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Holiday Spiced Mulled Wine

Spiced Mulled Wine

Spiced mulled wine is a winter favorite — warm, flavorful, and always so comforting! And, it’s incredibly easy to make. We’re definitely going to give this recipe a try over the holidays.

Ingredients:

4 cups apple cider
1 (750-ml) bottle of your favorite Temecula Valley red wine
1/4 cup honey
2 cinnamon sticks
1 orange, zested and juiced
4 whole cloves
3 star anise
4 oranges, peeled, for garnish

Directions:

Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs, add an orange peel to each and serve. Paskolos smulkiajam ir vidutiniam verslui, greitieji kreditai internetu visą parą bedarbiams, automobiliui be užstato su vekseliu, Luminor ir SEB bankų vartojimo paskolos būstui https://paskolos-internetu.eu

Recipe courtesy of the Food Network/Ina Garten

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December Winery Events

Celebrating the holidays

Our 35+ Temecula Valley wineries offer a heap of holiday-themed events throughout December. Fabulous festivities include tree-lighting events, Christmas dinners, New Year’s Eve celebrations, fundraisers – and much more!

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 www.avensolewinery.com

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

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

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

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

Annual Wine Barrel Tree Lighting Celebration! / December 13 / 6:00 to 9:00pm / You’re invited to join us for our Annual Wine Barrel Tree Lighting Celebration! Bring the kids to meet Santa and enjoy cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, Christmas carolers, discounts on wine, gifts and so much more! Experience a wine country Christmas with us! / Complimentary admission; please R.S.V.P. to info@callawaywinery.com or (951) 676-4001

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Meritage / December 31 / Seating’s from 5:00p to 5:30p and 7:00p to 7:30p / $75.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity / Celebrate the new year with a fabulous four-course dining experience and live music at Meritage at Callaway. Executive Chef, Anthony Bar, has meticulously crafted a special French/Mediterranean fused menu for your New Year’s Eve dining pleasure. Visit www.callawaywinery.com to learn more / R.S.V.P. to meritage@callawaywinery.com or (951) 587-8889.

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

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

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Celebrating Santa Paws / December 20 / 4:00p-6:00p / Bring your leashed and well-behaved furry child(ren) to get their pictures taken with Santa! Cost is $5pd (per dog), Free for our Cougar Canine Club members or Free with a new unwrapped (kid) Toy for charity. Reservations for your pooch’s photo shoot time slot can be sent to events@cougarvineyards.com.

Falkner Winery
Merry Merlot- Fundraiser / December 5 / 6:30-9pm / $25 per person / A Fundraiser to benefit Daisy’s Hope Foundation Cat spay and neuter Fund / Wine Bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Meet NALA cat! Silent Auction with gift baskets. Music provided by Tim Apple / Tickets are limited. Purchase tickets directly www.daisyshopefoundation.com/donate.aspx / This event will be held in the Pinnacle Restaurant.

Santa Crawl / December 21 / 12-5 pm / Dress in your favorite Santa, Elf, Reindeer, or Mrs. Claus outfit and get a 2 for 1 tasting in the Tasting Room! Remember this event is only for fully costumed Santa’s & Elves! This is a free event open to anyone over 21 – To take part we ask that each Santa or Elf brings a new toy to donate! So – Put a group together and join in. Happy Ho-Ho-Ho! More info: Email santawino2@gmail.com

Fazeli Cellars
Gatsby New Year’s Eve at Fazeli Cellars / December 31 / 7:00pm / Join us for Gatsby Night – Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Party! / $135 Non-Members | $110 Members Includes: Champagne Greeting, 3 Course Dinner with Live Music, Casino, DJ & Dancing and a Champagne Toast at Midnight. Wine & Beer Available for purchase / Purchase tickets at: http://shop.fazelicellars.com/reservation-events

Lorimar Winery
Tree Lighting / December 1 / 5pm- 8pm / Join us to kick off the holiday season at our annual Tree Lighting with Santa, Complimentary Cookie Decorating, Hot Cocoa, Spiced Wine, Wine Sales, Special Food Menu, and more! / Please RSVP at lorimarwinery.com

Academie Du Vin: Wine & Cheese / December 12 / 6pm – 8 pm / $55 per person / $49.50 per wine club member / Explore the worlds of Wine & Cheese with Certified Sommelier Penny Delgado and local Cheese Monger Stasha. New! Includes five wine and cheese pairings along with two surprise tastings! 21+ only event / Purchase Tickets – lorimarwinery.com

Smoke & Vine: An Evening of Cigars and Wine / December 20 / 7pm- 9pm $85 per person / $76.50 Wine Club / Join us for a relaxing evening of cigars & wine! Includes a four-course dinner, paired with Casa Lovo cigars and Lorimar’s award-winning wines. 21+ only event / Purchase Tickets – lorimarwinery.com

Peltzer Family Cellars
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting / November 30th, 11-10pm & December 1st, 11-7pm / Bring the whole family to enjoy: Wine, Food Trucks, Peltzer Ice Rink, Santa, Live Music, Holiday Market and of course our Tree Lighting! All specific timing is listed on peltzerwinery.com

Shop Small for Small Business Saturday at our Holiday Market featuring local businesses! Grab a gift for a loved one or maybe snag something for yourself. You do you, we won’t judge! Admission to this event is FREE for children and adults. A $5 wristband donation is required if you plan on enjoying an alcoholic beverage (or two). 100% of the wristband proceeds will benefit Our Nicholas Foundation! ONF, strives to increase autism awareness and provide support for local families affected by ASD. Visit Ournick.org to learn more about this awesome / Visit Peltzerwinery.com in the “Shop” tab to purchase wristbands.

Peltzer Ice Rink / November 23rd – January 12th / Open daily from 3-9pm Session Times: 3pm, 4:30pm, 6pm, 7:30pm / Ice Rink Bar will be open for drinks Wednesdays + Fridays – Sundays 3- 8:30pm / Hot chocolate and treats will be available for purchase from the snack bar. Admission – Crush Club Members enjoy $2 off the regular admission prices. Military, First Responders, + Teachers: Purchase your tickets at the rink with an ID to receive $2 off your and your family’s tickets. Reserve online at peltzerwinery.com
Reserving Tickets Online: $14 for General Admission, $10 for Kids ages 3-11, $2 Skate Rental.
Purchasing at the Rink: $16 for General Admission, $12 for Kids ages 3-11 (Skate rental included)

Dueling Pianos / December 26 / 6-10pm / $45 tickets include a glass of our specialty Sangria / Give the gift of music to your friends & fam this Christmas! Join us in the Crush House on December 26th from 6:00-9:30pm for a totally amazing, interactive dueling pianos show with The Killer Dueling Pianos. This fan fave event sells out quickly, so make sure to purchase your tickets in a hurry! / Reserve online at Peltzerwinery.com

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

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Behind the Scene Wine Tour / Available daily / 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.

South Coast Winery’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival / December 1 / 5:00pm – 8:00pm / Adults $40, WC $35, Children 4-10yrs $15, Children 3 & under are free / Join us for our Annual Tree Lighting Festival! This event will be full of activities for the entire family to enjoy / Ticket includes buffet dinner, Christmas carolers, horse & carriage and tractor rides, photos with Santa, holiday entertainment and of course tree lighting! Lighting of the Tree will commence at 6:00pm. / Tickets may be purchased online: https://www.southcoastwinery.com/tree-lighting / South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is proud to be an official Toys for Tots drop-off location.

Thornton Winery
Cooking Class Series / December 8 / 1:00 – 3:30pm / Cost: $75 inclusive / “Tamales” – Join our Executive Chef Ceasar Solarzano and learn some of his own secrets for making tamales / Please call (951) 699-0099 for more information and to make reservations!

Christmas Day Dinner / December 25 / 12:00 – 5:00 pm / Cost: $64.95 ++ Adults, Children 6-12 years $19.95++, Children 5 and under are free / Plated Menu: Choice of Four Starter Selections, Choice of four entrees & choice of three desserts Please call (951) 699-0099 for more information and to make reservations!

Wilson Creek Winery
New Year’s Eve Party / December 31 / 8:00pm – 12:30am / General Admission $200 / Wine Club $180 / Let’s Get Our Sparkle On! Join us To Ring In 2020! 4-course wine paired dinner and live entertainment by JD Priest. Then turn up the night with the DJ, Dancing, Drinks and Dessert Bar until you kiss at midnight! Hosted Bar throughout the evening. Must be 21 and over. Doors Open at 7:30PM / Starts at 8PM. Purchase tickets at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

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.

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Temecula Wine Pairings for Your Thanksgiving Table

In just a few weeks, your tummy will be rumbling and your mouth salivating with the promise of the once-a-year feast that is Thanksgiving. America’s biggest food holiday serves up the chance to do some serious (and seriously fun) fun wine and food pairing. Here in Temecula Valley, Southern California’s Wine Country, we’ve got the perfect wine pairings to go with each Thanksgiving course. No matter what your budget, this simple guide will have your friends and family giving thanks to you for making their holiday meal extra special.

Light Appetizers + Mellow Whites
These bright yet mellow whites pair well with lighter dishes to kick off your Thanksgiving meal. The floral notes of a viognier complement a fall salad of pears, blue cheese and walnuts; a selection of fruit and cheeses match nicely with a chardonnay; and light pinot grigio will sing next to your pumpkin soup.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery 2016 Special Selection Chardonnay; $25.00

Danza Del Sol Winery, 2017 Pinot Grigio; $30.00

Briar Rose Winery 2017 Estate Viognier; $28.00

Herbacious Side Dishes + Spicy Reds
The spicy notes derived from these unique wine grapes pair especially well with stuffings and gravies seasoned with holiday herbs like sage, thyme and rosemary. Having a vegetarian Thanksgiving? These wines work well with earthy mushroom and winter squash dishes too!

Mount Palomar 2014 Castelleto Sangiovese; $40.00

Leoness Cellars 2016 Cellar Selection Zinfandel; $42.00

Doffo Vineyards 2016 Syrah; $62.00

Poultry & Meats + Bold Reds
Whether it’s wine or food, everyone looks forward to the main course. The dark fruit flavors in these big reds will enhance similar flavors in your herb-rubbed turkey or peppered roasts. Whether you’re serving poultry, lamb or beef, all three are bold enough to stand up to a rich meat course.

Baily Winery, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon; $40.00

Monte De Oro Winery 2015 Merlot; $32.00

Wiens 2017 Reserve Tempranillo; $65.00

Dessert + Sweet Wines
Your Thanksgiving meal isn’t complete without dessert, and no dessert is complete without wine – at least that’s how we feel! Apple pies and pear tarts are practically made to pair with a sweet moscato, where red delicious apples, kiwi , pears, and apricots come together nicely with honeysuckle and jasmine undertones.

Somerset Winery 2018 Muscat; $23.00

South Coast Winery Black Jack Port; 18.00

Robert Renzoni Vineyards 2017 Moscato; $22

One Meal, One Wine
On a wine-buying budget? Or just looking to simplify your evening by serving one wine from start to finish? Any of these four, well-priced wines fit the bill. Each is lighter on the palate, with only subtle hints of sweetness making them suitable to drink from appetizers all the way to dessert. Bon appetit!

Maurice Car’rie 2017 Chenin Blanc; $20.95

Miramonte Winery 2018 Rosé; $28.00

Falkner Winery 2018 Sauvignon Blanc; $27.95

Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery 2014 “50/50” Blend; 45.00

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SEARED DUCK BREASTS WITH PORT AND CHERRY SAUCE

Seared Duck Breasts with Port and Sherry Sauce

Cooking duck breasts slowly, skin side down, helps eliminate almost every speck of fat. After about 20 minutes, the skin will be crisp and the flesh as rosy and tender as a fine steak. A silky port and cherry sauce makes this a restaurant-caliber dish. Serve with wild rice and your favorite Temecula Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Serves 4

Ingredients
Seasoning Rub:
8 juniper berries
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
4 boneless duck breasts, about 1⁄2 pound (250 g) each

Sauce:
1 cup (250 ml) Zinfandel Port or Ruby Port
1 shallot, minced
3 fresh thyme sprigs
1 strip orange zest, removed with a vegetable peeler
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
24 cherries, pitted and halved
1⁄2 cup (125 ml) strong chicken broth, reduced from 1 cup (250 ml)
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions
Make the seasoning rub: Put the juniper berries, thyme, salt, and peppercorns in a mortar or spice grinder and grind to a powder. Duck breasts vary tremendously in size; scale up the spice rub if the breasts you buy are considerably larger.

Slash the skin of each breast in a crosshatch pattern, stopping short of the flesh. (The slashes help render the fat.) Sprinkle the seasoning rub evenly onto both sides of each breast. Put the breasts on a flat rack and set the rack inside a tray. Refrigerate uncovered for 24 to 36 hours. Bring to room temperature before cooking.

Choose a heavy frying pan large enough to accommodate all the duck breasts comfortably. (If necessary to avoid crowding, use two frying pans.) Put the breasts, skin side down, in the unheated frying pan and set over medium-low heat. Cook until the skin is well browned and crisp, about 15 minutes, frequently pouring off the fat until the skin no longer renders much. (Reserve the fat for frying potatoes, if you like.)

Turn the duck breasts and continue cooking flesh side down, turning the breasts with tongs to sear all the exposed flesh, until the internal temperature registers 125°F (52°C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer the breasts to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

While the duck cooks, make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the port, shallot, thyme, orange zest, vinegar, and half of the cherries. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and simmer until reduced to 3∕4 cup (180 ml). Add the broth and sugar and simmer until the liquid has again reduced to 3∕4 cup (180 ml). Remove from the heat and, with tongs, lift out the thyme sprigs and orange zest and discard.

Puree the sauce in a blender. Set a very fine-mesh sieve over the saucepan and pass the sauce through the sieve, pressing on the solids with a rubber spatula. Return to medium heat, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until reduced to 1∕2 cup (125 ml). Stir in the remaining cherries and remove from the heat. Add the butter and swirl the saucepan until the butter melts.

Slice the duck on the diagonal. Spoon some of the sauce on each of four dinner plates, dividing it evenly. Top with the sliced duck. Serve immediately.

Suggested Pairings:

Baily Winery 2015 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Offers warm, rich tones with subtle, herbaceous qualities and a hint of mint.

Leoness Cellars 2016 Cellar Selection Cabernet Sauvignon – Bursting with aromas of black currant, blackberry and boysenberry fruit layered with subtle notes of vanilla, black licorice and sweet oak.

Maurice Car’rie Vineyard & Winery – Van Roekel Estate 2014 Merlot – Brings cherry, clove and cinnamon on the nose, with subtle hints of orange blossom.

Thornton Winery 2014 Merlot – Cherry, black berry currant and blueberry notes along with a fruit-driven entry that is complemented by oak barrels from France, Eastern Europe and North America.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California


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November Winery Events

Friends enjoying wine on a fall day

There’s a chill in the air now and suddenly we’re planning holiday meals!  Whether your holiday plans keep you close to home or off visiting relatives, plan to sneak in a trip to Temecula Valley Wine Country to stock up on your favorite wine, pick up holiday gifts at one of the wineries’ shopping nights or attend one of the great events going on in wine country!

Akash Winery
Yoga + Wine / November 24 / 9:00-10:00am / $25 pp / The best way to spend your Sunday morning! Class is offered the last Sunday of every month! Includes a glass of wine on the day of the yoga session / Please visit www.akashwinery.com to reserve your spot.

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
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 $40 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Live Music offered on Friday nights Reservation is not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889

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

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

Annual Wine Barrel Tree Lighting Celebration! / December 13 / 6:00 to 9:00pm / You’re invited to join us for our Annual Wine Barrel Tree Lighting Celebration! Bring the kids to meet Santa and enjoy cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, Christmas carolers, discounts on wine, gifts and so much more! Experience a wine country Christmas with us! Complimentary admission; please R.S.V.P. to info@callawaywinery.com or (951) 676-4001

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

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

Falkner Winery
Wine Appreciation Class / November 16 / 10am-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge; $45/person /$40 Connoisseur/ $20 VIP; $80/person with lunch option.  RSVP’s required 951-676-8231 x.109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com

Vertical Syrah Tasting Class with George Myers / November 23 / 10:30am-12pm / Only $45 per person/Wine Club Members $40. Includes 5 years of our amazing Syrah!  Rated 90 + points by Wine Enthusiast and all Gold Medal winners! Space is limited and Reservations required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or email to wineclub@falknerwinery.com   

Fazeli Cellars
Annual Haunted Masquerade Ball / November 1 / Doors Open at 7pm / Don’t Miss Our Annual Haunted Masquerade Ball! Tickets Sell Out FAST, Get Yours NOW! / $28 Members | $35 Non-Members Includes Entrance and a Glass of Spooky Sparkling Wine / Drinks & food available for purchase | DJ & Dancing! Masks Desired but Not Required! To purchase your tickets please visit http://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-391245/Haunted-Masquerade-Ball-2019.html

Lorimar Winery
The Killer Dueling Pianos / November 14 / 6 pm- 9 pm / $20 per person / $18 per wine club member /The Killer Dueling Pianos are back at Lorimar Winery for a night of wine, live music and dancing! 21+ only event / Purchase Tickets – lorimarwinery.com

Academie Du Vin: Wine & Cheese / November 21 / 6pm – 8 pm / $55 per person / $49.50 per wine club member / Explore the worlds of Wine & Cheese with Certified Sommelier Penny Delgado and local Cheese Monger Stasha. New! Includes five wine and cheese pairings along with two surprise tastings! 21+ only event / Purchase Tickets – lorimarwinery.com

Tree Lighting / December 1 / 5pm- 8pm / Join us to kick off the holiday season at our annual Tree Lighting with Santa, Complimentary Cookie Decorating, Hot Cocoa, Spiced Wine, Wine Sales, Special Food Menu, and more! / Please RSVP at lorimarwinery.com

Mount Palomar Winery

Chicago Tribute Band / November 1 / 7pm-10pm / $35 Public; $31.50 Wine Club / Join us for the continuation of our Fall Concert Series! VladLetoPhotography is your NYC elopement dream team, with 4 fabulous photographers and 4 awesome officiants to choose from to customize your perfect NYC elopement! Next up: Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience, the ultimate tribute to Chicago. Gather your friends and family for an evening of food, fun and fabulous entertainment at Mount Palomar! / For reservations please visit bit.ly/chicagotributeband

Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band / November 2 / 7pm-10pm / $35 Public; $31.50 Wine Club /Join us for the continuation of our Fall Concert Series! Next up: Garratt Wilkin and the Parrotheads, a tribute to Jimmy Buffett. Gather your friends and family for an evening of food, fun and fabulous entertainment at Mount Palomar! / For reservations please bit.ly/jimmybuffett_tributeband

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

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Behind the Scene Wine Tour / Available daily / 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
Cooking Class Series: What to do with Thanksgiving left-overs / November 17 / 1pm-3pm / $75 inclusive / For more information and reservations please visit www.thorntonwine.com

Thanksgiving Dinner at Cafe Champagne / November 28 / 12p-5p / Cost: $64.95 ++ Adults, Children 6-12 years $19.95++ Under 5 years free / For more information and reservations please visit www.thorntonwine.com

Vindemia Vineyards & Estate Winery
Harvest Celebration with Special Guest Chef Drew Deckman / November 2 / 4:30pm- 8:00pm / $75 for Wine Club Members and $95 for non-members We are overjoyed to host Super Chef Drew Deckman here in Temecula Valley! Chef Deckman is the head chef at his restaurant, Deckmans’s in Ensenada and is known for his superb dishes in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. Our November 2 event includes a four-course meal grilled by Deckman himself, paired with unreleased Vindemia wines, live music and more! / Please RSVP to wineclub@vindemia.com by October 18 – spots are limited!

Wilson Creek Winery
Wine Academy Blind Tasting / November 2 / 6:00pm-9:00pm / Cost: $20-$35 / Wine Club Members $20 (limit 4 guests $35) / Come join us for an educational journey through wine. Our top-notch instructors will make your wine experience interactive and interesting. Enjoy wine education while tasting different wines with light appetizers. Reserve Members are complimentary with Wine Passes / Reserve at WilsonCreekWinery.com or call 951-252-8523.

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.

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MAC AND CHEESE WITH FRESH PEAS, CAULIFLOWER AND TOASTED GARLIC BREADCRUMBS

Mac & Cheese with Fresh Peas, Cauliflower and Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs

You know it’s the start of fall when you start to crave warm comfort food! This mac & cheese recipe is creamy and comes with a few surprising additions—and a crispy garlicky topping. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Chardonnay or Merlot.

Serves 6

Ingredients
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (30ml) all purpose flour
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
1 cup (240ml) half-and-half
1¼ cup (143g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup (56g) grated Gruyere cheese
6 cups cooked macaroni (made from 10 ounces/284g dry macaroni)
½ teaspoon (2.5ml) sea salt
2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
2 cups (200g) cauliflower florets, cut into small pieces
½ cup (80g) fresh or frozen peas

For the topping:
2 cups (128g) fine dry breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
½ cup (56g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons (10ml) minced garlic
½ teaspoon (2.5ml) sea salt
1 teaspoon (2.5ml) freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 375° F (190° C)

Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed, saucepan over medium heat, until sizzling. Add the flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Gradually stir in the milk and half-and-half, and continue to stir until the sauce thickens and begins to simmer.

Turn off heat, stir in the grated cheddar and the Gruyere until smooth. Fold in the macaroni and ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) salt. Set aside.

Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the cauliflower and cook and stir until lightly browned. Stir in the peas and cook for 2 more minutes.

Mix the cauliflower and peas with the macaroni and spread in a buttered 9-by-13-inch (23-by-33-cm) baking dish.

To make the topping, mix the breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until topping is golden brown.

Suggested Pairings:
Callaway Vineyard & Winery 2016 Special Selection Chardonnay ~ This light, crisp Chardonnay opens with aromas of leafy pineapple and citrus fruits. The palate is lush with fresh tropical fruits, golden delicious apple with a tangy pineapple finish.

Falkner Winery 2016 Merlot ~ Enjoy the added dimension of black cherry, blueberry, and slight plum flavors with a smooth finish that provides for a delicious wine.

Leoness Cellars 2015 Signature Selection Merlot ~ This wine is bursting with black cherry and blackberry flavors framed by subtle hints of licorice, tobacco and cedar leading the way to a soft, lengthy finish.

Oak Mountain Winery 2018 Chardonnay ~ This chardonnay is lightly oaked with French oak imparting rich flavors of vanilla, butterscotch, creme brulee and caramel.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California.





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October Winery Events

Happy Hallowine

October is peak harvest season and the vineyards are in full wine production and we’ve got some exciting and unique October winery events! Come experience Halloween bashes, grape stomps, concerts, fall wine tours and tastings — and much more!

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
Doggie Costume Contest / October 27 / Join us for our Dog Day Sundays at Carol’s Restaurant located at Baily Winery. Doggie Costume judging at 1:30pm – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes! Don’t forget to bring your camera! / Carol’s Restaurant is open for lunch 11:30am – 3pm. Reservations recommended by calling 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.

Bel Vino Winery
Oktoberfest / October 18 / 6:00-10:00pm / $5pp pre-paid tickets on our website or $10pp at the door / German Band, German Contests, Biergarten, Brat Bar, Dress Contest, Funnel Cakes / For reservations please visit https://www.belvinowinery.com/product/oktoberfest/

Sushi Wine Down / October 23 / 6:00-9:00pm / $50 pp / Featuring: Live Music from Jeff Brinkman. Price includes a Sushi Station featuring fresh premium grade fish such as Hawaiian Bigeye Tuna, JPN’s Yellowtail, Scottish Salmon and others. Prepared with natural and organic ingredients and fresh wasabi (root) / To purchase your tickets please visit https://www.hideawaycuisine.com/events

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Sip, Stomp & Play / October 5 / 6pm to 9pm / $72 pp, $64.80 wine club, $32 for kids ages 4-11; price does not include tax / Grab a bunch of your family and friends and join us for this fun-for-the-entire-family grape stomp and harvest festival! Bring the kids! We’ll have face painting, live music, dinner, dancing, a Lucy look-alike contest, and of course, grape stomping contests! Channel your inner Lucy and dress up for a chance to win prizes! We are serving up some hearty cuisine that’s perfect for keeping your energy up while you stomp and dance the night away! Get your tickets while you can, you won’t want to miss this! Tickets include: Admission to the event, one glass of Callaway wine, dinner, dancing, wine specials and grape stomping! / Purchase your tickets online at www.callawaywinery.com or at the winery.

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

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

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

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

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

Europa Village
Festa! featuring Ruben V / October 19 / 5:30-8:30pm / Enjoy wine, food and live music by Ruben V, benefiting Michelle’s Place! Food Tickets: $18; free admission / please visit www.europavillage.com for additional information.

Falkner Winery
Harvest Paint N Sip / October 13 / 12:00-2:00pm / Open to the Public! $45 per person / Ticket price includes all painting supplies and a glass of “Hot Lips” or Sangria / tickets available online https://store.falknerwinery.com/harvest-sip-n-paint-p199.aspx

Night of Witches n Ghouls Party / October 24 / 7:00-10:00pm / Cover charge $20 per person includes glass of Ghoulish Sangria or Zombie Hot Lips. Wine by the glass and bottle. (Industry and Wine Club discounts applicable) Karaoke by Sing It Like you Mean It, D.J. Lillian Thomas. Food available for purchase And don’t forget about our awesome Costume Contests!

Dia De Los Muertos Festival (Day of the Dead) / October 27 / 12:00-4:00pm Open to the public. Face painter, vendors, games, wine, sangria, and Hot Lips by glass or bottle. (Member discounts applicable) Food and Drink packages available. Picnic menu also available. No need to RSVP!

Fazeli Cellars
Annual Haunted Masquerade Ball / November 1 / Doors Open at 7pm / Don’t Miss Our Annual Haunted Masquerade Ball! Tickets Sell Out FAST, Get Yours NOW! / $28 Members | $35 Non-Members Includes Entrance and a Glass of Spooky Sparkling Wine / Drinks & food available for purchase | DJ & Dancing! Masks Desired but Not Required! To purchase your tickets please visit http://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-391245/Haunted-Masquerade-Ball-2019.html

Frangipani Winery
Harvest Grape Stomp Party
/ October 13 / 2pm-5pm / Frangipani Estate Winery Wine club members $20 per person and General Guests $25 per person / Grape Stomping, Corn-Hole, & Bocce Ball tournaments with prizes for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place, live music and food / RSVP by October 10 to 951-699-8845 or email frangipaniwine@yahoo.com

Lorimar Winery
Night of the Living Wine-O’s
/ October 25 / 7:00-10:00pm / $20 per person; $18 Wine Club / Lorimar’s annual Halloween bash is back and it’s going to be better than ever! Join us for wine specials, live music by Mrs. Jones Revenge, Costume Contest, DJ, candy, and more! / Tickets are pre-sale only and include a glass of Spooky Sangria. (event is 21+, tax is not included) / Purchase Tickets – https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-410159/Night-Of-The-Living-Wineos.html

Movie in the Vines – Hotel Transylvania 2 / October 28 / Doors open at 6pm / Bring the whole family for a scary good time to see HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 on the Sunset Patio! /Pairings Food Truck opens at 6 pm; movie begins at sunset / Complimentary popcorn! Costume contest for the kids! Candy, Soda, & Snacks will also be available for purchase! (No outside food or drinks)/ Please RSVP – https://shop.lorimarwinery.com/res-409598/Movie-In-The-Vines-Hotel-Transylvania-2.html

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

Somerset Vineyard & Winery
70’s Disco Party / October 5 / 6:00-10:00pm / $95 per person; $76 for members / Enjoy a live musical production by the FUNKY HIPPEEZ, food provided by Southfork catering, contest & prizes for Best Dressed and Best Dance Moves! / Space is limited so reserve early! Please visit our website www.somersetvineyard.com or call 951-365-5522 to purchase your tickets today!

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Country Concert featuring Eric Paslay
/ October 24 / Doors Open at 6:30pm; Show 7:00-9:00pm / Tickets start at only $35! / Join us among the vines and stars as South Coast Winery Resort & Spa presents an evening with country singer/songwriter Eric Paslay. This Platinum-selling, hit songwriter and dynamic performer has celebrated five No. 1 hits including “Even if it Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jack Owen), “Angel Eyes” (Love & Theft), “Rewind” (Rascal Flatts) and “Friday Night” his smash lead single from his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album. Enjoy great wine, local food trucks and this GRAMMY® nominee, hit songwriter for the wine COUNTRY night event of the year / For reservations please visit https://www.southcoastwinery.com/concerts/october-24-2019-country-concert

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

Thornton Winery
JAZZ CONCERT SERIES
Brian Culbertson / October 5 / 7:00pm
Cost: General Admission: $95, Gourmet Supper Package: $180

West Coast Jams / October 12 / 7:00pm
Cost: General Admission: $85, Gourmet Supper Package: $170

Jeffrey Osborne / October 20 / 4:00pmCost: General Admission: $85, Gourmet Supper Package: $170

To order your jazz tickets, please visit our website: www.thorntonwine.com or Call (951) 699-0099 EXT. 3127 to make reservations.

Friday Live Music – B.I.G. / October 11 / 6:00-9:00pm / General Admission $15 in advance; $20 at the door. VIP $40 for the first six rows. No food service / Dinner tables available. *All guests at table must order dinner! / Must order tickets on our website: www.thorntonwine.com

Friday Live Music – Bon Jovi Tribute
/ October 25 / 6:00-9:00pm / General Admission $25 in advance; $30 at the door. VIP $40 for the first six rows. No food service / Dinner tables available. *All guests at table must order dinner! / Must order tickets on our website: www.thorntonwine.com

Cooking Class / October 27 / 1:00pm -3:00pm / Theme is Scary Desserts & Appetizers / For more information and reservations please visit  www.thorntonwine.com

Vindemia Vineyards & Estate Winery
Harvest Celebration with Special Guest Chef Drew Deckman / November 2 / 4:30pm- 8:00pm / $75 for Wine Club Members and $95 for non-members We are overjoyed to host Super Chef Drew Deckman here in Temecula Valley! Chef Deckman is the head chef at his restaurant, Deckmans’s in Ensenada and is known for his superb dishes in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. Our November 2 event includes a four-course meal grilled by Deckman himself, paired with unreleased Vindemia wines, live music and more! / Please RSVP to wineclub@vindemia.com by October 18 – spots are limited!

Wiens Family Cellars
Refugio Vertical Pairing Dinner / October 27 / 7:00pm-10:00pm / $100 regular; $80 Wine Club Member / A Cabernet lover’s delight! Join us for our Refugio Wine Dinner! At this event we’ll showcase four vintages of our flagship Refugio Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a wonderful dish! / Advance reservation can be made by visiting https://www.wienscellars.com/res-415408/Refugio-Vertical-Pairing-Dinner-2019.html

Wilson Creek Winery
Wine Academy – Wine 101 / October 5 / 6:00pm-9:00pm / General $20-$35; Wine Club Members $20 (limit 4 guests $35) / Come join us for an educational journey through wine. Our top-notch instructors will make your wine experience interactive and interesting. Enjoy wine education while tasting different wines with light appetizers. Reserve Members are complimentary with Wine Passes – Call 951-252-8523 to reserve. ONLY 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE!

Lauren Alaina Country Concert / October 11 / 6:00pm-9:00pm / General Admission $60; Wine Club Members $54 / Join us under the stars in the heart of wine country for an amazing up close and personal show with LAUREN ALAINA and Opening Band Honey County! / For reservations please visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

Harvest Festival – Grape Stomp / October 18 / 6:00pm-9:00pm / General Admission $75; Wine Club Members $67.50 / Fall is a time to gather! Join us for our Harvest Festival! Buffet Style Dinner, Pumpkin Carving Contest, Grape Stomping, & Live Music! Enjoy all of these fun activities included with your ticket. LIVE ENTERTAINERS: Kodi Lee & Midnight Satellites /  For reservations please visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

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.

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September Winery Events

It’s September – and you know what that means? California Wine Month – and it’s time to celebrate, Temecula Style! From CRUSH to grape stomps and harvest celebrations, it’s always a busy time in Temecula Valley Wine Country!

Grape Stomp Fun!

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 Vines presents Comedy of Errors / September 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21 / Doors open at 6:30pm. Show starts 7:30 (ends around 10p) /Outdoor stage at Baily Winery / Tickets: $22 / To purchase your tickets please visit http://www.shakespeareinthevines.org

Estate Library Tasting / Every Thursday-Sunday / Available 11am-4pm / Enjoy exclusive library tasting of 5 different vintages (varietal will vary monthly). Tasting will take place at Baily Estate Tasting Room located on Pauba Road / Tours are available upon request / For reservations and pricing information please call Lisa at 951-972-9768. Please note that library tasting will not be available on these specific dates only June 6 or 7.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Sip, Stomp & Play / October 5 / 6pm to 9pm / $72 pp, $64.80 wine club, $32 for kids ages 4-11; price does not include tax / Grab a bunch of your family and friends and join us for this fun-for-the-entire-family grape stomp and harvest festival! Bring the kids! We’ll have face painting, live music, dinner, dancing, a Lucy look-alike contest, and of course, grape stomping contests! Channel your inner Lucy and dress up for a chance to win prizes! We are serving up some hearty cuisine that’s perfect for keeping your energy up while you stomp and dance the night away! Get your tickets while you can, you won’t want to miss this! Tickets include: Admission to the event, one glass of Callaway wine, dinner, dancing, wine specials and grape stomping! Purchase your tickets online at www.callawaywinery.com or at the winery.

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

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

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

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

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

Churon Inn Winery
Variety Act – Live Music, Comedy, Magician / September 14 / 6:00-10:00pm / Guests $28; Wine Club $25; meal included alcohol available for purchase / For all our events please visit our website www.innatchuronwinery.com / To purchase tickets at http://shop.innatchuronwinery.com/reservation-events

Ruben V. & The Latin Sounds Havana Night / September 28 / 6:00-10:00pm / Guests $10 / Live band, Brazilian dancers and salsa dance Lessons / Guest musician, wood dance floor, food and alcohol available for purchase / For all our events please visit our website www.innatchuronwinery.com / To purchase tickets at http://shop.innatchuronwinery.com/reservation-events

Cougar Vineyards
Cougar Craft Night / September 22 / 3:30-5:30p / Wine club $45pp, Non-wine club $50pp / We’re making Reversible Blocks or Scarecrow crafts.  Samples displayed at the winery. All materials needed to create your Blocks or scarecrow will be provided plus expert help from the Craft Barrel Ladies! Craft and sip the afternoon away! / For reservations please call the winery 951.491.0825 or visit www.cougarvineyards.com

Wine and Dogs / September 12 / 3:00-6:00pm / Come and join in on the fun picnic area at Cougar winery!  Dog sitters, doggy day care, dog boarding, groomers, pet nutrition, specialty pet treats, pet safe toys, dog trainers, dog friendly dining, local rescues, specialists in care and health of your dog and so much more…no cost to attend. Those in attendance can purchase two-for-one tastings during the event / For more information please visit www.cougarvineyards.com

Europa Village
Festa! Big Truth / September 20 / 5:30p-8:30p / Free admission; Food tickets $19 / Enjoy wine, food and live music by Big Truth, benefiting Jacob’s House! / For reservations and information please visit www.europavillage.com

Falkner Winery
Vertical Meritage Tasting Class with George Myer / September 14 / 10:30am -12:30pm / $45 per person, $40 Wine Club Members per person / Rated 90+ points by Wine Enthusiast and all Gold Medal winners! Designed for all levels of wine knowledge; RSVP’s required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com

Fazeli Cellars
Salsa Night Black and White Party! / September 7 / No partner or experience needed! Doors Open at 6:30 with 45-minute Salsa Lesson / Admission fee is $20 for non-members (+ tax) and $15 (+ tax) for wine club members – Includes a glass of Sangria. Special Food Menu Items! Wine, Beer, Sangria available for purchase! / Tickets sold at front door ONLY!

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

Somerset Vineyards & Winery
First Annual Grape Stomp / September 21 / 4:30-7:00pm; music until 9pm / $35 per person and includes a glass of wine, or $130 for a team of 4 and includes a bottle of your choice / Come participate in our first Grape Stomp Competition! Come as a team of 4, or as an individual and become part of a team. All participants get to stomp. Teams are encouraged to dress – best team costume wins a prize! / Please visit the following site to reserve your spot https://shop.somersetvineyard.com/res-424601/1st-Annual-Grape-Stomp.html

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Jazz Series – Michael Paulo, Blake Aaron, Tateng Katindig & Vocalist Lynne Fiddmont
/ September 1 / 6:00pm – 9:00pm / Join us at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa as Rhythm on the Vine® returns with the third of a six-concert jazz series! Featuring Saxophonist Michael Paulo and friends! / Reservation Information: Purchase tickets at SouthCoastWinery.com. Please email marketing@wineresort.com or call (833)366-3112

Jazz Series – Marc Antoine & Brian Simpson Concert / September 29 / 6:00pm – 9:00pm / Join us at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa as Rhythm on the Vine® returns with the fourth of a six-concert jazz series! Featuring Guitarist Marc Antoine and Pianist Brian Simpson / Reservation Information: Purchase tickets at SouthCoastWinery.com. Please email marketing@wineresort.com or call (833)366-3112

Grape Stomp 2019 / September 15 / 5:00-9:00pm / It’s that time of the year again! Time to get your stompin’ on! Grab your friends and join us on Sunday, September 15th for South Coast Winery’s annual Grape Stomp. Your ticket includes a glass of wine, live music, sparkling wine toast, harvest blessing, dinner buffet, and of course, grape stomping! Reservation Information: Tickets on sale at SouthCoastWinery.com/stomp

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

Thornton Winery

JAZZ CONCERT SERIES
KEIKO MATSUI & SAX TO THE MAX / September 7 / 7:00pm
Cost: General Admission: $85, Gourmet Supper Package: $170

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS SUMMER HORNS / September 14 / 7:00pm
Cost: General Admission: $95, Gourmet Supper Package: $180 (sold out)

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS SUMMER HORNS / September 15 / 5:00pm
Cost: General Admission: $90, Gourmet Supper Package: $175

NORMAN BROWN SUMMER STORM / September 21 / 7:00pm
Cost: General Admission: $85, Gourmet Supper Package: $170

JONATHAN BUTLER & KIRK WHALUM SUMMER GROOVE / September 28 7:00pm
Cost: General Admission: $85, Gourmet Supper Package: $170

To order your jazz tickets, please visit our website: www.thorntonwine.com or Call (951) 699-0099 EXT. 3127 to make reservations. en.natashaescort.com

Friday Live Music – Featuring Killer Dueling Pianos / September 13 / 6:00-9:00pm / Cost: $15 cover fee / Dinner tables available. Please call (951) 699-0099 to make reservations. *All guests at table must order dinner!

Friday Live Music – Rolling Stone Tribute / September 27 / 6:00-9:00pm / Cost: General Admission – $15 in advance.  $20 at the door. VIP $30 / Must order tickets on our website: www.thorntonwine.com

Dinner tables available. Call (951) 699-0099 to make table reservations. *All guests at table must order dinner!

Wilson Creek Winery
Symphony in the Vines Pop Concert / September 15 / 7:00pm – Gates open at 6pm / $35 / Temecula Symphony presents vocalist Jonathan Hawkins & Guest and John Mario, conductor / Music from John Williams, Game of Thrones, Ed Sheeran, The Greatest Showman, Andrea Bocelli, Broadway, Freddy Mercury, Beethoven and more… / Food and beverage available to purchase at the event / For tickets www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

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.

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GRASS-FED BURGER WITH AVOCADO AND CHIPOTLE MAYONNAISE

Buttery avocados make any sandwich better, and they put this burger over the top. Grass-fed beef can be lean, but the sliced avocado and spicy chipotle mayonnaise ensure that this burger is a luscious, moist, flavor-packed experience. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Burgers:

  • 1 1⁄2 pounds (750 g) grass-fed ground beef chuck
  • Scant 1 1⁄2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
  • 3⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper


Chipotle Mayonnaise

  • 1⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (90 ml) mayonnaise, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, if using store-bought mayonnaise
  • 1 small clove garlic, grated with a rasp grater or very finely minced
  • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons very finely minced chipotle chile in adobo, or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 hamburger buns, split
  • 1 ripe but firm small avocado
  • 1⁄2 lime
  • About 1⁄2 cup (20 g) loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
  • 4 large, soft lettuce leaves


Directions:

Make the burgers: Put the beef in a bowl and add the salt, garlic powder, and several grinds of black pepper. Mix quickly with your hands; try not to overwork the mixture. Divide into four equal portions, each 6 ounces (185 g), and shape into balls. Flatten each ball into a round patty about 3∕4 inch (2 cm) thick. Make the patties a little thinner in the center. They shrink a bit when cooked, and this step ensures they will be of even thickness after cooking. Place them on a tray and refrigerate.

Make the mayonnaise: Put the mayonnaise in a small bowl. If it is store-bought, whisk in the olive oil to improve the flavor. Whisk in the garlic and chile. Taste and add more chile if you like. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Preheat the broiler. Heat a large cast-iron frying pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil is hot, add the patties and fry until nicely browned and done to your taste, flipping them with a spatula two or three times and adjusting the heat to keep them from getting too crusty on either side. For medium doneness, the total cooking time will be about 10 minutes.

Set the burgers aside on a platter to rest for about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, toast the buns, cut side up, under the broiler. Halve, pit, and peel the avocado and slice thinly.

Spread chipotle mayonnaise on both halves of the toasted buns. Top the bottom half of each bun with a burger. Divide the avocado slices evenly among the burgers. Sprinkle the avocado lightly with salt and a squeeze of lime. Top with a tuft of cilantro leaves, then with a lettuce leaf, and finally the top half of the bun. Cut in half with a serrated knife and serve immediately.

Suggested Pairings:

Baily Winery ~ 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon – It offers warm, rich tones with subtle, herbaceous qualities and a hint of mint.
Miramonte Winery ~ 2015 Estate Syrah – Dusty boysenberry, wild cherry, fresh violet, sweet french oak, spiced mocha and a long graceful finish.
Oak Mountain Winery ~ 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Bold fruit flavors and subtle nuances of toffee, espresso and dark chocolate
Wilson Creek Winery ~ 2015 Family Reserve Syrah -Cedar and spice are prominent in the aroma of the wine whereas cherry and sour plums are revealed on the palate.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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