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.
Planning a brunch for Mother’s Day? This recipe would be a hit with Mom! Slice this frittata into thin wedges for a passed hors d’oeuvre or serve more generous portions with a tuft of salad as a first course. To dress it up, top wedges with a dollop of crème fraîche and California sturgeon caviar. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Chardonnay or Sparkling Wine.
Serves 6
Ingredients ½ pound (250 g) fingerling potatoes 1-1/2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil Kosher or sea salt 6 large eggs Freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives ¼ pound fresh Dungeness crabmeat
Directions Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Put the potatoes in a baking dish just large enough to hold them. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil, season with salt, and turn to coat with the oil and salt. Bake until tender when pierced, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool, then slice into ½-inch (12 mm) pieces. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with ½ teaspoon salt, several grinds of pepper, and the dill and chives. Stir in the crabmeat and potatoes, reserving a few larger pieces of crab for placing on the surface of the frittata later.
Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the remaining 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil. When it is hot, add the egg mixture and use a rubber spatula to distribute the crab and potato evenly. Cook without stirring for about 2 minutes, until the eggs begin to set, then place the reserved chunks of crabmeat on top. Continue cooking without stirring until the frittata is about two-thirds set, with some patches of liquid egg on the surface. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the surface is firm to the touch, about 6 minutes longer.
Remove from the oven and slide the frittata onto a cutting board. Let rest at least 15 minutes. Garnish with chopped dill, then slice into wedges and serve. The frittata is best warm, not hot.
Carter Estate Winery & Resort ~ 2014 Blanc De Blanc Sparkling – The 2014 Blanc de Blanc is brimming with fresh apple and delicate floral aromas; a hint of oak shows in the background with a nuance of vanilla, toasty cookie and a rich yeasty character.
Oak Mountain Winery ~ 2018 Chardonnay – This chardonnay is lightly oaked with French oak imparting rich flavors of vanilla, butterscotch, creme brulee and caramel.
Thornton Winery ~ NV Brut Sparkling Wine – The Thornton NV Brut has a lot of finesse— apple, pear and tropical aromas meld with toasty yeast flavors, while the finish is long and creamy.
This Mother’s Day, treat mom to a perfect day in Temecula Valley wine country. Choose from Sunday champagne brunches, complimentary wine tastings, special dessert pairings and even wine country spa and overnight packages.
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
Cougar Vineyard & Winery 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
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.
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
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
Mount Palomar Winery 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
Peltzer Winery 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.
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
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
Wilson Creek Winery 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
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.
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: http://www.avensolewinery.com/res-369934
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.
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 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
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
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
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.
The wine world these days is full of choices. There are literally thousands of wine grape varieties in the world today, and so many different styles of wine to explore. It’s a wine explorer’s paradise out there! But with so many options often comes agonizing indecision. What to try?
Few wine regions represent an abundance of choice more than Temecula Valley, home to dozens of different grape varieties produced in a dizzying array of styles. Want light and crisp? Try a Temecula Valley Sauvignon Blanc. In the mood for something juicy and rich? Temecula Valley Tempranillo may very well fit the bill. What about bubbly? Temecula Valley’s got that too. Choices, choices.
In an effort to help you narrow down what to try while exploring the region, just named one of the Top 10 Wine Getaways in the World by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, we’ve identified four shining stars that are worth discovering in Southern California Wine Country.
1. Arneis
This white grape variety hails from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. In the region’s local dialect, the name translates to “little rascal,” presumably a moniker earned from the grape’s relative fussiness when it comes to cultivation. In Italy, the grape is naturally low in acidity, producing dry, full-bodied wines when handled well.
In Temecula Valley, Arneis seems to offer more acidity than one might expect, and is capable of producing bright, fresh wines with notes of juicy pear, citrus, white flower blossoms and hazelnut.
Try Temecula Valley Arneis if you like: Pinot Grigio
Vermentino is an aromatic white grape variety most associated with North Western Italy, Sardinia, Corsica and Southern France. Although Vermentino is considered a light, fresh wine, it can often boast some depth and unique characteristics such as a hint of bitter almond and a slight briny note that brings to mind picnic lunches by the seaside.
In Temecula Valley, Vermentino finds a richness that makes it equally at home by itself or paired with food. It is fleshy and fruity, with aromas of ripe, juicy apple, white peach, pink grapefruit and lime zest.
Try Temecula Valley Vermentino if you like: Sauvignon Blanc
Sangiovese is Italy’s most planted wine grapevine, and particularly common in central Italy where it is the principal grape in Chianti. It has many different clones and is capable of producing easy-drinking, fruity table wines or more complex, premium wines intended for aging, like Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, depending on where it is grown and how it is produced.
In Temecula Valley, Sangiovese rarely takes on a simple quality. Instead, the wines are rich and full-bodied, displaying ripe fruit and plenty of textures and aromas from oak treatment. The Sangiovese grape is truly at home in Temecula Valley, with many visitors even comparing the terrain to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Try Temecula Valley Sangiovese if you like: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Nebbiolo
This robust, rather prolific grape is probably most associated with the Rhone Valley and Australia (where it is know as Shiraz), but it grows all over the world. Wine icon Jancis Robinson, declares Syrah, “One of the noblest and most fashionable red wine grapes, if nobility is bestowed by an ability to produce serious red wines capable of aging majestically for decades and if fashionability is measured by the extent to which new cuttings have been going into the ground all over the world.”
Syrah finds truly exceptional expression in the warm, Mediterranean climate of Temecula Valley and the best are certainly capable of aging right alongside their prestigious cousins in France. Southern California Syrahs are robust and expressive, with gorgeous texture and structure, firm tannins, spice and the signature black pepper note we all know and love in Syrah.
Try Temecula Valley Syrah if you like: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon or Tempranillo
Spring has officially arrived and we’ve got bud break in the vineyards! We invite you to come out to wine country and enjoy Easter Brunch, take in a concert or food & wine pairing, or simply wind down with a glass of wine and live music.
Avensole Winery Sommelier for a Day! / April 17 / 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm / Price per person: $42; $33 Wine Club / Sip, Swirl and Savor your wine like a Pro! Let our fabulous Sommelier Jesse Alvarez guide you through the 5 S’s, along with other Sommelier secrets and expert tips! / Tickets must be purchased in advance through our website: http://www.avensolewinery.com/res-391738/Wine-Wednesdays-Sommelier-For-A-Day.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.
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: http://www.avensolewinery.com/res-369934
Baily Winery Doggie Easter Egg Hunt at Carol’s Restaurant / April 21 / 1:00pm / Regular Menu plus Easter Specials. All dogs must be on leashes. Plastic eggs are filled with turkey hotdogs. Owner’s responsible to make sure dogs don’t eat plastic eggs / This is a popular event…Reservations Highly Recommended! Please call in advance at 951-676-9243.
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 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 sourced.
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
Cougar Vineyard & Winery Cougar Craft Night / April 24 / 4:00pm-6:00pm / Wine club $35pp, Non-wine club $40pp / We’re making a Derby Hat, Fascinator or Tie. Why? We’ll be having a Kentucky Derby Party May 4th with best dressed prizes!! All materials needed to create your item will be provided plus expert help from our Event Team! Craft, sip and nibble the afternoon away! Reserve your spot by calling the winery 951.491.0825 or visiting the tasting room.
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
Europa Village Easter Lunch / April 21 / 12pm-3pm / Adult Tickets: $54.99 / Société $49.49, Children Tickets, $19 / Société $17.10 / Join us Easter Sunday for a delicious lunch by Chef Dean, Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny, Face Painting, a kids Jolly Jumper and live music by Jimmy Patton! / Please visit us at www.europavillage.com for reservations.
Festa! Featuring Mrs. Jones Revenge / April 19 / 5:30pm -8:30pm / Free Admission; Food Tickets: $19 / Enjoy wine, food and live music by Mrs. Jones Revenge, benefiting Fine Arts Network! Please visit us at www.europavillage.com for additional information.
Falkner Winery Wine Appreciation Class / April 20 / 10:00-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45/person /$40 Connoisseur/ $20 VIP; $80/person with lunch option / RSVP required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com
Easter Champagne Brunch in the Pinnacle Restaurant / April 21 / 10:00am-3:00pm / For a full menu please visit our website at www.falknerwinery.com. Entertainment provided by Harmony Road Duo / Price: $59.95+/person (Wine Club $54.95+/person) Children (3-10) $26.00+/child (Wine Club $21.00+/child) / Reservations required 951-676-8231 option 4
Fazeli Cellars Salsa Night! / April 20 / 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
Leoness Cellars Afternoon Tea At Leoness / Begins April 1st Monday through Thursday / 2pm-5pm / $55pp for Tea; $75pp for Tea & Sparkling Wine; $5pp additional for Terrace seating (upon availability) / Chef Daragh has selected only the finest loose leaf, hand picked first flush teas from around the world. Matching that with his experience, his staff has crafted all of the freshly baked pastries and scones in-house and chosen only the finest condiments from Europe and clotted creams from Devon in Cornwall. With unparalleled views of the Temecula wine country and traditional silver service, Leoness will immerse you in a true Afternoon Tea Experience paralleled to that of the finest teas served in London hotels / By reservations only 951.302.7601 ext. 1. Please allow 24 hour notice upon booking.
Lorimar Vineyard & Winery Winemaker’s Dinner / April 19 / 6pm – 9pm / $85 per person/$76.50 Wine Club / Enjoy 5 courses paired with Award-Winning Lorimar wines, and an opportunity to engage with Winemaker, Marshall Stuart, and knowledgeable Sommelier’s from the Lorimar team in our Lorimar Winery Barrel Room! / To purchase tickets please visit https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res409376/Winemakers-Dinner.html / Space is limited so get your tickets early! (event is 21+, tax is not included)
Easter Brunch / April 21 / Two seating’s: 11:00am and 1:30pm / Join us for a special Easter Brunch Buffet on the Sunset Patio. Live Music, Wine, Amazing Food, Easter Egg Hunt & more! / $45 pp / $40.50 Wine Club / $22.50 (ages 4-12) / Adult Ticket (21+) includes one mimosa or beer! To purchase your tickets please visit https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-409410/Easter-Brunch.html / * Limit of 2 hr. dining time, cancellations must be made at least 48 hrs. in advance
Laugh Your Glass Off / April 25 / Show starts at 7 pm / $20 pp / $18 Wine Club Members / Doors & Pairings Food Truck opens at 6 pm. Join us for a night of good wine, good comedy and good times! Featuring 3 Talented Comedians! / For tickets please visit https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-409411/Laugh-Your-Glass-Off.html MATURE AUDIENCE ONLY (21+)
Mount Palomar Winery Rocky’s Comedy Live at Mount Palomar Winery / April 6 / 6:00pm (early show) 8:00pm (late show) / Tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door / Catch your favorite “A-List” and celebrity comics live, on-stage, inside Annata Bistro/Bar. Presenting John Caponera with Special Guest Scott Wood. Last dinner reservations for the bistro will be at 4 PM, snacks and drinks will be available during the show / Please purchase your ticket through https://rockyscomedylive.com/
Rocky’s Comedy Live at Mount Palomar Winery / April 20 / 6:00pm (early show) 8:00pm (late show) / Tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door / Catch your favorite “A-List” and celebrity comics live, on-stage, inside Annata Bistro/Bar. Presenting Karen Rontwoski with Special Johnny Herrera / Last dinner reservations for the bistro will be at 4 PM, snacks and drinks will be available during the show / Please purchase your ticket through https://rockyscomedylive.com/
Wine Country Wiener Fest / April 14 / 11:00am – 4:00pm / The Temecula Valley Dachshund Club proudly presents the 10th Annual Wine Country Wiener Fest at Mount Palomar Winery in Temecula! Featuring family-friendly games, local vendors and services, food, beverages, wine tasting, and races and contests for dachshunds of all sizes, this is the doggy event of the year in Temecula! / For tickets please visit http://www.wienerfest.info/
Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery Down 2 Earth BBQ / April 28 / 3pm / $25 per person / Sip some great wine, bite into tasty BBQ and hear about our involvement in the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program from our winemaker/viticulturist Nicholas Palumbo where he will delve deeper into the word “Sustainable” and what it means to our lives as well as our business. Also learn how you can support local 4H and FFA kids and fill your freezer with locally and ethically raised, healthy, safe meats / Contact Cindy@palumbowines.com for tickets.Very Limited Seating.
Peltzer Family Cellars Spring Social / April 6 -11am-10pm / April 7 11am-7pm / Roundup the family and join us for Peltzer’s 2nd Annual Spring Social! On April 6th and 7th, break out your boots and kick some dust up at the Farm for a shindig y’all won’t want to miss. This Two-day event features fun for the whole family: pics with the Easter Bunny, egg hunts (for kids and adults), local food trucks, a local maker’s market, craft beer from Refuge Brewery, live music, train rides, face painting, and mini John Deere carts for the kiddos. We will be raising funds for our local charity partner, Kamali’i Foster Family Agency by selling $5 bar access wristbands for those looking to enjoy a nice beverage at the event / Bar access wristbands are $5 and can be pre-purchased on our Facebook event page or through www.peltzerwinery.com
Supercross Watch Party with Road 2 Recovery / April 13 / 5:30pm-9pm / Tickets for entry are $5 / Come watch the Denver Supercross with us on the big screen. We’re teaming up with the Road 2 Recovery Foundation to fundraise for local small business owner and motorcycle enthusiast, John Fonteyn, and his R2R campaign. The evening will include a DJ, raffles to be held during commercial breaks, two local food trucks, Peltzer wine, beer, motorcycles on display, raising money for a deserving individual, and supporting an awesome foundation / Tickets can be purchased online at www.peltzerwinery.com. All entry ticket and raffle ticket proceeds to straight to charity.
Oak Mountain Winery Farm to Table Dinner / April 12 / 6pm-10pm / $115 Members; $125 Non-members. VIP Upgrade available / Menu will include ingredients from local artisans including the Salt Sisters, Oak Mountain Winery Avocado Oils, Regional honey & locally sourced cheeses. Each course will be introduced by our in-house Chef with a complimentary wine pairing presented by our Winemaker, Steven Andrews / Tickets available by calling 951.699.9102 or visit us online at www.oakmountainwinery.com/events
Ponte Winery Ponte Earth Week Sustainability Tours / April 22nd – Friday, April 26th / All tours starting at 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. / Price: $5 per person / At Ponte, we don’t only talk the talk; we walk the walk! Starting on April 22nd (Earth Day!) and continuing through April 26th, take a tour through our working winery to see our sustainable practices in action. Join us for a splash of wine before boarding our 10-passenger tour bus and learn about the rigorous standards we uphold to maintain California Certified Winegrowing Certification for our 8th year in a row. To request a tour, please email tastingroom@pontewinery.com. Space is limited; request your tour today!
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 Blessing of the Vines / April 7 / 5:00pm to 8:00pm / $85 for General Admission; $75 for Wine Club Members / Join us in the Courtyard at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa as we bless and celebrate a fruitful growing season! Rev. Msgr. Thomas Burdick will lead blessings over the vines with a sparkling wine toast. Next, guests can partake in four (4) food and wine pairing stations, dinner + dessert buffets, dancing, and cash full bar. Musical entertainment will be provided by the band, Big Truth. All guests receive a bottle of Gold Medal red or white wine per pair of tickets, with additional bottles available for purchase at the event / For more information and to purchase: https://www.southcoastwinery.com/winery/blessing
Easter Brunch Buffet at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant / April 21 / 8:00am– 3:00pm / Buffet: Adults $65.00 | Children $25.00 (13 & under) / Our egg hunt will take place in our courtyard at 10:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm. Special Appearance by the Easter Bunny / Reservation Information: Make your reservations today! | 866.643.8058
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 Easter Brunch / April 21 / 1030am-5:00pm / $64.95; $19.95 Children 12 & under plus tax and gratuity. Under 5yrs. Nesaldainis.lt click kapsulės is free / Enjoy an array of brunch menu items and kid station. Face painting, balloon art and the “Easter Bunny” will be handing out treats. For full menu information and reservations, please call 951.699-0099 or visit www.thorntonwine.com
Friday Live Music “B.I.G.” / April 5 / 6p-9p / Cost: $15 in advance ($20 at the door) / Call Thornton winery @ (951) 699-0099 to reserve a table. Table reservations require each person to order dinner. Please visit us at www.thorntonwine.com or call 951.699.0099 for reservations.
Friday Live Music “KILLER DUELING PIANOS” / April 19 / 6p-9p / Cost: $15 in advance ($20 at the door) / Call Thornton winery @ (951) 699-0099 to reserve a table. Table reservations require each person to order dinner. Please visit us at www.thorntonwine.com or call 951.699.0099 for reservations.
Friday Live Music “LED ZEPAGAIN” / April 26 / 6p-9p / General Admission $25 in advance. VIP tickets – $40 (First 6 rows) / Call Thornton winery @ (951) 699-0099 to reserve a table. Table reservations require each person to order dinner. Advance ticket purchase required online only through our website at www.thorntonwine.com
Easter Brunch / April 21 / 10-3 pm / Price: $75.95 (with Bubbly) / $65.95 (without Bubbly) / What do Easter & Brunch have in common? Both happen on Sundays! Come enjoy both at Wilson Creek Winery with your loved ones on April 21st! Make Reservations Here: https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/res-416684/Easter-Brunch.html
Dead Man’s Party (Oingo Boingo Tribute) / April 26 / 6-9 pm / Price: $60 per person / Wine Club $54 / Join us for the “Halfway to Halloween” Costume Party with Dead Man’s Party Oingo Boingo Tribute Band! Buffet Dinner included. Purchase tickets: https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/res-416694/Dead-Mans-Party-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). Now serving Bloody Mary’s! / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com or call 951.699.9463 for additional information.
This dish requires a lot of olive oil for poaching, but you won’t waste a drop. Use some of the flavorful poaching oil in the salad dressing; strain and refrigerate the remainder for cooking greens or for dressing future salads. The strained oil will keep for a month. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc.
Ingredients 1 albacore tuna steak, about 10 ounces (315 g) and 3⁄4 to 1 inch (2 to 2.5 cm) thick 3⁄4 teaspoon ground fennel seed 3⁄4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt 1 large fresh thyme sprig 1 bay leaf 1 clove garlic, halved 6 black peppercorns 1 3⁄4 to 2 cups (430 to 500 ml) extra virgin olive oil dressing 6 tablespoons (90 ml) extra virgin olive oil (from the tuna baking dish) 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon salt-packed capers, rinsed and finely minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 small clove garlic, finely minced Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 1⁄2 cups (280 g) cooked chickpeas (drain and rinse if canned) 1⁄2 pound (250 g) Little Gem lettuce or romaine hearts 1⁄4 pound (125 g) radicchio 1⁄2 red onion, shaved or very thinly sliced 3⁄4 cup (125 g) halved cherry tomatoes 1⁄4 cup (10 g) chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C). Remove the tuna from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
Season the tuna on both sides with the fennel seed and salt. Put the tuna in a deep ovenproof baking dish just large enough to hold it. Add the thyme, bay leaf, garlic, and peppercorns. Pour in enough olive oil just to cover the tuna.
Bake until a few white dots (coagulated protein) appear on the surface of the fish and the flesh just begins to flake when probed with a fork, 30 to 40 minutes. The tuna should still be slightly rosy inside. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature in the oil.
Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, capers, oregano, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the chickpeas and let them marinate for 30 minutes.
With a slotted spatula, lift the tuna out of the olive oil and onto a plate.
Put the lettuce in a large salad bowl. Tear the larger outer leaves in half, if desired, but leave the pretty inner leaves whole. Tear the radicchio into bite-size pieces and add to the bowl along with the onion, tomatoes, and parsley.
Using a slotted spoon, add the chickpeas, then add enough of the dressing from the chickpea bowl to coat the salad lightly. By hand, flake the tuna into the bowl.
Ponte Winery ~ 2018 Pas Doux – Its notes of strawberry and rose with a pleasantly balanced acidity make it a staple for everything from a springtime brunch to the dinner table.
Spring has sprung in Temecula Valley Wine Country! We’ve seen bud break in many of our vineyards, signaling the end of winter and the beginning of a new season. From St. Patrick’s Day to cooking classes and everything in between, the wineries have something for everyone!
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: http://www.avensolewinery.com/res-369934
Baily Winery Shakespeare in the Vine Series – “The 39 Steps” / $22 per person / March 21 (Preview), 22, 23, 24, 28, 29 & 30 / 7:00pm (doors open at 6:00pm) / Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps. It’s surely a performance you don’t want to miss! / Showing Thursday-Sunday at Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery / For reservations and tickets, please visit 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 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 / 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
Falkner Winery Wine Appreciation Class / March 16 / 10:00-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45/person /$40 Connoisseur/ $20 VIP; $80/person with lunch option / RSVP required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com
Europa Village Comedy Show / March 8 / 6:00pm / Tickets: $55; Société $49.50 / Come out to Europa Village for a fun night of wine, food and laugh-out-loud comedy featuring Mark Christopher Lawrence and Andrew Tarr / For tickets please visit www.europavillage.com
Bolero Night / March 22 / 6pm-10pm / Ticket: $3; Société $35.10 / Enjoy Bolero music by Ruben V and The Latin Sounds, salsa music and dancing! Executive Chef Dean Thomas will be preparing a traditional Spanish Paella to enjoy with a glass of sangria! / For tickets please visit www.europavillage.com
Fazeli Winery Salsa Night! / March 23 / 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-390971/Salsa-Night-2819.html
Lorimar Vineyard & Winery Smoke & Vine: An Evening of Cigars and Wine / March 8 / 7pm-9pm / Tickets are $85 per person/$76.50 per Wine Club Member / Join us at the Winery for a relaxing evening of cigars & wine! Includes a four-course dinner from Chef Jorge, paired with three Casa Lovo cigars and Lorimar’s award-winning wines. Space is limited so get your tickets early! / Purchase tickets at www.lorimarwinery.com. Event is 21+, tax is not included)
The Killer Dueling Pianos / March 21 / 6 pm / $20 Admission; $18 Wine Club (Ticket includes a glass of sangria) / Join us at the Winery for a night of wine, live music and dancing! / Purchase Tickets at www.lorimarwinery.com / Pairings Food Truck will open at 5 pm (event is 21+, tax is not included)
Mount Palomar Winery Paint Nite in the Barrel Room / March 3, 9 and 16 /1:00p – 3:00p / 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, please visithttps://www.paintnite.com/venues/mt-palomar-winery-133232
Annual Wedding Showcase / March 2 / 11am-4pm / Enter into the “Old World Romance” of Mount Palomar Winery and you will find everything to make your wedding day extraordinary, including expert advice from the area’s top wedding professionals and *exclusive discounts and raffles from vendors of all kinds! / Admission is complimentary, but RSVP required. Reserve now at www.MountPalomarWinery.com /Wedding-Show *rules and restrictions apply
Peltzer Family Cellars St. Patrick’s Day Shamrocks & Shenanigans / March 17 / 11am-6pm / Join us at the Crush House for Refuge Brewery craft brews, live music by Shoot 4 Tuesday, a special Irish menu by Mastiff Sausage Company, and Peltzer wine. Wanna REALLY get into the spirit? Break out your kilt because we’re havin’ a kilt contest! Warfighter Made, a local veteran’s charity, will be present and every penny that we earn from bar access wristband sales will go directly to their organization. Support local, y’all / Cost/ Reservation Info: Bar access wristbands are $5 and are considered a direct donation to Warfighter Made. They can be purchased on our events page on Facebook and on www.peltzerwinery.com
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 Bridal Show – Married to Mimosas! / March 24 / 10:00am– 1:00pm / South Coast Winery invites you to our 2019 Bridal Show “Married to Mimosas!”. Your $10 admission fee includes access to top industry vendors, wedding inspiration designs, tray passed appetizers, and mimosas, of course! Vendors from florists to DJ’s to planners will be in attendance to help jump start your wedding planning journey. South Coast Winery will also be offering a 10% day of booking discount and your chance to win our exclusive raffle give away! / Reservation Information: Space is limited. Advanced ticket purchase required, no tickets will be sold at the door. Please visit www.wineresort.com to reserve.
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. How to spent your BTC in a good way? Empire Market is great and most trendy Onion Net Market there is right now.. Being this big it faces the problem of continuous Ddos attack witch leads primary Empire Market URL to be down, and alternative mirrors too. That lead that empire market had to make more and more URL and onion mirrors and mirror. And the problem is that there are not to many ways costumers can get a right Empire Marketplace links. 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 Friday Live Music “JOURNEY CAPTURED” / March 29 / 6p-9p / Cost: $15 / A tribute to the band Journey / Call Thornton winery @ (951) 699-0099 to reserve a table. Table reservations require each person to order dinner! Please visit us at www.thorntonwine.com or call 951.699.0099
“Taste of Ireland” Cooking Class / March 10 / 1pm – 3pm / Cost: $75 inclusive / For reservations and class menu, please visit www.thorntonwine.com or call 951.699.0099
Wiens Family Cellars World of Wine / March 23 / 7pm-10pm / $75 Regular Pricing; $60 Wine Club Pricing / Globetrotters can mix and mingle during a fun tasting event of wine and food pairings. Each guest will be given a passport to travel through wine regions around the globe where we will be pouring 6 wines paired with internationally inspired foods. Instead of a seated dinner, guests will explore the different food/wine stations inside and mingle with other guests outside while serenaded by a Flamenco guitar artist / For reservations please visit http://www.wienscellars.com/res-413232/World-Of-Wine-2019.html
Wilson Creek Winery JAZZ LOUNGE WITH JULIAN VAUGHN / March 2 / 5 – 7:30 pm / Price: $95 per person / Wine Club $85.50 / Join us for an evening of Jazz featuring the amazing Julian Vaughn! Enjoy sweet music paired with a delicious buffet dinner. Drinks will be available for purchase all night as well. Purchase tickets: https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/res-416641/Jazz-Lounge-With-Julian-Vaughn.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). Now serving Bloody Mary’s! / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com or call 951.699.9463 for additional information.
Since our last winemaker Q&A was so popular, we thought it might be time to do another one. For this issue, we caught up with a dynamic group of Temecula Valley rockstars – the women of wine country – to ask them about their inspirations, their aspirations, how they feel about being a woman in a male-dominated industry, and what their day-to-day looks like working in one of the most idyllic places on earth – Southern California.
They are at once businesswomen, multi-taskers, leaders, mothers, daughters, entrepreneurs, creatives, winemakers, farmers, and everything in between, and it’s clear they are ambitious as hell, and very passionate about Temecula Valley.
Here’s what they had to say.
Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA): What or who inspires you on a day to day basis in your job?
Cindy Palumbo, Palumbo Vineyards & Winery
Cindy Palumbo, Owner, Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery: I am inspired daily by my husband [Winemaker, Nick Palumbo]. I rely on his focus to produce the top quality wine that we have. He makes me think about small details, and it has definitely helped our business.
Patricia O’Brien, VP of Sales & Operations, Danza del Sol Winery and Masia de la Vinya Winery: My staff inspires me on a daily basis. Being surrounded by creative people who share your goals and passion for wine is amazing.
Olivia Bue, Winemaker,Robert Renzoni Vineyards: The energy from other Temecula Valley winemakers gives me inspiration and motivation to keep making the best wine possible. We all have a synergy that allows us to be supporters of each others’ successes rather than competitors.
Krista Chaich, Executive Director, TVWA: Since the day I arrived in Temecula Valley Wine Country almost 15 years ago, I’ve been inspired by the people whose passion led to where our wine country is today. But these days, I’m inspired by a wine country pioneer, Phil Baily who continues to produce beautifully crafted wines (with a bit of help from his winery cats); Joe Hart, whose passion for winemaking has extended to his sons, Jim and Mike; and a multitude of “newcomers” who’ve been drawn to our region because of the foundation that has been laid by the generations before them.
Cori DeHore, TVWA
Cori DeHore, Operations Manager, TVWA: Our guests and their enthusiasm in planning their visit with us for the first time.
TVWA: Have you had any mentors in your career?
Cindy: I always looked up to Joe Hart when I was at Hart Winery. I admired his style of winemaking and he made me feel like part of the family. When I was at Callaway I looked up to John Moramarco. He was so patient with me and taught me a lot about farming and the vineyards. John and Joe played an instrumental role in helping to preserve the region’s agricultural roots. They helped me realize that we really want to help maintain integrity in the Valley by farming and producing high quality wines.
Valerie Andrews, Owner & Vice President,Oak Mountain Winery: My Dad was my mentor in the wine business. Growing up he was so enthusiastic about fine wines and always talked about them at the dinner table. During one visit to our house (which is now the Temecula Hills Winery and production facility), he jokingly said, “You have 10 acres. Why don’t you terrace the hills and plant grapes?” Well that year we did. Once the grapes grew, we had wine barrels everywhere – even our bathroom – and decided to start our wine career. We opened Temecula Hills Winery in 2001. I am very proud we were able to make a great Syrah blend which we named after dad – “Ed’s Red” – which got a silver medal. The best part was that dad was still alive to enjoy the notoriety and did a bottle signing for our customers. Of course I still have mine.
Cori: During my teens, my mentor was my high school Home Economics teacher. I was her teacher’s aide and it was the first time I felt someone genuinely have confidence in me. She made me feel like I could do anything for a career.
Oliva Bue, Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery
Olivia: I have worked alongside some incredible winemakers in different regions throughout my young career, but my first mentor in Temecula, Gus Vizgirda, stands out as my foremost influencer.
TVWA: What is the hardest part of your job?
Cindy: The hardest part has been trying to raise our 4 children while building a business. In the early years, the kids were small and didn’t understand that we had to work every weekend. I also had our 4th child after the winery opened. He spent his first few years in a playpen behind the bar.
Patricia O’Brien, Danza del Sol Winery & Masia de la Vinya Winery
Patricia: I’m not going to lie! The hardest part of my job is learning how to take criticism and learn from it. Getting it right is important when you are the one in charge, but listening and learning from your mistakes is just as important.
Krista: My job is to promote the whole region as opposed to wineries individually. It isn’t lost on me that many of them have put everything that they have into their businesses. But representing so many people, with differing business models….that’s pretty tough.
Olivia: The hardest part of being a winemaker is continuing to improve each wine, vintage after vintage. After releasing a wine that our wine club members and customers love, it’s my priority to make that next vintage even better. This can sometimes be challenging when weather causes stress on the vines and fruit quality is impacted, but the challenge of constantly improving is what makes this industry most gratifying.
TVWA:What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Cindy: Tasting the final product, and when I hear people in the tasting room enjoying the wines. I also find great satisfaction in raising our own food. Being a totally sustainable vineyard, winery and household, gives me great pride. I love providing food for my family.
Jana Prais, Sales Director,Maurice Car’rie Winery: The satisfaction of introducing Temecula wine to people who had never heard of it, and having them learn that it’s an exceptional product. Most people are unaware of the high quality wines coming out of this part of California. It feels good to witness their surprise.
Krista: Can I say the wine?! I mean, it’s not only the wine, but it’s also that I’ve met so many wonderful people in this business over the years. The wine business is big, yet so small at the same time.
Valerie: The best part of the job is the great people I meet on a daily basis. When customers enjoy the hard work Steve has put into making the wine, the training I have put into our staff and the dream of building the first and only mined wine cave in Southern California, it puts a smile on my face. I see people walking on the grounds, hand in hand for their vacation… They chose to come to us.
Carrie Peltzer, Peltzer Family Cellars
Carrie Peltzer, Owner,Peltzer Family Cellars: I love watching people’s faces when they visit us. Their faces tell the story of how much they love the space and enjoy the wine!
Olivia: By far the most rewarding part of my job is the journey from vine to bottle to table. To be able to capture years of hard work in one single bottle is undeniably the most fulfilling part of my job.
TVWA: Do you feel being a woman has made it harder to be successful in any way? Has it made it easier in any way?
Cindy: It has not made it easier. I wear many hats, being a woman. I am required to run a business, run a household, raise children, raise animals, volunteer in my community, volunteer at the school. I am a chauffeur, a personal shopper and confidant, a tutor and a wife.
Patricia: To be honest, I feel that being a woman in a management position at a winery has made it easier because I’m able to tap into my natural abilities as a mother of three busy children (between the ages of 23 and 7), so I know how to multi-task, while meeting deadlines, collaborate and have fun doing it.
Jana Prais, Maurice Carr’ie Winery
Jana: I’ve observed that women are often great at multi-tasking and can be adaptable to different personalities and situations. I feel these qualities in myself have enabled me to be successful in the job.
Krista: I’ve never measured my successes or failures by my gender. Even though I work in a male dominated field, I’ve never felt challenged by that.
Valerie: When I was 36, after a 19-year marriage my husband died unexpectedly in his sleep. I was left with 2 teenagers, a mortgage, and no real job. I had helped my husband in his painting and home repair business, so I decided to go for a paint contractor’s license and got started on my own business within 6 months. Back then, there were no woman painting contractors. I got involved in a National Women in Construction group, who helped me whenever I got in over my head. For 20 years, I painted schools, restaurants, homes and even a prison. I occasionally butted heads with the good old boys, and had my share of tears on my drive home, but it made me the confident woman I am today.
TVWA: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What about Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country?
Cindy: I see myself continuing my work for the State of California Agricultural Association. I would like to finish my children’s book series. I would like to continue to teach our children how farm and run a profitable winery.
Patricia: I see myself running a third winery in Temecula Valley, while working to open my own winery consulting firm. In five years, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country will be the “it” wine region to travel to.
Krista Chaich, TVWA
Krista: The future is so bright for Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. I’ve seen it change so much in 15 years. We’ve come from a small, gem of a wine region, to a burgeoning wine destination in a short amount of time. We’ve dealt with many challenges, but I believe that if we are all unified in our vision of becoming a well-known and widely respected wine region, that’s exactly what will happen. And where do I see myself in five years?? Hopefully, leading the charge.
Carrie: In 5 years I hope to be knee deep in our next phase of Peltzer, continuing to tell our story. I have been filing away in my mind all the things that I want to design and share with our Peltzer family customer base. My role at Peltzer will be to communicate the importance of a well-thought-out space, where our customers can come to experience wine country to its fullest, while enjoying the story, the space, the wine, meeting new friends and relaxing with old ones.
TVWA: Tell us one small anecdote that has had an impact on your career – whether important, meaningful, challenging, funny, memorable… something that stands out:
Cindy: The most challenging thing I did in my career was probably while raising 3 small children. I worked the tasting room all day, and then we had a winemaker dinner that night that I was the server for…while 9 months pregnant. Raising children while running a business has always been challenging, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Running a business with my husband out of our home has had challenges. Our kids have learned that the combination of hard work and respect for each other pays off and is the greatest reward.
Krista: I could probably write a book about my experiences in wine country (although I’d have to change some names to protect the “innocent!”), but one experience stands out. I was attending my first Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento, CA, and we were pouring wine at the regional tasting. I felt so proud and excited to be there, and the next thing I knew, Jerry Lohr, (the J. Lohr) came up to me and said, “Hmmm, Temecula Valley, huh?” I poured him a taste of wine, he sipped it, asked for another pour, and then got a huge smile on his face. He said, “You know…. that’s really good. That’s when I knew that I was part of something very special. It was only my second week on the job at the Association.
Valerie Andrews, Oak Mountain Winery
Valerie: In the early years, we bought a giant fermenting bag for our Merlot grapes. You pump your must into the bag and, as it ferments and heats, up you run cold water in the outer shell of the bag to keep it from getting too hot. Well, the cold water wasn’t working, so the must keep exploding out of the vent pipe so we added 15 more feet to the pipe. When it was finally ready to pump the wine out of the bag, it wouldn’t come out as it was supposed to. So, Steve cut the top of the bag, and in I went up to my waist in must, and handed him bucket after bucket until it was empty. That wine got a gold medal.
Special thanks to these dynamic women who shared their personal insights with us for this article. Next time you feel you can’t do it all, we hope their stories inspire you.
A rich broth, moist hand-shredded chicken and smoky chipotle make this posole a standout. And you’ll have some extra poached chicken to enjoy in a salad the following day. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Barbera or Zinfandel.
Serves 4
Ingredients 2 pounds (1 kg) chicken legs and thighs 2 quarts (2 l) water 1 large onion, halved and sliced 1 dozen black peppercorns 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smacked 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon whole cumin seed or ground cumin 1/3 pound (155 g) Mexican-style chorizo Vegetable oil 1 small onion, minced ½ green bell pepper, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large plum tomato, peeled, seeded, and finely diced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ¼ cup (10 g) chopped cilantro, plus some for garnish 1 can (15 oz/470 g) whole hominy, drained and rinsed Canned chipotle chile en adobo, to taste Kosher or sea salt. 1 small avocado, halved and pitted, then sliced crosswise 1 lime, quartered
Directions Put the chicken and water in a large pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Skim any foam that collects on the surface. When the chicken stops producing foam, add the onion, peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaves. Adjust the heat to maintain a bare simmer and cook 1 hour. Cool, then strain. Remove the chicken meat from the bones, discarding the skin. Refrigerate half the meat for another use. Shred the remaining meat by hand. Set aside 5 cups (1.25 l) of chicken broth and refrigerate or freeze any remaining broth for another use.
Put the whole cumin seed in a small dry skillet and toast over medium heat, shaking the skillet often, until the cumin darkens and becomes fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Cool, then pound fine in a mortar or grind in a spice grinder.
Remove the chorizo from its skin and put it in a large pot over medium-low heat. Cook, crumbling it with a wooden spoon, until it has rendered its fat and is fully cooked. Transfer it to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving any fat behind. Add enough vegetable oil to the pot to make 2 tablespoons fat.
Add the minced onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the tomato, oregano, and cumin and cook about 3 minutes longer to soften the tomato. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Add the 5 cups (1.25 l) chicken broth and bring to a simmer, stirring. Add the cilantro, hominy, shredded chicken, and chorizo and return to a simmer. Whisk in some of the thick adobo sauce from the canned chipotle chiles, adding as much as you like. Season posole to taste with salt.
Divide the soup among 4 bowls. Top each portion with a few avocado slices and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Hart Winery ~ 2015 Zinfandel – This fruity, classic Zin has been aged 12 months in premium American oak and blend with a kiss of Petite Sirah.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards ~ 2015 Barbera – Ripened cherry aromas and flavors, this wine is bursting with berries and bright acidity,along with tart blackberry jam and tobacco on the finish.
