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5 Reasons to Visit Temecula Valley During the Week

Your favorite Southern California wine region is getting busier by the year. What’s a loyal visitor to do? Here are 5 great reasons to visit Temecula Valley wine country on a weekday:

1.  10% Off Your Lunch.

Temecula wine country is home to 12 delicious eateries (and counting) and most of these restaurant spots are hot come Saturday & Sunday. Reservations are required and tables are at a premium. Why not dine Monday-Friday and take advantage of the region’s coupon page which offers 10% off your al fresco favorites; including Meritage at Callaway, Creekside Grille at Wilson Creek, Cafe Champagne at Thornton and many more. Bon appetit!

Cafe Thornton, Thornton Winery

2.  No Lines. Anywhere.

Weekday visitors don’t miss waiting in line for anything in wine country. Forget lines to get into (or out of) the parking lot, waiting for the tasting room staff to come back with your next pour, putting your name in for a table or even the cue for the bathroom. Hello, weekday – goodbye, lines.

Miramonte Winery Patio

3. One-on-One Attention in the Tasting Rooms.

Weekends in any California wine country is always the most popular time to taste. But wine lovers come to the vineyards to experience what they can’t at home in their dining room: a personal, one-on-one experience. When the pace is slower at Temecula Valleys’ wineries, it’s common to strike up a conversation with the tasting room manager who ends up pulling in the winemaker from the barrel room to answer your random question about oak vs. stainless steel aging. On slower afternoons, your server might call the chef out of the kitchen to let you know what local farm your chicken came from. And there’s more time to bond in the tasting room with new friends over your shared love of good vino.

Damian Doffo, Doffo Winery

4.  Less Expensive Tastings, 2 for 1 Coupons and Happy Hours.

When it comes to wine tasting, the Monday through Thursday crowd can taste some of the same weekend wine flights for a little less. Alternatyvi medicina, sveikata, bičių duonelė, masažas, dietos, imuniteto stiprinimas, gintaras, alijošius, sveika mityba, nevaisingumo gydymas netradicinemedicina.com Indulge in weekday happy hours at favorites like South Coast, Danza del Sol and Ponte; and don’t forget your weekday 2 for 1 tasting coupons to a whole slew of top Temecula wineries.

5.  Great Hotel Rates.

Go ahead and spend the night on a Wednesday. Temecula hotels are eager for your mid-week business and they show it with their low weekday rates. Even though Temecula Valley is conveniently located near all major SoCal cities, after a day of touring and tasting, you’ll be safe and sound knowing your hotel room has already been booked – instead of having to gear up for a late-night drive home.

Ponte Vineyard Inn

January Deals & Steals in Temecula Wine Country

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

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

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

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

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

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

Ponte Family Estate

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

Callaway Winery

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

January Winery Events in Temecula Valley

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Dog Day Sundays

• Every Sunday 11:30a-2:30p
• Bring your to lunch!  Live acoustic entertainment.

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting

• Thursday-Sunday 11:00a-2:30p
• Library Boudreaux reds
• Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Europa Village

Friday Night Entertainment

• 5:30p-8:30p Free

Cooking Demonstration Event

• Saturday, January 11 / 11:30a-1:30p
• $45 per person / Click here for more details.

“Trouble at the Tropicabana” Murder Mystery Dinner

• Saturday January 25  6:30p-9:00p
• $70.80 pp / 3-course dinner and performance
• Click here for more details.

• Sunday January 26 6:30p-9:00p
• $58.80 per person / 3-course dinner and performance
• Click here for more details.

Keyways Vineyard & Winery

2 1/2 Hour Winemaking Tasting Tour

• Every Monday & Friday 12:00p
• Saturdays & Sundays at 10:00a & 1:00p
• $29 pp / Reservations required: at 951-302-7888

Oak Mountain Winery

Live Music

• Saturday, January 18 / 6:00p-9:00p

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s WINOS (Women In Need of Serenity)

• Monday-Thursday / 11:30a-2:30p
• Half price Mimosas, Sangria and wines
• $2 off all appetizers / Call for Reservations 951-587-9463 x 2

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Divas in D’Vines

• Every Sunday during football season12p to 3p
• Half priced mimosas, sangria & signature Spumante Diamante.
• Call 951-587-9463 x 2

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
• Ages 55 and over
• Call 951-587-9463 x 2

Marvelous Mondays

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

Wine Down Wednesdays

• At Vineyard Rose Restaurant
• Live music half-priced appetizers with any 2 entrees
• Enjoy with our Winemakers Reserve bottles
• Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here.

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour

• Daily / 11:00a and 1:00p
• $40 pp / $35 members
• Call 951.587.9463 x7219.

Relaxing Winter Retreat

• 8a to 6p Monday – Thursday  / 8a to 7p Friday – Sunday
• Seasonal warm stone back massage
• ‘Cashmere heat sugar scrub,’ with a glass of wine.
• Regular price $155 – special price $99
• Call:  951.587.9463 or click here.
• Available Mondays thru Sundays thru January 31, 2014.

Bridal Open House

• Sunday, January 19 / 10:00a-4:00p / Free
• Tour of resort in full wedding décor
• Call 866.994.6379 X7214 for details or click here.

Tasteful Break to that New Year’s Resolution at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

• Monday, January 20 10:00a-6:00p
• Taste the premier wines with this one-day only offer.
• All Tastings: Buy One Get One Free!

Vintage Wine and Cheese Soiree

• Friday, January 24
• Private Reserve Wine Flight Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon
• With cheese pairings
• $60 for two.  Call 866.994.6379

Sip / Save / Shop

• Saturday, January 25 / 10:00a-6:00p
• Shop at Gift Shoppe and get complimentary Sparkling Wine
• 15% discount on your purchases.
• Call 866.994.6379 for details or click here.

Thornton Winery

Chef’s Counter Dinner

• Friday, January 17 / 7:00p
• Dine one-on-one as the chef prepares five-course meal
• Seating is limited to 10 people
• $125 pp + tax/tip
• Call 951-699-0099 for reservations.

Super Bowl Munchies Cooking Class

• Saturday, January 25 / 2:30p
• $70 pp, inclusive
• Learn to make appetizers for your Super Bowl Party!
• Call 951-699-0099 for reservations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Temecula’s World of Wine Early Bird Tickets: $10 Off Thru February 1

World of Wines Barrel Tasting Weekend is Temecula Valley’s first regional tasting event of 2014, taking place March 1 & 2.

The “World of Wine” theme demonstrates the fact that the Temecula-South Coast AVA successfully grows varietals from all over the world. The WoW event is passport style, where hundreds of ticket-holders armed with a glass and a map can enjoy a self-guided tour through wine country. Over the course of the weekend, Temecula Valley’s 35 wineries offer special tastes of newly released, unreleased and barrel samplings of great Temecula wines, along with tasty tidbits and live music.

To promote and celebrate sustainability, participating wineries will have fun competing in the Best Winery Cork Art Contest, where the winning winery will receive a $500 donation to their favorite Southern California charity and the winning guest voter will be awarded four tickets to the region’s next big passport event.

2014 World of Wine Event Details



WHAT: 23rd Annual “World of Wine” Winter Barrel Tasting Weekend

WHEN: March 1 – 2, 10am to 4:30pm

WHERE: Temecula Valley wine country; 60-90 mins from San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County and Palm Springs

HOW: Self-guided passport event, where guests can visit 35 member wineries at their own pace; winery map and souvenir tasting glass provided for each guests to keep. Plus gourmet food pairings, live music and fun contests!

TICKETS:

• 2-Day Tickets: $89 Early Bird (through Feb 1); $99 thereafter.
• Sunday-Only 

Tickets: $79.
• Local residents of Temecula/Murrieta, 2-Day Tickets: $79.
• Designated Driver (food only) Tickets: $69.

Call (800) 801-9463 for tickets by phone or purchase online here! Shuttle and limo transportation and overnight packages also available at participating wine country hotels.

55 Festive Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Temecula, CA

THERE’S SNOW IN TEMECULA!

*1-Catch the Magic Snow flurry at Promenade Temecula. [FRI and SAT nights, Nov. 29 and 30, and Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28, at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and SUN nights, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.]

*2-Watch the new Snow Bell Rockin’ Nights show at the California mission-revival style Temecula Civic Center in Old Town Temecula. [Debuts FRI night Nov. 29, 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.; thenTHU, FRI, and SAT nights, Nov. 30, and December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28, at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.]

*3-Play in tons of snow at Winter Wonderland by Pennypickle’s Workshop in Old Town Temecula. [FRI night, Dec. 13, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.]

HOLIDAY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS TO EXPERIENCE TOGETHER

*4-The Nutcracker Ballet with music by Tchaikovsky; Old Town Temecula Community Theater. [FRI Nov. 29, 7 p.m.; SAT Nov. 30, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; SUN Dec. 1, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; WED Dec 18, 7 p.m.; THU Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; FRI Dec. 20, 7 p.m.; and SAT Dec. 21, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.]

*5-Christmas Carol: the Musical with the heartwarming story of Scrooge’s transformation; Old Town Temecula Community Theater. [THU Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.; SAT Dec. 7, 2 p.m.; SUN Dec. 8, 6 p.m.; WED/THU/FRI/SAT Dec. 11, 12, 13, and 14, 7:30 p.m.; and SUN Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.]

*6-The Game’s Afoot with a Sherlock Holmes-style whodunit on a glittering December 1936 holiday weekend; Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery. [THU/FRI/SAT/SUN Dec. 5, 6, 7, and 8; and THU/FRI/SAT Dec. 12, 13, and 14.]

CLASSIC HOLIDAY SPIRIT

*7-Lorimar Vineyard & Winery’s Tree Lighting Celebration: the holiday season begins at the Tuscan-style wine estate known for its fusion of wine, art, and music. [SUN night Dec. 1, 6 p.m.]

*8-South Coast Winery’s Tree Lighting Celebration: Christmas carolers, a Nutcracker ballet performance, holiday movies, and tractor rides through the vineyards decked out with holiday lights. [SUN night Dec. 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

*9-Christmas Carolers in vintage attire singing and strolling; South Coast Winery and Vineyard Rose restaurant. [Begins SUN night Dec. 1, 6 to 9 p.m.; then FRI, SAT, and SUN nights, Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

*10-Christmas in the Air: women’s chorus sings baroque to gospel and sacred to secular; Old Town Temecula Community Theater. [SAT night Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.; and SUN night Dec. 8, 2 p.m.]

*11-Bel Vino Winery Jingle Mingle: holiday cheer including hors d’oeuvres, wine, and live entertainment. [SAT night Dec. 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

OLD-SCHOOL AND A LITTLE ECLECTIC

*12- Europa Village Winery Vivi Bene: antidote to Black Friday with strolling carolers, old-world bread pudding. [FRI evening Nov. 29, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

*13-Holiday Advent Calendars exhibit; Temecula Valley Museum, Old Town Temecula. [TUES-SAT, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; SUN, 1 to 4 p.m.]

NEW-SCHOOL AND ECLECTIC

*14-Monte de Oro Winery Black Friday:  hot air balloon glow and entertainment. [FRI evening Nov. 29, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

*15-Callaway Vineyard & Winery’s Barrel Tree Lighting: unique stacked-barrel lighting celebration; wine tasting for adults, Santa, and hot cocoa for children. [SUN afternoon and evening, Dec. 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.]

*16-Jingle and Mingle after-hours singles mixers; South Coast Winery’s new Wine Press Tasting Room. [THU nights, Dec. 5, 12, 19, and 26, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.]

*17-Santa’s Electric Light Parade: illuminated floats, equestrians, and bands; Old Town Temecula. [FRI night December 6, 7 p.m.]

*18-Doffo Winery Holiday Polenta Party: wear your ugliest holiday sweater. [SAT afternoons December 7 and 14, 1 p.m.; reservations required]

*19-Terra Madre: holiday farm-to-plate celebration with heritage dishes of Spain, France, Italy; Europa Village Winery. [THU evening December 12, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

*20-Christmas with Elvis and Friends: musical tribute to Elvis’ favorite time of year; Europa Village Winery. [THU night Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; SAT night Dec. 21, 7 p.m.; SUN evening Dec. 22, 5:30 p.m.; tickets: Old Town Temecula Community Theater box office]

*21-Christmas Movie in the Vines: Christmas Vacation; Lorimar Vineyards & Winery. [MON Dec. 23, film starts at sunset]

VISITS WITH SANTA CLAUS

*22-At Promenade Temecula. [FRI/SAT Nov. 29 and 30, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; SUN Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; MON/TUE/WED/THU, Dec. 2, 3, 4, and 5, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; FRI Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; then daily Dec. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.]

*23-On Main Street, Old Town Temecula. [FRI Nov. 29, 6 to 9 p.m.; Sat/Sun, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7, and 8, 1 to 5 p.m.; FRI Dec. 13, 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Sat/Sun Dec. 14, 15, and Sun Dec. 21, 1 to 5 p.m.]

HOLIDAY EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCES

*24-Horse-drawn trolley rides simulate sleigh rides through vineyards adorned with twinkling lights; Temecula Carriage Company. (Nightly; reservations required.)

*25-Horses dressed as reindeer (including Rudolph): trail rides and arena rides; Saddle Up Ranch. (Daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; reservations required.)

NEW TRADITION: THE BUCKET LIST HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE TO SHARE

*26-An ultimately memorable flight together in a hot air balloon over Temecula Valley Wine County; A Grape Escape can accommodate up to 14 people all in the same basket.

HOLIDAY SPA INDULGENCES

*27-GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery: seasonal specials like La Dolce Vita: lush, anti-oxidant rich, aromatic chocolate massage. 

*28-Spa Pechanga at Pechanga Resort & Casino: seasonal specials like Liquid Gold Facial, 24-Karat Gold Masque.

NIGHTTIME SITES TO SEE: HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND DÉCOR

*29-Old Town Temecula: along Old Town Front Street from the northern gateway arch to the southern gateway arch, more than 30,000 twinkling lights.

*30-Temecula Valley Wine Country: vineyards and wineries decked out for the holidays; Thornton, Europa Village, Lorimar, Ponte, and South Coast along Rancho California Road; Keyways on the De Portola Wine Trail.

*31-Pechanga Resort & Casino: remarkable holiday magic from the luminous hotel tower to the festive, porte-cochere.

SWIRL AND SAVOR: TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY

*32-Wilson Creek Winery: limited Holiday Edition proprietary red blend of estate-grown Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc; available only in 1.5 liter magnums, autographed by The Wilsons, and ideal for entertaining; only available at the winery; wine tasting upon request.

*33-Ponte Family Estate winery: Temecula Valley estate, 2010 Holiday Reserve Zinfandel.

*34-Holiday Dinner at Meritage at Callaway Vineyard & Winery: festive five-course wine-paired dinner. [THU evening Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m., reservations required.]

SWIRL AND TASTE: OLD TOWN TEMECULA

*35-Fazeli Cellars: Yalda, heralding the shortest day and longest night traditionally celebrated as the Winter Solstice; Yalda is a propriety blend of Temecula Valley estate-grown Grenache, Shiraz, and Movedre.

*36-Lorimar Loft: 2008 Dolce Vita, a limited production, Temecula Valley port-style dessert wine.

SAVOR THE OLD TOWN TASTING TRAIL

*37-Temecula Olive Oil Company: fresh, 100% California, 100% extra-virgin, hand-blended, artisanal Temecula olive oil and balsamic vinegars at the complimentary-daily tasting bar; holiday favorites, fresh basil olive oil, pomegranate vinegar.

*38-Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants: vendor of herbs, spices, salts, blends, and loose teas; also sells hot and iced tea-to-go like Figgie Pudding, Snow Berry, Cinnamon Spice, and Winter Wonderland.

*39-Old Town Sweet Shop: purveyor of fresh chocolates, fudge, nut clusters, chocolate barks, chocolate-covered bacon; hand-scooped ice cream in flavors like peppermint.

*40-Holiday Taste of Old Town Temecula: restaurant samples, wine tasting discounts, goodie bags; tickets will be at Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants and The Bank Mexican Restaurant.[WED afternoon and evening Dec. 11, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.]

CULINARY CLASSES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

*41-Cookies and Hot Cocoa: epicurean cooking demo and wine pairing; Lorimar Vineyards & Winery. [WED afternoon Dec. 4, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.]

*42-Holiday Entertaining: with Café Champagne’s executive chef and sous chef; homemade eggnog, quick and easy appetizers, Christmas cupcakes; Thornton Winery. [SAT afternoon Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m.]

TAKE A SPIN: OUTDOOR ICE SKATING

*43-Temecula on Ice: state-of-the-art ice rink, colorful lights, rental skates that are contemporary and comfortable; coolest place in Old Town Temecula! [Daily and nightly, December 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29.]

HOLIDAY TRADITION: NEW MOVIE PREMIERES

*44-Saving Mr. Banks with Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson tells the story of how Disney’s classic, Mary Poppins, made it to the movie screen; film opens FRI Dec. 13, Promenade Temecula Theater.

*45-In The Hobbit: The Desolution of Smaug,Bilbo Baggins and Gandolf continue their Middle Earth journey and discover the deadly dragon Smaug; film opens FRI Dec. 13, Promenade Temecula Theater.

HOLIDAY DINING IN TEMECULA VALLEY

*46-Christmas Eve dining: Palumbo’s Ristorante, Old Town Temecula; authentic Italian cuisine with modern twists. [TUE Dec. 24, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*47-Christmas Eve dining: Farm House Kitchen, Temecula Creek Inn; special 3-course Christmas Eve prix-fixe menu. [TUE Dec. 24, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., reservations required.]

*48-Christmas Eve dining: The Gambling Cowboy, Old Town Temecula; contemporary steaks, chops, seafood. [TUE Dec. 24, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*49-Christmas Eve dining: Baily’s fine dining, Old Town Temecula; seasonal-December menu. [TUE Dec. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*50-Christmas Eve dining: Great Oak Steakhouse, Pechanga Resort & Casino; AAA Four Diamond dining, amazing wine list. [TUE Dec. 24, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*51-Christmas Eve dining: Vineyard Rose restaurant, South Coast Winery; special holiday menu. [TUE Dec. 24, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., reservations required.]

*52-Christmas dining: Café Champagne, Thornton Winery; special holiday menu. [WED Dec. 25, 12 p.m. to  5  p.m., reservations required.]

*53-Christmas dining: Farm House Kitchen, Temecula Creek Inn; special 3-course Christmas prix-fixe menu. [WED Dec. 25, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., reservations required.]

*54-Christmas dining: Great Oak Steakhouse, Pechanga Resort & Casino; AAA Four Diamond dining, amazing wine list. [WED Dec. 25, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., reservations suggested.]

*55-Christmas dining: Vineyard Rose restaurant, South Coast Winery; special holiday menu. [WED Dec. 25, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., reservations required.]

*Information is believed accurate but may be subject to change. The Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors, is online including complete daily Events Calendar at VistTemecula.org.

Shop the Holidays in Temecula Wine Country

You love visiting Temecula Valley for wining and dining – but did you know that your local wine country is also a holiday shopping goldmine? Winery gift shops, wine club memberships and special holiday sales make Temecula wine country the best place to shop in December.

Check out the retail details below!

Temecula Winery Gift Shops

Just one trip to your local wine country will get you all the gifts you need to give.  Plus, you can sip while you shop! Our Temecula winery gift shops offer unique and charming wine-themed gifts, specialty food items, home decor – and of course, delicious wine.

Your best bets for fabulous holiday hauls include:

• Ponte Winery
• South Coast Winery
• Lorimar Winery
• Europa Village
• Leoness Cellars
• Callaway Winery
• Monte de Oro Winery
• Wilson Creek Winery

Temecula Wine Clubs and Case Discounts

A wine club membership truly is the gift that keeps on giving! Most Temecula wineries offer affordable VIP wine club memberships with amazing year-round benefits like seasonal pick-up parties, VIP pricing and discounts on special events, free tastings for guests, first dibs on seating and many more perks. Simply call or visit your favorite Temecula winery to sign up your friends and family. You can even sign up for some wine clubs online, hassle-free.

Purchasing wine by the case makes economical sense for the holidays. Great wine makes the ideal host and corporate gift, not to mention the perfect match for your holiday table. Many of our wineries offer festive white and red dessert wines, either late harvest or port-style. Some festive wine options include: South Coast Winery’s sparkling wine line, Thornton NV Cuvee Rouge, Leoness Cellars Port-style 2006 Cinsaut, and the Callaway estate duo Late Harvest Chardonnay and Cabernet dessert wines. With the purchase of a case, some winery gift shops offer discounts and offer holiday gift boxes including Wilson Creek Winery, which offers white, red, and sparkling wines with custom and personalized holiday labels.

Special Holiday Shopping Events

Throughout December, Temecula wineries are going all out with special holiday shopping extravaganzas, craft fairs and Black Friday sales. See a round-up of our top picks below. And don’t forget to celebrate locally-made products by dropping by the annual Slow Food Temecula‘s Terra Madre Day at Europa Village on December 12. A $10 entrance fee will buy you the opportunity to shop assorted artisan wares and specialty food items, all hand-made and one-of-a-kind.

Europa Village: “Christmas in the Vines” – Europa Village Craft Fair; Fri, Dec 6 & Sat, Dec 7; 10:00a-5:00p. Terra Madre Day: A Global Slow Food Event – Thur Dec 12, 5:30p-8:00p / $10 pp. Eat, sip, share, shop and support small businesses!

Ponte Family Estate: Holiday Shopping Sundays – Ponte Winery’s festively decorated Tasting Room and Marketplace offers a carefully curated selection of gourmet delicacies, elegant housewares, cookbooks and wine. Guests are invited to shop while sipping hot cocoa and listening to holiday music under twinkling lights. Wine tastings are available for purchase. Sunday, December 15th and 22nd 10:00am-5:00pm.

Maurice Car’rie: Weekend Craft Fair – every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm at the winery property.

Falkner Winery: Black Friday Weekend Sale – Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1. Wine specials and discounts on selected gifts.

Frangipani Estate Winery: Holiday Shopping Event – Sat, Dec 7, 1:00p-5:00p. Vendors include Mary Kay, Chicks with Bark Gourmet Chocolate, Originals by Deborah Jewelry, Designer Clothing, Purses, Hats, Organo Coffee/Tea, Juice it Up and more.

Lorimar Winery: Black Friday Shopping Event – One weekend, huge savings on wine, art and music-themed gifts. Nov 29-Dec 1 at the wine country location.

Winery Spotlight: Get to Know… Ponte Family Estate

The Story

Located in the heart of Temecula Wine Country, Ponte Family Estate offers guests a “day in the country,” with its spacious rustic-style tasting room, al fresco dining, and extensive marketplace gift shop nestled within more than 300 acres of vineyard. The 60-room, mission-style Ponte Vineyard Inn is an ideal wine-country hotel for visitors to enjoy a “stay in the country.” Ponte Family Estate offers an approachable, memorable experience that welcomes both new and experienced wine lovers. Visitors can enjoy tours of the winemaking process, participate in special events like the Annual Grape Stomp Festival, or work with the winery’s event planners to create an exceptional wine country wedding or other special event. With its picturesque setting, approachable wines, farm-fresh cuisine, upscale lodging and array of activities, Ponte Family Estate is one of the most sought-after and complete wine destinations in Southern California.

The Wines

As a boutique California winery producing about 1500 cases a year for each varietal, Ponte focuses on quality rather than quantity. Ponte wines feature crowd-pleasing single varietals like Moscato and Pinot Grigio; plus their friendly signature blends, like Super T, Beverino and “Angry Wife” Red. Popular Ponte white wine blends include the “Isabel” and “Juliet” lines. Plenty of choices for the sweet wine lover, too! Ponte fans love the pretty Rosé Spumante and the many Late Harvest varietals, which pair well with a cheese plate or dessert. For a special holiday host gift, consider giving the Ponte Holiday Magnum or a Zinfandel Port.

To shop the Ponte wine store online, click here.

The Tasting Room, Marketplace and Winery Tours

Ponte’s tasting room is open daily from 10am-5pm. Tasting includes 6 wine tastings and a Ponte wine glass.

Mon – Fri $15 per person
Sat – Sun $20 per person

Located in the expansive country-style tasting room, the Ponte Marketplace is one of the best in the valley. Guests love to sip wine while shopping 3,500 square feet of fabulous and unique gifts. There are charming wine accessories, home accents and delicious specialty foods on sale every day.

Ponte Winery offers one-hour vineyard and winery tours seven days a week. Jump on board their new 12-passenger electric bus and tour the 310 acre ranch while learning about Ponte’s grape-growing philosophy. Taste three signature Ponte wines, right next to the vineyards they come from. Visit the winery facilities to learn about the art and science of winemaking. The tour ends with sample tastes from stainless steel tanks and giant oak casks.

Monday – Friday
1:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday
11:00 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | 3:00 p.m.

Vineyard Bus Tours are:
$25 per guest

Have a question? Please call 951-694-8855.

Dining at Ponte: Bouquet, The Cellar Lounge and The Restaurant at Ponte

Ponte offers more dining options than most other Temecula Valley wineries. The Restaurant at Ponte has been voted one of the top 50 best outdoor restaurants by OpenTable. This al fresco lunchtime eatery offers upscale California cuisine with Mediterranean flavors seven days a week. Dinner can enjoy the new Bouquet and The Cellar Lounge located next-door at the Ponte Vineyard Inn.  The chefs at Ponte Estate focus on locally-sourced ingredients and artisan recipes.

Learn more about restaurant choices at Ponte Family Estate here.

Ponte Holiday Events and Ponte Vineyard Inn Packages

Cyber Monday Special: Sunday-Thursday bookings at Ponte Vineyard Inn made on Cyber Monday, December 2 will be priced 30% off regular rates. Subject to availability; stay should take place between Cyber Monday and the end of 2014. Blackout dates include all holidays.

Holiday Shopping Sundays: Ponte Winery’s festively decorated Tasting Room and Marketplace offers a carefully curated selection of gourmet delicacies, elegant housewares, cookbooks and wine. Guests are invited to shop while sipping hot cocoa and listening to holiday music under twinkling lights. Wine tastings are available for purchase. Sunday, December 15th and 22nd 10:00am-5:00pm.

New Year’s Eve Dinner and Package: The winery’s popular Restaurant at Ponte will be serving their full menu with specials in the winery’s stunning Barrel Room. Reservations accepted from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, on December 31st. For reservations, call (951) 252-1770. In addition, there will be a special seating for dinner at Bouquet Restaurant at Ponte Vineyard Inn with a prix fixe menu and wine pairings. Please contact Ponte Vineyard Inn at 951-587-8855 for tickets. After dinner, guests are invited to take the short walk via a designated path to neighboring Wiens Family Cellars for their vintage Las Vegas-themed New Year’s Eve Celebration, hosted by The King himself, Elvis Presley. Those who book rooms at Ponte Vineyard Inn will enjoy exclusive access to The Cellar Lounge, a complimentary bottle of Ponte Winery Moscato, a complimentary Bloody Mary at Bouquet the next morning and a 1:00pm late check-out.

To book a room at Ponte Vineyard Inn, call (951) 587-6688  or visit www.pontevineyardinn.com. To purchase tickets to the Wiens Family Cellars new Year’s Eve Celebration, please contact the winery at (888) 989-4367.

Ponte Family Estate is located at 35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula CA 92591 | www.pontevineyardinn.com | 951-694-8855

December Winery Events in Temecula Valley

Our Temecula wineries offer a heap of holiday-themed events throughout December. Festivities include winemaker’s dinners, holiday shows and concerts, New Year’s Eve celebrations, Christmas brunches, pet fundraisers, Terra Madre Day sponsored by Slow Food, hotel overnight packages and much more. Enjoy the mild winter weather in Southern California’s wine country and stay extra warm by sipping a glass of wine by one of the tasting room fireplaces.

See below for a list of Temecula winery events for December!

Image source: nj.com

Shakespeare in the Vines presents: The Game’s Afoot….or Holmes for the Holidays at Carol’s Restaurant

• Dinner & Show
• Dec. 5-8 & 12-14 at 5:30p
• For more info and tickets click here

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Carol’s

• Tues, Dec 31 at 5p – 9p
• Live Music (Fandango)
• Reservations Needed 951-676-9243

Dog Day Sundays

• Every Sunday, live entertainment, 11:30a-2:30p
• Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch!

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting

• Thurs-Sun, 11:00a-2:30p
• Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Bel Vino Winery
Jingle Mingle

• Sat, Dec 21, 6:00p-9:00p  $35 pp / $30 Wine Club
• An evening of holiday cheer with family & friends
• RSVP required to Lindsay@belvinowinery.com or 951-676-6414

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Barrel Tree Lighting and Santa Sunday

• Sun, Dec 1,  4:00p to 6:00p
• Santa will be here to take photos after the tree lighting
• (Reservations recommended, but not required).
• Call 951-676-4001 for more info

Live Music Fridays at Meritage at Callaway

• 6:00p-8:00p

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway

• Sangria, Tapas & Live Music from 5:00p-7:00p

Doffo Winery

Holiday Polenta Party

• Sat, Dec 7 or Sat, Dec 14, 1:00p / $60 pp
• Be sure to wear your ugliest holiday sweater, prizes included!
• Only register for ONE date, reservations required here

Europa Village

“Christmas in the Vines” – Europa Village Craft Faire

• Fri, Dec 6 & Sat, Dec 7 / 10:00a-5:00p

Terra Madre Day – A Global Slow Food Event

• Thur Dec 12, 5:30p-8:00p / $10 pp
• Eat, Sip, Share, Shop! Celebrate eating locally!

Wine Education – Class 3 of 3

• Fri, Dec 13 4:30p-6:00p
• 3 class series $30 pp/ Société Members $20
• Discover the art of winemaking from berry to bottle
• For more info or to RSVP call 951.216.3380 or email events@europavillage.com

Cookies With Santa

• Sat, Dec 21, 10:00a – 12:00p, $7.50 pp / Société $6.75 pp
• Bring the little ones for a visit with Santa & other activities

Falkner Winery

Black Friday Weekend Sale

• Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 1
  Wine specials and discounts on selected gifts

Frangipani Estate Winery

Holiday Shopping Event

• Sat, Dec 7, 1:00p-5:00p
• Vendors include Mary Kay, Chicks with Bark Gourmet Chocolate, Originals by Deborah Jewelry, Designer Clothing, Purses, Hats, Organo Coffee/Tea, Juice it Up and more

Keyways Vineyard & Winery

2 1/2 Hour Winemaking Tasting Tour

• Every Mon & Fri at 12:00p / Sat & Sun at 10:00a & 1:00p / $29 pp
• Reservations required by calling the winery at 951-302-7888

Lorimar Winery

Live Music in Wine Country

• Fri-Sun / 5p-8p Fridays & Saturdays / 2:00p-5:00p Sundays

Live Music in Old Town

• 6:00p-9:00p, Saturdays

Maurice Car’rie Winery

Toys for Tots Toy Drive

• Now – through Dec 22, bring a new, unwrapped toy to Maurice Car’rie Winery
• Receive two standard wine tastings for the price of one.

“Slap Yo’ Daddy BBQ Competition”

• Sat, Dec 14 / Benefiting Michelle’s Place Breast Care Center

Oak Mountain Winery

Pet Fair

• Sun, Dec 1, 11:00a-5:00p / Free admission
• Pet adoptions, pet vendors and wine tasting
• Live music & gourmet pizza available for purchase.

Ponte Family Estate

Happy Hour at the Cellar Lounge

• Mon-Thur / 4:00p-7:00p

Christmas Eve Dinner at Bouquet Restaurant

• Tues, Dec 24 / 5:30p-9:00p
• Winter menu available, along with an additional special entree.

Christmas Day at Bouquet Restaurant

• Wed, Dec 25 / 4:30p-8:30p
• Winter menu available, along with an additional special entree.

New Year’s Eve at The Restaurant at Ponte

• Tues, Dec 31 / 5:00p-8:00p
• New Year’s Eve dinner in the Barrel Room.
• Reservations only, please call 951-252-1780

New Year’s Eve at Bouquet Restaurant

• Tues Dec 31 / 5:30p-9:00p
• New Year’s Eve dinner at Bouquet
• Reservations only, please call 951-676-7898

New Year’s Eve at The Cellar Lounge

• Tues, Dec 31 / Live entertainment and a midnight toast.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s WINOS (Women In Need of Serenity)

• Mon-Thur / 11:30a-2:30p
• At the Vineyard Rose Restaurant.
• Half price Mimosas, Sangria and glasses of select wines
• Call for Reservations 951-587-9463 x 2

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Divas in D’Vines

• Every Sunday during football season, 12p to 3p in Vineyard Rose Restaurant.
• Half priced mimosas, sangria & signature Spumante Diamante.
• Reservations Recommended. Call 951-587-9463 x 2

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu

• Mon-Thur 11:30a -3:00p
• $9.99 lunches at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant for 55 and over.
• Call 951-587-9463 x 2

Marvelous Mondays

• 5:30pm to 9pm each week, half-priced bottles of select wines with purchase of 2 entrees.
• Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here.

Wine Down Wednesdays

• Live music with pianist Blecie Hopkins
• Half-priced select appetizers with the purchase of any 2 entrees
• Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here.

Thursday Night Jingle & Mingle Mixers

• Single and want to mingle?
• Wine Press Tasting Room Thursday Nights 6 pm to 9 pm, $10.
• Click here for more details.

Christmas Caroling Throughout December

• Christmas Carolers from the Riverside Community College Choir
• Perform at its “official” tree lighting celebration on Dec 1
• Fri thru Sun nights, 6p to 9p:  call 951.587.9463 or online here

South Coast Winery’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Sun, Dec 1 / 6:00p-9:00p, Free Admission
• Tree lighting ceremony, holiday movies, tractor rides, Christmas caroling
• Nutcracker by Temecula Valley Cathy’s Dance & Performing Arts Academy
• Call for more information:  800.617.2819 or online here

Christmas Dinner at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

• Tues, Dec 24 & Wed, Dec 25 / 5:30p-9:00p
• For more info, call:  951.587.9463 or online here

Black Tie & Pearls New Year’s Eve at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

• Tuesday, December 31 / 7:00p-12:30a
• Black Tie & Pearls party with music, food, wine & champagne
• Black-ties are optional & overnight packages are available too.
• Call for more info:  800.617.2819 or online here

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour

• Daily / 11:00a and 1:00p
• $40 walking wine tour, members $35
• Reservations strongly suggested:  Call 951.587.9463 x7219.

Thornton Winery

Thornton Winery Holiday Entertaining Class

• Sat, Dec 7 / 2:30p
• Homemade eggnog, quick and easy appetizers, Christmas cupcakes.
• Adult and kid friendly beverages.  For reservations: 951-699-0099.

Christmas Dinner at Cafe Champagne

Wednesday, December 25

Temecula Wineries Pour at San Diego Wine and Food Festival (Nov 20-24)

10th Annual Classic is November 20-24, 2013

Join the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association at The Grand Tasting on Saturday, November 23 as they pour from some the region’s best wineries, including:

• Maurice Car’rie Winery
• Europa Village
• Wiens Family Cellars

The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival™ returns November 20-24, 2013, and this year is bigger and better than ever.  Celebrate 10 years in the making with new events, the best wines in the world and some of today’s biggest celebrity chefs and culinary personalities.  Join over 200 wineries (including Temecula’s Falkner, Oak Mountain, Keyways, Ponte, Callaway, Monte de Oro and Wilson Creek,) breweries and spirit purveyors, 70 of San Diego’s best restaurants, and 10,000 wine and food aficionados from across the nation for the biggest birthday bash on the West Coast.

Click here for the list of events and to purchase tickets.

See you there!