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California Wine Month

Knowing that California is celebrated for its scenic beauty and lifestyle – and in celebration of the upcoming California Wine Month in September – the Wine Institute recently shared “10 Reasons To Love California Wine”.

California Wine Month 2014

Actually, we can think of hundreds of reasons to love our wines, but see what Wine Institute has to say here!

You can celebrate California Wine Month, Temecula style all month long with SIP passports, which allow ticketholders to choose any four wineries to taste, any day, for just $40!  Or, join us for CRUSH, our annual wine and culinary showcase on September 13, 2014, at Wiens Family Cellars.  Either – or both – are great ways to celebrate Septembers’ California Wine Month and offer two additional reasons to love California wines.

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!

Two Ticket Tuesdays

It’s Two Ticket Tuesday – and you could be a winner! Every Tuesday for the entire month of August, we’ll be giving away two (2) free passports to SIP Temecula! in celebration of California Wine Month, which is held every day during the month of September.

To enter to win, LIKE us on Facebook.  It’s that simple!  Weekly winners will be announced each Tuesday during the month of August and will be notified via email.

SIP Temecula! is our way of celebrating California Wine Month, Temecula Style! Guests choose which four of the 30+ wineries of the Temecula Valley they’d like to visit for a complimentary wine tasting.  The offer is only valid during the month of September – and is only offered once a year as our way to honor the California wine industry.  ($40 value per ticket)

Dream Big: Falkner Winery

Having watched the growth of Temecula Valley wine country for almost 20 years BEFORE buying their property allowed owners Ray and Loretta Falkner to really know what they were getting into…

August Winery Events

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Temecula Valley Wine Country this summer.  The grapes love summer and so do we! From grape stomping events, wine making workshops, movies among the vines and evening concerts, we’ve got something for everyone.  Here are just a few events from which to choose.

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays in August
11:30a-3:00p
Live music and wine specials.

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 Boudreaux reds.
Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Briar Rose Winery

Sip Into Sunset
Friday, August 1
5:30p-9:00
Live music, food & wine.
Call 951-308-1098 to make reservations.  Seating is limited.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

SIP, STOMP & PLAY
Saturday, August 2
6:00p-9:00p
$60 per person / $54 per person, Wine Club Members
$30 for children 4-11
Face painting, live music, dancing, grape stomping contests!

Prime Rib Fridays
Every Friday at Meritage at Callaway
5:00p-8:00p
Three-course Prime Rib dinner, wine specials & live music
$35 per person!

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Sunday at Meritage at Callaway
4:00p-8:00p
Live music and Watermelon Sangria

Falkner Winery

Sunday Concerts & BBQ
Every Sunday in August
12:00p-3:00p
Sangria, BBQ & dancing

Wine Appreciation Class
Saturday, August 16
10:00a-12:30p
$45 per person

Leoness Cellars

Live Music
Fridays 5:00p-8:00p in the Restaurant at Leoness
Sundays 1:00p-4:00p on the patio

Painting in the Vines
Wednesday, August 20
4:00p
$50 per person
Create a painting while enjoying award winning wines, artisan cheese and views.

Harvest Vineyard Tour and Tasting
Tour of winemaking facility and wine tasting
90 minutes
$40 per person
Reservations required

Lorimar Winery

Live Music
Fridays & Saturdays 6:00p-9:00p
Sundays 2:00p-5:00p
August 1  – Shultz & Hamilton
August 2 – Michael LeClerc
August 3 – Annette Da Bomb
August 8 – Guilty Conscience
August 9 – Lance Dieckson
August 10 – Fuzzy Rankin
August 15 – Radical Pie
August 16 – Kepi Payne Project
August 17 – Lance Dieckson
August 22 – Kanan Road Band
August 23- Lifetime Rocker
August 24 – Buzz Campbell
August 29 – Oceans of Sand
August 30 – Master Splinter and the Shredders
August 31 – Michael LeClerc

Epicurean Cooking Demonstration
Wednesday, August 6
4:00p-6:00p
$25 (+tax) per person / Wine Club Members – $20 (+tax) per person
Interactive cooking demo preparing Pesto Sauce & Baked Salmon and Lorimar Wine pairing.

Movie in the Vines ~ Featuring: Ratatouille
Monday, August 25
Wine Bar and Concession stand will open at 6 pm.
$1 Admission – Includes small bag of popcorn!
Film begins at Sunset on the Barrel Room Lawn!
Bring your own beach chair or blanket!

2nd Annual Game Night
Tuesday, August 26
Begins at Sunset

Monte De Oro Winery

Fuel – Live in Concert
Saturday, August 23
Doors open at 6:00p
$55 General Admission / $105 VIP Dinner Seating / Wine Club discounts are available

Mount Palomar Winery

Live Music
1:00p-4:00p
August 2 – Bodie
August 3 – Shameless
August 9 – Rum Soaked Raisins
August 10 – Harmony Road
August 16 – Bodie
August 23 – Journey Man Band
August 24 – 3 Blind Mice
August 30 – Entouraj
August 31 – Bodie

Bottles “n” Brushes (Painting Class with Wine!)
Wednesday, August 6
1:00p-4:00p
2 tickets for $80
Contact Dorothy Hawthorne at 951-302-3088 for more information.

Bottles “n” Brushes (Painting Class with Wine!)
Wednesday, August 20
1:00p-4:00p
2 tickets for $80
Contact Dorothy Hawthorne at 951-302-3088 for more information.

ESCAPE a Tribute to: JOURNEY Concert
Friday, August 22
7:00p-10:00p
For more information, please call 760-716-6295 or heyday@heyday.com

Oak Mountain Winery

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

Live Music & Food Trucks
Saturday, August 23
6:00p-9:00p
Live music by American Made and food truck fun!

Oak Mountain Winery University
2014 Spring Semester Classes
$15 per student; $12 for wine club members.  Classes run for one hour.

Bubbles 101 – Taste three of our handcrafted sparkling wines paired with artisanal cheeses.

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

Wine Tasting for Dummies 101 – Our beginners class for Wine Tasters.

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.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Wine & Dine Chef’s Table at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Custom five-course menu paired with wine
$135 per person.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Divas in D’Vines
Every Sunday during football season
12:00p- 3:00p
Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Enjoy half priced mimosas, sangria and Spumante Diamante.

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.

Marvelous Mondays
Every Monday at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
5:30p to 9:00p
Half-priced bottles of select featured wines with the purchase of 2 entrees.

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour
Daily
11:00a and 1:00p
$40 per person; wine club members $35
Walking wine tour culminates
Private, plated wine & cheese pairing
Reservations strongly suggested.

 Thornton Winery

Summer Concert Series
Bobby Caldwell & Keiko Matsui
Saturday, August 2
7:00p
General Admission $70 per person; Gourmet Supper $145 per person

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave.
Saturday, August 23
7:00p
General Admission $75; Gourmet Supper SOLD OUT

Al Jarreau & Vincent Ingala
Sunday, August 24
5:00p
General Admission $70; Gourmet Supper SOLD OUT

Thornton Winery’s Chef’s Counter
Friday, August 29
7:00p
$125 per person, plus tax and tip
An interactive Chef’s Table in a private kitchen.
Five-course meal prepared right in front of you.
Seating is limited to 10 people, so reservations are a must!

Wiens Family Cellars

The English Beat Summer Concert
Friday, August 15
Doors open at 5:30p

Wilson Creek Winery

Live entertainment
12:00p-4:00p
August 2 – JD Priest
August 3 – Mark Norris
August 9 – Smoothie Jones
August 10 – Buzz Campbell
August 16 – Billy Watson
August 17 – Michael Le Clerc
August 24 – Astra Kelly
August 30 – JD Priest

Wine Academy – Summer Wine Pairing Experience
Saturday, August 9
11:00a-1:00p
$35 per person; $20 per person, wine club
Enjoy learning more about wine in an informal atmosphere.

Garratt Wilkin & The Parrotheads Concert
Friday, August 15
7:00p-10:00p
$35 General Admission; Wine Club $25 (limit 2)
The #1 Jimmy Buffet tribute band is back by popular demand.

“Winemaker for a Day – Harvest Edition”
Monday-Thursday, August 18-21 (nightly)
$670 per person
One night stay at the Wilson Creek Manor, pick grapes in the vineyard, making wine in the cellar, delicious food, wine and more!
Space is very limited and reservations required.

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!

Vine Talk: Verasion

Leoness Cellars Pinot Grigio; July 3, 2014

Vine Talk:  Verasion

“I’ve never seen anything like it!”, says Mike Rennie, owner of Leoness Cellars and a long-time grower and vineyard manager here in the valley.  “Harvest is going to be the earliest I’ve ever seen!  We’re already seeing verasion in all of our white grape varietals – and in some of our red varietals. The sugar level in our Pinot Grigio this morning was 18%.  It’ll probably reach the 22% we look for and be ready for harvesting by mid to late July.  It’s just incredible!”

In vineyard speak, verasion is a term used to describe the changing of color in a grape cluster.  All grapes are green up this point, but as the ripening process evolves, the clusters will begin the process of turning into those recognizable hues of golds, pinks, reds and purples. The grapes at this stage are sour and immature, but during the next few weeks as the fruit matures, astringent malic acids turn into soft tartaric acids and the sugar levels begin to rise rapidly.

There’s lot of action in the vineyard during this time.  The leaf canopies are constantly being pruned to allow just the right amount of sunlight and air to circulate though the vines.  Clusters that are not ripening evenly will be dropped to allow those that are to uniformly mature.  Unlike table grapes, small berry clusters are what we’re looking for as they have a better skin to fruit ratio that ensures enhanced concentrations of flavor and structure.  And that’s a very important aspect for making quality wines!  We’ll be praying for warm and dry weather – at least through the harvest season – to allow for the long, slow ripening process that our winemakers love.

What actually triggers verasion remains a mystery, but we can be sure that Mother Nature holds all the cards!

July Winery Events

Ahhh….summer!   4th of July events, barbecues, luaus and outdoor concerts are just a few of the summertime offerings in Temecula Valley’s wine country. Whatever day you choose to visit, you’ll be sure to find something fun to do!

Baily Vineyard & Winery

“Red, White & Bleu Cheese” at the Estate Club
Every Saturday in July / 11:00a-4:00p / $30 per person.
A patriot’s venture into aged wines.  Start with a mini tour of the winery and then enjoy a sit down tasting in the winery.
Reservations are required with a credit card by calling 951-972-9768.

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays, July 12, 19 & 26 / 11:30a-3:00p
Live music, 1/2 price bottles of Baily Sangiovese, food pairing with Sangiovese featuring their new “Sangiovese Burger”.   Buy a “Sangiovese Saturday” t-shirt, wear it when you come back and get a free glass of 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 Boudreaux reds.
Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Bel Vino Winery

Live Music
July 5 – 2p-6p- Bad Chemistry
July 6 – 12p-4p – Michael LeClerc
July 12 – 11a-3p – Counterfeits
July 13 – 12p-4p – Jason Weber
July 19 – 1p-5p – JD Priest
July 20 – 12p-4p – Dominic Rocha
July 26 – 2p-6p – Nitro Express
July 27 – 12p-4p – Entourage

Briar Rose Winery

Sip Into Sunset

Friday, July 4 / 5:30p-9:00
Experience amazing sunsets and live music by Buzz Campbell.
Food items available for purchase.
Call 951-308-1098 to make reservations.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Celebrating 45 Years with 45 Days of Specials
Beginning July 1 and continuing through August 15th, Callaway will be celebrating their 45th anniversary with 45 days of wine specials, contests, special menus and events.  Make sure to check the calendar to see which special takes place each week!
Monday – Wine of the Week.  Buy 1 bottle at the regular retail price of the Anniversary wines and get the next bottle at 45% off.
Tuesday – “Trivia Tuesdays on Facebook” – We will post a trivia question each Tuesday and will pull a winner from all of the correct answers to receive a gift certificate to use at the winery.
Wednesday – “Wine Club Wednesday!”  Club members: purchase any bottle of wine and get the second bottle at 45% off!
Thursday -” Dollar for Dollar Thursdays” at Meritage at Callaway – Enjoy lunch at Meritage and bring your receipt to the tasting room to receive a dollar for dollar discount (up to $70) off any case of wine (mixed cases too!)
Friday – “45% off Friday” – Enjoy 45% off the case of the wine of the week in the tasting room.
Saturday – “Selfie Saturdays” on Facebook.  Post a selfie while visiting Callaway and be entered to win a gift certificate to Callaway!  Winners posted every Sunday.
Sunday – “Serve Yourself Sunday” – Every Sunday the Wine Station Tasting Cards will be on special for two for the price of one!

Tastes n’ Tapas
Every day in Meritage guests can enjoy 5 wine tastes, 5 tapas for $45.  This special wine and tapas pairing will be available during lunch hours Monday-Friday and during dinner hours Saturday and Sunday only.

Prime Rib Fridays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Friday at Meritage from 5pm-8:00pm
Enjoy a three-course Prime Rib dinner with pre-selected 3 oz wine pairings for $45 per person!
Reservations are not required.  No cover.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Showcases a local musician every evening beginning at 6:00pm.  Enjoy our watermelon sangria and great tapas specials while soaking in the sunset views from our newly renovated lower lounge.

Doffo Winery

Doffo Winery Polo Team
Friday, July 18 / 5:00p-9:00p
Bring your family and friends to encourage Team Doffo Winery.
Free tickets available at the winery

Winemaker Dinner
Saturday, July 19 / $150 per person
Special Argentinean style barbecue and buffet
Live entertainment provided by Tango dancers.

Falkner Winery

Sunday Concerts & BBQ
Every Sunday in July from 12:00p-3:00p.
No reservations necessary.

14th Anniversary Event
Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 6
A lively weekend that includes concert performances Saturday and Sunday, winery tours, huge sales, hourly raffles, outdoor barbecue, lunch specials in their Pinnacle Restaurant, and other fun events.

Lorimar Winery

Live Music
Fridays & Saturdays 6p-9p / Sundays 2p-5p
July 4  – Shultz & Hamilton
July 5 – Mrs. Jones Revenge
July 6 – Buzz Campbell
July 11 – Master Splinter and the Shredders
July 12 – Kanan Road Band
July 18 – Kanan Road Band
July 19 – Annette Da Bomb
July 20 – Mark Renk
July 25 – Oceans of Sand
July 26 – Mrs. Jones Revenge
July 27- Michael LeClerc

Wine Blending Party – Bordeaux Blends
Wednesday, July 2 / 4:00p-6:00p
$25 (+tax) per person / Wine Club Members – $20 (+tax) per person
Join us for a hands-on wine blending experience! You get to be a winemaker for a day !
Purchase tickets in the tasting room, email events@lorimarwinery.com, or call 951-694-6699 x4

Happy 4th of July!
Friday, July 4
Join us for Sorbet Sparklers and hot dogs!

Lorimar Luau
Saturday, July 19 / 6:00p
$70 (+tax) per person / $60 (+tax) Wine Club
Join us for a Lei’d back luau and say Aloha!
Purchase tickets in the tasting room, email events@lorimarwinery.com, or call 951-694-6699 x4

Winemaker’s Dinner
Friday, July 25 / 6:00p-9:00p
$55 (+tax) per person / $50 (+tax) Wine Club
Barrel Tasting with Appetizer Pairing & 3 Course Meal with Wine Pairing. Purchase tickets in the tasting room, email events@lorimarwinery.com, or call 951-694-6699 x4

Movie in the Vines
Monday, July 28 / FEATURING : Pretty Woman
$1 Admission – Includes small bag of popcorn!
Wine Bar and Concession stand will open at 6 pm
Film begins at Sunset on the Barrel Room Lawn!

Mount Palomar Winery

Live Music
1:00p-4:00p
July 5 – Harmony Road
July 6 – Entouraj
July 12 – Jonnie Fox
July 13 – Vivien Gaines Duo
July 19 – Rum Soaked Raisins
July 20 – The Alkis
July 26 – Mike Sullivan
July 27 – Journey Man Band

Bottles “n” Brushes (Painting Class with Wine!)
Thursday, July 10 & Thursday, July 24 / 1:00p-4:00p
2 tickets for $80
Contact Dorothy Hawthorne at 951-302-3088 for more information.

Oak Mountain Winery

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

Sizzlin’ Saturday
Saturday, July 19 / 6p-9p
$1.00 cover charge
Live music by Entourage and a food truck.

Oak Mountain Winery University
2014 Spring Semester Classes / $15 per student; $12 for wine club members.  Classes run for one hour.  To sign up, call or text 951-880-8840

Bubbles 101
Sparkling Wine class
You will be served 3 sparkling wines paired with artisanal cheeses.
Learn fun facts 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!
Option to bottle your custom blend of wine for an additional $29.

Wine Tasting for Dummies 101
Beginners class for wine tasters.
Basics of wine tasting.
Sample eight of our infused Avocado Oils and Balsamic Vinegars.

Rhone Wine Class 201
Learn how these grapes are grown here in the valley and how wine is made.
Taste varietals from different areas in the Rhone region of France.
3 wine tastings and 8 tastings of Avocado Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.

Bordeaux Wine Class 201
Learn how these grapes are grown, harvested and processed
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
Custom five-course menu just for you.
Winemakers then pair each course with wines.
For 2  – 8 guests , $135 per person.
Call 951-491-8077 to reserve your table today.

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

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

Marvelous Mondays
5:30p – 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
5:30p-9:00p through July 31st.
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

Live Music
Master Splinter and the Shredders
Sunday, July 6 / 1:00p-4:00p

LTR
Friday, July 11  / 6:00p-9:00p

Summer Concert Series
Boz Scaggs
Thursday, July 3 / 7:30p
General Admission $95 per person / Gourmet Supper $170 per person

Kenny G
Saturday, July 5 / 7:00p
General Admission $95 / Gourmet Supper $170

Chris Botti
Sunday, July 13 / 5:00p
General Admission $95 / Gourmet Supper SOLD OUT

Pat Metheny United Group and Bruce Hornsby with Sonny Emory Saturday, July 19 / 7:00p
General Admission $95 / Gourmet Supper SOLD OUT

Jesse Cook
Sunday, July 20 / 5:00p
General Admission $65 / Gourmet Supper $140

Love & Soul, featuring Norman Brown and Jonathan Butler
Saturday, July 26 / 7:00p
General Admission $70 / Gourmet Supper $145

Wilson Creek Winery

2nd Annual Luau
Friday, July 11 / 7:00p-10:00p
$49.95 per person / $39.95 per person, Wine Club
Authentic Polynesian show and Hawaiian Buffet.
For reservations, click here

Phil Vassar Country Concert
Sunday, July 27 / 7:00p-10:00p
General Admission: $50, Wine Club: $45 / Reserve Seating: $75, Wine Club: $67.50 / Orchestra Seating: $95, Wine Club: $85.50.
For reservations, click here.

Dream Big: Robert Renzoni, Robert Renzoni Vineyards

What began as a hobby 129 years ago for his wine making great-grandfather has evolved into a life-long dream of a family business.  Robert is a 4th generation winemaker.  How many of us can say that?

Check in every month where we feature a new interview with our Temecula Valley winemakers and winery owners. You’ll learn where they came from before settling in Temecula, CA – and what keeps them passionate about the sometimes not-so-glamorous art (and science) of making good wine in California.

Interview with Winery Owner and Winemaker Robert Renzoni, Robert Renzoni Vineyards

Dream Big :  Robert Renzoni, Robert Renzoni Vineyards 1.  Robert…  we know what got you into the business, but what got you to Temecula? My family has purchased fruit from the Rancho Cucamonga area for over 75 years.  The first time my Dad visited the area he was just 9 years old!  We used to buy juice and ship it back to New York by rail in railcars that usually carried milk.  At that time, the area was among the largest winegrape growing regions in the United States. My family became very familiar with the area.  Ultimately, my parents moved from Buffalo, NY to Carlsbad.  At the time, I was living in LA.  My Dad was really excited about having a wine country so close to home.  We used to meet up in Temecula Valley wine country on Sunday afternoons. It struck us all almost immediately that ‘something’ was going on here!  2.  Tell us what it’s really like to own a winery: Well, it’s certainly not all glitz and glamour like people think.  It truly is a way of life.  And it’s a tremendous amount of work; people have no idea how dirty I actually get.  You really have to make a commitment of your time – and ALL of your resources.   3.  So what motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?  What’s the best part? I absolutely love creating.  Every bottle of wine to me is like a song. I used to write and sing music as a creative outlet.  Now I make wine. Each vintage and varietal are new and different and I’m thoroughly convinced that I will NEVER get bored doing this.  And that’s the really fun part of what I get to do.   4.  What’s the worst part? Definitely the 5am alarm each day.  Ask me again in a year or so; after the effects of the construction project have worn off.  It’s been a tough year trying to get this project completed.   5.  So… if you could do it again, would you? Gosh, we just opened up our new Tasting Room Villa.  It’s been a lot of work for someone like me who tends to be a perfectionist.  But yeah, I guess I would.  I’m just waiting for the fun to start!

To learn more about California’s Big Dreamers, click here!

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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