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Roasted Chicken Breast with Yukon Gold Potato Cakes and Infused Rosemary Oil Sauce

Tender chicken breast with a delicate, rosemary-scented cream sauce served alongside a golden-toasted potato cake with Parmesan. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Chardonnay.

Ingredients:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

3 (3-inch) sprigs fresh rosemary

5 medium-sized Yukon Gold, or other waxy potatoes (about 1 ½ pounds), peeled and cut in half

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/3 cup half and half or light cream

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions, white and light green parts

2 eggs slightly beaten, divided

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

4 (6-ounce) boneless half chicken breasts, skin on

For the sauce:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

½ cup half and half or light cream

½ cup chicken stock

1 cup loosely packed flat leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped

½ teaspoon minced rosemary leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a small, heavy-bottomed skillet over low heat. Add the rosemary sprigs and cook for 10 minutes. Set the pan aside.

Put the potatoes in a large saucepan with enough water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender about 20 to 30 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan, off the heat. Add the half and half, butter, and the 1 teaspoon salt. Mix and mash the potatoes with a large whisk or potato masher to a stiff, slightly lumpy consistency.

When the potatoes are completely cool, mix in the scallions, and half of the beaten egg.

Heat the oven to 375° F.

Coat a large baking sheet with the vegetable oil. Form the potato mixture into 8 round cakes, 1-inch thick, and place them on the oiled sheet.

Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the potato cakes with the remaining egg and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Bake for 40 minutes or until the tops of the cakes are golden brown.

While the potato cakes are cooking, sprinkle both sides of the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the rosemary oil in a medium, heavy-bottomed, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chicken breasts skin side down and cook for 5 minutes. Turn the breasts over and cook 2 minutes. Spoon the fat in the pan over the chicken breasts.

Place the skillet in the oven (with the potato cakes) and roast the chicken for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let rest, for at least 5 minutes.

In the meantime, make the sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of the rosemary oil with the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the flour, and bring to a sizzle over medium heat stirring frequently.

Add the chicken stock and half and half. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to thicken the sauce. Add the parsley and minced rosemary and simmer for 2 more minutes, stirring frequently. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, cut each half breast crosswise into 8 slices. Arrange the chicken slices and 2 potato cakes on each plate. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.  Serves 4.

Suggested Pairings:

Bel Vino Winery ~ 2013 Chardonnay – Classic aromas of white peach and pear complemented by toasted almond aromas.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery ~ 2012 Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay – Silky and fresh on the palate, reminiscent of tropical pineapples, zesty kumquats, creamy caramel and apples.

Falkner Winery ~ 2014 Chardonnay -Delicious ripe apple and apricot flavors in a medium bodied, creamy textured wine.

Thornton Winery ~ 2014 Chardonnay  – Green apples and barrel spices with a mineral note.

 Recipe courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

Wine & The Super Bowl? You Bet!

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 Barbera, Hart 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 Malbec, Doffo 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!

Holiday Gift Giving ~ Temecula Style!

Need that perfect holiday gift?? We’re sure that nothing would be appreciated more than a little something from Temecula Valley Wine Country! What could be better than sipping wine while shopping for everyone on your list? Our Temecula Valley winery gift shops offer unique and charming wine-themed gifts, specialty food, home decor and, of course, wine!

Not only does wine make the perfect gift for friends, neighbors and family, but it also makes for a great host gift or corporate gifts. You can purchase by the case for the best price!

Besides wine, wine club memberships make excellent gifts! Most Temecula wineries offer affordable wine club memberships with year-round benefits such as free wine tastings, VIP pricing on wine and special events, pick-up parties and more. If you’d prefer to shop online, many wineries offer the ability to sign up for wine clubs online. Of course, wine can also be purchased online and shipped to most states.

Or, perhaps, you’re just looking for wine for your holiday gathering. Many of our wineries offer festive white and red dessert wines, either late harvest or port-style. Some festive wine options include: South Coast Winery’s sparkling wine line, Thornton NV Cuvee Rouge, and Callaway’s Late Harvest Cabernet and dessert wines. Be sure to check out Wilson Creek Winery, which offers white, red, and sparkling wines with custom and personalized holiday labels.

Happy holidays from Temecula Valley Wine Country! We look forward to celebrating with you soon.

September Winery Events

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Shakespeare in the Vines – Twelfth Night ~ A Romantic Comedy /Sept. 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 27 / Oct. 1, 2 & 3 / Showtime 7:30p / Price $22, Seniors, Military and Students $17 / For tickets visit www.ShakespeareInTheVines.org or call 951.402.7488

Celebrate California Wine Month ~ 2012 Vintage Preview Tasting / Preview tasting available Thursday thru Sunday for the Month of / 11am – 4pm / $25 per person / Taste 5 unreleased 2012 red wines accompanied with La Brea flatbread, Brie & Dry Cured Salami / Tank sample of fermented unfinished wine included. Call for reservations 951.972.9768

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays in August / 11:30a-2:30p / Live music on patio / Half price Sangiovese, Sangiovese Sangria and special menu items.

Dog Day Sundays
Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Live acoustic music on the patio.

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting
Thursday-Sunday / 11:00a-2:30p / Tours and vertical tasting of library wines. Sit down with bread and cheese plate; $30 (Reservations required 24 hours in advance) / Bar Tasting; $20. Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Bel Vino Winery

Live Music / Saturday 12pm – 4pm / Sunday 11am-3pm / Sept. 5 Shoot 4 Tuesday / Sept. 6 The Sweedes / Sept. 12 All In / Sept. 13 Red Wave / Sept. 19 JD Priest / Sept. 20 DOSE / Sept. 26 Kenny Hale / Sept. 27 Kings of Rhythm

Briar Rose

Sip Into the Sunset / First Friday of each month/ Open until 10pm / Music and wine under the stars in our enchanted garden or tasting room / Reservations required; call 951.308.1098

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Happiest Hours
Grab your friends and join us for a marvelous time! Friday’s from 3:00p-6:00p in the lounge at Meritage at Callaway. 20% all tapas, $2 off wine by the glass, 20% off bottles of Callaway wines and available domestic, import and craft beers.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Sunday at Meritage at Callaway from 4pm-8pm in the main dining room. Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria while soaking in the sunset vineyard views. Live music from local musicians begins at 6pm. No cover charge. Reservations for parties of 5 or more are required.

Entertainment / 9/4 Dustin Lake / 9/5 Vini Contreas / 9/6 Tim Moyer / 9/11 Midnight Satellites / 9/12 Micke Arnett / 9/13 Robin Adler, Dave Blackburn, John Quint / 9/18 Al & Brad / 9/19 Vini Contreas / 9/20 R.O.C Duo / 9/25 Buzz Campbell / 9/26 Vini Contreas / 9/27 Harmony Road

Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Wine by the glass or bottle purchase available / 9/4 Vini Contreas, Rock, Folk, Christian / 9/11 Frankie and the Invisibles, Instrumental Rock & Roll / 9/18 Kenny Hale, Rock & Blues / 9/25 Vini Contreas.

Sunday Afternoon Live Music / 2pm- 5pm / 9/6 Don Brennan, Acoustic Guitarist, / 9/13 Will Sumner, Smooth Jazz / 9/20 Shaula Walko, Steel drum island vibe / 9/27 TBA

Doffo Winery

Live Music on the Patio / Saturday, Sept. 5 / 1pm-4pm / Carlos Naranjo – Classic Rock /

Free Yoga on the Hill / Saturday, Sept. 19 / 9:30are / $12 per person / All levels are welcome

Everyday Essentials –Wellness for the Mind, Body and Soul / Saturday, Sept. 19 / 11am – 1pm / $35 public; $30 wine club members / includes a glass of wine and appetizers / Simple tricks and ideas to enhance your daily routine with natural and homemade products / Sign-up at www.doffowines.com

Europa Village

Classic Oldies – FAN Fundraiser / Sunday, Sept. 6 / 6pm / $20 Gen. Adm. / $18 Students, seniors, military / For more information and tickets visit temeculatheatre.org

Movies in the Vines – “Bottle Shock” / Thursday, Sept. 10 / 7:30pm / $5 admission / For more information visit www.europavillage.com

Elvis & Friends – FAN Fundraiser / Friday, Sept 18 / 7pm / $20 Gen. Adm. / $18 Students, seniors, military / For more information and tickets visit temeculatheatre.org

Live Music / Fridays from 6:00p-9:00p and Sundays from 1:00p-4:00p / Free / 9/4 Mrs. Jones Revenge / 9/6 Jimmy Patton / 9/11 Cougarz Rock / 9/13 Jimmy Patton / 9/18 Buzz Campbell / 9/20 Kelly Moore / 9/27 Joe Baldino

Falkner Winery

Labor Day Celebration / 12pm – 3pm / Saturday – Monday / Sept. 5-7 / Case sales, Free Concerts / Saturday, Harmony Road, Sunday, Danielle Taylor / Restaurant special $55 per couple / 50% off carafes / BBQ in yard garden with hot wings special!

Wine Appreciation Class / Saturday, Sept. 19 / 10:00am-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45pp; $40pp Connoisseur; $20pp VIP; $70pp with lunch / Reservations required 951.676.8231 x.109

FREE Concert / Sundays 12:00p-3:00p / /Dancing, Sangria, Beer, BBQ in the yard garden / Sept. 13, 20, 27 Guilty Conscience Band

Leoness Cellars

Live Music at The Restaurant at Leoness / Every Friday 5pm-8pm / Every Sunday 1pm-4pm / Free to the public / 9/4 Michael SG / 9/6 Inbar Horowitz / 9/11 Astra Kelly / 9/13 Tim Cash / 9/18 Dustin Jake / 9/20 Sam & Stacy / 9/25 Vince Mendoza / 9/27 Michael LeClerc

Live Music in the Barrel Room / Every Sunday / 1:00p-4:00p / Free to the public / 9/5 Malissa Lauren Miller and Jerod Dulaney / 9/12 Adler, Blackburn and Quint / 9/19 Dustin Jake / 9/26 Joel Reese

Lorimar Winery

Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival / Saturday, Sept. 26 / 4pm-8pm / $65; $60 wine club / Grab your partner and join us at the Barrel Room for an afternoon of foot stompin’ fun! Live music, hayrides, dinner and more! / Tickets available online, at the winery or by phone 951.694.6699. www.lorimarwinery.com

Movies in the Vines – Clueless / Monday, Sept. 28 / 6pm / Film starts at sunset / No fee

Mount Palomar Winery

Bridal Showplace Bridal Show / Sunday, Sept. 13 / 11am-3pm / Tickets $7 pre-sale; $10 at the door / Contact Sophia M. Benfil 562.381.2865 or Sophia@bridalshowplace.net

STRANGE LOVE a tribute to Depeche Mode / Friday, Sept. 25 / Tickets $25 pre-sale, $30 at the door / Contact Robert Walker 760.716.6295 or heyday@heyday.com

Ponte Family Estate Winery

Grape Stomp / Sunday, Sept. 27 / 4pm-9pm / $95 Reg. Adult / $86 Wine Club Adult / $55 Reg. Child / $50 Wine Club Child / Join us for the 13th annual Grape Stomp, where teams of two compete to see who can stomp enough grape juice to fill a wine bottle! Great prizes, gourmet food stations, wine, live music and stompin’ good fun! / Purchase tickets www.pontewinery.com

Team Ponte Training Runs/Walks through the Vineyard
August – November 11 / Wednesday nights at 5:45p / This is a great way to get in shape, walk or run. Learn about Team Ponte and meet new people. Join us! Meet in front of the Ponte Winery Tasting Room. Run or walk a 3-mile route through our beautiful vineyard; feeling good? Do it twice! / Free to attend

First Sundays – Live Music in the Reserve Room*
Sunday, Sept. 6 / 12:00p-4:00p / Indie / Blues Americana / The Reserve Room will host a variety of live musical artists the first Sunday of each month in 2015. *The Reserve Room is a tasting room for wine club members only. Join the Wine Club and enjoy complimentary tastings in our exclusive venue.

Oak Mountain Winery

Live Music in the Pavilion
Every Saturday and Sunday in / 1:00p-5:00p

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Blessing of the Wines Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival
20, 2015 / 4pm to 7pm / Reserve your tickets today for this year’s Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival. This is a fun-for-the-entire family “blessing” you don’t want to miss! Dance to live musical entertainment provided by Latin Jazz extraordinaire, Diego Mondragon & his band Savio. Games, competitions, face painting, tractor rides through the vineyards and Grape Stomp competitions. Fun family memories that last a lifetime. Tickets include entrance to the festival, all you can eat buffet, complimentary toast with the blessing, live musical entertainment, unlimited game play, plus a chance to win exciting prizes and everybody’s favorite – stomp those grapes! All ages welcome. / Adults $55 pp inclusive: $50 pp Club. Kids 4-12 $15 (3 under are free)

Happy Hours at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Monday-Friday 3:00p-5:30p / Join us in the Vineyard Rose Lounge for reduced priced selected appetizers, award winning select glasses of South Coast wines and local drafts. PLUS corkage fees are waived for any South Coast Winery wine bottles brought in to the Vineyard Rose Restaurant and consumed while dining on Wednesdays too! Visit www.WineResort.com to view menus and find out more.

Wine Wednesdays at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
6:00p-9:00p / Wednesday nights just got even better at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant as award winning pianist, Blessie Isaac-Hopkins, takes the helm behind our elegant grand piano. This world traveler and life-long student of music has performed internationally over the course of her career at many high-end hotels and resorts, including the Peninsula, Regent, Westin, Hilton and Shangri-la Hotel and now you can enjoy her music at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Reserve today for an unforgettable Wednesday evening with fine wines, delicious food and live music between the hours of 6:30p to 9:00p. Call 951.587.9463

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu
Monday-Thursday 11:30a -3:00p / Specially priced $9.99 lunches at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant for those aged 55 and over. Call 951-587-9463 x 2 for more information or reservations.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours
Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday. $40pp / $35pp Wine Club Member. Get up close and personal as you learn more about our spectacular Southern California winery with a behind-the-scenes tour. From vineyards to crush pad, each tour concludes with a specially prepared wine and food pairing. Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Must be over 21 years of age to attend. Call 800-539-1375 Ext. 350 to reserve your spot today.

Summer Wine Series
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, 6p-8p / Join us for extended hours in the Tasting Room Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights this summer! $30 ticket gives you access after hours from 6:00p-8:00p and includes a bottle of South Coast wine to take home. Call 951.587.9463 ext. 7261 for more information.

Yoga Classes at Grapeseed Spa
Sunday 9a-10a, Monday 10:30a-11:30a / $12 per class / Yoga mat, towels and water provided. Call 951.587.9463 ext. 3513 to reserve your session.

Thornton Winery

Friday Live Music
Wine Specials, Live Music, Food Specials, and Dinner Menu / 6:00p-9:00p / Sept. 4- Crimson Crow / Sept. 11- Missy Anderson / Sept.12 – Ry Bradley (Country Western) / Sept. 18- The Kepi Payne Project / Sept. 25- Mor Sol / No Cover Charge. Seating Available at Courtyard, Covered Patio & Café / Reservations suggested, call 951.699.0099

Champagne Jazz Concert Series

Saturday, 20 – George Benson / 7:00p / General Admission tickets – $95 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $170 SOLD OUT (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table)
Saturday, 26 – Boz Scaggs / 7:00p / General Admission tickets – $95 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $170 SOLD OUT (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table) n this growing digital age, where people are spending their whole day on the screens, it is essential to be aware of different monitoring services. FlexiSPY is a software that can be installed easily on your mobile phone for comprehensive tracking of its working. The app will let you keep track of all the activities on your phone, laptop, or tablet. Once you install flexispy on your device, it will make note of all your movements and transactions and stores it on a web portal. You can easily access this web portal flexispy at a convenient time of your choice and retrieve the information. #flexispy

Wilson Creek Winery

Live Entertainment / Saturdays & Sundays in

5 Fun Things to do in Temecula Valley wine country this weekend!

It’s Father’s Day weekend, so treat him right with a day in wine country.  There’s lots going on, from music to food, entertainment to education.  You pick!  The only rule is – you MUST have fun!

Crawfish Boil
When: Fri, June 19, 6p
Where: Wilson Creek Winery
It’s back! Join us for a traditional Louisiana-style Crawfish Boil. Savor some fabulous wines and feast on crawfish with all the fixin’s while enjoying the sounds of “Shades of J” rockin blues. / $49.95 per person / $39.95 per person, wine club

Wine Appreciation Class
When: Sat, June 20, 10a
Where: Falkner Winery
Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45 per person / $70 per person with lunch. / Reservations required by calling 951-676-8231 xt. 109

Moto Barrel Room Tours
When: Sun, June 21, 11a – 2p
Where: Doffo Winery
Showcasing over 100 vintage motorcycles and scooters from classic manufacturers like Ducati, Honda, CZ, Vespa and more, the Moto Barrel Room is open for free tours on Thursdays and Sundays

Father’s Day “Bacon and Syrah” Dinner
When: Sun, June 21, 6p
Where: Wiens Family Cellars
$85 per person / $68 per person, wine club / Celebrate Father’s day in style with a vertical tasting of four past Syrahs along with perfectly paired bacon dishes.

Champagne Jazz Concert Series ~ Spyro Gyra & Acoustic Alchemy
When: Sun, June 21, 4p
Where: Thornton Winery
General Admission tickets – $65 / Gourmet Supper tickets – $140 (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table

International Picnic Day is June 18th

Picnics and wine go hand-in-hand.  Which wine makes for the perfect picnic wine, you ask? One of the favorite summer wine choices of the French is rosé.  And with summer coming, it could be a favorite of yours, too.  Made from a wide variety of grapes, rosés can be made still, semi sparkling or sparkling.

Don’t be fooled by the color!  Barely there apricot or a richly hued blush, rosé wines run the gamut in shades, but don’t go thinking that they’re all sweet! Their sugar levels are extensive as well; from bone-dry Provencal style rosé to sweet white zinfandels and blushes.  Rosés are made in just about every winegrape-growing region – and there’s lots to choose from here in the Temecula Valley wine country.   So make sure to include one in your picnic basket!  It will pair perfectly with light summery salads, sandwiches and wraps.

Try out one of these great Temecula Valley rosés:

Baily Winery ~ 2013 Rosé of Sangiovese – Fun, fruity and full of character.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery – 2012 Rosé of Sangiovese – Pairs with most foods; a perfect picnic wine.

Miramonte Winery ~ 2014 Rosé – Racy strawberry and candied watermelon notes, a beautiful melon and peach laden mid-palate, and long sensual finish of rose petals and flavors sugar-dusted citrus.

Thornton Winery ~ 2013 Rosé – You’ll enjoy the strawberry/black cherry and lemon-citrus aromas as well as its surprising palate weight and richness.

Dad.  Ask him when Mom says no!

After decades of discussion (as is most always the case in government!), President Woodrow Wilson approved the idea of an actual Father’s Day back in 1916, followed shortly by President Calvin Coolidge supporting the idea of a national Father’s Day in 1924 to, “establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations”.  After a protracted struggle of over four decades, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day in 1966. Then in 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the third Sunday of June.

Father’s Day undoubtedly brings up fond memories for most, whether it’s for something your Dad did, for something he said, or for that one thing he never, ever mentioned that you know he could have!  So how do we repay him for all the things he’s done?  First of all, resist the temptation to take the easy road; he has enough ties and coffee mugs.  What about giving the gift of time? Here’s a few, fun times you can share with Dad, right here in wine country.  Check it out!

Baily Vineyard & Winery – Father’s Day Specials at Carol’s Restaurant
Falkner Winery – Father’s Day Lunch Specials and Free Concert
Frangipani Estate Winery – Father’s Day Lunch
Thornton Winery – Champagne Jazz Concert Series – Spyro Gyra & Acoustic Alchemy
Wiens Family Cellars – Father’s Day Bacon & Syrah Dinner
Wilson Creek Winery – Father’s Day Brunch

June Winery Events

The weather is warming up, school’s just about out and we’re dusting off our backyard grills in preparation for summer get-togethers. If your summer plans include spending some time in Temecula Valley Wine Country or if you’re local and plan on entertaining out-of-town guests, be sure to check out some of the great events being hosted by our wineries.

Baily Vineyard & Winery
Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays in June; / 11:30a-3:00p / Live music, mulled wine, cheese fondue, 1/2 price Sangiovese

Dog Day Sundays
Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch! Live acoustic entertainment.

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting
Thursday-Sunday / 11:00a-2:30p / Tours and vertical tasting of library wines. Sit down with bread and cheese plate; $30 (Reservations required 24 hours in advance) / Bar Tasting; $20. Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Father’s Day at Carol’s Restaurant
Sunday, June 21 / 11:00a / Menu specials for Dad!

Shakespeare in the Vines presents: Julius Ceasar
June 11-27 / Visit www.shakespeareinthevines.org for pricing information and reservations or call 951-402-7488.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Happiest Hours
Grab your friends and join us for a marvelous time! Friday and Sunday from 3:00p-6:00p in the lounge at Meritage at Callaway. 20% all tapas, $2 off wine by the glass, 20% off bottles of Callaway wines and available domestic, import and craft beers.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Sunday at Meritage at Callaway from 4pm-8pm in the main dining room. Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria while soaking in the sunset vineyard views. Live music from local musicians begins at 6pm. No cover charge and no reservations required.

Live Music Fridays
Every Friday from 5:00p-8:00p

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Father’s Day Special at Cougar Winery
Sunday, June 21 / Take care of Dad by taking him out for what he wants, you know he deserves it!  Mad Mike’s Gourmet Sausage with a choice of toppings served with a side of coleslaw and paired with a glass of our wine or a glass of Black Market Beer for $14 per person.  For our wine club members, enjoy yours for $12 per person.

Live Music
Every Friday evening / 5:00p-8:00p / Come enjoy live music at Cougar Winery. The deli is also open later until 7:00p. For musician schedule, visit www.cougarvineyards.com.

Danza del Sol Winery
Live Music on the Patio
Saturdays in June / 1:00p-5:00p / June 6 – James Wells / June 13 – Rosewood & Rye / June 20 – JD Priest / June 27 – Tralain Rox

Europa Village
Live Music
Fridays from 5:30p-8:30p and Sundays from 1:00p-4:00p / June 5 – Mrs. Jones’ Revenge / June 7 – Danielle Taylor / June 12 – Nite Riders / June 14 – Jimmy Patton / June 19 – Barstow Prophets / June 21 – Dustin Jake / June 26 – Kanan Road / June 28 – Joe Baldino

Music & Wine Pairing Dinner – “Bella Notte”
Thursday, June 25 / 6:30p-9:00p / $85 per person / $75.60 per person, wine club / Buy tickets in the tasting room or online at www.europavillage.com.

Falkner Winery
Wine Appreciation Class
Saturday, June 20 / 10:00a-12:30p / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45 per person / $70 per person with lunch. / Reservations required by calling 951-676-8231 xt. 109

Father’s Day Lunch
Sunday, June 21 / 12p-3p / $55 for two, plus tax and gratuity (includes a salad, two entrees, dessert to share and non-alcoholic beverages) / Dancing, sangria, beer and BBQ in the yard garden. Reservations required by calling 951-676-8231 ext. 1

Live Music / Sundays 12:00p-3:00p / June 7 – Guilty Conscience Band / June 14 – Harmony Road/ June 28 – Guilty Conscience Band

Frangipani Estate Winery
Father’s Day Lunch
Sunday, June 21 / 11:00a-3:00p / Enjoy the breathtaking views of our estate vineyard, while you enjoy lunch and a glass of wine on our winery hilltop patio overlooking the vineyard. Menu includes Bourbon Brown Sugar Smoked Brisket, Caribbean Jerk BBQ Chicken, Black Beans & Rice, Garden Salad and Fresh Baked Dinner Roll/ $29 per person, plus tax. Reservations are required by June 17th by calling 951-699-8845.

Longshadow Ranch Winery
Summer Bonfire Saturday Nights
Every Saturday night through October / 6:00p-10:00p / No admission price / Live music, mechanical bull rides, along with wine. Supervised children with their families are welcome to attend.

Lorimar Winery
Live Music
Fridays & Saturdays 6p-9p / Sundays 2p-5p

Summer Art Show
June 5, 6,7 – all day / Join us for a special art show of summer-inspired art by some of the nation’s top artists. Entry is free.

“Dueling Pianos”
Thursday, June 25 / 6:00p / Join us for a night of music and fun with Dueling Pianos! $10 gets you in with a glass of sangria. Tickets available online at www.lorimarwinery.com.

Movie in the Vines – Bridesmaids
Monday, June 29 / 6:00p; movie starts at sunset / “Pairings” mobile kitchen will be available! No outside food allowed.

Mount Palomar Winery
Bottles “n” Brushes Painting Class with Wine
June 11 and June 28 / 12:00-3:00p (June 28 class is 1:00p-4:00p)/ $45 per person – includes a glass of wine! (Discount given for multiple guests) / To sign up or for more information, please contact Dorothy Hawthorne at 951-302-3088 or bottlesnbrushestemecula@gmail.com.

“Heart to Heart” Concert – A tribute to HEART
Friday, June 12/ 6:00p-10:00p / $25 per ticket (pre-sale) $30 at the door / Contact Robert Walker at 760-716-6295 or heyday@heyday.com

Oak Mountain Winery

Learn to Paint Event
Sunday, June 14 / 1:00p-4:00p / Includes all art supplies, hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine. Reservations are required by calling 951-699-9102 or by email to events@oakmountainwinery.com.

Wine Blending Party in the Cave
Saturday, June 27 / 6:00p-9:00p / $65 per person; $60 per person, Wine Club / Sample three different red wine varietals and learn what differentiates them from one another.  Then, blend and taste as you craft your very own wine!  Includes a family-style dinner with a glass of wine.  Reservations are required by calling 951-699-9102 or by email to events@oakmountainwinery.com.

Live Music in the Pavilion
Every Saturday and Sunday in June / 1:00p-5:00p

Oak Mountain Winery University
Bubbles 101 – We want to burst your bubble with our champagne class.

Blending Reds – Create, bottle and label your very own blend.

Wine Tasting for Dummies 101 – Our beginners class for Wine Tasters. This is a good class to take if this is your first visit to a winery and want to know the basics of wine tasting.

Rhone Wine Class 201 – Our second, more advanced class after taking Wine Tasting 101 is our Rhone Wine Tasting Class 201.

Bordeaux Wine Class 201  – You will learn how these grapes are grown and how they are harvested and processed, while tasting Oak Mountain wines from different areas in the Bordeaux region of France.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Frankie Ballard Concert
Sunday, June 7 / 6p-10p / South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and K-FROG are proud to announce country artist Frankie Ballard will be performing live and in person on Sunday, June 7th for another sold-out Rhythm on the Vine Concert. Doors open at 6pm. Get your tickets today. JUST ANNOUNCED: LOCASH added to line up. They’ve played at the Grand Ole Opry, rocked it at NYC’s Times Square, and now LOCASH will be opening the Frankie Ballard Concert on June 7th at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Tickets start at just $50, so visit www.wineresort.com for concert details and to reserve your seat, or call 800-539-1375 today.

Wine & Dine Chef’s Table at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
For those who truly love to dine, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s culinary team offers a front row seat into their world with a special “Chef’s Table Dinner”. Whether it’s a special celebration or an intimate affair, our Chef’s Table dinner for 2 to 8 guests will define the art of fine cuisine with a memorable evening of food and wine for only $135 per person. Call 951-491-8077 to reserve your table today.

Happy Hours at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Monday-Friday 3:00p-5:30p / Join us in the Vineyard Rose Lounge for reduced priced selected appetizers, award winning select glasses of South Coast wines and local drafts.

Wine Wednesdays at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
6:00p-9:00p / Wednesday nights just got even better at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant as award winning pianist, Blessie Isaac-Hopkins, takes the helm behind our elegant grand piano.

Vintner Vault Thursdays
Every Thursday is Couples Day at South Coast Winery’s Vintner’s Vault Tasting Room. Bring your spouse, your loved-one, your partner, your friend and treat yourself to a wine tasting experience for two. / Couples Tasting: $20 wine tasting for two people. Includes two keepsake South Coast Winery wine glasses with your paid tasting

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu
Monday-Thursday 11:30a -3:00p / Specially priced $9.99 lunches at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant for those aged 55 and over. Call 951-587-9463 x 2 for more information or reservations.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours
Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday. Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Must be over 21 years of age to attend. Call 800-539-1375 Ext. 350 to reserve your spot today.

Thornton Winery
Friday Live Music
6:00p-9:00p / June 5 – Mor Sol / June 12 – Oceans of Sand / June 19 – Mrs. Jones Revenge / June 20 (Saturday) – Fleetwood Mac Tribute / June 26 – Lifetime Rocker

Champagne Jazz Concert Series
Saturday, June 6 – Bobby Caldwell & The Rippingtons / 7:00p / General Admission tickets – $75 / Gourmet Supper tickets – $150 (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table)
Sunday, June 21 – Spyro Gyra & Acoustic Alchemy / 4:00p / General Admission tickets – $65 / Gourmet Supper tickets – $140 (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table
Sunday, June 28 – America / 4:00p / General Admission tickets – $85 / Gourmet Supper tickets – $160 (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table)

Wiens Family Cellars
Father’s Day “Bacon and Syrah” Dinner
Sunday, June 21 / 6:00p / $85 per person / $68 per person, wine club / Celebrate Father’s day in style with a vertical tasting of four past Syrahs along with perfectly paired bacon dishes.

Wilson Creek Winery
“Wine Academy” ~ Wine and Cheese, A Divine Pairing
Sunday, June 7 / 1p-3p / Our top notch winery instructors will make your wine experience interactive and interesting. / $40 per person / $30 per person, wine club

Crawfish Boil
Friday, June 19 / 6p-9p / It’s back! Join us for a traditional Louisiana-style Crawfish Boil. Savor fabulous wines and feast on crawfish with all the fixin’s while enjoying the sounds of “Shades of J” rockin blues. / $49.95 per person / $39.95 per person, wine club

Father’s Day Brunch
Sunday, June 21/ 10:00a-3:00p / Surprise Dad with a Father’s Day brunch buffet in wine country! Play some bocce ball and listen to live music while enjoying a fantastic Father’s Day themed brunch. Brunch buffet: General $49.95 per person; Wine Club $44.95 / Brunch buffet with Sparkling wine – General $59.95; Wine Club $53.95

Live Entertainment
Saturdays & Sundays in June /12p-4p / June 6 – JD Priest / June 7 – Michael LeClerc / June 13 – Smoothie Jones / June 14 – Billy Watson / June 20 – Mark Norris / June 21 – Astra Kelly / June 27 – JD Priest / June 28 – Rod Frias

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Wine Country!

The ancient Greeks paid annual homage to Cybele, the mother figure of their gods, the Romans dedicated an annual spring festival to the mother of their gods, and in 16th century England, a celebration called “Mothering Sunday” was inaugurated — a Sunday set aside for visiting one’s mother.  When President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill back in 1914 designating the second Sunday in May as a legal holiday to be called “Mother’s Day”, he dedicated the day “to the best mother in the world, your mother.”

Show your Mom how special she is!  Lunch, brunch, dinner – or just a day of wine tasting – is surely one way to get on her good side.  And remember, you’re the reason she drinks wine in the first place…

Here’s just a few ideas for spending Mother’s Day in Temecula Valley Wine Country:

If brunch suits your fancy, you’ve got lots of options!  Try Carol’s at Baily Winery; 11a-3p, Bel Vino Winery; 9a-3p, Danza del Sol Winery; 10a or 1p, Doffo Winery; 10a or 12:30p, Frangipani Winery; 11a-3p, Monte de Oro Winery; 10a or 12:30p, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa; 10a – 3p, Thornton Winery; 11a-4p, Wiens Family Cellars; 11a-1p, Wilson Creek Winery; 10a-3p.

Lunch and Dinner will both be served at Meritage Restaurant at Callaway Vineyard & Winery from 10a-8p.

And if you’ve always wanted to Learn To Paint, Oak Mountain Winery is offering a fun alternative to the usual at 1p.

All of our wineries will be open and ready to see you.  Happy Mothers Day, all!

The Merry, Merry Month of May!

May has so many national “wine days”, we can eat, drink and be merry all month long!  Along with Chardonnay, a familiar favorite, it’s a great excuse for you to try a couple of the lesser-known varietals like Muscat Canelli and Sauvignon Blanc – all of which grow well here in the Temecula Valley.

First up on the calendar is #MoscatoDay, which falls on May 9th.  The day was introduced here in the US by Gallo Family Vineyards back in 2012 to celebrate the rising popularity and sky-rocketing sales of the varietal.  If you know nothing about Moscato (or Muscat/Muscat Canelli), it originated in the Piedmont region of Italy where it’s a favorite due to its sweetness, lightness and affordability – and is popular as a sparkling wine. You’ll find Moscato table wines in white, red or rosé styles, and they make an especially delicious dessert wine.  With it’s bouquet of peach, honey and citrus, a delicate sweetness and fresh acidity, it’s perfect served with a plate of fresh cheeses.

Try the Muscat Canelli from Leoness Cellars or Lorimar Winery; or the Moscato from Ponte Family Estate Winery.

May 15th is #InternationalSauvignonBlancDay.  Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, the grape is also widely planted throughout New Zealand – and grows with ease here in the Temecula Valley.  An acidic wine that displays a citrus-y, grapefruit-like quality, it’s a pleasing choice for a warm summer day. A very versatile vino, Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with shell fish, grilled vegetables (even asparagus!) and cheeses.  It’s the perfect picnic wine!

A few faves include those from:  Europa Village , Maurice Car’rie Winery or Monte de Oro Winery.

And then there’s the day to pay homage to the old standby, Chardonnay, on #ChardonnayDay, May 21st.  The world’s most planted white wine grape varietal is enjoyed by fans all over the world.  Generally dry to medium-dry with pear, apple, tropical or citrus fruit flavors, Chardonnay is grown in virtually every wine-producing region.  Crisp and fresh with little to no oak aging, or creamy and buttery with extensive oak aging, there’s a Chardonnay out there that will make just about anyone smile!

Can’t live without Chardonnay’s are available at: Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Oak Mountain Winery and Thornton Winery.

Finishing out the month is #NationalWineDay, which is celebrated on May 25.  Not to be confused with National Drink Wine Day which is held in February, National Wine Day is actually just another lame excuse for us wine lovers to drink wine.  Because for wine lovers, everyday is wine day, right?  Cheers!