Blog

Rosés: A Rise in Popularity!

America has fallen in love with rosé wines, one of the fastest growing segments of the US wine market. Popularized in the South of France, rosé is now made in every major wine region around the world, including Southern California’s premier wine region, the Temecula Valley. As a matter of fact, wineries here have been making rosés for decades – Hart Winery made its first blush wine, a Rosé of Grenache, in 1980, the year the winery opened!

From sensuously sweet to classically dry to splendidly sparkling, Temecula Valley wineries deliver a myriad of styles to suit every palate and occasion.

Rosés are created by limiting the amount of time the skins of the grapes are left to sit with the colorless juice, often for only a few hours. This minimal skin contact creates a wide a range of shades, from pale salmon pink, to raspberry through to deeper strawberry hues. The grape variety will also influence the final tone. Thicker skinned varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Cinsault, lend a slightly deeper berry red to the finished wine, while those crafted from more delicate grapes, like Grenache, may have a paler, rose-petal tinge.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that lighter means leaner when it comes to aroma and taste! Paler wines may explode with just as many notes of strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, cranberry, ripe peach and deep citrus as their bolder-colored cousins.

According to Nielsen, sales of rosé wines priced over $11 are up a staggering 60%, accounting for .2% of all table wine, about the same size as the entire US market for the wines of Portugal or South Africa. One reason for the popularity of rosé, besides its easy-drinking, laid-back, relaxed vibe, is its versatility. It’s easy to sip on its own, at the beach or poolside, and it can be the perfect foil for food. No matter the occasion, you’ll find a Temecula Valley rosé that will prove the perfect compliment.

Sparkling rosé is always a wonderful way to start a gathering of any kind. Award-winning South Coast Winery produces four fabulous blush sparklers including their NV Blanc de Noir, a classic dry style, and the popular Ruby Cuveé with a touch of berry-filled sweetness. Not to be outdone, Thornton Winery has been creating sparkling wines for many years and features several sparkling rosés on its extensive list, as do Oak Mountain Winery, Wiens and Wilson Creek wineries. These high-quality blushing bubblies fall in the $19 to $38 price range.

The region of Provence, in the south of France, is the benchmark for traditional, dry, food-friendly rosé. That tradition is alive and well in Temecula, with many of the wineries emulating this classic style, priced at an average of $22.

Hart Winery has a delightful Rosé of Tempranillo, or venture next door and try Callaway Vineyard & Winery’s Rosé of Sangiovese – it’s won a bevy of awards since its initial 2008 vintage. Travel down Rancho California Road and sample Miramonte Winery’s Rosé, made from a blend of typical Mediterranean grape varieties: Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. Oak Mountain Winery, on the DePortola Trail, produces several variations on the Rosé theme, including their multiple-award-winning 2013 River Rhodes Rosé made with 100% Syrah. Or enjoy a bottle of Vindemia Winery’s Vermeille Grenache 2013, a lovely single-varietal blush wine.

If you crave something sweet or off-dry, you will find yourself spoilt for choice. Why not seek out Pink Crowded rosé at Wiens Famiy Cellars, an off-dry blend of Grenache, Zinfandel and Malbec. Or reach for White Zinfandel or White Merlot at Bel Vino, or relax in the gardens of Europa Village while sipping on a cool, refreshing glass of Garnacha Rosa?

Any of these choices would be stellar matches to a wide range of foods. Dry rosé is fantastic with flavorful appetizers such as tapenade, flatbreads, charcuterie platters, hummus, and soft cheeses like chèvre and brie. Short term loans for any reason – £1000 Loans in UK. When it comes to main courses, pop the cork on another bottle of rosé and enjoy it with pizza, a variety of fish or poultry dishes, salads, light meats like pork or ham, or a good, juicy burger!

Off-dry styles are wonderful with firmer cheeses such as Parmesan and aged gouda. Or sample a sip with a strawberry and spinach salad!

And, of course, there’s always room for dessert, with a glass of sweet style rosé! Pair anything featuring berries, peaches, nectarines or spicy ginger with Irresistable Rosato from Falkner Winery (crafted from Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon) or Sara Bella White Cabernet Sauvignon from Maurice Car’rie Winery.

Temecula Valley vintners are bottling their rosé wines from the fantastic 2015 vintage now, in early 2016. These wines are made to be consumed fresh, upon release. So grab your beach blanket, fire up the grill or unfurl your finest white tablecloth and get ready for a superb sampling of refreshing, scintillating rosé’s from the wineries of Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country.

Thanksgiving Wine Pairing Guide

Who’s as obsessed with Thanksgiving as we are?  The turkey, the trimmings, the pumpkin pie and the WINE!

This is the time of year we get the most questions about wine pairings.  While there is no “right” or “wrong” wine to pair with your feast, there are a few varietals that, if paired with your favorite dishes, will send your taste buds into sensory overload.  We’re reprising this “oldie but goodie” Thanksgiving wine guide and have updated it with some suggested pairings to try this year.

Light Appetizers + Mellow Whites

These 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 a light Pinot Grigio will pair well with your pumpkin soup.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery – 2011 Chardonnay; $30.00

Danza Del Sol Winery – 2014 Pinot Grigio; $28.00

Briar Rose Winery – 2014 Estate Viognier; $25.00

Herbacious Side Dishes + Spicy Reds

The spicy notes derived from these unique wine grapes pair especially well with stuffing 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!

Cougar Vineyard & Winery – 2012 Sangiovese; $31.00

Leoness Cellars – 2012 Zinfandel; $39.00

Doffo Winery – 2010 Syrah; $52.00

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 Vineyard & Winery – 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon; $30.00

Monte De Oro Winery – 2010 Merlot; $32.00

Wiens Family Cellars – 2013 Tempranillo; $42.00

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. Looking for a lovely intimate wedding venues in NYC? Start with DareToDream there are plenty of great places to get married in NYC in all five boroughs. Oak Mountain’s Port has a nutty honeyed flavor to perfectly complement the nutmeg and allspice flavors of pumpkin pie.

Oak Mountain Winery – Port; $28.00

Miramonte Winery – 2014 Moscato; $25.95

Robert Renzoni – Paradiso Port; $49.00

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 three, 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 Vineyard & Winery – 2012 Chenin Blanc; $19.95

Falkner Winery – 2014 Sauvignon Blanc; $19.95

South Coast Winery – Ruby Cuvee; $22.00

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

 

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!

April Winery Events

Spring has officially arrived! We invite you to come out to wine country and enjoy Easter Brunch, take in a concert or comedy show, or simplywind down with a glass of wine and live music.

 Baily Vineyard & Winery

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays in April; / 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.

Easter Sunday at Carol’s Restaurant
Sunday, April 5 / 11:30a-3:00p / Regular menu, plus a few Easter specials.  2nd Annual Dog Easter Egg Hunt at 1:00p.  Dogs will be hunting for plastic eggs filled with turkey hot dogs.  Live music by Lenny Hansell, local Idyllwild musician.

Bel Vino Winery

Live Music
Saturdays & Sundays in April / 12:00p-4:00p / April 4 – Debbie Diamond / April 5 – Sam & Stacy / April 11 – Crimson Crow / April 12 – Shameless / April 18 – Michael LeClerc / April 19 – Dominic Rocha / April 25 – Kenny Hale / April 26 – Sheyna Gee

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Easter Sunday
Meritage at Callaway will be featuring an a la cart, brunch inspired menu from 10:00a-4:00p.

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.

Wine Flight Fridays
EVERY Friday beginning at 3pm
Travel around the world with us and experience a different wine region every month. Savor and compare the varietals that best represent a particular region paired with a special selection of Tapas typical of that region. This month, enjoy a wine flight of 3 wines from South America for $15.

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

Open Mic Night at Meritage at Callaway
Thursday, April 2 / 6:00p-9:00p / A creative life needs to be lived out in the OPEN; heard and shared with others. Join us for an evening of tapas, wine & creative collaboration. We will provide the stage, you provide your words, your unique sound and your talent. Come early to sign up.  Call (951) 587-8889 or email stefano_butto@callawaywinery.com for more information.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery

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 April / 1:00p-5:00p / April 4 – Two Fish / April 11 – Hamilton & Shultz  / April 18 – Nathan Rivera / April 25 – Samantha Shultz

“Get Sauced”
Sunday, April 12 / 3:00p-6:30p / Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of food, wine and culinary entertainment in our clubhouse.  $60 per person; Wine Club $54 per person.

Europa Village

Live Music
Fridays from 5:30p-8:30p and Sundays from 1:00p-4:00p / April 3 – Danielle Taylor / April 5 – Bryan McManus/ April 10 – James Wells / April 12 – Jimmy Patton / April 17 – Mrs. Jones Revenge Duo / April 19 – Dustin Jake / April 24 – Dustin Jake / April 26 – Joe Baldino

Magic Night
Friday, April 24 / 7:30p-9:00p / $17.50 per person; $15.75 per person, Societe Member (ticket price includes one glass of wine)

Falkner Winery

Wine Appreciation Class
Saturday, April 18 / 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

Free Concert – Guilty Conscience Band
Sundays April 12, 19 and 26 / 12:00p-3:00p / Dancing, Sangria, and BBQ in the yard garden

Club Vine at the Pinnacle
Thursday, April 23rd / 6:00p-10:00p / Reserve the date for a fun evening event with DJ, dancing, food wine and more!  Open to Wine Club, Industry and public.  Free cover or $30 (2) for reserved table.

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.

Leoness Cellars

Art & Wine Showcase ~ Featuring Erin Hanson Landscapes in Oil
Friday, April 17 / 6:00p-10:00p / Enjoy a night of Leoness wine, live music and hors d’oeuvres as we showcase the works of Erin Hanson.  A portion of the art sales will go to benefit the Our Nicholas Foundation, which supports those diagnosed with Autism and their families.  There is no cost for the event, however it is an exclusive event and therefore RSVP is required.  RSVP to Alexandra@leonesscellars.com.

Wine & Vine Symposium ~ Experience Syrah in a New Way
Friday, May 8 / 4:00p-6:30p / Members $45; Non Members $49 / Sip along with our team of expert farmers, winemakers and Master Sommelier, Eddie Osterland, as they share their anecdotes and insights into wine production – from seedling to bottle.  Tasting and discussing a variety of exclusive Leoness Syrahs not available in our tasting room. Pre-purchase tickets online at www.leonesscellars.com.

Lorimar Winery

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

Art + Vino with Jill Roberts
Friday, April 17 / 6:00p / An interactive and entertaining art experience!  Enjoy Lorimar wine while painting a beautiful picture. / $60 per person; $55 per person, wine club.  Price includes one glass of wine, small bites and all painting materials.  Tickets available online, in wine country, Old Town or by phone at 951.694.6699.

“Laugh Your Glass Off” Comedy Show
Thursday, April 23 / 7:00p / Join us for a night of comedy as we bring you talented comedians that will make you Laugh Your Glass Off! / $35 per person; $30 per person, wine club. Tickets include one glass of wine.  Mature audience only.  Tickets available online, in wine country, Old Town or by phone at 951.694.6699.

Movie in the Vines – The Avengers
Monday, April 27 / Sunset / Free admission; wine and concessions available for purchase.

Mount Palomar Winery

Bottles “n” Brushes Painting Class with Wine
April 9, 12, 28 / 12:00a-3:00p  (April 12th 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 doughawthorne@verizon.net.

LOVEDRIVE: A tribute to The Scorpions
Friday, April 24 / 6:00p-9:00p / $25 per ticket (pre-sale) $30 at the door / Contact Robert Walker at 760-716-6295 or heyday@heyday.com

Oak Mountain Winery

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

Oak Mountain Winery University

Bubbles 101 – We want to burst your bubble with our champagne class / Oak Mountain Winery’s Sparkling Wine Class will have you taste three of our handcrafted sparkling wines made and bottled here in Temecula.  You will be served 3 of our sparkling wines paired with artisanal cheeses.  Learn fun facts you always wanted to know about sparkling wines and champagne.

Blending Reds – Create, bottle and label your very own blend / In our Blending Class, you get to be the Winemaker!  You will be supplied with three of Oak Mountain’s red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, tasting notes, a measuring flask and pipette, three wine glasses for sampling your creation and a “cheat sheet” provided by our own winemaker to help you with the process.  You will have the option to bottle your custom blend of wine for an additional $29.  We will then pop in a cork and add a personalized label and you’ll take home wonderful memories – as well as a one-of-a-kind bottle of wine.

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.  You will taste three wines paired with delicious gourmet cheeses and dark chocolate toffee.  You will also get to sample eight of our infused Avocado Oils and Balsamic Vinegars that are only available at Oak Mt. Winery.

Rhone Wine Class 201 / Our second, more advanced class after taking Wine Tasting 101 is our Rhone Wine Tasting Class 201.  Learn how these grapes are grown here in the valley and how wine is made, while tasting varietals from different areas in the Rhone region of France.  Just like the 101 class, you’ll get 3 wine tastings and 8 tastings of Avocado Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.

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.  Just like the 101 class, you will get 3 wine tastings and 8 tastings of Avocado Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.  We recommend that you have taken our Wine Tasting 101 class prior to this course.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

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”. The Vineyard Rose Chefs create a custom five-course menu just for you. Our expert Winemakers then pair each course with our award winning wines to heighten the dining experience to another level. 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.  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

Vintner Vault Thursdays
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.

Wiens Family Cellars

Crowded Vertical Dinner
Friday, April 3 / 6:00p / A vertical tasting dinner of several past Crowded vintages and the brand new 2013 Crowded.  We will be pouring and presenting four vintages of Crowded all on the same night!  At this event, you’ll taste our 2010, 2011, 2012 and the brand new 2013 Crowded along with food pairings.  All of these past releases will be available for purchase at the event.

Spring Fling Dinner & Dancing
Saturday, April 11 / 6:00p / The word from the bird is that we decided it’s time for a good old fashioned 1950’s spring fling dinner and dancing night!  We encourage you to come dressed in your primo cool cat and foxy attire for a night of fab food, wine and music.  It’s going to be a gas!

Wilson Creek Winery

Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 5 / 10:00a-3:00p / Brunch buffet $49.95, per person / Wine Club $44.95, per person / Children $14.95, per person / Brunch buffet with sparkling wine $59.95, per person / Wine Club $53.95 per person / Reservations required by calling 951.699.9463.

Wine Academy ~ “Wines of Australia and New Zealand”
Saturday, April 18 / 11:00a-1:00p / $35 per person; $25 per person, wine club / These monthly courses are aimed at empowering you in your wine knowledge and experience.  Our top notch winery instructors will make your wine experience interactive and interesting with each course highlighting a different topic. Limited space and reservations required by calling 951-699-9463.

Live Entertainment
Saturdays and Sundays / 12:00p-4:00p

Temecula Valley Eateries Strut Their Stuff at CRUSH 2014

We know you’ve got a crush on Temecula Valley wines, but how about all the good eats that are available in and around our wine country?

Guests to the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association’s 5th Annual CRUSH – A Wine and Culinary Extravaganza – held at Wiens Family Cellars this coming Saturday, September 13, 2014, will be able to partake in some fabulous foods to accompany a tasting of almost 100 award-winning Temecula Valley wines.

Do classic Chicken Caprese sandwiches sound yummy? Sangio’s Deli at Cougar Winery will be serving them! How about Tuscan Braised Chicken Osso Bucco from Vineyard Rose at South Coast Winery? Bruschetta Murrieta from The Mill in Murrieta? Or how about some Shrimp and Grits from the folks at Cork Fire Kitchen at Temecula Creek Inn?

Heart of House Catering is serving up Prime Rib, La Bella Vita is offering a trio of goodies and Temecula Olive Oil Company will be offering a lovely array of oils and vinegars. Baily’s Old Town is serving open-face Sloppy Joe’s, Meritage at Callaway has a duo of Chicken Pate and Veal Truffle Sausage. The Pinnacle at Falkner is serving their famous Mediterranean Orzo Pasta with Grilled Octopus, MDO Bistro’s offering is Pulled Pork Tacos and Temecula Catering has prepared a Smoked Salmon Mousse in Squid Ink.

Bushfire Grill and Crow’s Pass Farms will be firing up their grills – and for dessert, there’s a “hole” lotta yum from Nothing Bundt Cakes, fabulous sorbets from Nice, Ice, Baby! and a sweet surprise that includes Cinsault Port from the Restaurant at Leoness.

Our host winery, Wiens Family Cellars is pairing their wines with Vineyard Gourmet Catering, who is serving up a couple of winery favorites: a Smoked Salmon Roulade and Prime Flank Steak with Potato and Peppers.

Come join in on the fun! Limited tickets are still available.

Temecula Valley Wines on the Road

On Tuesday, August 19, 2014, you’ll find Temecula Valley wines at the 25th Annual Taste of Mainstreet in downtown Encinitas. Representing the Temecula Valley at various storefront “Sip Stops”, Baily, Callaway, Danza del Sol, Europa Village, Falkner, Hart, Leoness, Monte De Oro, Vindemia and Wiens wineries will be pouring their award winning wines. Advance tickets are just $35, including food, wine and beer (for those 21+). Same day tickets (if available), will be $45. Click here for ticket information.

And on Saturday, August 23, 2014, from 4-7pm, you’ll find us at the Uncorked Wine Walk at Westfield UTC. Here you’ll savor wines from 12 Temecula Valley wineries including Bel Vino, Callaway, Falkner, Hart, Leoness, Lorimar, Maurice Car’rie, Oak Mountain, Palumbo, South Coast, Vindemia and Wilson Creek while tasting bites from UTC’s newest restaurants. Tickets are still available; purchase them here. One of the best ways to go viral on tiktok is to buy tiktok followers , it is fast and secure and will help you boost your tiktok

We hope to see you there!