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Bastille Day

Vive le 14 juillet!
Long live the 14th of July!

Bastille Day, the French national holiday, commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789.  As in the US, where the signing of the Declaration of Independence signaled the start of the American Revolution, in France the invasion of the Bastille began the Great Revolution.  Although the Bastille held only seven prisoners at the time of its capture, the raid was a symbol of liberty and the start of the fight against oppression for all French citizens.  Today, the day is commemorated with much merry making, revelry and of course, wine drinking!

As we Americans tend to do, it seems only appropriate to join in the celebration, which gives us cause to celebrate everything French, oui?  And since almost all of the most famous grape varieties originated in France or became famous through French expression, we think toasting to our fellow red, white and blue’rs should be done in the French spirit, non?

The diversity of French wine is due in large part to the country’s wide range of climates – just like ours in California.  It’s cooler in the north, warm and dry in the Rhone Valley to the south; there’s coastal effects and all sorts of continental and Mediterranean influences throughout the land.  And like us in the Temecula Valley, whether you’re a lover of Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc – or you’re more a devotee of Bourdeaux or Rhone style blended wines, there’s a little something for everyone.

So, we say Santé!  And add a warm merci beaucomp to the French!

Click here for some great French varietals, Temecula Style!

Ponte Family Estate Winery
2013 Pas Doux
Newly released, Pas Doux, means “not sweet” in French.  A full bodied, bone dry rosé wine with a honeysuckle aroma and and wonderful flavors of pear, guava, grapefruit and lemon zest.  A staple of the French table!

Doffo Winery
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark rich garnet in color; opulent flavors of dark red cherries and cassis on the palate.  Soft and subtle with a long, lingering finish with a hint of smoke and cocoa.

Falkner Winery
2010 Meritage ~ Bourdeaux style
A  full-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Deep ruby red in color, rich in flavors such as black cherry, blueberry and pepper with well integrated tannins.

Palumbo Family Winery
2011 Meritage “Tre Fratelli”
A traditional blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc; toasted vanilla and caramel nose with black cherry and plum fruit finish.  Oh yeah, and if you happen to stop by Palumbo Family Winery today, it just happens to be Nick’s birthday, too!

Summertime! And the livin’ is easy…

Barbecues are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the day with Dad. And all that grillin’ just screams for a good red wine. But if you’re thinking it’s too warm for red, think again! With these few tips, finding the perfect summer sip won’t have to put your love of red on hold.

• Chill out! Pop your bottle of red wine in the fridge for about 30 mins – or in an ice chest for about half that – and you’ll be amazed at how much more refreshing it will taste.
• No or Low Oak wines are generally fresher and fruitier.
• Low to Moderate Alcohol levels usually equate to lower tannin levels for a wine that won’t weigh you down.
• Light to Medium bodied wines tend to be easy on the palate, bright and light.

So, whether you’re in the backyard or on the beach – serving burgers and brats, or steak and grilled veggies – there’s tons of options for pairing your favorite Temecula Valley wine with whatever you’re serving up.

If the mainstay is red meat, a spicy Zinfandel or Syrah would be perfect. If you’re looking for a more mellow choice, a fruit forward Merlot always works; it’s also great with chicken, pork chops or fish. If your fave is a Cabernet, go ahead and drink what you like. But try not to shortchange your options. Go for a nice red blend for the best of all worlds. And don’t forget about a blush wine; there’s nothing a nice dry rosé can’t do for spicy ribs and coleslaw – or a plate of spicy hot wings! like this online store at englishwinecentre.co.uk where you can buy wine and other beverages.

A few Temecula Valley wine suggestions for your next barbecue:

Baily Winery ~ Rosé of Sangiovese: fun, fruity and full of character
Miramonte Winery ~ GSM Rosé: gently honeyed melon, tropical fruits, delicate berries

Robert Renzoni Vineyards ~ Big Fred’s Red: ripe blueberry and black cherry, hints of caramel
Maurice Car’rie Winery ~ Cody’s Crush: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah blend

Danza del Sol Winery ~ Grenache: the color is light, but the aromas are bright
Oak Mountain Winery ~ Merlot: berry, raspberry, blackberry, plum, and abundant smokey oak

LAWineFest + Temecula Wines

The 9th Annual LAWineFest is this weekend!

Happening May 31 and June 1 at Hollywood’s Raleigh Studios. With hundreds of wines, craft brews and spirits on offer, the weekend-long festival is a relaxed, welcoming setting for people to explore the world of wine and more, alongside cool L.A. food trucks, live bands and handcrafted goods. LAWineFest proudly supports local organizations while serving as the Southland’s signature celebration of wine, beer, spirits and food.

Temecula Valley wines will be featured in their very own booth!  The region is proudly pouring:

REDS
Callaway Vineyard & Winery: Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Miramonte Winery: Tempranillo
Lorimar Winery: Trio – Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Mourvedre
Hart Winery: Syrah

WHITES
Falkner Winery: Sauvignon Blanc
Cougar Vineyard & Winery: Vermentino
Vindemia Vineyard & Estate Winery: Regatta de Blanc

SPARKLING
Wiens Family Cellars: Sparkling Amour De L’Orange
South Coast Winery: Sparkling Pinot Grigio

Be sure to stop by the Temecula Wines booth to sample all your favorites and try something new!

Summer Concerts in Temecula Wine Country

Lorimar Winery, Temecula, CA

June 1, 2014

The Mercedes Moore Band is about to bring their sizzling, foot tapping, dance floor moving sound to Southern California. Led by the powerful, sultry and affecting voice of Mercedes Moore, this band will take any local venue by storm.

 

Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula, CA

June 8, 2014 

Relax and enjoy live entertainment every weekend in Temecula Valley Wine Country. On June 8, listen to the beautiful sounds of Buzz Campbell at the popular Wilson Creek Winery venue.

 

Falkner Winery, Temecula, CA
July 20, 2014
Join Falkner Winery for their free Spring/Summer Music and BBQ Series. Guests can purchase BBQ paired with the famous Luscious Lips Sangria. A veteran of the Southern California music scene, Jason Weber has been playing the saxophone for over 30 years. Don’t miss it!

Temecula April Winery Events

Spring has sprung and the wineries are also preparing for some fun seasonal events that will get you partying in floppy hats and pastel colors. Come socialize, taste some wine, and see for yourself what everyone is talking about!

Baily Vineyard & Winery
Easter Egg Hunt for Doggies
Sunday, April 20 / 11:30a-2:30p
Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch and an egg hunt

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

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting
Thursday-Sunday / 11:00a-2:30p
Tours and vertical tasting of Boudreaux reds
Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Bel Vino Winery
Wine Down at Bel Vino with Live Music
Every Saturday and Sundays for live entertainment! 12:00p-4:00p
April 5-Bruce Glover
April 6- JD Priest
April 12-Shoot 4 Tuezdays
April 13-Mor Sol
April 19 – The Counterfeits
April 26 – The “B” Players
April 27 – Tim Cash

Briar Rose Winery
Friday Night Sunset
April 18 / 5:30p-9:00
Sunset and live music by Buzz Campbell while enjoying food and wine.
Call 951-308-1098 to make reservations.
Seating is limited.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Prime Rib Fridays
Every Friday at Meritage from 5p-8:00p
Three-course Prime Rib dinner for $35 pp
Reservations are not required. No cover.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Sunday at Meritage from 4p-8p in the main dining room.
Watermelon Sangria & live music from local musicians begins at 5pm.
No cover charge and no reservations required.

Falkner Winery
Spring/Summer Music, Sangria and BBQ Series
12:00p-3:00p /Sundays from April through October
Free music and guest can purchase BBQ & Luscious Lips Sangria!
Kick off series with featured artist Jason Weber.

Easter Champagne Brunch
Sunday, April 20 / 10:00a-3:30p /
Champagne brunch, live music & Mediterranean style food
pecial Easter gifts will be given to all children
$49.95+ pp/ Members & guests $44.95+, Children 3-10 are $19+ (wine club $15+)
Free for children under 3.

Leoness Cellars
Pre-Harvest Winemaker Dinner
Saturday, April 5 / 6:30p
5 course wine paired dinner featuring guest Chef Michael Cragg
$106 + tax pp / $96 + tax pp, Wine Club
For reservations call 951-302-7601 ext. 150 or e-mail reservations@leonesscellars.com

Live Music
Fridays / The Restaurant at Leoness / 5:00p-8:00p

Live Music
Sundays / Patio at Leoness Cellars / 1:00p-4:00p

Longshadow Ranch Winery
Bonfire Saturday Night
Sat April 19 / 6:00p-10:00p
Live music, dancing, wine, mechanical bull rides
No admission / parking fee / reservations required for parties of 12+

Lorimar Winery
Epicurean Demonstration – “Molecular Gastronomy”
Wed April 2 / 4:00p-6:00p
Join Chef Patrick for the interactive cooking demo
$25+tax pp / Members $20+tax pp.
Purchase tickets in the tasting room, email events@lorimarwinery.com or call 951-694-6699 xt. 4.

Live Music
Fridays & Saturdays 6p-9p / Sundays 2p-5p
April 4 – Shultz & Hamilton
April 5 – Mrs. Jones Revenge
April 6 – Steven Ybarra
April 11 – Cougrzz Rock
April 12 – Missy Anderson
April 13 – David & Olivia
April 18 – Guilty Conscience
April 19 – Oceans of Sand
April 25 – Mrs. Jones Revenge
April 26 – TBD
April 27 – Sal and Brennan

Laugh Your Glass Off – Comedy Show
Thur April 24 / 7:00p-10:00p /
Night of comedy
General admission in the Barrel Room $35 pp / $30 members
MATURE AUDIENCE ONLY
Purchase tickets in the tasting room, e-mail events@lorimarwinery.com or call 951-694-6699 ext. 104

Movie in the Vines
Mon April 28
Indiana Jones; Raiders of the Lost Arc
Wine bar & concession stand will be open at 6:00p
Film begins at sunset. Bring your own beach chair or blanket!

Mount Palomar Winery
Live Music
Complimentary music on patio! 1:00p-4:00p
April 5 – The Barstow Prophets
April 6 – Mariner
April 12 – Harmony Road
April 13 – Bodie
April 19 – Joachim Nordensson
April 26 – Danielle Taylor
April 27 – 3 Blind Mice

Bottles “n” Brushes
Thursday, April 24 / 1:00p-4:00p
Painting class with wine

Oak Mountain Winery
Sizzlin’ Saturday
Sat April 19 / 5:00p-9:00p/ $1.00 admission
Join us for tasty American/Mexican fusion from Chubbys.

Pet Fair
Sun April 6 / 11:00a-5:00p /Free admission
Join local rescues and vendors at the Oak Mountain Winery Pet Fair.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Earth Day Wine Tours
April 21-25 / 3:00p
Hands-on introduction with the sustainable winegrowing standards of California’s State Winery of the Year.
Explore our vineyards with 90-minute guided tour
$50 pp/ $45 Club but space is limited and reservations are a must.
Visit WineResort.com or call now to reserve your place 800-539-1375.

Elegant Wine Country Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 20 / 10:00a-3:00p
Brunch fare at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vineyard Rose restaurant
Kids enjoy Easter egg hunts and meet the Easter Bunny.
Cost is just $60 Adults/$22 Children.
Reservations are limited and required.
Visit WineResort.com for complete menu or call now to reserve: 951-491-8077

Go Green with Va Va Verde
April 1-30, 2014 / 105 pp
50-minute full body ‘therapeutic’ massage
Receive a $20 spa voucher towards any $85+ spa treatment on return
Book by calling 800-539-1375.

Wine & Dine Chef’s Table at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Ccustom five-course menu just for you.
Winemakers then pair each course with wines
For 2-8 guests, $135 pp
Call 951-491-8077 to reserve your table today.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s WINOS (Women In Need of Serenity)
Monday-Thursday / 11:30a-2:30p
Unique wine-themed items available for purchase
Half price Mimosas, Sangria & glasses of select wines
$2 off all appetizers / Call for Reservations 951-587-9463 x 2

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Divas in D’Vines
Every Sunday during football season from 12:00 to 3p
Enjoy half priced mimosas, sangria & Spumante Diamante.
Reservations Recommended. Call 951-587-9463 x 2

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu
Mon-Thur 11:30a -3:00p
$9.99 lunches -Vineyard Rose Restaurant, 55&over
Call 951-587-9463 x 2

“Happiest” Days of the Week
Mon-Fri 4:00p-5:30p / “Happy Hour”
Discounted appetizers, local draft beers and South Coast wines.
Happy Hour with dinner in the Vineyard Rose Restaurant.
Visit WineResort.com or call 800-539-1375 today.

Marvelous Mondays
5:30p to 9p each week
Half-priced bottles of select wines with the purchase of 2 entrees
Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here

Wine Down Wednesdays
Enjoy live music & half-priced select appetizers w/ purchase of 2 entrees
Enjoy with our Winemakers Reserve bottles of South Coast Wines.
Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour
Daily / 11:00a and 1:00p / $40pp / Members $35pp
Stroll the vineyards and the winery
Private, plated wine & cheese pairing with a Wine Concierge.
Reservations strongly suggested: Call 951.587.9463 x7219.

Thornton Winery
Thornton Winery’s Chef’s Counter
Friday, April 25 / 7:00p / $125 pp
Interactive Chef’s Table in a private kitchen
Five-course meal /Seating limited to 10 people
For reservations, call 951-699-0099

Temecula Wine Industry “Grape Day” is April 17

Sponsored & hosted by South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula Valley’s 31st Annual Grape Day Conference will feature in-depth seminars on the latest advances and developments in enology and viticulture.

Thursday, April 17, 2014
7:30a-4:30p

Click here for the conference agenda |  Purchase Grape Day tickets here

Who should attend? Winemakers, winery & vineyard owners, managers and anyone with an interest in the California wine industry.

Ticket price includes:

• continental breakfast
• educational seminars
• lunch
• vendor exhibits
• wine and cheese reception

Special guest speakers include experts in the fields of enology, viticulture, winery hospitality and wine branding:

• Ben Drake; Drake Enterprises, TVWA President
• Mike Rennie; Leoness Cellars, TVWA Viticulture Chair
• Matt Daugherty, PhD; UC Riverside
• Michael Anderson, Department of Viticulture & Enology, Oakville Station, UC Davis
• M.R. Sudarshana, Research Biologist, Dept. of Plant Pathology, USDA-ARS, UC Davis
• Roger Baldwin, Wildlife Specialist, UC Davis
• Anita Oberholster, Enology Specialist, UC Davis
• Sue Straight, The Wine Wench®, DTC Wine Coach
• Tammy Boatwright, Ving Direct “Defining Your Brand”

St. Patrick’s Day in Temecula Wine Country

Spend Saint Patrick’s Day Weekend in Temecula Valley and celebrate the luck o’ the Irish with a visit to your favorite winery with your closest pals.  St. Paddy’s Day brings a ton o’ live music entertainment, happy hours and some great special events, March 15-17.  See below for the details!

St. Patrick’s Day (Monday) Happy Hours:
The Cellar Lounge, Ponte Winery
The Vineyard Rose, South Coast Winery

Saturday and Sunday Live Music & Entertainment at:
Bel Vino
South Coast
Mount Palomar
Europa Village
Leoness
Lorimar
Callaway
and more!

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
2nd Annual Temecula St. Patrick’s Day 15k
Sunday, March 16 / 9:00a
Race through country roads & finish w/ a glass of green sparking wine
21+ – includes a sparking wine tasting & glass to keep.
For tickets and to register, click here

Oak Mountain Winery
St. Patty’s Sizzlin Saturday
Saturday, March 15 / 5:00p-9:00p / Admission: $1
Tickets available on Caves of Oak Mountain’s Facebook page
Corned beef melts & Irish fries from Devilicious.

Maurice Car’rie Winery
Craft Fair
Saturday & Sunday, March 15 & 16 at 10am
Lots of holiday arts & crafts on sale at the beautiful outdoor craft fair

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Go Green with Va Va Verde
Available March 1-31 /for discount of $105 pp
50-min full body ‘therapeutic’ massage
Receive a $20 spa voucher for one $85+ spa treatment on your return visit.
Book now 951.587.9463
anticreative

World of Wine Weekend: Food & Wine Pairing Highlights

Just one week away on March 1 & 2, Temecula Valley’s “World of Wine” Weekend offers gourmet food & wine pairings at 30+ wineries – all-included in one passport ticket price.  2-Day and Sunday-Only Tickets are still available here!

WoW 2014 Menu Highlights:

Can you say WoW?!

This two-day/30+ winery passport event also includes live music at many winery stops and a “cork art” contest to help promote sustainability.  Come join us on March 1 & 2 and taste the best of Temecula Valley wine country.

Don’t forget to get your World of Wine tickets TODAY before it’s sold out!!

January Deals & Steals in Temecula Wine Country

Savvy Southern California wine-lovers can avoid weekend crowds (and prices!) by taking advantage of fantastic Monday through Friday deals at many of our 35 member wineries. In addition to more elbow room in the tasting rooms and personal attention from winery staff, visiting Temecula Valley mid-week benefits your wallet and means you can afford to take the experience home with you by stocking up on great Temecula wines!

Looking for amazing 2 for 1 coupons and discounts to the best Temecula Valley wineries?

Visit our special offers page which offers the best Monday-Friday deals in wine country every month!

Here are some of great specials and winery tours for January 2014!

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

• Check out The Vineyard Rose’s full menu for California Restaurant Month.
• Festival of Wines is taking place Sunday, January 19-Saturday, January 25. Join South Coast in a week’s worth of special wine and food events, highlighting all that this Temecula wine resort has to offer.
• A Toast to Teachers is offered daily – Teachers: come in with your school ID and buy a Tasting Ticket at regular price and South Coast will treat you to a Tasting of their signature Sparkling Wine Ruby Cuvee!
• Behind the Scenes Winery Tour – Get up close and personal with the real workings of a winery with South Coast Winery’s Behind the Scenes Wine Tours.  It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to stroll the vineyards and the winery where the magic begins. Weekday tours are held: Monday-Friday at 11am & 1pm. This $40 walking wine tour culminates with a private, plated wine & cheese pairing with a fun and informative Wine Concierge. Reservations strongly suggested: call 951.587.9463x 350

Ponte Family Estate

• Weekday Winery Tours – The Vineyard Bus Tour provides a fascinating look at a working winery. Embark the 12-passenger electric bus and tour our 310 acre ranch. Learn about the grape growing philosophy as you taste three signature Ponte wines, next to the vineyards they come from. After returning visit our Winemaking Facilities and learn about the art and science of winemaking. Taste young wine right from the stainless steel tank or out of a giant oak cask. Monday-Friday 1pm Vineyard Bus Tours; $25 per guest

Callaway Winery

• Weekday winery & vineyard tours – The winery tour offers guests a glimpse into the history of Callaway Vineyard and Winery and an informative look at the present vineyard management practices; see the time-honored techniques it takes to produce handcrafted wines while visiting the crush pad, fermentation cellars and barrel room. Early arrival is suggested as the tour size is limited to 30 people to ensure an enjoyable experience by all. No reservations are required. $5 per person; Weekdays – 11am, 1pm, and 3pm

January’s “California Restaurant Month” Features Temecula Winery Restaurant Deals

If saving bucks while eating out is important to you in the new year, then you must take advantage of the much-anticipated California Restaurant Month specials taking place across the Golden State. Started by Visit California to promote new eateries and great dining deals throughout the month of January, many California cities and regions have annually embraced the designation and Temecula is one of the most celebrated in the state.

Are your favorite winery restaurants offering dining deals in January? Check out the list below!

• Cafe Champagne at Thornton Winery
• Creekside Grille at Wilson Creek
• Farm House Kitchen at Temecula Creek Inn
• Monte de Oro Winery
• Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery
• Vineyard Rose at South Coast Winery

For more information on Temecula Valley’s Restaurant Month, visit the official website here; or call 951-491-6085.

Learn about California Restaurant Month across the state here! California Restaurant Month is packed with great restaurants, chefs, chef interviews, and great contests with great prizes.