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December Winery Events

Cheers to the New Year!

Danza del Sol Winery
Wine & Waffles Brunch Buffet | December 4, 11:00am-1:00pm | Join us at the Club House where we will have a Waffle Bar, and Mimosa bar. Bottomless mimosas add-on available. General Admission $22 | Wine Club $18. Reservations Required www.danzadelsolwinery.com      

A California Holiday Feast | December 5, 11:00am-2:00pm | Celebrate the holiday with our Ugly Sweater Event & Contest! Southfork Catering will be serving a winter BBQ feast. Live music by The Frank Guy. Wine Club Members: $20 | General Admission: $25. Reservations required www.danzadelsolwinery.com    

Foot Path Winery
Tamale Making Class
| December 11th & 18th, 10am-3pm | Cost $50 | Learn the art of the Tamale. Instructions, participation, and taste testing. You will take home a dozen tamales and written instructions.     

Filo/Phyllo Dough Class | December 12, 10am-3pm | $50. Learning how to handle the filo, how to create Baklava and a savory filo Spanakopita. You will take home recipes, instructions and 1/8 sheet of Baklava.

For more info on both these events and to make reservations, please call 951-764-1849 Chris or Email deanefoote@verizon.net.

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Tribute Thursday- Stevie Nicks Illusion | December 2, doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm |To make reservations please call 951-694-6699 x109 or visit: https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-414053/Stevie-Nicks-Illusion.html  

Annual Santa Dinner | December 5, 5:00pm-8:00pm | Santa will read “Twas the night before Christmas”, cookie decorating kits for kids, tickets include admission and dinner- Adults $35/31.50WC, Children $20/18WCC https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-414251/Santa-Dinner.html

We Belong- Pat Benatar Tribute Night | December 16, Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm | To make reservations please call 951-694-6699 x109 or visit: https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-414168/We-Belong-Tribute-To-Pat-Benatar-And-Neil-Giraldo.html

Smoke & Vine- An evening of Cigars and Wine | December 17, 7:00pm-9:00pm | $125/$110WC  https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-414246/Rhapsody-Of-Reds-Appreciation-Dinner-Nov-17th.html

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Winemaker’s Dinner
| December 9, 5:00pm | Guests are in for a delicious treat that has been skillfully crafted by our culinary team and carefully paired with wines. For additional information and to purchase your tickets please use this link: https://store.wineresort.com/winemaker-s-dinner-thursday-december-9th-wd1209?returnurl=%2fevents%2f

Christmas at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant | We will be offering a limited menu featuring both regular menu items as well as Traditional Holiday cuisine. Reservations are recommended: https://www.southcoastwinery.com/dining/christmas
Christmas Eve | Friday, December 24th
Regular Breakfast Menu | 8am – 11:00am
Regular Lunch Menu | 11:30am – 3:00pm
Christmas Dinner Menu | 5:30 – 9:00pm

Christmas Day | Saturday, December 25th
Regular Brunch Menu | 8am – 3:00pm
Christmas Dinner Menu | 5:30 – 9:00pm

New Year’s Eve Concert & Party | December 31, Doors open at 8:00pm | Live concert by Sebastian Sidi 9:00pm-11:00pm, DJ & Dancing 11pm-12:30pam | Starting at $85 per person, VIP Seating available for $125 per person |Includes sparkling wine toast & late-night lite bites | Tickets required and must be purchase in advance on our online store. Information including menu is available online: www.southcoastwinery.com/nye

New Year’s Eve Dinner at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant | December 31, 5:30pm-9:00pm | Special Prix Fixe Menu, $85 per person exclusive of drinks, taxes & gratuity | Reservations required via Open Table | Dinner Menu Available Online: www.southcoastwinery.com/dining/nye

Wilson Creek Winery
New Year’s Eve Party | December 31 7:30pm-12:30am | Let’s ring in 2022 together! Join us for an elegant night as you dance the night away complete with three-course handcrafted plated dinner, open bar, dessert bar and more! Make a reservation at www.WilsonCreekWinery.com 

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It’s the Most Wonderful Time – and Wine – of the Year

How Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country celebrates the holiday season
(Some of it might surprise you!)

Regardless of how you celebrate them, the holidays are a time of tradition. Whether you’re sipping something special while trimming your Christmas Tree, popping a bottle of bubbly to pair with your latkes during Chanukah (a seriously delicious pairing, by the way), or simply sitting on the couch with your favorite rustic red while watching everyone else prepare for the holiday season, chances are you and your family and friends do something year after year that makes the holiday season memorable for you.

Nowhere is the sense of tradition more prominent than in Wine Country. We had a blast catching up with some of our favorite winery personalities to find out how they celebrate the holidays, what special meals and libations are on their tables this time of year, and what unique rituals and traditions they practice with their friends and families.

For Sharon Cannon, Director of Operations at Akash Winery, it’s all about the perfect seasonal pairing, which, in this case, is Seafood and Champagne by the pool while playing backyard Cricket with her Australian family. Sound chilly? Thankfully, Australia is in the middle of Summer during our Winter months.

A love of wine clearly runs in the family for Danza del Sol and Masia de la Vinya winemaker Justin Knight, who takes advantage of them all being together during the holidays to fine tune their tasting skills. “For the past few years, we have done a blind tasting of red wines (usually 5-6 different varietals from different regions), ranging from a very modest price – gradually getting to a what I would consider an expensive bottle,” he explains. “Then everyone tastes the wines and rates them at their own pace. Of course, some Temecula wines are included. Then we do the big reveal. It makes for a fun time!”

After enjoying their typical holiday meal of Prime Rib and Cabernet Sauvignon, Steve Thornton of Thornton Winery has a similar tradition in his home. “We all get together and play games,” he says. “Once the kids go to sleep, we pull out a bunch of local wines and vote on which one is the best. Whoever wins takes the wine home – if any is left.”

Walter Carter, Director of Hospitality for Danza del Sol Winery, stumbled upon a perfect pairing for an unconventional holiday meal, and never looked back. “Our first holiday together, my wife and I wanted to do something non-traditional, so we decided to make ribs as the main protein and we paired it with a Danza del sol Syrah,” he shares. “It was delicious! So now every year we make ribs and try to discover a new Syrah to pair with it. It’s one of the things I look forward to most every year.” Thankfully, Temecula Valley just so happens to be great region for world class Syrah.

Akash winemaker Renato Saís also appreciates a good Syrah this time of year, pairing it with roast turkey and menudo, a spicy Mexican tripe stew, in a tradition that was passed down from his mom and his “Jefecita,” or “little chief” – AKA his grandma.

Temecula Valley Brand Marketing Partner Devin Parr has one of the most bizarre traditions we’ve heard of. Rather than stuffing traditional stockings hung over the fireplace, she and her family stuff nylon pantyhose – both legs! – full of presents. “I have no idea how this started, but we have been stuffing pantyhose for generations in our family,” she explains. “As I kid, I could think of nothing more exciting – or occasionally terrifying if you forgot it was Christmas – than seeing this giant, stuffed half-body lying on the floor full of presents on Christmas morning. My husband eventually joined in the tradition, and now he puts a fantastic bottle of wine in the toe of each leg of my stocking. Don’t tell Santa.”

Oak Mountain Winery owner Val Andrews celebrates more than just Christmas over the holidays. Her family’s festivities kick off on December 24, which is also her birthday. “We get treated every year to our friends’ winter wonderland house for a dinner that includes smoked rack of lamb and twice baked potatoes paired with a bottle of Oak Mountain Pinotage,” she says. “For Christmas, we start with family breakfast, which rolls into a lunch of cold cuts, sandwiches, and a snack with some Sparkling Brut from Oak Mountain. Dinner will be a 5-hour smoked pork crown roast and smoked baby potatoes in garlic and rosemary paired with our Tempranillo.”

For Christine Foote of Foot Path Winery, it’s all about girl power over the holidays. She has two sisters, who each have a daughter. Every year for the past sixteen years, they have done a Sister-Daughter outing. This year, they plan to travel to Texas to welcome the newest addition – Alana – to the family. Of course, a ready supply of Foot Path wine has already been sent out to Texas, so all are ready to properly toast the inauguration of Christine’s first grandchild into this touching tradition. “We do this to honor our mom,” says Christine. “The Christmas of 1995, we all went to see a ballet and then for lunch. That following April, mom passed away at age 68. So, we decided to revise the event.”

Whatever your family tradition is this holiday season, we hope you spend it surrounded by love, laughter, and, of course, a healthy dose of Temecula Valley wine.

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August Winery Events

August kicks off harvest season in wine country. The fruit is hanging heavy on the vines and visitors can enjoy the stunning views as they take in an exciting variety of summer events including movies in the vines, happy hours and plenty of outdoor live music.

Summertime Events

Bel Vino Winery  
Estate Wine Launch Party | August 12th at 6:00pm | Enjoy Food, Music & Wine. Hosted by winemaker George Bursick and owner Mike Janko. | Tickets are $86. Wine club members receive 10% off. Tickets must be purchased by July 29th. Please email macey@belvinowinery.com.

Elton John Tribute Concert | August 6th at 6:00pm
Madonna Tribute Concert | August 27th at 6:00pm
Tickets may be purchase through at Heyday.com. Ages 16+ only.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Save-the-Date! September 11th – Sip, Stomp & Play Annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival. Tickets: $125.00 General Public, $112.50 Wine Club Members, $90.00 Kids ages 4-11. Ticket includes admission to the event, one glass of Callaway wine, dinner, wine specials and grape stomping. Purchase tickets at our San Diego – Gaslamp and Temecula tasting rooms or online at www.callawaywinery.com

Danza del Sol Winery
Paint Your Pet Party 3:00pm | August 1 |Tickets purchased through Shelley Garth @ www.paintyourpetpartyie.com or call 951-288-7536. Member: $50 | Non-member: $55

Foot Path Winery
Food Wine and Music | August 21st  6:30 – 9:00pm | $35 wine club $40 non-wine club. Please call the winery for reservations at 951-265-9951.

Longshadow Ranch Winery
Matchbox Twenty Too Tribute concert at sunset!  August 6th |$10 pre-sale online, $15 ticket at the door, $175 VIP table for up to ten. Purchase online at Longshadowranchwinery.com

Monte De Oro Winery
70’s Themed Disco Wine Bingo on the Patio | August 7th Doors open 6:30pm. Bingo starts 7:00pm | Price $40.00 per person – includes 7 Bingo Games, 1 glass of wine and 3 raffle tickets. Wine prizes over $1,200 in retail value. Purchase online at www.montedeoro.com

Signature Food & Wine Pairing Lunch |August 8 – 11:30am | 2-Hour lunch, 4-course wine pairing lunch. Reservations required – $65.00 per person. Please visit www.montedeoro.com

Oak Mountain Winery
Cause Fur Paws Fundraiser | August 21st 6:00 – 9:00pm | Food, wine, blind auctions, best dressed dog prizes and more. | $15 donation for admittance include 1 glass of wine or beer.

Peltzer Family Cellars
Don’t miss Nashville Nights down on the Farm on August 21st from 4-10pm featuring three acts! Tickets range from $30 – $100 and can be purchased at peltzerwinery.com.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Join us for live Jazz performances on August 1st (Brian Simpson, Steve Oliver & Will Donato) and August 15th (Michael Paulo, Adam Hawley & Darryl Williams) | Shows begin at 7:00pm |Tickets available now starting at $65. https://www.southcoastwinery.com/concerts/jazz-concert-series

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Classic Beef Stew with Flaky Cheddar Chive Scones

Classic Beef Stew

Most people have a soft spot for a good beef stew, the ultimate comfort dish on a cold night. This version will perfume your kitchen with the sweet scent of paprika and wine. On another occasion, try different vegetables, such as rutabagas, potatoes, or add chickpeas. Chances are you’ll devour a warm scone before you even get the stew to the table, but you’ll still have plenty of scones for dipping in the luscious sauce. If you’re pressed for time, serve the stew with egg noodles instead of the scones. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.

Serves 4-6.

Ingredients

Classic Beef Stew

  • 1-1/2 pounds (680 g) boneless beef chuck, in 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes 
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 
  • Unbleached all-purpose flour, as needed 
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil 
  • 1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped 
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced 
  • 1 teaspoon California paprika or other sweet paprika 
  • ¾ cup (.2 l) dry white wine 
  • ¾ cup (150 g) fresh tomato pulp (see Note) or finely chopped canned San Marzano tomatoes 
  • 2 cups (.5 l) chicken broth, or more as needed  
  • 1 dozen fresh thyme sprigs, tied with kitchen twine 
  • 2 bay leaves 
  • ½ pound (225 g) baby carrots, scrubbed 
  • ½ pound (225 g) small turnips, peeled and halved or quartered 
  • 1 cup (133 g) frozen peas, cooked and drained 
  • 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish 

Flaky Cheddar Chive Scones 

  • 2 cups (285 g) unbleached all-purpose flour 
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder 
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt 
  • 2 packed tablespoons thinly sliced chives 
  • 1 cup (70 g) coarsely grated Cheddar cheese, chilled 
  • Approximately 1-1/3 cups (320 g) heavy cream, chilled 
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted 

Directions

Prepare the beef stew: Season the meat all over with 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Set the meat on a platter and refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before continuing.

Dredge the meat with flour, shaking off excess. Heat a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, brown the meat, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Reduce the heat if needed to prevent scorching. Transfer the meat to a platter as it is browned.

Pour off any fat in the pot and return to medium-low heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the onion, garlic, and paprika. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the onion has softened and moisture from the onion has dissolved all the browned bits on the bottom of the pot, about 10 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until reduced by half. Add the tomato and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to blend, then add the browned meat and any juices on the platter.

Bring to a simmer, cover, and adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the meat is almost tender when probed with a fork, about 1 hour longer. Add the carrots and turnips, stirring them down into the liquid. Recover and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. If the stew seems too thick, thin with broth. Remove the thyme bundle and bay leaves, then stir in the peas and parsley. Taste for seasoning.

While the stew cooks, prepare the scones: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a heavy rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat if you have one, or with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and chives. Add the Cheddar and toss with a fork until well blended. Add the cream gradually, tossing with a fork until all the floury bits are coated. Use a dough scraper or spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. With the dough still in the bowl, gather it and knead it gently, just enough to form a cohesive mass.

Turn the dough out on the prepared baking sheet and pat and prod it into a ¾-inch-thick (19 mm) rectangle. The thickness is important, but the other dimensions don’t matter. Try not to work the dough or add additional flour.

With a sharp knife, cut the rectangle into 12 scones. Separate them on the baking sheet. With a pastry brush, baste the tops with melted butter.

Bake until nicely browned and well risen, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool for 5 minutes.

Divide the stew among soup bowls, garnishing each portion with parsley. Pass the scones separately.

Note: To make fresh tomato pulp, cut 2 large plum tomatoes in half lengthwise. Grate on the large holes of a box grater until only the skin remains in your hand. Discard the skin. You should have about ¾ cup pulp (150 g).

Suggested Pairings:

Callaway Vineyard & Winery – 2017 Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ~ The palate expresses notes of clove, chocolate covered cherries and dark fruits. Soft tannins with hints of caramel and toasty oak lead into a long smooth finish.

Churon Inn Winery – 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon ~ Upfront you will surround yourself with the aromas and flavors of cherry and bell pepper.  Finish off with a soft finish and lingering fruit. 

Falkner Winery – 2017 Syrah ~ Enjoy the wonderful deep purple color of this Syrah and the lush flavors or ripe plum, black cherry, tobacco, chocolate, and a bit of spiciness.

Foot Path Winery – 2016 Syrah ~ The vintage of this wine complemented the natural character of the Syrah grape. It caused the wine to be rich and bold, yet plush and fruity.

Recipe and photo provided by The Wine Institute of California

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Get Chilled in Temecula Valley Wine Country!

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Everyone knows that the holidays can be particularly busy, stressful and rushed.  Why not come and join us in Temecula Valley Wine Country on December 15th to “chill” with us!  Several of our wineries are keeping their doors open late so that you can participate in the Temecula Chilled Holiday Shopping Night from 5:00p-7:00p.

Just one trip to your local wine country will get you all the gifts you need to give. Plus, you can sip while you shop! Our winery gift shops offer unique and charming wine-themed gifts, specialty food items, home decor – and of course, delicious wine.

During the Holiday Shopping Night, shop at select tasting rooms and enjoy holiday refreshments, carolers, carriage rides at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and more!  Participating wineries include: Bel Vino, Callaway, Danza del Sol, Foot Path, Monte De Oro, Mount Palomar, Ponte, South Coast and Wilson Creek.

To learn more about Temecula Chilled and all of the activities planned, please click here.

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Wine & The Super Bowl? You Bet!

real-football-fans-drink-wine-550x641

Sure, wine may not be the first image that comes to mind when planning your Super Bowl celebration, but we’d bet that we can convince you that it should be!  Of course, when it comes to wine, we sure have a hard time imagining any celebration without it.

Here are some game day staples and some of our wine pairing recommendations:

Hot Wings ~ Riesling makes a good choice here….it will temper some of the heat of the wings!
We’d suggest: Baily Winery 2011 Riesling,  Danza del Sol Winery 2014 Riesling or Mount Palomar Winery’s 2013 Riesling

Pizza ~ Mmmm….pizza!  How about trying a Barbera with that?
We’d suggest: Europa Village 2013 Estate BarberaHart Winery 2012 Barbera or Ponte Family Estate Winery’s 2013 Barbera.

7 Layer Dip ~ Our favorite pairing for foods with Mexican flavors?  Malbec!
We’d suggest: Carter Estate 2011 MalbecDoffo Winery 2013 Malbec or Foot Path Winery’s 2012 Malbec,

Burgers ~ Those of us in Southern California are lucky enough to be able to grill on most Super Bowl Sundays.  If you get that lucky, why not grill up a burger and enjoy with a hearty glass of Chardonnay?
We’d suggest: Oak Mountain Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Thornton Winery 2013 Chardonnay or Wilson Creek Winery’s  2014 “Yes Dear” Chardonnay

So, as you can see, wine and Super Bowl fare really are a match made in football heaven!

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