
July 3- JD Priest
July 9-Jason Weber
July 23- Jason Weber
July 24-JD Priest
July 30-Jason Weber
July 31-JD Priest

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