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.

April Winery Events

Spring time is here!  The vines are budding out providing a beautiful backdrop of lush, green hills.  What a perfect time to come out and visit our three new wineries, as well as a few of your favorites! While you’re here, take in a special event or two.  Check out these winery events happening in April:

Avensole Winery
Grand Opening / April 9 / 10:00am-8:00pm / Open to the public / Situated on the hilltop above Rancho California Road, Avensole is Temecula’s newest winery. The Lytton Family invites you to experience Avensole Winery. Please join us in celebrating our Grand Opening with live music and specials all day such as 2 for 1 tastings and 2 for 1 beverages. Limits and restrictions apply.

Baily Vineyard & Winery
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
Cigar Dinner / April 9th / 6:30p-9:30pm / $65.95 General tickets; Club Member price is $55.95 / Includes a three course gourmet dinner paired with Bel Vino wine, accompanied by hand rolled cigars from Casa Lovo. Live Classic American rock music / For reservations call Bel Vino Winery at 951.676.6414

Karaoke Night / Every Friday 6p-9p / Free admission / Karaoke every Friday night at Bel Vino Winery in the Barrel Room / Happy Hour from 6pm-7pm; select Bel Vino Bistro menu offered.

Briar Rose
Sip Into the Sunset / First Friday of each month / Open until 10pm / Live music from 6p-9m and wine under the stars in our enchanted garden or tasting room / Purchase a glass of wine or a bottle / Outside food allowed at these events only / Reservations required; call 951.308.1098

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Live Music at the Winery Tasting Room / 1pm – 4pm / No charge / Enjoy live music in the main tasting room /

Happiest Hours / Friday’s from 3:00p-6:00p in the lounge at Meritage at Callaway / Grab your friends and join us for a marvelous time! 20% all tapas, 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 / 4pm-8pm/ Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria while soaking in the sunset vineyard views in our main dining room. Live music from local musicians begins at 6pm / No cover charge / Reservations for parties of 5 or more are required.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $40pp / Available Mid-week 1pm and 3pm; Weekends 1pm and 3pm / Reserve your place for an indulgent wine and food pairing designed to tantalize the senses. Guests enjoy five specially-selected Carter Estate Winery wines paired perfectly with a variety of cured meats, artisan cheeses and accompanied with season accoutrements. Each pairing last approximately 90 minutes and is limited to just eight participants to allow for one-on-one interaction / For reservations call today: 844.851.2138

After Hours at Carter Estate / 6:00-9:00pm / Available Fridays and Saturdays / The oh-so-popular Carter Estate “After Hours” is back and you’re invited to come out to the winery tasting room on weekends this spring to enjoy wines by the bottle or the glass with live entertainment.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Free to attend / Happy Hour 2 for 1 glasses of wine from 7-8pm / Industry and Wine Club benefits honored / Deli is open until 7pm / April 1st – Soul/blues/rock singer-songwriter Joshua Taylor / April 8th – Local singer song writer Jasmine Seek / April 15th – Original acoustic singer-songwriter Jeff Brinkman / April 22nd – Instrumental Rock and Roll Frankie and the Invisibles / April 29th – Indie, Pop, Rock and R&B singer-songwriter Evan Diamond-Goldberg

Danza del Sol Winery
Get Sauced / April 3rd / 3:00 – 6:30 PM / $60 per person | $54 Wine Club / Put a little Spring in your step and GET SAUCED! Join us for a fun filled afternoon of food, wine, and culinary entertainment in our Club House! / Call Kelly at (951) 302-6363 ext. 26 or purchase your tickets online

Taco Tuesday / April 19th / 5:30 – 8:30 PM / Free admission / Tuesday just got tastier! Join us on the Tasting Room Patio for Tacos, Burritos, and Live music! / Wine and selected beer for purchase. Wine club discounts apply to bottle purchases only

Food Truck Friday / April 29th / 5:30pm to 10:00pm / $8 Presale | $10 at the door | $7 Inter-winery / Little Bit of Country – Live performance by JD Priest / Food Trucks: Local Favorite – Devilicious & Urban Eats from San Diego / Beer and wine available for purchase. No outside food or alcohol permitted. No wine club complimentary glasses allowed. Wine Club discounts on bottles only. Only bottles purchased during event are permitted. / This is not a dog friendly event. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend / Call (951) 302-6363 ext. 26 or purchase your tickets online

Live Music on the Patio / 1:00-5:00pm / Grab your friends and head over to Danza del Sol for a Saturday afternoon of wine and great music / April 2 – Desert Rose / April 9 – Vivien Gaines / April 16 – Rosewood & Rye / April 23 – Sean Wiggins / April 30 – The Roamies / Free admission /

Europa Village
Friday Night Entertainment / 5:30p- 8:30p / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / April 1- Jason Weber / April 15- JD Priest / April 22- James Wells / April 29- Michael LeClerc
Live Music every Sunday/ 1pm- 4pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / April 3- Sam & Stacy / April 10- Jimmy Patton / April 17- X Spanse / April 24- Joe Baldino

Frangipani Winery
Cigar Night / April 2 / 5:30pm-9:00pm / $49 pp; Frangipani Wine Club Members $39pp / Enjoy Casa Lovo Cigars and food catered by Mad Mike / Call winery at 951.699.8845 for more detailed information and reservations. RSVP is required.

Falkner Winery
Wine Appreciation Class / Saturday, April 16 / 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

Sunday Funday in the Yard Garden / April 17 & 24/ 12:00-3:00pm / Lawn game competition, Taco Bar, Sangria, Luscito, Beer / Free admission

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Spring Art Show at The Gallery/ April 8 & 9 / This two day art show will run both days from 12pm – 8pm with special artist receptions from 5-8pm. RSVP requested through the website. Event is free! http://www.lorimarwinery.com/reservation-events

Academie Du Vin / April 14 / 6:00-8:00pm / Learn about the Bordeaux wine regions and taste Lorimar varietals paired with cheese and charcuterie from Pairings / Tickets are $25/$20 WC and on sale now http://www.lorimarwinery.com/feat-event-157439/Academie-Du-Vin.html

Movie in the Vines / April 25 / Watch The Big Lebowski under the stars on our Vineyard Lawn / Admission is free. Movie starts at Sunset.

Miramonte Winery
Live Music & Entertainment / Every Friday and Saturday / 7pm-10pm / Free to the public /
April 01, Nathan James-winner of the International Blues Challenge /April 02, DevOcean- local reggae-rock band / April 08, Ruben V- Latin and salsa music / April 09, Bluefish- big rock sounds from the 70s, 80s, and 90s / April 15, Mickie Arnett- 90s rock and covers / April 16, Missy Andersen- known as Southern California’s top blues diva / April 22, Midnight Satellites- Gutsy, modern rock performers. Big sound! / April 23, JD Priest- wildly soulful, all-American rock / April 29, Cougrzz Rock- all girl group, pop, rock, high energy dance band / April 30, Mercedes Moore- old school soul, blues, R&B / No reservations required. For more information please visit www.miramontewinery.com

Monte De Oro Winery
Sounds of Sunday / 1:00-5:00pm / Come, relax and end the weekend with a glass of wine and a Bistro entrée. Live music program every Sunday on our outdoor patio / For additional information please visit us at www.montedeoro.com

Mount Palomar Winery
Murder Mystery Dinner at Annata Bistro/Bar / April 1 / $120 per couple (+ gratuity + taxes) / Doors open at 7:00 pm / Show and dinner start at 8:00 pm / Enjoy a three course meal and drinks while solving a mystery at Annata Bistro/Bar! The year is 1949, and YOU a member of Tinsel Town’s elite, are invited to the world premiere of “The Hollywoodland Murder”, which has stirred up some controversy. Critics claim it is an exploitation of the infamous murder of “The Black Dahlia,” only a few years since it shocked the nation. Unbeknownst to YOU and other premiere attendees, guests have entered a one of a kind hostage situation, as they innocently mingle & dine on a delectable 3 course meal. The Killer has arrived and carefully constructed a twisted game, where guests must work together by participating in various challenges and tests of wit to solve this murder mystery, before the body count grows! / This event is RSVP only; you can register online at http://www.mountpalomarwinery.com/Murder-Mystery-Dinner or in the Mount Palomar Winery tasting room.

Sunrise Stretching at Mount Palomar Winery / $60 / starting April 2nd every Saturday and Sunday morning Mount Palomar Winery will host a Sunrise Stretch class. The class will be led by a professional trainer, and exercise mats will be provided. Cost of class includes breakfast with a mimosa and after class wine tasting. Class starts at 9:00am, breakfast is served at 10:00am, and wine tasting starts at 10:30 / For more information contact Alan Shields, 951-515-3692 or email weddingsandevents@mountpalomar.com

Paint Nite in the Barrel Room / April 3rd & April 10th : 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM / $45 / Raise your glass to a NEW kind of night out! Paint Nite® invites you to create art over cocktails at a local restaurant or bar, guided by a professional artist and party host. Grab your friends and spend two hours drinking, laughing, and flexing your creative muscles. There’s no experience necessary and we’ll provide all the supplies, so you don’t have to worry about a thing (except having a great time!) / Must be 21+. Food and drink may be purchased at the event. Tickets online at https://www.paintnite.com/events/1063639.html

Sinatra-Esque, a celebration of music from the Rat Pack / April 22nd: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM / $30 (+ $3 credit card fee) / Enjoy a beautiful evening in the vineyards, under the stars at one of the Temecula Valley’s most renowned wineries: MOUNT PALOMAR WINERY! This will be a very special evening as the band plays selections from FRANK SINATRA, DEAN MARTIN, TONY BENNETT, BOBBY DARIN and more greats from the golden era of music.

Wine Country Wiener Fest / May 1st / 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM / Free to attend / It’s time for the annual Wine Country Wiener Fest! Mount Palomar Winery is proud to host this yearly event to support local Dachshund rescue groups. The event includes Dachshund races, other doggie games, silent auctions, raffles, door prizes and more. For more information about the event, go online to http://wienerfest.info/

Ponte Family Estate Winery
Live Music in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar open late every day, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn. The Cellar offers live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night! Sip to the sounds of a variety of musicians, from jazz sax and alternative contemporary to rock blues! / Time and Entertainment schedule varies / Free to attend / Visit www.pontevineyardinn.com for an entertainment schedule.

Happy Hour in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Monday-Thursday / 4pm-7pm / Free to attend / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, for happy hour for specials on craft beer, flatbreads, wine and more!

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Blessing of the Vines / April 10 / 4:00-7:00pm / $45 for adults, $15 for children / Spring is in the air and South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is kicking off its winegrowing season in the grand celebration. Come and celebrate in pure unabashed South Coast splendor as our vines get blessed by a special invocation and prepare to light up our world with new growth and the promise of a fruitful harvest. Big kids and little ones join in the fun with plenty of games and fun-filled activities / Reservations are limited and required. Call 951.491.8077 or visit SouthCoastWinery.com to reserve today!

Wine, Dine & Painting Class / April 25 / 10:00am-2:00pm / $75 per person; $70 Wine Club / This exclusive package comes with three-hour instruction and supplies to paint your masterpiece, and follows with a select lunch menu to redeem at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant / Purchase tickets online at SouthCoastwinery.com or call 951.587.9463 Ext. 5250

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours / Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday/ $40pp; $35pp Wine Club Member / Because you’ve got good taste…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.

Why Limit Happy to an Hour? / 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.

Thornton Winery
Friday Night Live Music / 6:00 – 9:00pm / Admission is free / April 1- Lifetime Rockers / April 8 – Missy Anderson / April 15- Crimson Crow / April 22- Fleetwood Mac Tribute / April 29- B.I.G / For reservatio
ns call 951.699.0099

In Memoriam ~ Vincenzo Cilurzo

Temecula Valley Wine Country is mourning the loss of one of our pioneers.  Vincenzo (Vince) Cilurzo, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 9th, 2016.

Vince first found his love for wine in the 1960’s when his wife, Audrey, bought him a home-winemaking kit. Although, Vince and Audrey’s path to become wine country pioneers happened quite by accident.  In 1967, after spending many years in Hollywood as an Emmy Award-winning lighting director for several television shows and specials, Vince and Audrey decided to join a waiting list to open a McDonald’s franchise in Escondido, CA.  They were on their way to Escondido when they happened upon the beautiful valley of what was then called Rancho California; what we know today as Temecula.  They fell in love with the area and began to research real estate.  In the midst of their research they met Dick Break who had planted a couple of experimental vines in the area and told the Cilurzos that he’d done some climate studies and that the climate was very similar to that in Napa. The rest, as they say, is history.  The Cilurzos hired Mr. Break as a consultant and at his suggestion planted their very first first vines in 1968; Petite Sirah and Chenin Blanc. This would become the first commercial wine grape vineyard in the Temecula Valley.

Vince and Audrey grew grapes for the next ten years and during that time they learned everything they could about growing grapes and making wine. In 1978 they opened Cilurzo Winery, one of the first three wineries in Temecula.  At a time when Ely Callaway, founder of Callaway Winery was touting “White Wine Is All We Make”, the Cilurzos championed the growing of red wine grapes.  In the years after, when Temecula Valley Wine Country was beginning to see a surge in newcomers wanting their own wineries, they spent countless hours mentoring, providing support and encouragement to those who came in search of their own wine country dream.  Throughout the history of our wine country, the Cilurzos have been fierce supporters, and for that, we’re eternally grateful.

Goodbye, Mr. Cilurzo, you’ll be missed, but your legacy will forever remain.

Photo courtesy of Tom Plant and www.lifeandvinemagazine.com

Welcome New Temecula Wineries!

We’re excited to announce the opening of three new Temecula Valley Wine Country wineries!  We’ve been out to visit all three and can say that we were both impressed and enamored with them.  Here’s a brief introduction:

Avensole Winery:

Situated on the hilltop above Rancho California Road, Avensole is Temecula’s newest winery. Formerly Van Roekel Winery, this hilltop estate has long been known for its old-growth vines producing some of Temecula’s finest grapes. The property was purchased by the Lytton family in 2014 and has been extensively remodeled, includes a new restaurant, a marketplace with both wine and craft beer bars, a tasting room, a new indoor-outdoor wedding venue, and park-like setting with pond.  The Lytton Family is committed to using the property’s premium fruit to produce some of Temecula’s finest, premium wines. Their grand opening is on Saturday, April 9th…be sure to stop by!
34567 Rancho California Rd. Temecula, CA 92591

Fazeli Cellars:

Masia de la Vinya:

March Winery Events

Spring has sprung in Temecula Valley Wine Country!  We’ve seen bud break in many of our vineyards, signaling the end of winter and the beginning of a new season.  From St. Patrick’s Day to Easter and everything in between, the wineries have something for everyone!

Baily Vineyard & Winery
Shakespeare in the Vines presents The Complete History of America Abridged / March 3 (Preview), 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18 and 19 / 7:00pm (Doors open at 6pm) / Playing at Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery / Tickets begin at $17. Group discounts available / For information and reservations please call 951.402.7488 or visit the website www.shakespeareinthevines.org

3rd Annual Dog Easter Egg Hunt at Carol’s Restaurant / March 27th / 1:00pm until all eggs are gone! / Plastic eggs are filled with turkey hot dogs. All dogs must be on a leash. Owners are responsible to make sure dogs do not eat the plastic eggs / Free to attendees.

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
Karaoke Night / Every Friday night 6p-9p / Free admission / Karaoke every Saturday night at Bel Vino Winery in the Barrel Room / Happy Hour from 6pm-7pm; Half off wine and beer and open kitchen.

Live Music / Saturday 12pm – 4pm / Sunday 11am-3pm

Briar Rose Winery
Sip Into the Sunset / First Friday of each month / Open until 10pm / Live music from 6p-9m and wine under the stars in our enchanted garden or tasting room / Purchase a glass of wine or a bottle / Outside food allowed at these events only / Reservations required; call 951.308.1098

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Live Music at the Winery Tasting Room / 1pm – 4pm / No charge / Enjoy live music in the main tasting room

Happiest Hours / Friday’s from 3:00p-6:00p in the lounge at Meritage at Callaway / Grab your friends and join us for a marvelous time! 20% all tapas, 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 / 4pm-8pm/ Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria while soaking in the sunset vineyard views in our main dining room. Live music from local musicians begins at 6pm / No cover charge / Reservations for parties of 5 or more are required.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $40pp / Available Mid-week 1pm and 3pm; Weekends 1pm and 3pm / Reserve your place for an indulgent wine and food pairing designed to tantalize the senses. Guests enjoy five specially-selected Carter Estate Winery wines paired perfectly with a variety of cured meats, artisan cheeses and accompanied with season accoutrements. Each pairing last approximately 90 minutes and is limited to just eight participants to allow for one-on-one interaction / For reservations call today: 844.851.2138

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
4th Annual St. Patricks’s Day 15K and 5K / March 13th / 8:30am / Start and end the race at Cougar! / A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the Rose Again Foundation / Race through country roads and vineyards as you wind your way to the finish line and a glass of green champagne in honor of St. Patricks’s Day / 21+ race entry includes a champagne tasting and signature glass to keep. Then, spend the afternoon celebrating (wine country) the Irish way at Cougar Winery. This is a challenging, hilly course, so be prepared for an exhilarating run! / Limited to the first 200 participants so register today at http://sandyfeetevents.com/temecula-st-patricks-day-15k

Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Free to attend / Happy Hour 2 for 1 glasses of wine from 7-8pm / Deli is open until 7pm / Mar. 4th – Kenny Hale / Mar. 11th – Jeff Brinkman / Mar. 18th – Frankie and the Invisibles / Mar. 25th – Jerry Gontang

Doffo Winery
Winemaker Vertical Zinfandel Dinner / March 19 / 6pm / $125 pp / A five course dinner presented by Chef Louie Ortiz from Austin, TX. Chef Ortiz’s bio and will be featured in our blog post through our website on March 2nd / This event is limited to 40 guests. For reservations please visit our website at www.doffowines.com

Europa Village
Easter Lunch / March 27 / 12:00pm – 3:00pm / $39 for Adults, $15 Kids under 12 yrs. / Plated luncheon, Egg Hunt with Easter Bunny, Face Painting, Live Music / Reservations are required. Please visit our website at www.europavillage.com or call 951.695.7175

Friday Night Entertainment / 5:30p- 8:30p / Free / Live music in the Cave / Mar. 4th – James Wells / Mar. 11th -Two Fish / Mar. 18th – Tom Bray / Mar. 25th – Dustin Jake
Live Music every Sunday/ 1pm- 4pm / Free / Live music on Veranda / Mar. 6th – Jimmy Patton / Mar. 13th – Luis Andre / Mar. 20th – Apryle Dalmacio

Falkner Winery
Easter Brunch at The Pinnacle Restaurant / Sunday, March 27 / 10am – 3:30pm / $54.95pp; Wine Club $49.95pp. Children (3-10 yrs.) $24, Wine Club $19 / For full menu please visit www.falknerwinery.com / Entertainment provided by Jeff Johnson / Reservations required 951.676.8231 option 4

Wine Appreciation Class / Saturday, March 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.

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Dueling Pianos / March 24 / 6pm-9pm / $15 pp / Fee includes a glass of wine from our Premium menu. Pairings will be open at 5:00pm with a special menu for one night only / Tickets are available online http://www.lorimarwinery.com/feat-event-157410/Dueling-Pianos.html, or by calling 951.694.6699 x4

Miramonte Winery
Live Music & Entertainment / Every Friday and Saturday / 7pm-10pm / Free to the public / Mar. 4th – Mercedes Moore / Mar. 5th – Devocean / March 11th Ruben V / Mar. 12th – Bluefish / Mar. 18th – Mickie Arnett / Mar. 19th – Missy Andersen / Mar. 25th – JD Priest / Mar. 26th Tricia Freeman / No reservations required. For more information please visit www.miramontewinery.com

Monte De Oro Winery
WINE Bingo Night / Saturday, March 12 / Doors open at 6:30pm. Game starts at 7:00pm / $30 pp / includes a glass of wine, 10 Bingo games and 3 Bingo cards per game; 30 chances to win! / Additional refreshments and food from our Bistro will be available for purchase / RSVP at montedeoro.com and then go to Online Store – Order Events.

Zinfandel Blind Tasting / Friday, March 18 / Reception at 7:00pm, Tasting at 7:30pm / $60 pp includes tasting, two appetizer courses and a dessert course / At least 10 Zinfandels from Temecula, Napa, Paso and other wine regions will be tasted. Can you guess what region each is from? We un-wrap the brown bags at the end of the night / RSVP at montedeoro.com and then go to Online Store – Order Events.

Mount Palomar Winery
Paint Nite – Butterfly Kisses II / 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM / Sat, March 5 / $45.00 pp /
For reservation contact us at 760-413-5808 or https://www.paintnite.com/events/1033832.html

Paint Nite – Blue Poppies II / 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM / Sat, March 12 / $45.00 pp /
For reservation contact us at 760-413-5808 or https://www.paintnite.com/events/1033832.html

Paint Nite – Bright Lotus / 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM / Sat, March 26 / $45.00 pp /
For reservation contact us at 760-413-5808 or https://www.paintnite.com/events/1033832.html

Ponte Family Estate Winery
Live Music in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar open late every day, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn. The Cellar offers live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night! Sip to the sounds of a variety of musicians, from jazz sax and alternative contemporary to rock blues! / Time and Entertainment schedule varies / Free to attend

Happy Hour in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Monday-Thursday / 4pm-7pm / Free to attend / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, for happy hour for specials on craft beer, flatbreads, wine and more!

First Sundays – Live Music in the Reserve Room*
First Sunday of the month/ 12:00p-4:00p / Jason Weber, Jazz Sax / 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.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Live entertainment at the Vineyard Rose / Friday and Saturday nights for the month of February / 6:00-9:00pm

Why Limit Happy to an Hour? / 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.

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.

Thornton Winery
Champagne Jazz Schedule release date is March 14th! Make sure to check-out our website!

Easter Sunday at Café Champagne / March 27 / 12pm-5pm / Special Easter menu offering at Café Champagne restaurant / Please check our website www.thorntonwine.com for information and reservations.

Drink Now…Or Cellar?? The Real Story on Aging Wine

Think all wine gets better with age?  The truth is, only a tiny fraction of wine is actually designed to stand up to and improve with aging.  In fact, 99% of all wine we buy is meant to be drunk right now. Although, when we say a wine is meant to be drunk now, we mean it is intended to be consumed within five years or so of buying it.  After those five years are up, the wine can actually start to deteriorate and lose many of the qualities that made it so delicious in the first place.

Most wines worth cellaring are considered premium wines.  Expect them to cost at least $30 a bottle.  Now, this doesn’t mean that all $30+ wines are expected to cellar well. The ability of a wine to age is influenced by many factors including grape variety, vintage, viticultural practices, wine region and winemaking style.

What’s the science behind the aging of wine?  In general, wines with a low pH (such as Pinot Noir and Sangiovese) have a greater capability of aging. With red wines, a high level of flavor compounds, such as phenolics (most notably tannins), will increase the likelihood that a wine will be able to age. Wines with high levels of phenols include Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Syrah.

The white wines with the longest aging potential tend to be those with a high amount of extract and acidity. The acidity in white wines, acting as a preservative, has a role similar to that of tannins in red wines. The process of making white wines, which includes little to no skin contact, means that white wines have a significantly lower amount of phenolic compounds, though barrel fermentation and oak aging can impart some phenols. Similarly, the minimal skin contact with rosé wine limits their aging potential.

So, you’ve found a wine you love…. how will you know if it’s worth storing? The smart approach is to buy direct from the winery and talk to them about the wine and how long they think it will last. They can definitely give you a good baseline for an expiration date. Of course, we say that wine is meant to be enjoyed, not looked at in a cellar, so pop your corks often!

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

February Winery Events

February is filled with some memorable dates; we can’t wait to see if the groundhog will see his shadow on February 2nd, and we’re busily planning our Valentine’s Day celebrations. But, did you know that February 18th is National Drink Wine Day? Can’t think of a better reason to visit Temecula Valley Wine Country this month!

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Romantic Valentine Candlelight Tasting for 2 / Feb. 11th – 14th / 11:30am -3:30pm; Seating every hour / $35 pp / Special Cabernet Sauvignon and port tasting, charcuterie and chocolate plate for 2 / Seating is extremely limited, call today for reservation 951.972.9768 at Baily Estate Tasting Room.

Valentine’s Day Lunch at Carol’s Restaurant / Feb. 13th & 14th / 11:30am-3:30pm / Celebrate Valentine’s Day at lunch and forget the dinner crowd with a relaxing three course lunch. Live Music with Chuck Sacayan on Saturday John Malcolm Penn on Sunday / $29.95 pp. plus tax and gratuity / Reservations only with credit card / For reservations please call 951. 676.9243

Dog Day Sundays
Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Doggie costume contest on Nov. 1st / 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

Karaoke Night / Every Saturday 6p-9p / Free admission / Karaoke every Saturday night at Bel Vino Winery in the Barrel Room / Happy Hour from 6pm-7pm; Half off wine and beer and open kitchen.
Live Music / Saturday 12pm – 4pm / Sunday 11am-3pm

Briar Rose Winery

Sip Into the Sunset / First Friday of each month / Open until 10pm / Live music from 6p-9m and wine under the stars in our enchanted garden or tasting room / Purchase a glass of wine or a bottle / Outside food allowed at these events only / Reservations required; call 951.308.1098

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Meritage Restaurant / Feb. 13th – 14th / Two seating’s each day, 5pm and 7:30pm / $150 per couple / Enjoy a 3-course wine-paired menu with roses for the ladies and live music / For reservations please visit www.callawaywinery.com

Sweetheart Flights / Feb. 13th & 14th / Couples wine tasting from 11am-4pm / $35 per couple /
Live Music at the Winery Tasting Room / 1pm – 4pm / No charge / Enjoy live music in the main tasting room /

Happiest Hours / Friday’s from 3:00p-6:00p in the lounge at Meritage at Callaway / Grab your friends and join us for a marvelous time! 20% all tapas, 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 / 4pm-8pm/ Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria while soaking in the sunset vineyard views in our main dining room. Live music from local musicians begins at 6pm / No cover charge / Reservations for parties of 5 or more are required.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort

Elegant Food & Wine Pairing / $40pp / Available Mid-week 1pm and 3pm; Weekends 1pm and 3pm / Reserve your place for an indulgent wine and food pairing designed to tantalize the senses. Guests enjoy five specially-selected Carter Estate Winery wines paired perfectly with a variety of cured meats, artisan cheeses and accompanied with season accoutrements. Each pairing last approximately 90 minutes and is limited to just eight participants to allow for one-on-one interaction / For reservations call today: 844.851.2138

Cougar Vineyard & Winery

9TH Annual Super Chili Bowl / Feb. 7th / 3pm-8pm / Join us for chili tasting, food, wine, beer and football on the super BIG screen. Chili competition kicks off at 3pm. Only 10 competitors allowed. Official rules apply, must pay in advance to reserve competitor spots / $15 pp for competitors, $25 for wine club, $30 for non-wine club. Price increases by $5 the day of the event / For tickets please email wineclub@cougarvineyards.com or call 951.491.0825

Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Wine by the glass or bottle purchase available / Deli is open until 7pm

Sunday Afternoon Live Music / 2pm- 5pm

Europa Village

Friday Night Entertainment / 5:30p- 8:30p / Free / Live music in the Cave / Feb. 5th – Shoot for Tuesday / Feb. 12th – Two Fish / Feb. 19th – Apryle Dalmacio / Feb. 26th – Danielle Taylor

Live Music every Sunday/ 1pm- 4pm / Free / Live music on Veranda / Feb. 7th – Bryan McManus / Feb. 14th- Jimmy Patton / Feb. 21st – Michael LeClerc / Feb. 28th – Joe Baldino

Falkner Winery

Valentine’s Lunch Special for 2 at the Pinnacle Restaurant / Feb. 12 & 14th / $59 for two, plus tax / For full menu please visit www.falknerwinery.com / Reservations required at 951.676.8231 option 4

Valentine’s Dinner at the Pinnacle Restaurant / Saturday, Feb. 13th, $99 plus tax per person; $89 plus tax for Wine Club / Sunday, Feb. 14th, $115 plus tax per person; $104 plus tax for Wine Club / For full menu please visit www.falknerwinery.com / Entertainment provided by Classical pianist Thomas Reich / Reservations required at 951.676.8231 option 4

Wine Appreciation Class / Saturday, Feb. 20th / 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.

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery

Singles Mix & Mingle / Feb. 11th / 7pm-9pm / Lorimar Winery is hosting its first Single’s Mix & Mingle night. Join us for a night of fun and flirtation in Wine Country / Tickets include light appetizers and a glass of premium wine. Tickets are pre-sale only! / Cost is $15 / Call 951.694.6699 or visit our website at www.lorimarwinery.com

Valentines Day Brunch / Feb. 14th / 10am-1pm / Breakfast for two? Lorimar is hosting a breakfast buffet on the Sunset Patio, which will be exclusively for lovebirds! Breakfast starts at 10:00am and the Sunset Patio will remain exclusive until 1:00pm / $35 per person includes breakfast and mimosas. Wine Club members received 10% off ticket price / Call 951.694.6699 ext. 4 for tickets or visit our website at www.lorimarywinery.com

Leoness Cellars

Live Music at The Restaurant at Leoness / Every Friday & Saturday from 5pm-8pm / Free to the public

Live Music in the Barrel Room / Every Sunday from 1p-4:00p / Free to the public

1963 Winemaker’s Soirée / Feb. 11th / 6pm – 10pm / Cocktail & hors d’oevres, 5 course wine paired dinner, big band entertainment. Come dressed in your 1960’s best! / $100, $90 Wine Club / Reserved seating, call for reservations 951.302.7601 ext.1

The Restaurant at Leoness / Extended Restaurant hours 11am – 8pm, Sunday, February 14th / Special Prefixed 4 course dinner menu being offered for February 14th only. Seasonal February menu will also be available / For menu information and reservations please call 951.302.7601 ext.1 or visit www.leonesscellars.com/Winery-Events

Miramonte Winery

Valentine, an intimate affair Dinner / Feb. 14th / 7pm-9pm / Our most popular dinner of the year! Hosted by Cane & Becky. Expect live musical accompaniment, endless shimmering candlelight, Dom Perignon Champagne reception, 3 courses of fine cuisine, and a remarkable, personalized etched wine commemorating your evening with us. Cane will present the wines of the evening, including barrel samples of the next vintage Opulente and Estate Syrah. It’s always an amazing night and we’d love for you to join us / Seating is very limited; tickets are $120pp for general public, $100pp for club members. Tickets are currently available to Wine Club only until Monday, and then the event is open to the public / Please visit www.miramontewinery.com to reserve.

Live Music & Entertainment / 7pm-10pm / Feb. 5th – Mercedes Moore / Feb. 6th- Devocean / Feb. 12th- Ruben V / Feb. 13th- Bluefish / Feb. 19th- Mickie Arnett / Feb. 20th- Nathan James / Feb. 26th- Midnight Satellites / Feb. 27th- JD Priest

Monte De Oro Winery

Syrah Blind Tasting / February 5th / Reception 6pm; Tasting at 6:30pm / Come taste, compare and contrast up to 10 different Syrah at Monte De Oro. Which one is from France? From Oregon, from Paso? From Temecula Valley? All wines hidden in brown bags – we open them at the end and see the results. / Price$58.00. Wine Club Members $52.00 / Includes 2 appetizer courses and a dessert course / Reservations required at www.montedeoro.com / Subject to minimum participation of 24 guests

Valentines Day Dinner / Feb. 13th and Feb. 14th / Doors open at 7pm. Dinner at 7:30pm / 2 seating’s available / Enjoy a special 5 course meal paired with Monte De Oro’s award-winning wines with your partner and accompanied with live music and dancing. / Price: $150 per couple/$140 for Wine Club members / Reservations strongly suggested at www.montedeoro.com

Divas Half Marathon / Saturday, February 20th. / Starts at 7:30am / Includes complimentary wine tasting / To register visit www.runlikeadiva.com

Mount Palomar Winery

5K Kiss Wine Run / Feb. 6th / 10am-1pm / The annual 5K Kiss Wine Run takes place in the beautiful vineyards of Mount Palomar Winery in Temecula, CA on a scenic, point-to-point course. It starts on the hills of the beautiful Vineyards of Mount Palomar Winery and proceeds to continue on to more amazing views of their spectacular vineyards. You will have live performance by the 80z All Stars, as seen at Disneyland, motivating you to cross the finish line along with those tastings of wine that are waiting for you! Each finisher will receive a 5KHR Mount Palomar Winery Finishers commemorative stemless wine glass. There are also medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, as well as best costume. Register online at http://www.5khr.com/5k-kiss-run

Valentine’s Day Dinner / February 13th and 14th / Enjoy a romantic, four course dinner for two at the newly opened Annata Bistro/Bar. Dinner includes an appetizer, soup or a salad, two entrees, and a dessert to share, plus a bottle of wine, for $120 per couple. Wine club members pay $100 per couple! The full menu and restaurant hours are available online at http://www.mountpalomarwinery.com/Annata / Reservations only. Please call 951-676-5047 ext.10

Paint Nite / February 28th / Two hour class. Time TBA / Raise your glass to a NEW kind of night out! Paint Nite invites you to create art over a glass of wine at Mount Palomar Winery, guided by a professional artist and party host. Grab your friends and your sense of humor and spend two hours drinking, laughing, and flexing your creative muscles. Photographing drinks can be a bit frustrating sometimes. But it’s also fun and it can allow you to get creative. There’s no experience necessary and we’ll provide all the supplies, so you don’t have to worry about a thing (except having a great time!).”Drink Creatively” in the Barrel Room (with our own bar…ooooh yeah) at Mt Palomar Winery / Online details at http://bit.ly/mppaintnites

Oak Mountain Winery

Grand Opening Weekend Tours at The Cave at Oak Mountain / Feb. 13th- 14th / Explorer Tour, $15 / 30 minutes duration / Start your adventure in the Main Tasting room followed by a tour of the grounds and our 10,000 sq. ft. underground wine Cave while sipping on three great wines / Foodie Tour, $55 / 45 minutes duration / Tour includes gourmet grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of soup from our Cave Café to enjoy after your tour and one bottle of any of our white wines / For information and reservations please call 951.699.9102

Valentine’s Day Dinner Celebration / Feb. 14th / 6pm-9pm / Join our owners, Steve & Valerie at Oak Mountain Winery for a Valentine’s Day celebration dinner. Enjoy great food, wine and music by Sterling Productions / $125 per person, plus tax; $110 per person, plus tax for Wine Club Members / For menu information and reservations please call 951.699.9102 or email susan@oakmountainwinery.com / Reservations are required; tickets are non-refundable 3 days prior to event date.

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

Ponte Family Estate Winery

Super Bowl Sunday in The Cellar / Feb. 7th / 3:30pm / Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, will air live NFL coverage of Super Bowl 50! / Free to attend.

Valentine’s Day Barrel Room Dinner / Feb. 14th / 5pm-8pm / Treat your sweetheart to a romantic dinner in the Barrel Room this Valentine’s Day! Enjoy a special menu of gourmet fare fit for two while dining to the sounds of live Spanish Guitar / Cost varies. For menu information and reservations please call 951.252.1770.

First Sundays – Live Music in the Reserve Room*
First Sunday of the month/ 12:00p-4:00p / The Lookouts, Classic Rock / 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.

Live Music in The Cellar Lounge / Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday / Sip to the sounds of a variety of musicians, from jazz sax and alternative contemporary to rock blues! / Time and Entertainment schedule varies / Free to attend

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Pre-Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Vineyard Rose / Feb. 1-3rd, 8-10th, 15-17th / 5:30p-9:00p / $99 per couple, plus tax & gratuity / Celebrate the season of Love. It’s Valentine Month in the Vineyard Rose Restaurant. Why wait to celebrate? Say those 3 special words with a three courses. Includes one glass of select wine per person. / Reservations recommended. Call 951.587.9463 ext. 7230

Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Vineyard Rose / Feb. 14th / 5:30-9:30pm / The Vineyard Rose Restaurant presents the 3rd Annual Wine & Dine your Valentine. Includes a bottle of South Coast wine per couple / $119 per person plus tax & gratuity / Reservations required. Please call 951.497.8077
Live entertainment at the Vineyard Rose / Friday and Saturday nights for the month of February / 6:00-9:00pm

Why Limit Happy to an Hour? / 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.

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.

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!

January Winery Events

Last year, around this same time, we awoke to Temecula Valley Wine Country blanketed by a thin layer of snow. Although it does get cold in Temecula Valley, we rarely get snow! Plan your visit in January, check out some of the great events and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get lucky enough to experience a winter wonderland in wine country!

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Dog Day Sundays
Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Doggie costume contest on Nov. 1st / 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 and information on current vertical wines: 951-972-9768.

Bel Vino Winery
Karaoke Night
Every Saturday 6p-9p / Free admission / Karaoke every Saturday night at Bel Vino Winery in the Barrel Room / Happy Hour from 6pm-7pm; Half off wine and beer and open kitchen.
Live Music / Saturday 12pm – 4pm / Sunday 11am-3pm

Briar Rose Winery
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
Live Music at the Winery
1pm – 4pm / No charge / Enjoy live music in the main tasting room

Happiest Hours
Friday’s from 3:00p-6:00p in the lounge at Meritage at Callaway / Grab your friends and join us for a marvelous time! 20% all tapas, 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 / 4pm-8pm/ Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria while soaking in the sunset vineyard views in our main dining room. Live music from local musicians begins at 6pm / No cover charge / Reservations for parties of 5 or more are required.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Elegant Food & Wine Pairing
$40pp / Available Mid-week 1pm and 3pm; Weekends 1pm and 3pm / Reserve your place for an indulgent wine and food pairing designed to tantalize the senses. Guests enjoy five specially-selected Carter Estate Winery wines paired perfectly with a variety of cured meats, artisan cheeses and accompanied with season accoutrements. Each pairing last approximately 90 minutes and is limited to just eight participants to allow for one-on-one interaction / For reservations call today: 844.851.2138

Friday Nights After-Hours
6pm-9pm / Summer may be “falling away’ but Friday Nights at the all-new Carter Estate Winery and Resort Tasting Room are guaranteed to keep things HEATED with Friday Night After Hours! All are welcome – from first time sippers to worldly wine tippers. Wine by the glass and live musical entertainment make a perfect pairing. The only thing missing is YOU!

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Cougar meets Italy Wine Judging Event ~ The Preview
Wednesday, January 20th / 6pm-8pm / $10 per person / Two nights (Jan. 20 and Jan. 21) event price: $75/pp wine club, $80/ pp non-wine club / Wine Judging Event with entertainment, excellent wine and gourmet food. Includes a glass of Cougar wine, all you can eat gourmet popcorn / viewing of the Bottle Shock movie in the Barrel Room; the movie is a fictionalized version of the events surrounding the 1976 Judgment of Paris, as the event was called. The movie focuses on Chateau Montelena and the relationship between the father and son who run this Napa winery. It also touches on many of the other people who were involved in the Judgment of Paris. The movie is fun to watch and is loosely based on the facts surrounding the blind tasting in Paris.

Cougar meets Italy Wine Judging Event ~ The Main Event
Thursday, January 21st / 6pm-9pm / Price for the Wine Judging Event $70/pp wine club $75/pp non wine club / Two nights (Jan. 20 and Jan. 21) event price: $75/pp wine club, $80/ pp non-wine club / Limited to the first 50 attendees / Professional wine judging comparing Cougar wines with their Italian counterparts; Audience wine tasting and judging with the same wines; 4 Course “Food-Paired” dinner prepared by Francesca’s Italian Kitchen / Presentation of the wine judging results and special Cougar Logo Wineglass to commemorate the Event / Musical entertainment provided by Don Brennan / Limited to the First 50 Attendees / Advance payment and reservation required. Please RSVP with your Cougar wine server or email WineClub@CougarVineyards.com / This event will sell out!! Get your tickets today.

Friday Night Live Music
5pm-8pm / Wine by the glass or bottle purchase available / Deli is open until 7pm

Sunday Afternoon Live Music
2pm- 5pm

Danza del Sol Winery
Live Music on the Patio / Saturdays from 1pm-5pm / Free / Grab your friends and head over to Danza del Sol for an afternoon of wine and great music

Europa Village
Murder Mystery – Holmes Sweet Homicide
Saturday, Jan. 30th / 6:30pm-8:00pm / $75 pp / “ An interactive comedy mystery spoof of Sherlock Holmes.” / Includes gourmet dinner by Executive Chef, Dean Thomas / For reservations please visit www.europavillage.com

Murder Mystery – Holmes Sweet Homicide
Saturday, Jan. 31st / 6:30pm-8:00pm / $70 pp / “ An interactive comedy mystery spoof of Sherlock Holmes.” / Includes gourmet dinner by Executive Chef, Dean Thomas / For reservations please visit www.europavillage.com

Friday Night Entertainment
5:30p- 8:30p / Free / Live music in the Cave / Jan. 8th – Two Fish / Jan. 15th – Dustin Jake / Jan. 22nd – Luis Andre / Jan. 29th Danielle Taylor
Live Music every Sunday/ 1pm- 4pm / Free / Live music on Veranda / Jan. 3rd – Michael LeClerc / Jan. 10th – Jimmy Patton / Jan. 17th – Bryan McManus / Jan. 24th – Tom Bray / Jan. 31st – Joe Baldino

Falkner Winery
Wine Appreciation Class
Saturday, Jan. 16th / 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.

Frangipani Winery
10th Year Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, January 16th / 10am-6pm / Join us for discounts on wine bottle purchases and specials on wine tasting throughout the day.

Leoness Cellars
Live Music at The Restaurant at Leoness
Every Friday 5pm-8pm / Every Sunday 1pm-4pm / Free to the public

Live Music in the Barrel Room
Every Sunday / 1:00p-4:00p / Free to the public

Monte De Oro Winery
Winter Bingo Night
Saturday, January 23rd / 7:00pm / Cost is $25 per person that includes ten Bingo games, one glass of wine and two Bingo game cards. Additional Bingo cards, food and refreshments available for purchase / Tickets can be purchased at www.montedeoro.com, online store and order events.

Mount Palomar Winery
Paint Nite
Saturday, Jan. 2nd – Flight of the Fireflies / 1pm-4pm / $45 per person / Contact 760.413.5808 or www.paintnite.com to reserve
Paint Nite
Saturday, Jan. 9th – Love to the Moon / 1pm-4pm / $45 per person / Contact 760.413.5808 or www.paintnite.com to reserve
Paint Nite
Sunday, Jan. 10th – Winter Love Birds / 1pm-4pm / $45 per person / Contact 760.413.5808 or www.paintnite.com to reserve
Paint Night
Saturday, Jan. 30th – Coco Caliente / 1pm-4pm / $45 per person / Contact 760.413.5808 or www.paintnite.com to reserve
Paint Night
Sunday, Jan. 31st – Flight of the Fireflies / 1pm-4pm / $45 per person / Contact 760.413.5808 or www.paintnite.com to reserve.

Ponte Family Estate Winery
First Sundays – Live Music in the Reserve Room*
First Sunday of the month/ 12:00p-4:00p / The Lookouts, Classic Rock / 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.

Live NFL on the Big Screen
Every Thursday, Sunday and Monday throughout the 2015 NFL season / The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Free to attend.

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

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Marvelous Mondays at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Join us Monday evenings from 5:30p to 9:30p for specials at the restaurant featuring select premium wines at 50% off / Call 951.491.8077 to reserve 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.

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.

Yoga Classes at Grapeseed Spa
Sunday 9a-10a / $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 / No Cover Charge. Seating Available at Courtyard, Covered Patio & Café / Reservations suggested, call 951.699.0099

Wiens Family Cellars
Wine Blending Party
Saturday, Jan. 23rd. / 6pm – 9pm / Be a winemaker for a day and blend your ideal wine. Wiens production staff will guide you through a part of the winemaking process that is essential for making great wine. This event will be as much fun as it is informative / Limited to 100 seats for this event/ Cost is $100 pp., $80 wine club members / For reservation and information please visit www.wienscellars.com.