Skip to main content
Blog
Blog

Blog

December Winery Events

This December, eat, drink and be merry in Temecula Valley!

Who can resist a visit to wine country for the holidays? Come enjoy Christmas extravaganzas, exclusive New Year’s Eve parties, sleigh rides through the vineyards, thousands of holiday lights on display – and many more affordable festivities!

Avensole Winery
Painting in the Vines / December 15 / 1:00-4:00pm / Create your own masterpiece under the guidance of professional artist Bonnie Rinier, whose fool-proof painting method will ensure that even novices end the day with a gorgeous watercolor painting to take home / $49 per person, includes all supplies and a glass of wine / $41.65 Wine Club price / Must purchase tickets in advance: http://www.avensolewinery.com/res-390489/Painting-In-The-Vines.html

Holiday Happy Hour / November 24 through December 31 / 3:00-6:00pm in the Restaurant Bar / Enjoy a special Holiday Happy Hour menu with cuisine and cocktail specials for the holidays, including seasonal sangria, mulled wine, and dessert cocktails / For more information please visit www.avensolewinery.com

Hosted Tour & Wine Tasting /Available on Sunday of each the month / 2pm-3:30pm / For every adventure, there is discovery, for every unique place, there is a story. Take a guided journey through our lush vineyards and experience our rich heritage and handcrafted Avensole wines / Cost. $35 / Reservations required. Please call 951.252.2003 x312 to reserve.

Gourmet Cheese Artisanal Tour & Wine Tasting / Available on Friday of each month / 12pm / For the ultimate Wine Country experience, delight in an educational tour through our picturesque vineyard vistas and conclude this tour with a culinary treat of artisanal wine pairings featuring 7 Avensole wines / Cost: $75 / Reservations required online at link: http://www.avensolewinery.com/res-369934

Live Music in the Restaurant and Marketplace every Saturday from 6p-9p / Guests of Avensole’s Restaurant are in for a culinary treat. Avensole offers a charming place to savor eclectic foods and delicious wines in a lively atmosphere. The vibrant indoor and outdoor setting creates a perfect venue to gather and relax with your friends and family while you sip you favorite Avensole wines and enjoy the wide array of craft beers and cocktails offered / All free and open to the public. Please feel free to call our Concierge 951.252.2003 x301 and reserve table for dinner or join our bartenders for drink at our bar / For a list of entertainment schedule please log on to www.avensolewinery.com

Live Music on the Tasting Room patio Saturday & Sunday from 1p-4p / Enjoy live music at the Tasting Room patio with views over the vineyards. Mangia gourmet cheeses are available for purchase to complement Avensole wines in the Tasting Room/ All free and open to the public. Open seating at the Tasting Room patio.

Baily Winery
Vintage Port & Food Pairing / Available Thursday-Sunday from December 1st – 30th at Baily Estate Tasting Room / 11am-4pm / A rare opportunity to taste all the award-winning Baily Ports; 2003, 2006, 2009 vintages / Includes food pairing plate of fruit, cheese, walnuts and chocolate / $25 per person. 12 seats open every hour / Reservation is required 24 hrs. in advance with credit card. Please call Lisa at 951-972-9768

Estate Library Tasting / Every Thursday-Sunday / Available 11am-4pm / Enjoy exclusive library tasting of 5 different vintages (varietal will vary monthly). Tasting will take place at Baily Estate Tasting Room located on Pauba Road / Tours are available upon request / For reservations and pricing information please call Lisa at 951-972-9768. *Closed November 24 thru 26th.
Dog Day Sundays / Every Sunday at Carol’s Restaurant / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Live acoustic music on the patio / For more information please contact the restaurant at 951.676.9243

Bel Vino Winery
Friday Nite Live at Bel Vino / Every Friday 6p-10p / No Cover / Wine & Beer / Bel Vino Bistro open until 9 pm/ No outside food or drinks allowed.
Live Band every Saturday and Sunday / 12pm to 4pm /Admission is always free / Bands play on our Hilltop Terrace Stage. For a list of scheduled performers please visit https://www.belvinowinery.com/events/

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Barrel Tree Lighting Celebration / December 14 / 5:30 to 8:00pm / Free / Join for our annual Wine Barrel Tree Lighting Celebration! Bring the kids to meet Santa and enjoy cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, Christmas carolers, discounts on wine, gifts and more. Experience Christmas in wine country with us.

Prix Fixe Friday & Sunday at Meritage / 5pm to 8pm / For $35 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Live Music offered on Friday nights / Reservation is not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889

Brunch Specials every Sunday at Meritage / 11am / Cost is $25 / Includes a mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert. All food from Meritage is farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally outsourced.

Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 1pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1-barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary, but for 10 or more highly recommended / For more information call 951.676.4001

Live Music at the Courtyard Patio / Every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm / Please check our website for a list of scheduled performers.

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 accouterments. 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

Chapin Family Vineyards
Live Music at Chapin / Every Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 5pm / Please check our Facebook page for a list of scheduled performers. Free to the public.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery
Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Happy Hour 7-8p two-for-one glasses of wine / Free to the public

Sunday Live Music / 2:00-5:00pm / Free to the public / For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.cougarwinery.com.

Danza del Sol Winery
Holiday Wine Dinner / December 10 / 5pm – 8pm / $68 Members, $72 Guests (plus tax) / Enjoy an evening celebrating the holidays with owner, Bob Olson & winemaker, Art Villarreal! Listen to live jazz music from Stephen Vaughan, while you enjoy an amazing wine paired dinner prepared by Chef Volker Lutz / RSVP to Kelly -k.hefley@danzadelsolwinery.com, 951-302-6363 x26 or online at danzadelsolwinery.com/reservations-events

Live Music on the Patio at Danza del Sol / Every Saturday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Please check our website www.danzadelsolwinery.com for additional information.

Doffo Winery
Live Music every Saturday and Sunday / 1:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment / For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.doffowines.com

Europa Village
Murder Mystery Dinner – Girls Night Out / Saturday, December 9 / 6:00pm / $80 pp / Join us for an evening of mystery and intrigue. You will need to keep your eyes and ears open, because someone will be ruthlessly murdered at the end of the play, and it’s up to you to guess who-done-it! Performance will take place during a gourmet dinner prepared by Europa’s Executive Chef, Dean Thomas / For reservations please visit https://shop.europavillage.com/events/Murder-Mystery-Dinner—Girls–Night-Out-Dec09

Murder Mystery Dinner – Girls Night Out / Sunday, December 10 / 6:00pm / $75 pp / Join us for an evening of mystery and intrigue. You will need to keep your eyes and ears open, because someone will be ruthlessly murdered at the end of the play, and it’s up to you to guess who-done-it! Performance will take place during a gourmet dinner prepared by Europa’s Executive Chef, Dean Thomas /For reservations please visit https://shop.europavillage.com/events/Murder-Mystery-Dinner—Girls–Night-Out-Dec10

Live Music every Sunday / 1:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.europavillage.com

Falkner Winery
Big Truth Band at Falkner Winery / December 15 / 7:00-11:00pm / Public event; Friday night in the Pinnacle Restaurant. Enjoy FREE live music! Food, Wine, Beer, Dancing / Adults only 21+ and over / RSVP on our Facebook events page.

Sip N Shop & SANTA Family Event / December 16 / 12:00-7:00pm / Free to attend / Photos with SANTA (4-7pm), Caroling, Photo booth, Food, Wine, Hot Chocolate available from 4-7pm. 20 + Vendors! Holiday items, handmade goodies, Scentsy, Jewelry, Lipsense and more!! Please check out our Facebook events page for more information.

Sip N Paint Class “Snowman Love” / December 20 / 6:00 -8:00pm / $35 per person. Includes all materials / Wines available for purchase by glass or bottle. Members do receive applicable discounts / Reservations are required online @Artfusionbdk.myshopify.com

Foot Path Winery
Tamale Making Classes at Foot Path Winery / December 9 and December 16 / 10:00 am / For those of you who wish to know the art of the Tamale come join us in one of the instructions classes held at Foot Path Winery. Two classes will be held, December 9th for Chicken Tamales (Green)and December 16th for Pork Tamales (Red). Learn masa, sauce, meat and corn husk preparation. And most of all, where to purchase your ingredients for the tamales. Recipes and instruction information will be handed out at each class based on subject matter. Lunch will be provided as well as drinks. In addition, there will be sampling of either green or red tamales / Class cost is $30 any you will take home a dozen tamales prepared that day! Class size is limited to 20 people; based on the quantity of people we will either have teams of 4 or 5. Call – 951-764-1849 Chris or Email – deanefoote@verizon.net to reserve a spot / You can secure your spot, on the line, by sending in the class fee by December 2, 2017. Call and reserve your spot on the assembly line…dancing is not required.

Fazeli Cellars
Salsa Night / December 29 / Doors Open at 6:30pm / Cost is $10 Members / $15 Non-Members / Admission includes 45 Minute Salsa Lesson and a glass of Sangria / Food and drinks available for purchase / Purchase Tickets Here: http://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-390102/Salsa-Night-122917.html

New Year’s Eve at Fazeli / December 31 / Come dressed to kill or as your favorite Bond character
Ticket Option #1 @ 7:00pm / $120 / $100 Member includes champagne greeting, 3-course meal and wine pairing with live entertainment, plus DJ & dancing, late night mash-tini bar and midnight champagne.
Ticket Option #2 @ 9:30pm / $55 / $45 Member includes champagne greeting, DJ & dancing, late night mash-tini bar and midnight champagne.
For reservations and to purchase your tickets please visit: http://shop.fazelicellars.com/res-390073/New-Years-Eve.html

Live Music at our Tasting Room / Every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Check our website www.fazelicellars.com/events for a schedule of performers.

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Music Friday & Saturday / 6p-9p / Free to the public
Live Music Sunday / 2p-5pm / Free to the public
Please check our website www.lorimarwinery.com for a list of scheduled of performers.

Masia de la Vinya Winery
Holiday Sip & Shop / December 2 / 11am – 5pm tasting open – Shopping from 12pm-4pm / Free admission / Sip on your favorite Masia wine while shopping on the patio. 10 local vendors, food truck and live music.

Friday Nights @ Masia / December 1 through January 5, 2018 / 4pm to 7pm / Free to attend / Join us in the Vintner’s Lounge & Patio for Friday Nights!

Live Music on the Patio at Masia de la Vinya / Every Saturday from 12pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Please check our website www.masiadelavinya.com for additional information and a list of scheduled performers.

Maurice Car’rie Winery
Arts & Craft Fair / Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11a-5p / Maurice Car’rie Winery offers a charming arts and crafts fair every Friday – Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5 PM. Located on the front picnic grounds at the beautiful Maurice Car’rie Winery are craft vendors with wares that are handmade such as jewelry, paintings, and ceramics along with fun items like great handbags and designer-style sunglasses.
Open to the public, free admission

Saturday Live Music Outdoors Under the Lights / June 10 & 24 / 6p – 9p / Various local artist performances. Admission is free for this concert / For a schedule of performers, please visit www.mauricecarriewinery.com

Miramonte Winery
Live Music & Entertainment / Every Friday and Saturday / 6:00p-9:00p / Free to the public / No reservations required / For a list of scheduled performers, please visit www.miramontewinery.com

Monte De Oro Winery
Sounds of Sunday / Every Sunday / 1pm-5pm / Live music program on our outdoor patio. Come listen to local artists each Sunday afternoon while enjoying a refreshing glass of wine and lunch. Free admission. For a list of scheduled performers, please visit www.montedeoro.com

Mount Palomar Winery
A Rockabilly Holiday! Live in the Barrel Room / December 1 / 6:00-10:00pm / Mount Palomar Winery is hosting an amazing evening of classic Rockabilly songs! Gino and the Lone Gunmen are performing live in our beautiful barrel room, playing classics by Elvis, The Stray Cats, Buddy Holly, and swingin’ Holiday Hits such as: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Jingle Bell Rock, Blue Christmas, and many more! / For tickets please go to: https://www.heyday.com/shows-tickets

Paint Nites in the Barrel Room / December 3 & 4 from 1-4pm, December 16 & 23 at 12-2pm and 4-6pm / Raise your glass to a NEW kind of night out! Paint Nite® invites you to create art over a glass of wine at a Mount Palomar Winery, 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!) / Cost: $45 – save $15 with the coupon code CREATE30 / For tickets please go to: https://www.paintnite.com/venues/mt-palomar-winery-133232

Ponte Winery
Last Chance Shopping Night at Ponte Winery / December 20 / 10am-8pm / Join us after-hours to stock up on wine for your seasonal festivities, and to shop for last minute holiday gifts. Enjoy live music beginning at 5:00 p.m. / Free to attend / Wine Club Members receive 25% off wine and merchandise, and 30% or more off case purchases.

New Year’s Eve Dinner in The Reserve Room / December 31 / 6:00pm-9:00pm / Make plans to join us this holiday season as The Restaurant at Ponte hosts a New Year’s Eve Dinner to remember! Dine from a festive special menu in our intimate Reserve Room at Ponte Winery. Seating is limited; please call 951.252.1770 or email restaurant@pontewinery.com for reservations.

Live Music in The Restaurant at Ponte / Every Friday and Saturday night / 5:30pm-8:30pm / Enjoy a gourmet meal and stunning views while listening to a variety of talented musicians / Entertainment is free while dining / Visit www.pontewinery.com for a list of scheduled performers

Live Music in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday / 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.

Midnight Toast in The Cellar Lounge / December 31 / 12:00pm-12:30am / Ring in the New Year in The Cellar Lounge… Join us for a festive evening and a midnight toast! Enjoy small bites, craft brews, signature cocktails and wine on tap. Cheers to 2018! / Cost: Menu Items $6 & Up.

Happy Hour in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Monday-Thursday / 4pm-6pm / Free to attend / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, for happy hour specials on craft beer, flatbreads, Ponte wine on tap and more! Menu items $6 and up / For more information please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com

Gameday Specials in The Cellar Lounge / Head to The Cellar Lounge to catch NFL games on the big screen! Enjoy a delicious Gameday Menu, as well as draft brews, signature cocktails and Ponte wine on tap / Sunday, Monday and Thursdays during NFL games broadcast during business hours / Cost: Menu Items $13 & Up / For more information please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com

Brunch at Bouquet Restaurant / Every Saturday & Sunday / 7:30am-3:00pm / Offering indoor & outdoor seating options, Bouquet is the perfect spot to gather for a gourmet brunch. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance with stunning fountain courtyard, pond & vineyards views / To view menu and for reservations please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Tree Lighting & Snow Festival / December 3 / 5:00pm-8:00pm / Free Admission* / Bring your holiday cheer and don’t forget your snow gear! Join us South Coast Winery’s Annual Tree Lighting & Snow Festival. This fun for the whole family event will include a real snow play area, face painting, sleigh rides, Santa, food, live entertainment and more! South Coast Winery is proud to be an official Toys for Tots drop-off location. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate at the festival / *Tickets will be available to purchase inside the festival for food/beverage/events.

Start the Day at GrapeSeed Spa / Monday-Friday, December 1st – December 23rd / Start your day at South Coast Winery with this special spa package! This package comes complete with: 50-minute aromatic Swedish massage or gorgeous GrapeSeed Facial, mimosa, pastry or fruit & yogurt parfait / Cost: $115 / Reservation Information: Call to book today! 877.552.1731. Valid Monday-Thursday, December 1st – December 23rd, 2017 before 1:00pm. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

Sunday Sip at GrapeSeed Spa / Sundays only; December 1, 2017 – January 31, 2018 / Your choice of a 50-minute Gorgeous Grapeseed Facial or South Coast Classic Massage plus wine tasting for one at South Coast Winery or Carter Estate Winery / Cost: $104 / Reservation Information: Call to book today! 877.552.1731

Neroli Escape at GrapeSeed Spa / December 1, 2017 – January 31, 2018* / Escape to the lush vineyards at The Grapeseed Spa and enjoy a glass of award winning wine, appetizer, and a 50-minute South Coast Classic Pedicure or manicure to revive your spirit / Cost: $55 / Reservation Information: Call to book today! 877.552.1731 / *Not available on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Blackout Dates: 12/25. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

Wine, Dine and Painting / December 3 / 10:00am-1:00pm / Wine, Dine and Painting Class hosted by Jill Roberts of Art + Vino, the original and most popular Art and Painting class in the Temecula Valley! Take in the views and tap into your inner Picasso, then enjoy a fantastic lunch at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant! This package comes with two three-hour instruction and supplies to paint your masterpiece, and follows with a select lunch menu and glass of wine to enjoy at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant / Cost: $70 Wine Club Members | $75 Non-Wine Club / Reservation Information: Purchase at SouthCoastWinery.com or call Wine Club at 951.587.9463 Ext. 5250

Golden Bear Wine Tour / Saturday and Sunday / 11am-12:30pm, 2pm-3:30pm / This Tour will highlight why South Coast Winery has been awarded California Winery of the Year for the 4th year. You will be able to experience 8 of our award-winning wines paired with Chef Choice individual plates of California cuisine. You will also receive a logo wine glass to take home to remember your experience with us while you enhance your wine knowledge. Golden Bear Tours are offered Saturday and Sunday at 11 am and 2pm. Space is limited, and advance reservations are required. Must be over 21 years of age to attend. This is a 75-minute walking tour followed a 45-minute food and wine pairing / Cost: $60 per person, $55 Wine Club / Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today. 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.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours / Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday/ $40pp; $35pp Wine Club Member / Learn more about our spectacular Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today / Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years of age to attend.
Sunday’s Live Musical Entertainment in Vintner’s Garden / 1pm-5pm /Join us for live music entertainment in our Vintner’s Garden / For a schedule of entertainment please visit www.southcoastwinery.com

Happy Hour at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant/ Monday – Friday: 3:00pm – 5:30pm, Saturday -Sunday: 3:30pm -5:30pm /Join us in our Vineyard Rose Restaurant lounge for appetizers, lite bites & pizzas / Reservations Recommended. 951.587.9463 ext. 7230

Late Night Happy Hour at The Vineyard Rose / Fridays and Saturdays / 9:00 – 11:00am / Looking for something to do late night in Temecula Valley’s wine country? South Coast Winery’s Vineyard Rose restaurant now has late night happy hour! / Cost: View Happy Hour Menu at South CoastWinery.com / Reservation Information: Reservations recommended – 951.491.8077

Thornton Winery
Friday Night Live Music / Every Friday night / 6pm-9pm / Free admission / Please visit our website for a schedule of performers at thorntonwine.com or call 951.699.0099. Reservations are a must for dinner table.

Wilson Creek Winery
New Year’s Eve Dinner / December 31 / 6:30-9:00pm / $100 ($90 wine club) /Join us for a New Year’s Eve Dinner experience in our brand new exclusive Upper Room. Enjoy a 4-course dinner with wine pairings designed exclusively for this event by Executive Chef Steve Stawinski. Sip on a glass of reserve wine while listening to the beautiful acoustical guitar entertainment. We will celebrate 2018 with an East Coast ball drop at 9 pm / For reservations please visit https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/RESERVE.AMS

New Year’s Eve Dancing / December 31 / 9pm – Midnight / $59 ($53 wine club) / Put on your dance shoes and bring in the new year at our high energy, Vegas style dance club in the gorgeous Wilson Creek Champagne Ballroom. The event will be complete with a hosted bar, late night snacks, and desserts to top off the night. Bring in the new year with a west coast ball drop at midnight / For reservations please visit https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/RESERVE.AMS Vendre une voiture accidentée sans controle technique, rachat voiture hs

New Year’s Eve DINNER + DANCING / December 31 / 6:30pm – Midnight / $139 ($125 wine club) Dinner or Dancing? Why not Join us for both? Come and bring in the new year with an amazing Upper Room dinner experience paired with high energy dancing to end the night. Enjoy a 4-course dinner with wine pairings designed exclusively for this event by Executive Chef Steve Stawinski. Sip on a glass of reserve wine while listening to the beautiful acoustical guitar entertainment. Then put on your dance shoes and bring in the new year at our high energy, Vegas style dance club in the gorgeous Wilson Creek ballroom. The event will include a hosted bar, late night snacks and desserts and to top off the night, a west coast ball drop at midnight / For reservations please visit https://shop.wilsoncreekwinery.com/RESERVE.AMS

Bubble Brunch Buffet / Every Sunday / Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, omelet stations, waffle stations, seafood stations, carving stations and dessert stations with beautiful vineyard views / Buffet (+ unlimited sparkling): $46.95, Buffet only: $36.95, Children: $14.95 / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

Live Entertainment / Every Saturday and Sunday / 12pm – 4pm / Free to the public / For a list of scheduled performers, please visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

Share

White Wine and Cider Brined Roasted Turkey with Swiss Chard, Sausage, Apple, and Dried Plum Stuffing

A fruity cider and white wine steeped brine is key to this moist and flavorful turkey. Begin the brining process 2 days before roasting. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Chardonnay or Merlot.

Serves 8

Ingredients:

A fruity cider and white wine steeped brine is key to this moist and flavorful turkey. Begin the brining process 2 days before roasting. Pair with California Chardonnay or Merlot.

Serves 8

Ingredients:

Brine:
8 cups water
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup sugar
1 small yellow onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves
3 bay leaves
1/2 tablespoon black peppercorns
4 cups apple cider
1 bottle white wine

1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, neck and giblets removed
1 small yellow onion, quartered
1/2 lemon, halved
1 bunch thyme
1 bunch sage
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Brine and air-dry the turkey:
Bring the water, salt, sugar, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns to boil in a large pot, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Remove from the heat, add the cider and wine, and cool to room temperature. Place the turkey, breast-side up in a large container. Pour the brine over the turkey, adding more cold water, as needed, to cover. Refrigerate the turkey for 24 hours, turning the turkey once or twice in the brine.

Remove the turkey from the brine, discard the brine, and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place the turkey, breast-side up, on a rack in a roasting pan and refrigerate, uncovered, at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the skin to thoroughly dry out. Remove from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting.

Roast the turkey:
Heat the oven to 350°F.
Loosely stuff the turkey cavity with the onion, lemon, thyme, and sage. Tie the legs together with kitchen string. Roast the turkey in the oven, about 15 minutes per pound, or until the juices run clear when pierced at the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the turkey with the melted butter at first, and then the pan juices every 20 to 30 minutes. If the breast browns before the turkey is fully cooked, loosely cover with foil.

Remove the turkey from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Loosely cover with foil and let rest 30 minutes before carving. Serve with Swiss Chard Stuffing (see below).

Swiss Chard, Sausage, Apple, and Dried Plum Stuffing:
12 ounces pitted dried California plums, about 20, halved
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 (1-pound) loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed, crumbled
2 Granny Smith apples, cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, chopped
8 green Swiss chard leaves, about 12 ounces, ends trimmed, leaves coarsely chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chicken stock

Directions:

Combine the pitted dried plums and wine in a small bowl. Let stand while you prepare the stuffing.

Heat the oven to 400°F. Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
Toss the bread with 1/4 cup oil and spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in the oven until light golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and cool.

Decrease the oven temperature to 350°F. Heat the 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the sausage with a slotted spoon to a large bowl. Do not discard the fat from the skillet.

To the same skillet, add the apples and onion and sauté over medium heat until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. Add the chard and cook until the leaves wilt, about 5 more minutes. Stir in the dried plums and wine, the butter, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring, until the butter melts. Remove from the heat and add to the sausage, then add the bread and chicken stock; stir to thoroughly combine.

Pour the dressing into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake until brown and crisp on top, about 30 more minutes.

 

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Wine Institute of California 

Share

Holiday Wine Pairing Guide

Mom’s stuffing, Aunt Nancy’s cranberry sauce and your sister’s sweet potatoes.  Menu: done!  But what about the wine?  Choosing a bottle (or two!) of wine to bring to the holiday table can be tricky.  Appealing to not only your menu, but to a cross-section of practiced palates and novice wine drinkers may seem challenging.  But don’t stress out over one of the simplest tasks of the holiday season. Make it simple.  Any wine you enjoy is a good wine!

One certainly doesn’t need to look to others to rate, score or direct you to make a particular wine choice. Bring a wine you’re familiar with to the table.  Chances are it’ll be just fine – and maybe even sublime!

First and foremost, don’t worry about pairing with the herbaceous, the tart or the sweet accompaniments to your turkey, ham or prime rib.  It’s much simpler to match the wine to the main protein dish.  Here’s a few tried and true varietal selections for some classic holiday main dishes:

Wines to Serve with Ham
Ham just begs for a something lightly sweet.  Look for wines with a touch of residual sugar like a Baily Vineyard & Winery Riesling or a Maurice Car’rie Winery Gewurztraminer.  Both are lighter in style, a bit lower in alcohol and still offer plenty of food-friendly acidity and crowd-pleasing palate appeal.  If you’re looking for an easy to pair red, go for a lighter style like Tempranillo.  Great examples can be found at both Robert Renzoni Vineyard & Winery and at Danza del Sol Winery.

Wines to Serve with Turkey
Although an array of whites work perfectly well, Sauvignon Blanc is an all-time, hands-down favorite pick that holds up well to turkey – and all it’s side dishes. Temecula Valley provides the perfect playground for growing this varietal, so you’ll find many great examples of it here.  Beautifully aromatic offerings from the musqué clone can be found at Hart Winery and at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Soft red varietals like Syrah also make suitable partners; you can find some fabulous ones at Falkner Winery and Leoness Cellars.

Wines to Serve with Prime Rib
White wines will have a hard time keeping up with the likes of Prime Rib, but there are so many reds to choose from that make impressive cohorts, you’re sure to find one you’ll all enjoy.  Choose an affable Cabernet Sauvignon from Callaway Vineyard & Winery, a food friendly Italian varietal like Montepulciano or Sangiovese from Cougar Vineyard & Winery or an amazing Super Tuscan blend, Due Rossi, from Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery.

Happy Holidays!

Share

July Winery Events

Ahhh….summer!  Outdoor concerts and plays, luaus, and movies in the vines 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!

Avensole Winery
Hosted Tour & Wine Tasting /Available on Sunday of each the month / 2pm-3:30pm / For every adventure, there is discovery, for every unique place, there is a story. Take a guided journey through our lush vineyards and experience our rich heritage and handcrafted Avensole wines / Cost. $35 / Reservations required. Please call 951.252.2003 x305 to reserve.

Gourmet Cheese Artisanal Tour & Wine Tasting / Available on Friday of each month / 12pm / For the ultimate Wine Country experience, delight in an educational tour through our picturesque vineyard vistas and conclude this tour with a culinary treat of artisanal wine pairings featuring 7 Avensole wines / Cost: $75 / Reservations required online at link: http://www.avensolewinery.com/res-369934

Live Music in the Restaurant and Marketplace Friday and Saturday from 6p-9p / Guests of Avensole’s Restaurant are in for a culinary treat. Avensole offers a charming place to savor eclectic foods and delicious wines in a lively atmosphere. The vibrant indoor and outdoor setting creates a perfect venue to gather and relax with your friends and family while you sip you favorite Avensole wines and enjoy the wide array of craft beers and cocktails offered / All free and open to the public. Please feel free to call our Concierge 951.252.2003 x301 and reserve table for dinner or join our bartenders for drink at our bar / For a list of entertainment schedule please log on to www.avensolewinery.com

Live Music on the Tasting Room patio Saturday & Sunday from 1p-4p / Enjoy live music at the Tasting Room patio with views over the vineyards. Gourmet Mangia cheeses are available for purchase to complement Avensole wines, and cheese and charcuterie platters are available to order from the Restaurant / All free and open to the public. Open seating at the Tasting Room patio.

Baily Winery
Shakespeare in the Vines presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Baily Winery / July 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 / Show time 7pm – 9:30pm / Directed by Daniel Baca / Set in a time when myths were current events, legends were history, and magic was real, A Midsummer Night’s Dream transports us to Ancient Greece where four days of adventure are compressed into a single night by magic! General seating $22, Seniors 55+, Students, Military, $17, Season Tickets, $20 / Royal Table Seating $30 regular, $27 Season ticket holders. To purchase your tickets, please visit http://shakespeareinthevines.org/ For more info call 866.653.8669

Exclusive complimentary tasting of Library Red wines at Baily Estate Tasting Room / July 15 / 11am-5pm / Visit with winemaker Phil Baily and taste his 2003, 2004 and 2005 Meritage and find out how wines age, become smoother, and develop more complex aromas. Great sales on these and other Baily Library red wines. Parking is limited so reservations are recommended. No Limos or Busses allowed. Call Lisa at 951-972-9768 to reserve.

Estate Library Tasting / Every Thursday-Sunday / Available 11am-4pm / Enjoy exclusive library tasting of 5 different vintages (varietal will vary monthly). Tasting will take place at Baily Estate Tasting Room located on Pauba Road / Tours are available upon request / For reservations and pricing information please call Lisa at 951-972-9768.

Dog Day Sundays / Every Sunday at Carol’s Restaurant / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Live acoustic music on the patio / For more information please contact the restaurant at 951.676.9243

Bel Vino Winery
Friday Night Live at Bel Vino / Every Friday 6p-10p / Free admission / Wine, Beer and specialty cocktails in the Barrel Room / Happy Hour from 6pm-7pm; select Bel Vino Bistro menu offered from 6p to 8:30pm / No outside food or drinks allowed.
Live Band every Saturday and Sunday / 12pm to 4pm /Admission is always free / Bands play on our Hilltop Terrace Stage. For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.belvinowinery.com

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Prix Fixe Friday at Meritage and Live Music / 5pm to 8pm / For $35 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Reservation is not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889
Brunch Specials every Sunday at Meritage / 11am / Cost is $25 / Includes a mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert.
*All food from Meritage is farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally outsourced.

Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 1pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1 barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary. For more information call 951.676.4001

Live Music at the Courtyard Patio / Every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm / Please check our website for a list of scheduled performers.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Wine, Dine and Painting at Carter Estate Winery / June 3 & July 8 / 11:00am – 2:00pm / Wine, Dine and Painting Class hosted by Jill Roberts of Art + Vino, the original and most popular Art and Painting class in the Temecula Valley! Take in the views and tap into your inner Picasso, then enjoy a fantastic lunch with wine. This package comes with two three-hour instruction and supplies to paint your masterpiece, and follows with a select lunch menu and glass of wine to enjoy at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant / Cost: $70 Wine Club | $75 Non-Wine Club / Reservation Information: Purchase online at CarterEstateWinery.com or call Carter Estate Wine Club at 951-587-9463 Ext. 5250

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
Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Happy Hour 7-8p two-for-one glasses of wine / Free to the public

Sunday Live Music / 2:00-5:00pm / Free to the public / For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.cougarwinery.com.

Danza del Sol Winery
Taco Tuesday / July 11 & July 25 / 5:30pm-8:30pm / Enjoy tacos, burritos, nachos and wine on the patio while listening to live music by some of our local artists. No RSVP necessary.

Laugh Lounge / July 29 / 6:00-9:00pm / Dinner and comedy night. $36 for members/$42 for guests and non-members. VIP tables available. Buffet dinner prior to show by Chef Volker Lutz, wine available for purchase / Please RSVP online or call 951-3002-6363 x26

Sunday Funday / July 30 / Bring your friends and family out for a day of food (Devilicious Food Truck here from 12pm-4pm) and live music on the patio from 1pm-5pm

Live Music on the Patio at Danza del Sol / Every Saturday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Please check our website www.danzadelsolwinery.com for additional information.

Doffo Winery
Live Music every Saturday and Sunday / 1:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment / For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.doffowines.com

Europa Village
Murder Mystery Dinner / July 8 / 6:00 pm on our outdoor Veranda / “Murder on the Oriental Rug” – Performance will take place during a gourmet dinner prepared by Europa’s own award-winning Executive Chef, Dean Thomas / $80 plus tax / For reservations please visit www.europavillage.com

Murder Mystery Dinner / July 9 / 6:00 pm on our outdoor Veranda / “Murder on the Oriental Rug” – Performance will take place during a gourmet dinner prepared by Europa’s own award-winning Executive Chef, Dean Thomas / $75 plus tax / For reservations please visit www.europavillage.com

Movie in the Vines / July 13 / 8:00pm / Join us for a movie in the vines featuring “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961) Rated G / Free to public.

Live Music every Sunday / 1:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.europavillage.com

Falkner Winery
Falkner Winery’s 17th Year Anniversary Celebration! / July 1st – 4th / 11-5pm / Includes Yard Games and Tournaments; Sunday 12-3pm / Wine raffles every hour! Huge Gift shop sales. 50% off wine by the case sales, Restaurant lunch special for 2- $59 BBQ on Saturday & Sunday from 12-3pm.

Sip N Paint Class “The River” / July 13 / 5:30 -9 pm $35 per person. Includes all materials. Wine available for purchase by glass or bottle. Tours and Happy Hour 5:30- 6:30pm. Members may receive applicable discounts / Reservations are required online @ Artfusionbdk.myshopify.com

Wine Appreciation Class / July 15 / 10am-12:00pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge /$ 45/person, $40 Connoisseur, $20 VIP; $70/person with lunch option / RSVP’s required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or email wineclub@falknerwinery.com.

FUNday SUNday in the Yard Garden / Every Sunday from 12pm-3pm / Lawn Game competition “Cornhole” (starting at 1pm) Giant Jenga, Wine Pong, and other limited lawn games available / BBQ to order, Sangria, Signature Drink, Beer available for purchase

Fazeli Cellars
Salsa Night / July 15 / 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm / Doors open at 5:30 with a free 45 min. salsa lesson. No partner or experience needed / Admission fee is $10 wine club member & $15 non-member; includes a glass of Sangria / Special Food Menu Items! Wine, Beer, Sangria available for purchase! / To purchase tickets, please visit our website at http://shop.fazelicellars.com

Live Music at our Tasting Room / Every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Check our website www.fazelicellars.com/events for a schedule of performers. By the way, American winemakers take money from this site before they get paid. Loans are not very good, but sometimes you have to take them. Darker may come in handy …

Longshadow Ranch Winery
Bonfire Saturday Nights / 6p-10pm every Saturday through October. Families are welcome and admission is free. No outside beverages or coolers allowed.

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Live Music Friday & Saturday / 6p-9p / Free to the public
Live Music Sunday / 2p-5pm / Free to the public
Please check our website www.lorimarwinery.com for a list of scheduled of performers.

Masia de la Vinya Winery
Live Music on the Patio at Masia de la Vinya / Every Saturday from 12pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Please check our website www.masiadelavinya.com for additional information and a list of scheduled performers.

Maurice Car’rie Winery
Arts & Craft Fair / Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11a-5p / Maurice Car’rie Winery offers a charming arts and crafts fair every Friday – Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5 PM. Located on the front picnic grounds at the beautiful Maurice Car’rie Winery are craft vendors with wares that are handmade such as jewelry, paintings, and ceramics along with fun items like great handbags and designer-style sunglasses Open to the public, free admission

Saturday Live Music Outdoors Under the Lights / June 10 & 24 / 6p – 9p / Various local artist performances. Admission is free for this concert / For a schedule of performers, please visit www.mauricecarriewinery.com

Miramonte Winery
Live Music & Entertainment / Every Friday and Saturday / 7p-10p / Free to the public / No reservations required / /For a list of scheduled performers, please visit www.miramontewinery.com

Monte De Oro Winery
Polynesian Night Luau / July 29 / 6:30pm-10:00pm / Join us for an evening show, dancing and a Polynesian Buffett Dinner. Featuring the Kalama Brothers, Polynesian Dancers, Tahitian Drummers. And a Fire Dance followed by dancing outdoors on our patio / Cost and reservation information: Tickets $60. Wine Club members $50.00. Includes dinner and a glass of wine / Purchase tickets and make reservations at www.montedeoro.com

Sounds of Sunday / Every Sunday / 1pm-5pm / Live music program on our outdoor patio. Come listen to local artists each Sunday afternoon while enjoying a refreshing glass of wine and lunch. Free admission. For a list of scheduled performers, please visit www.montedeoro.com

Mount Palomar Winery
Paint Nite in the Barrel Room / July 9 & 30 / 1:00 – 3:00pm / Raise your glass to a NEW kind of night out! Paint Nite® invites you to create art over a glass of wine at a Mount Palomar Winery, 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!). Get 35% off with the coupon code “PaintNiteHere” / Tickets $45 at: https://www.paintnite.com/venues/mt-palomar-winery-133232

Heartbeat City, a Tribute to The Cars Concert / July 14 / 6:00 – 9:00pm / Enjoy a live tribute the classic 80’s band The Cars! Performed live at Mount Palomar Winery in Temecula, the show includes famous hits by The Cars / Tickets $25 at https://www.heyday.com/heartbeatcity – 2 for 1 tickets available for a limited time!

Tequila Tastings / Saturdays and Sundays / 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM / Mount Palomar Winery is hosting Temecula’s only tequila tastings on our beautiful outdoor patio! Enjoy samples of top shelf Asombroso tequilas, made from 100% blue agave. You’ll enjoy 5 samples of fine tequila, including San Francisco World Spirits Competition double gold award winners and a bonus margarita sample / Prices and availability subject to change, more at http://www.mountpalomarwinery.com/Annata-Bistro/Bar/Tequila-Tastings / Tickets: $25 at the door

Peltzer Family Cellars
Live Music – Block Party / July 7 / 6:00pm-9:00pm / Featuring local wine, local food and local music by Endeavor / RSVP at http://peltzerfamilycellars.orderport.net/merchandise/Events
Farm to Table Dinner / July 21 / 6:00pm-10:00pm / Featuring Peltzer wine, and music by “Those Guys” RSVP at http://peltzerfamilycellars.orderport.net/merchandise/Events

Ponte Winery
Live Music in The Restaurant at Ponte / Every Friday and Saturday night / 5:30pm-8:00pm / Enjoy a gourmet meal and stunning views while listening to a variety of talented musicians / Entertainment is free while dining / Visit www.pontewinery.com for a list of scheduled performers

Live Music in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday / 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-6pm / Free to attend / Head to Temecula Wine Country’s only cocktail bar, The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn, for happy hour specials on craft beer, flatbreads, Ponte wine on tap and more! Menu items $6 and up.

Brunch at Bouquet Restaurant / Every Saturday & Sunday / 7:30am-3:00pm / Offering indoor & outdoor seating options, Bouquet is the perfect spot to gather for a gourmet brunch. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance with stunning fountain courtyard, pond & vineyards views / To view menu and for reservations please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Wine, Dine and Painting at South Coast Winery / June 25 / 10:00am – 1:00pm / Wine, Dine and Painting Class hosted by Jill Roberts of Art + Vino, the original and most popular Art and Painting class in the Temecula Valley! Take in the views and tap into your inner Picasso, then enjoy a fantastic lunch at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant! This package comes with two three-hour instruction and supplies to paint your masterpiece, and follows with a select lunch menu and glass of wine to enjoy at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant / Cost: $70 Wine Club | $75 Non-Wine Club / Reservation Information: Purchase online or call Wine Club at 951-587-9463 Ext. 5250

Golden Bear Wine Tour / Saturday and Sunday / 11am-12:30pm, 2pm-3:30pm / This Tour will highlight why South Coast Winery has been awarded California Winery of the Year for the 4th year. You will be able to experience 8 of our award-winning wines paired with Chef Choice individual plates of California cuisine. You will also receive a logo wine glass to take home to remember your experience with us while you enhance your wine knowledge. Golden Bear Tours are offered Saturday and Sunday at 11 am and 2pm. Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Must be over 21 years of age to attend. This is a 75-minute walking tour followed a 45-minute food and wine pairing / Cost: $60 per person, $55 Wine Club / Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today. 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.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours / Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday/ $40pp; $35pp Wine Club Member / Learn more about our spectacular Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today / Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years of age to attend.

Sunday’s Live Musical Entertainment in Vintner’s Garden / 1pm-5pm /Join us for live music entertainment in our Vintner’s Garden / For a schedule of entertainment please visit www.southcoastwinery.com

Happy Hour at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant/ Monday – Friday / 3:30pm – 5:30pm /Join us in our Vineyard Rose Restaurant lounge for appetizers, lite bites & pizzas / Reservation Information: Reservations Recommended. 951.587.9463 ext. 7230

Late Night Happy Hour at The Vineyard Rose / Fridays and Saturdays / 9:00 – 11:00am / Looking for something to do late night in Temecula Valley’s wine country? South Coast Winery’s Vineyard Rose restaurant now has late night happy hour! / Cost: View Happy Hour Menu at South CoastWinery.com / Reservation Information: Reservations recommended – 951.491.8077

Thornton Winery
Champagne Jazz Concert Series:
Shiela E. / Saturday, July 8th / 7:00 pm
Cost: $85 General Admission, $160 Gourmet Supper Package
Chris Isaak / Saturday, July 15th / 7:00 pm
Cost: $105 General Admission, $180 Gourmet Supper Package
David Sanborn / Sunday, July 30th / 6:00 pm
Cost: $85 General Admission, $160 Gourmet Supper Package
For Concert Reservations: THORNTONWINE.COM or call (951) 699-0099 ext. 3127 or ext. 3129

Beach Boys Tribute Band / Friday, July 28 / 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: $10.00 Cover – General Admission / *Reservations: A must for dinner table

Friday Night Live Music / Every Friday night / 6pm-9pm / Free admission / Please visit our website for a schedule of performers at thorntonwine.com or call 951.699.0099. Reservations are a must for dinner table.

Wiens Family Cellars
Wiens Wine & Words Book Society / July 12 / 6:00pm / Wiens Wine & Words is our very own book society with a special twist. Every other month, we will select a great book and perfectly pair one of our wines with it. In addition, we will hold a themed meeting/party in which we’ll discuss both the wine and book while enjoying themed appetizers and of course the selected wine. For more information and reservations please visit http://www.wienscellars.com/res-400470/July-Wiens-Wines-Words.html

Sale Ranch Sanctuary’s “An Evening for the Animals” Fundraiser / July 22 / 6:00 pm / We are hosting an exciting fundraising and silent auction event for the benefit of the Sale Ranch Sanctuary. There will be a dinner and live music and a silent auction. All proceeds will go towards the Sale Ranch Sanctuary For reservations please visit http://www.saleranchsanctuary.org/fundraiser-wiens-july-2017

Colin Hay (Men at Work) Concert / July 28 / 6:00pm / Part of our Summer Series. http://www.wienscellars.com/res-400470/July-Wiens-Wines-Words.html

Wilson Creek Winery
Bubble Brunch Buffet / Every Sunday / Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, omelet stations, waffle stations, seafood stations, carving stations and dessert stations with beautiful vineyard views / Buffet (+ unlimited sparkling): $46.95, Buffet only: $36.95, Children: $14.95 / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

Live Entertainment / Every Saturday and Sunday / 12pm – 4pm / Free to the public / For a list of scheduled performers, please visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

Share

2017 Temecula Valley Winegrowers Hall of Fame

Temecula Valley vintners were excited to introduce the latest Hall of Fame inductees at the 34th Annual Grape Day conference held on April 13, 2017 at South Coast Winery in Temecula, California. The inductees honored were John Poole and Peter Poole.

The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Hall of Fame was introduced in 2016 by Phil Baily, owner of Baily Winery and member of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) Board of Directors. The first inductees into the Hall of Fame were Vince & Audrey Cilurzo and John Moramarco. At the time, Baily noted “The recent passing of wine country pioneer Vince Cilurzo prompted the TVWA Board of Directors to consider ways we could honor his memory. In discussing this, we realized that other pioneers should be recognized, most notably Audrey Cilurzo, because Vince and Audrey partnered in their accomplishments. John Moramarco was unquestionably the key leader of our rise in the 1960s and for the following thirty-plus years.”

Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo planted the first commercial wine grape vineyard in the Temecula Valley. They established Cilurzo Vineyard and Winery as one of the first wineries in the Temecula Valley. As husband and wife, they championed the growing of red wine grapes, most notably Petite Sirah. They offered help, encouragement and support to all the wineries that followed them.

John Moramarco planted one of the first commercial wine grape vineyards in the Temecula Valley in 1968 while working for Brookside Winery. In the late 1980s his efforts helped Riverside County create the citrus/vineyard zone which preserved agriculture and laid the foundation for the remarkable growth of wineries over the ensuing years. Moramarco also worked to mobilize Riverside County, the City of Temecula, State and Federal efforts to successfully combat the spread of Pierce’s Disease in Temecula Valley vineyards.

“This year’s Hall of Fame inductees were similarly accomplished and well respected within Temecula Valley’s wine community and we’re very appreciative of their efforts on behalf of all of us,” stated Phil Baily.

John Poole purchased vineyard land in the Temecula Valley in 1969, establishing Long Valley Vineyards, which eventually grew to 165 planted acres. Additionally, he planted one of California’s earliest Syrah vineyards in 1974. John founded Mt. Palomar Winery in 1975; this was Temecula’s second winery. In 1978, he opened the first permanent tasting room and was the first to begin advertising the Temecula Valley as a tourist destination.

Peter Poole, John’s son, was a founding member of the South Coast Vintners Association, a predecessor of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. He served many years as the President and Board Member of the Vintners Association and its successor. Peter took over operation of Mt. Palomar Winery in 1985, making it the first winery in the Temecula Valley under second-generation leadership. For many years, he worked to improve viticulture and winemaking practices in the Valley. He was instrumental in the effort to change the official name of the American Viticulture Area (AVA) from Temecula to Temecula Valley. He pioneered the planting of Italian varieties in California, being the first to plant Cortese in California and Sangiovese in the Temecula Valley. When the area was under siege from the vine destroying Glassy-winged sharpshooter, Peter helped lead the successful fight against the pest and the spread of Pierce’s Disease in the Temecula Valley.

Share

June Winery Events

June is here! Graduations, Father’s Day, the return of long summer days — what more reason do you need to visit Temecula Valley wine country?  From Shakespeare in the Vines, to “sip and paint” classes to a good ole’ fashion crab boil, we’ve got something for everyone!

Here are some event to check out in June:

Avensole Winery
Hosted Tour & Wine Tasting /Available on Sunday of each the month / 2pm-3:30pm / For every adventure, there is discovery, for every unique place, there is a story. Take a guided journey through our lush vineyards and experience our rich heritage and handcrafted Avensole wines / Cost. $35 / Reservations required. Please call 951.252.2003 x305 to reserve.

Gourmet Cheese Artisanal Tour & Wine Tasting / Available on Friday of each month / 2pm-4pm / For the ultimate Wine Country experience, delight in an educational tour through our vineyards. Avensole Winery boasts some of the oldest vineyards in Temecula Valley, combined with the newest amenities, and has become the destination for wine lovers. Conclude this tour with a culinary treat pairing 7 Avensole wines with local gourmet Mangia Cheese, guided by our wine experts / Cost: $75 / Reservations required. Please call 951-252-2003 x305 to make a reservation.

Live Music in the Restaurant and Marketplace Friday and Saturday from 6p-9p / Guests of Avensole’s Restaurant are in for a culinary treat. Avensole offers a charming place to savor eclectic foods and delicious wines in a lively atmosphere. The vibrant indoor and outdoor setting creates a perfect venue to gather and relax with your friends and family while you sip you favorite Avensole wines and enjoy the wide array of craft beers and cocktails offered / All free and open to the public. Please feel free to call our Concierge 951.252.2003 x301 and reserve table for dinner or join our bartenders for drink at our bar / For a list of entertainment schedule please log on to www.avensolewinery.com

Live Music on the Tasting Room patio Saturday & Sunday from 1p-4p / Enjoy live music at the Tasting Room patio with views over the vineyards. Gourmet Mangia cheeses are available for purchase to complement Avensole wines, and cheese and charcuterie platters are available to order from the Restaurant / All free and open to the public. Open seating at the Tasting Room patio.
Baily Winery
Shakespeare in the Vines presents A Winter’s Tale / June 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24 / Show time 7pm – 9:30pm / Directed by Michael Eastman/ General seating $22, Seniors 55+, Students, Military, $17, Season Tickets, $20 / To purchase your tickets, please visit http://shakespeareinthevines.org/ For more info call 866.653.8669

Estate Library Tasting/ Every Thursday-Sunday / Available 11am-4pm / Enjoy exclusive library tasting of 5 different vintages (varietal will vary monthly). Tasting will take place at Baily Estate Tasting Room located on Pauba Road / Tours are available upon request / For reservations and pricing information please call Lisa at 951-972-9768.
Dog Day Sundays / Every Sunday at Carol’s Restaurant / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Live acoustic music on the patio / For more information please contact the restaurant at 951.676.9243

Bel Vino Winery
Friday Night Live at Bel Vino / Every Friday 6p-10p / Free admission / Wine, Beer and specialty cocktails in the Barrel Room / Happy Hour from 6pm-7pm; select Bel Vino Bistro menu offered from 6p to 8:30pm / No outside food or drinks allowed.
Live Band every Saturday and Sunday / 12pm to 4pm /Admission is always free / Bands play on our Hilltop Terrace Stage. For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.belvinowinery.com

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Prix Fixe Friday at Meritage and Live Music / 5pm to 8pm / For $35 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Reservation is not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889
Brunch Specials every Sunday at Meritage / 11am / Cost is $25 / Includes a mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert.
*All food from Meritage is farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally outsourced.

Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 1pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1 barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary. For more information call 951.676.4001

Live Music at the Courtyard Patio / Every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm / Please check our website for a list of scheduled performers.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort
Wine, Dine and Painting  / June 3 & July 8 / 11:00am – 2:00pm / Wine, Dine and Painting Class hosted by Jill Roberts of Art + Vino, the original and most popular Art and Painting class in the Temecula Valley! Take in the views and tap into your inner Picasso, then enjoy a fantastic lunch with wine. This package comes with two three-hour instruction and supplies to paint your masterpiece, and follows with a select lunch menu and glass of wine to enjoy at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant / Cost: $70 Wine Club | $75 Non-Wine Club / Reservation Information: Purchase online at CarterEstateWinery.com or call Carter Estate Wine Club at 951-587-9463 Ext. 5250

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
Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Happy Hour 7-8p two-for-one glasses of wine / Free to the public

Sunday Live Music / 2:00-5:00pm / Free to the public / For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.cougarwinery.com.

Danza del Sol Winery
Live Music on the Patio at Danza del Sol / Every Saturday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Please check our website www.danzadelsolwinery.com for additional information.

Doffo Winery
Backyard Bash 80’s Band -Video Star / June 3 / 6:00pm / Tickets are $20 and food and wine are available for purchase / For additional information and to purchase your tickets, please visit us at www.doffowines.com

4th Annual Kurt Caselli Foundation Event / June 17 / 11am-8pm / Sponsored by KTM- SCore Int’l Racing and Doffo Winery / Event includes Stryder Races for the kids, Live Auction, Motorcycle Vendor row, Live Music, Food and Drinks for purchase / $10 per person – Fort tickets please visit www.doffowines.com

Live Music every Saturday and Sunday / 1:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment / For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.doffowines.com

Europa Village
Live Music every Sunday / 1:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.europavillage.com

Falkner Winery
Wine Appreciation Class / June 17 / 10:00am-12:00pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45/person; $40 Connoisseur; $20 VIP; $70/person with lunch option / RSVP’s required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com

FUNday SUNday in the Yard Garden / Every Sunday from 12pm-3pm / Lawn Game competition “Cornhole” (starting at 1pm) Giant Jenga, Wine Pong, and other limited lawn games available / BBQ to order, Sangria, Signature Drink, Beer available for purchase

Fazeli Cellars
Salsa Night / June 17 / 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm / Free Salsa lesson at 6:00 and includes a glass of Sangria. $10 wine club member & $15 non-member / For more information and reservations please visit www.fazelicellars.com

Father’s Day Special Menu at Baba Joons / June 18 / 11:00am-6:00pm / Celebrate Father’s Day with us and enjoy a special menu at Baba Joons Restaurant located at our winery / For more information and reservations please visit www.fazelicellars.com

Live Music at our Tasting Room / Every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Check our website www.fazelicellars.com/events for a schedule of performers.

Longshadow Ranch Winery
Bonfire Saturday Nights / 6p-10pm every Saturday through October. Families are welcome and admission is free. No outside beverages or coolers allowed.

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
Live Music Friday & Saturday / 6p-9p / Free to the public

Live Music Sunday / 2p-5pm / Free to the public
Please check our website www.lorimarwinery.com for a list of scheduled of performers.

Masia de la Vinya Winery
Live Music on the Patio at Masia de la Vinya / Every Saturday from 12pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Please check our website www.masiadelavinya.com for additional information and a list of scheduled performers.

Maurice Car’rie Winery
Arts & Craft Fair / Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11a-5p / Maurice Car’rie Winery offers a charming arts and crafts fair every Friday – Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5 PM. Located on the front picnic grounds at the beautiful Maurice Car’rie Winery are craft vendors with wares that are handmade such as jewelry, paintings, and ceramics along with fun items like great handbags and designer-style sunglasses Open to the public, free admission

Saturday Live Music Outdoors Under the Lights / June 10 & 24 / 6p – 9p / Various local artist performances. Admission is free for this concert / For a schedule of performers, please visit www.mauricecarriewinery.com

Miramonte Winery
Live Music & Entertainment / Every Friday and Saturday / 7p-10p / Free to the public / No reservations required /For a list of scheduled performers, please visit www.miramontewinery.com

Monte De Oro Winery
Breakfast with the Balloons / June 4 / 6:30am to 9am / Join us for a Breakfast Buffett while we watch (hopefully and weather permitting and being cooperative) hot air balloons float over wine country in conjunction with the 2017 Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. We will have a hot air balloon tethered at the property for your enjoyment as well / Cost and reservation information $35.00 per person / Tickets and Reservations at www.montedeoro.com

Home Style Dinner Night – An Evening on the Mediterranean / June 15 / 6:00pm to 8:30pm / Join us for our family-style dinner night featuring a Mediterranean spread to satisfy your appetite. Come with family and friends and kick off the upcoming weekend. Ticket price includes 1 glass of wine or beer / Cost and reservation information: $40.00 per person/$35 Wine Club. Tickets and reservations at www.montedeoro.com

Vertical Tasting Lunch / June 25 / 1:00pm to 3:00pm / A culinary food and wine pairing lunch that features a library tasting of Monte De Oro’s Merlot. Come join us to taste 6 vintages of our Merlot from our DePortola Vineyard along with a deliciously paired 3 course lunch / Cost and reservation information: $50.00 per person/$42 Wine Club. Tickets and reservations at www.montedeoro.com

Mount Palomar Winery
Paint Nite in the Barrel Room! / June 11 & 25 / 1:00p-3:00p / Raise your glass to a NEW kind of night out! Paint Nite® invites you to create art over a glass of wine at a Mount Palomar Winery, 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!) / Tickets $45, available online at https://www.paintnite.com/venues/mt-palomar-winery_133232

Fan Halen Live – The #1 Van Halen Tribute Band / June 23 / 6:00p-9:00p / A tribute to: VAN HALEN – THE DAVID LEE ROTH YEARS! at MOUNT PALOMAR WINERY in Temecula / Performance includes: Hot For Teacher • Running With The Devil • Jamie’s Cryin’ • Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love • Jump • Eruption • You Really Got Me • Ice Cream Man • Panama • and so many more! / Pre-purchase tickets $25, or $30 at the door. Get tickets online at https://www.heyday.com/fanhalen

Tequila Tastings / Saturdays and Sundays / 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM / Mount Palomar Winery is hosting Temecula’s only tequila tastings on our beautiful outdoor patio! Enjoy samples of top shelf Asombroso tequilas, made from 100% blue agave. You’ll enjoy 5 samples of fine tequila, including San Francisco World Spirits Competition double gold award winners and a bonus margarita sample / Prices and availability subject to change, more at http://www.mountpalomarwinery.com/Annata-Bistro/Bar/Tequila-Tastings / Tickets: $25 at the door

Peltzer Family Cellars
Crab Boil – Farm to Table Dinner / June 1 / 6:00pm-10:00pm / Benefiting Our Nicholas Foundation to support autism research. Live seafood boil, wine and music / $99, Wine Club members $89. RSVP at http://peltzerfamilycellars.orderport.net/merchandise/Events

Create Workshop / June 8 / 11:30am-2:00pm / Create a wood serving tray, a shabby fabric & ribbon flag, and a Peltzer cork keychain. Includes lunch, wine tasting, a glass of wine, supplies for your 3 projects, and instruction / $70, RSVP at https://createworkshop.ticketleap.com/createworkshopjune/dates

Create Workshop / June 8 / 5:30pm-8:00pm / Create a wood serving tray, a shabby fabric & ribbon flag, and a Peltzer cork keychain. Includes dinner, wine tasting, a glass of wine, supplies for your 3 projects, and instruction / $80, RSVP at https://createworkshop.ticketleap.com/createworkshopjune/dates

Live Music – Block Party / June 9 & 23 / 6:00pm – 9:00pm / Featuring local wine, local food and local music / RSVP at http://peltzerfamilycellars.orderport.net/merchandise/Events

Ponte Winery
Live Music in The Restaurant at Ponte / Every Friday and Saturday night / 5:30pm-8:00pm / Enjoy live music while dining at The Restaurant at Ponte Winery / Free to attend / Visit www.pontewinery.com for a list of scheduled performers

Live Music in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday / 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 specials on craft beer, flatbreads, Ponte wine on tap and more! Menu items $6 and up.

Brunch at Bouquet Restaurant / Every Saturday & Sunday / 7:30am-3:00pm / Offering indoor & outdoor seating options, Bouquet is the perfect spot to gather for a gourmet brunch. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance with stunning fountain courtyard, pond & vineyards views / To view menu and for reservations please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Wine, Dine and Painting at South Coast Winery / June 25 / 10:00am – 1:00pm / Wine, Dine and Painting Class hosted by Jill Roberts of Art + Vino, the original and most popular Art and Painting class in the Temecula Valley! Take in the views and tap into your inner Picasso, then enjoy a fantastic lunch at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant! http://www.live345.com This package comes with two three-hour instruction and supplies to paint your masterpiece, and follows with a select lunch menu and glass of wine to enjoy at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant / Cost: $70 Wine Club | $75 Non-Wine Club / Reservation Information: Purchase online or call Wine Club at 951-587-9463 Ext. 5250

Golden Bear Wine Tour / Saturday and Sunday / 11am-12:30pm, 2pm-3:30pm / This Tour will highlight why South Coast Winery has been awarded California Winery of the Year for the 4th year. You will be able to experience 8 of our award-winning wines paired with Chef Choice individual plates of California cuisine. You will also receive a logo wine glass to take home to remember your experience with us while you enhance your wine knowledge. Golden Bear Tours are offered Saturday and Sunday at 11 am and 2pm. Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Must be over 21 years of age to attend. This is a 75-minute walking tour followed a 45-minute food and wine pairing / Cost: $60 per person, $55 Wine Club / Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today. 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.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours / Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday/ $40pp; $35pp Wine Club Member / Learn more about our spectacular Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today / Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years of age to attend.

Sunday’s Live Musical Entertainment in Vintner’s Garden / 1pm-5pm /Join us for live music entertainment in our Vintner’s Garden / For a schedule of entertainment please visit www.southcoastwinery.com

Happy Hour at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant/ Monday – Friday / 3:30pm – 5:30pm /Join us in our Vineyard Rose Restaurant lounge for appetizers, lite bites & pizzas / Reservation Information: Reservations Recommended. 951.587.9463 ext. 7230

Late Night Happy Hour at The Vineyard Rose / Fridays and Saturdays / 9:00 – 11:00pm / Looking for something to do late night in Temecula Valley’s wine country? South Coast Winery’s Vineyard Rose restaurant now has late night happy hour! / Cost: View Happy Hour Menu at South CoastWinery.com / Reservation Information: Reservations recommended – 951.491.8077

Summertime Sublime / Every Tuesday and Wednesday through June / Start your day at the GrapeSeed Spa for your signature massage or facial, then continue your day to our 3:00pm Behind the Scenes wine tour. This 90-minute tour takes you through the process of our wine making and ends with food and wine pairing education that is sure to make you a pro! All yours for $114! Space is limited! Offer valid Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s in June 2017. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions / Cost: $114 / Reservation Information: Call to book today! (877) 552-1731. Service cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Expires June 2017.

Thornton Winery
Thornton’s Jazz Concert Series
June 10th 7:00 pm / Candy Dulfer & Grace Kelly
Cost: $85 General Admission, $160.00 Gourmet Supper Package
June 17th, 7:00 pm / Keiko Matsui & Poncho Sanchez
Cost: $75.00 General Admission, $150.00 Gourmet Dinner Package
For Reservations: THORNTONWINE.COM or call (951) 699-0099 ext. 3127 or ext. 3129

Friday Night Live Music / Every Friday night / 6pm-9pm / Free admission / Please visit our website for a schedule of performers at thorntonwine.com or call 951.699.0099

Eric Clapton Tribute Band / June 30 / 6pm / Cost: $10 cover; must be purchase online or in our Gift Shop prior to the event / Reservations highly recommended for a dinner table / Call 951.699.0099 or on Open Table online reservations.

Wilson Creek Winery
A Thousand Horses Concert / June 11 / Doors open at 6pm / Join us for a wine country concert at Wilson Creek Winery with the acclaimed country music band “A Thousand Horses”. Dubbed “Country’s coolest band” by Rolling Stone Country, A Thousand Horses serves up a helping of Southern rock and contemporary Country mixed with rowdy jams. Their working-man’s anthem “Preachin’ to the Choir” will be introduced to Country radio later this month and follows their successful debut “Smoke.” For more info on the band, visit their site http://www.athousandhorses.com/. For more information and to purchase your tickets go to www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

Father’s Day Brunch / June 18 / 10a-3p / Buffet + Sparkling Wine $64.95. Buffet Only $58.95
Children $14.95 / Reservations are required, online at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com or by calling 951-699-9463.

Bubble Brunch Buffet / Every Sunday / Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, omelet stations, waffle stations, seafood stations, carving stations and dessert stations with beautiful vineyard views / Buffet (+ unlimited sparkling): $46.95, Buffet only: $36.95, Children: $14.95 / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

Live Entertainment / Every Saturday and Sunday / 12pm – 4pm / Free to the public / For a list of scheduled performers, please visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

Share

Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

All the flavors of summer come together with this light and refreshing salad.   It is packed with some of our favorite savory flavors and tossed with a dazzling lemon vinaigrette. For the perfect pairing, be sure to pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Rosé.

Serves 2 to 4

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless half chicken breasts

extra virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves

½ teaspoon minced garlic

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 large avocados, peeled, seeded, and cut into bite-size pieces

3 cups baby or regular arugula leaves

1 piece Parmesan cheese (for shaving)

Directions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium high.

2. Cut each half chicken breast in half crosswise.

3. Brush the chicken pieces on both sides with olive oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

4. Grill the chicken pieces for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.

5. To make the vinaigrette, pour the lemon juice in a large bowl. Whisk in the measured olive oil, lemon zest, honey, rosemary, garlic, and measured salt and pepper.

6. Cut chicken pieces crosswise into strips.

7. Add the chicken, avocado, and arugula to the vinaigrette. Toss gently to combine.

8. Divide the salad among the serving plates.

9. Top with shavings of Parmesan, cut with a vegetable peeler.

Suggested Pairings: 

Baily Winery 2015 Rosé of Sangiovese – Fun, fruity and full of character!

Doffo Winery 2016 Rosario –  A delightful fragrance of fresh strawberries, white rose, and hibiscus are mirrored on the palate.

Hart Winery 2016 Rosé of Sangiovese  – Lightly pink, near-dry, delicately scented and flavored Rose′.

Maurice Car’rie/Van Roekel Winery 2016 Pinot Noir Rosé – Wonderful notes of strawberry short cake, Asian pear, and springtime wildflowers.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

Share

Grilled Apricots with Goat Cheese

When the sunshine stays with us and makes our days longer, we’re always looking for ways to stay outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. We think this recipe would be a great dish to enjoy while doing just that. This can be served as a light appetizer or savory dessert. Our friends at Ponte Winery suggest pairing it to perfection with the dry, crisp 2016 Vermentino.

Ingredients:
6 fresh apricots, halved and pitted
1/2 cup sweet white dessert wine, such as 2015 Beverino
1/2 cup of fresh, soft goat cheese such as chèvre

Directions:
Place apricots in a medium mixing bowl. Pour the dessert wine over the apricots and let marinate for 30 minutes. Remove apricots from mixing bowl and place on a cookie sheet. Allow the apricots to rest for at least 20 minutes to make sure liquid sets in fruit.

Turn the grill on to medium heat, check to make sure the grill is clean and slightly greased. Once warmed, place the apricots directly on the grill cut side down. Desura Grill on cut side down for about 4 minutes and then turn over and cook for 2 – 3 minutes. Remove from grill and top each fruit with a spoonful of goat cheese. Serve immediately. This recipe serves about 6 – 8 people.

Recipe adapted from Wine Bites
—Lindsay Neumann

Share

May Winery Events

May is filled with some pretty special days; Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, International Sauvignon Blanc Day, Chardonnay Day and even National Wine Day! Plenty of reasons to celebrate in Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Avensole Winery
Painting in the Vines / May 12 / 1pm to 4pm / Start your Mother’s Day weekend creating your own painting under the direction of a professional artist while enjoying a glass of your favorite wine / Cost and Reservation info: $49 includes all materials and a glass of your favorite Avensole wine. 15% off for Wine Club members / Class size is limited, reservations are required. For more information and tickets email tours@avensolewinery.com or call 951-252-2003 x 312

Hosted Tour & Wine Tasting /Available on Sunday of each the month / 2pm-3:30pm / For every adventure, there is discovery, for every unique place, there is a story. Take a guided journey through our lush vineyards and experience our rich heritage and handcrafted Avensole wines / Cost. $35 / Reservations required. Please call 951.252.2003 x305 to reserve.

Gourmet Cheese Artisanal Tour & Wine Tasting / Available on Friday of each month / 2pm-4pm / For the ultimate Wine Country experience, delight in an educational tour through our vineyards. Avensole Winery boasts some of the oldest vineyards in Temecula Valley, combined with the newest amenities, and has become the destination for wine lovers. Conclude this tour with a culinary treat pairing 7 Avensole wines with local gourmet Mangia Cheese, guided by our wine experts / Cost: $75 / Reservations required. Please call 951-252-2003 x305 to make a reservation.

Live Music in the Restaurant and Marketplace Friday and Saturday from 6p-9p / Guests of Avensole’s Restaurant are in for a culinary treat. Avensole offers a charming place to savor eclectic foods and delicious wines in a lively atmosphere. The vibrant indoor and outdoor setting creates a perfect venue to gather and relax with your friends and family while you sip you favorite Avensole wines and enjoy the wide array of craft beers and cocktails offered / All free and open to the public. Please feel free to call our Concierge 951.252.2003 x301 and reserve table for dinner or join our bartenders for drink at our bar / For a list of entertainment schedule please log on to www.avensolewinery.com

Live Music on the Tasting Room patio Saturday & Sunday from 1p-4p / Enjoy live music at the Tasting Room patio with views over the vineyards. Gourmet Mangia cheeses are available for purchase to complement Avensole wines, and cheese and charcuterie platters are available to order from the Restaurant / All free and open to the public. Open seating at the Tasting Room patio.

Baily Winery
Mother’s Day lunch at Carol’s Restaurant / May 14 / 3-course lunch from 11:00-3:00 / Menu and prices will be posted on our website on May 1st. It will be reservation only, credit card necessary for reservation / For reservations call 951.676.9243 or visit www.Bailywinery.com

Estate Library Tasting/ Every Thursday-Sunday / Available 11am-4pm / Enjoy exclusive library tasting of 5 different vintages (varietal will vary monthly). Tasting will take place at Baily Estate Tasting Room located on Pauba Road / Tours are available upon request / For reservations and pricing information please call Lisa at 951-972-9768.

Dog Day Sundays / Every Sunday at Carol’s Restaurant / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Live acoustic music on the patio / For more information please contact the restaurant at 951.676.9243

Bel Vino Winery
Mother’s Day Brunch / May 14 / Two seating’s: 9:30 to 11:30 and 12:30 to 2:30 / Set up on top of Bel Vino’s Hilltop Terrace, we will be hosting a bottomless mimosa brunch, to include an Egg Bar, Bagel Bar, Carving Station. Spring Salad, Chicken and Waffles, Assorted Desserts, Crab Cakes, Yogurt Parfaits, Fruit Varieties, Live Music and more! Wine and Beer Extra. Children 3 and under are free / $83.99 for non-members, $71.06 for Wine Club Members, $29.67 for children / Call 951-676-6414 to make reservation.

Friday Night Live at Bel Vino / Every Friday 6p-10p / Free admission / Wine, Beer and specialty cocktails in the Barrel Room / Happy Hour from 6pm-7pm; select Bel Vino Bistro menu offered from 6p to 8:30pm / No outside food or drinks allowed.

Live Band every Saturday and Sunday / 12pm to 4pm /Admission is always free / Bands play on our Hilltop Terrace Stage. For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.belvinowinery.com

Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Prix Fixe Friday at Meritage and Live Music / 5pm to 8pm / For $35 guests may enjoy a starter, an entrée and a dessert / Reservation is not necessary. For menu information call 951.587.8889
Brunch Specials every Sunday at Meritage / 11am / Cost is $25 / Includes a mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice, entrée and dessert.
*All food from Meritage is farm-to-table, either grown on property in restaurant garden or locally outsourced.

Callaway Winery Tours offered daily / 11am and 1pm / Tour only, $10 per person. Tour with tasting, $25 – tour includes 1 tank sample, 1 barrel sample and 4 additional tastes at the Tasting Bar / Reservations not necessary. For more information call 951.676.4001

Live Music at the Courtyard Patio / Every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm / Please check our website for a list of scheduled performers.

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
Mother’s Day Special Treat / May 14 / 11am-6pm / Join us for a Special Treat…Bubbly Peach Sangria Flute Floats! / $8 each; Logo flute INCLUDED. $4 each for Wine Club Members! The first 25 guests to pre-pay will also receive a long stem rose for Mom! Come by…call 951.767.8398…or email events@cougarvineyards.com to pre-pay.

Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Happy Hour 7-8p two-for-one glasses of wine / Free to the public

Sunday Live Music / 2:00-5:00pm / Free to the public / For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.cougarwinery.com.

Danza del Sol Winery
Food Truck Friday – Cinco de Mayo / May 5 / 5:30p -10p / Food Truck Friday – Cinco de Mayo! Come join us for a night of fun as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with food, wine, and JD Priest and his Band! / Price: $8.00 / Please check our website www.danzadelsolwinery.com for additional information.

Mother May I GET SAUCED?!! / May 14 / 1:00p -4p / Treat Mom to a fun filled afternoon of food, wine, and culinary entertainment for Mother May I GET SAUCED?! / Price: $58.50 – $65.00 / Please check our website www.danzadelsolwinery.com for additional information and reservations.

Live Music on the Patio at Danza del Sol / Every Saturday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Please check our website www.danzadelsolwinery.com for additional information.

Europa Village
Wine Education Class ~ Spain / May 7 / Two classes offered at 11am and 2pm / Let Europa’s Sommelier, Dr. Doug Garman, take you on a journey through Spain. Sample Europa’s Bolero wines with food pairing bites / Tickets $35 person / Purchase online www.europavillage.com or via Events Department (951) 695-7175.

Mother’s Day Lunch / May 14 / 12pm-3pm / Gourmet three-course champagne lunch prepared by Executive Chef Dean Thomas. Live music by Jimmy Patton / Tickets $54 per person, children 10 & under $17. Tickets available via website www.europavillage.com or calling Event Department (951) 695-7175.

Live Music every Sunday / 1:00-4:00pm / Free to the public / Live entertainment on our outdoor Veranda / For a list of scheduled performers please visit www.europavillage.com

Falkner Winery
Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch in the Pinnacle Restaurant / May 14 / 10am-3pm / For a full menu please visit www.falknerwinery.com. Live Entertainment will be provided / Cost: $69.95+/person (Wine Club $59.95+/person) Children (3-10) $29.50+/child (Wine Club $24.95+/child) / Reservations required please call 951-676-8231 option 4.

Wine Appreciation Class / May 20 / 10am – 12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / Cost: $45 pp.; $40 Connoisseur; $20 VIP; $70/person with lunch option / RSVP is required 951-676-8231 x. 109 or wineclub@falknerwinery.com

Sip N Paint Class “Tropical Flowers” / May 25 / 6 pm – 8 pm / $35 per person / Includes all materials. Wine available for purchase by glass or bottle. Members receive applicable discounts / Reservations are required online @ Artfusionbdk.myshopify.com

FUNday SUNday in the Yard Garden / Every Sunday from 12pm-3pm / Lawn Game competition “Cornhole” (starting at 1pm) Giant Jenga, Wine Pong, and other limited lawn games available / BBQ to order, Sangria, Signature Drink, Beer available for purchase

Fazeli Cellars
Salsa Night / May 6 / 5:30-11:00 pm / Live Latin Band / Cost: WC members – $15.00, non-members $20.00 / For reservations and information please visit www.fazelicellars.com
5-course Winemaker’s Dinner at Legacy / May 20 / 6pm / Library wine pairing and live music / Cost: $120 per person for WC members, $150 per person for non-members / For reservations and information please visit www.fazelicellars.com

Live Music at our Tasting Room / Every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Check our website www.fazelicellars.com/events for a schedule of performers.

Longshadow Ranch Winery
Bonfire Saturday Nights / 6p-10pm every Saturday through October. Families are welcome and admission is free. No outside beverages or coolers allowed.

Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
¡Baila Conmigo! / May 4 / 6p-9p / Join us for an evening of dance instruction, music, and more! / Tickets are $25 ($22.50 WC) and include a glass of sangria and two tacos / Tickets available through www.lorimarwinery.com

Treat Mom to a Special Champagne Brunch / May 14 / 10am or 12:30pm / Located on our Vineyard Lawn / $60 regular, $55 WC / Tickets available through www.lorimarwinery.com
Spring Art Show / May 5-7 / May 5 Artist reception from 6p-9pm / Open to the public and during business hours / Free to attend.

Five Year Celebration / May 19-21 / Weekend-long celebration of Lorimar’s five-year anniversary, including an evening of music and more on Friday, and Family Day in the Vines on Sunday May 21. Please visit our website www.lorimarwinery.com for details.

Live Music Friday & Saturday / 6p-9p / Free to the public
Live Music Sunday / 2p-5pm / Free to the public
Please check our website www.lorimarwinery.com for a list of scheduled of performers.

Masia de la Vinya Winery
Live Music on the Patio at Masia de la Vinya / Every Saturday from 12pm – 5pm / Enjoy great wine and great music! / Please check our website www.masiadelavinya.com for additional information and a list of scheduled performers.

Maurice Car’rie Winery
Maurice Car’rie Saturday Live Music / 6p – 9p / Various local artist performances. Admission is free for this concert / For a schedule of performers, please visit www.mauricecarriewinery.com

Miramonte Winery
Live Music & Entertainment / Every Friday and Saturday / 7p-10p / Free to the public / No reservations required / /For a list of scheduled performers, please visit www.miramontewinery.com

Mount Palomar Winery
Mother’s Day at Annata Bistro/Bar / May 13 and May 14 / 11:00am – 7:00pm / Celebrate Mother’s Day all weekend at Annata Bistro/Bar! All Mom’s receive one complimentary classic Mimosa on Mother’s Day weekend, plus we’re running a limited time Mother’s Day menu / For reservations and information please visit https://www.mountpalomarwinery.com/MothersDay

Flamenco Live! / May 18 / 6:00pm- 9:00pm / Enjoy an intimate evening of acoustic Spanish guitar and Flamenco dance! Featuring Ben Woods & Arleen Hurtado performing at the beautiful Mount Palomar Winery in Temecula, California / Tickets $25 at https://www.heyday.com/flamenco – 2 for 1 tickets available for a limited time!

Tequila Tastings / Saturdays and Sundays through the month of February / 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM / Mount Palomar Winery is hosting Temecula’s only tequila tastings on our beautiful outdoor patio! Enjoy samples of top shelf Asombroso tequilas, made from 100% blue agave. You’ll enjoy 5 samples of fine tequila, including San Francisco World Spirits Competition double gold award winners and a bonus margarita sample / Prices and availability subject to change, more at http://www.mountpalomarwinery.com/Annata-Bistro/Bar/Tequila-Tastings / Tickets: $25 at the door

Oak Mountain Winery
Mother’s Day Brunch in The Cave / May 14 / 11am-4pm / For a complete brunch menu please visit our Events page at www.oakmountainwinery.com / $39 pp., Members $30 plus tax, includes 1 glass new Release Wine. Children, ages 6-12 are $15 +tax – 5 years and under are free. Gratuity not included; no refunds within 24 hours / Reservations 951 699-9102, events@oakmountainwinery.com

Peltzer Family Cellars
Peltzer Poker & Bunco Fundraiser / May 6 / 6p-10p / Supporting Temecula Valley New Gen ROTARY youth services. Wine, Food truck & prizes! / Cost & Reservation Info: $25-$40, reserve spots at http://tvnewgenrotary.com/causes/poker/

Chili Cookoff / May 12 / 5:30p – 10p / Supporting The Waves Project. Chili tasting, BBQ dinner, raffle and live music / Cost & Reservation Info: $15-$40, reserve spots at https://www.wavesproject.org/product/2017-chili-cook-off/

Ponte Winery
Live Music in The Restaurant at Ponte / Every Friday and Saturday night / 5:30pm-8:00pm / Enjoy live music while dining at The Restaurant at Ponte Winery / Free to attend / Visit www.pontewinery.com for a list of scheduled performers

Live Music in The Cellar Lounge at Ponte Vineyard Inn / Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday / 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 specials on craft beer, flatbreads, Ponte wine on tap and more! Menu items $6 and up.

Brunch at Bouquet Restaurant / Every Saturday & Sunday / 7:30am-3:00pm / Offering indoor & outdoor seating options, Bouquet is the perfect spot to gather for a gourmet brunch. Enjoy a relaxing ambiance with stunning fountain courtyard, pond & vineyards views / To view menu and for reservations please visit www.pontevineyardinn.com.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Golden Bear Wine Tour / Saturday and Sunday / 11am-12:30pm, 2pm-3:30pm / This Tour will highlight why South Coast Winery has been awarded California Winery of the Year for the 4th year. You will be able to experience 8 of our award-winning wines paired with Chef Choice individual plates of California cuisine. You will also receive a logo wine glass to take home to remember your experience with us while you enhance your wine knowledge. Golden Bear Tours are offered Saturday and Sunday at 11 am and 2pm. Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Must be over 21 years of age to attend. This is a 75-minute walking tour followed a 45-minute food and wine pairing / Cost: $60 per person, $55 Wine Club / Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today. 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.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours / Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday/ $40pp; $35pp Wine Club Member / Learn more about our spectacular Southern California Temecula winery with a behind-the-scenes wine tour, from vineyards to crush pad. Each tour concludes with 5 wines paired with an individual plate of specially prepared lite-bite foods, designed to enhance your wine knowledge and experience / Reservation Information: Call 866-994-6379 Ext. 7217 to reserve your spot today / Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Guests must be over 21 years of age to attend.
Sunday’s Live Musical Entertainment in Vintner’s Garden / 1pm-5pm /Join us for live music entertainment in our Vintner’s Garden / For a schedule of entertainment please visit www.southcoastwinery.com

Happy Hour at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant/ Monday – Friday / 3:30pm – 5:30pm /Join us in our Vineyard Rose Restaurant lounge for appetizers, lite bites & pizzas / Reservation Information: Reservations Recommended. 951.587.9463 ext. 7230

Thornton Winery
Mother’s Day Buffet / May 14 / 11am-4pm / Cost: $62.95 plus tax & gratuity (Adults). $22.95 plus tax & gratuity. Child 12- 6 yrs. old $19.95 plus tax & gratuity. (5 years and under – FREE). Call for Reservations: (951) 699-0099

Huey Lewis and the News Tribute Band / May 26 / 6pm-9pm / Cost: $10.00 General Admission / Tickets on-line @www.thorntonwine.com / Concert Seating for General Admission / Call for reservations: (951) 699-0099 *Dinner Reservations required for table!

Friday Night Live Music / Every Friday night / 6pm-9pm / Cost: $10.00 per person for general admission “Concert Style Seating” / Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.thorntonwine.com or in person at the winery! / Please visit our website for a schedule of performers.

Wilson Creek Winery
Mother’s Day Brunch / May 14 / 10am – 3pm /Enjoy live entertainment, our annual Petting Zoo, and a special bottle of wine to go home with mom! / Buffet + unlimited Sparkling Wine $64.95. Buffet Only $58.95. Children $14.95 / Reservations are required, online at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com or by calling 951-699-9463.

Bubble Brunch Buffet / Every Sunday / Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, omelet stations, waffle stations, seafood stations, carving stations and dessert stations with beautiful vineyard views / Buffet (+ unlimited sparkling): $46.95, Buffet only: $36.95, Children: $14.95 / Reservations can be made at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

Live Entertainment / Every Saturday and Sunday / 12pm – 4pm / Free to the public / For a list of scheduled performers, please visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

Share

Moscato ~ The Perfect Spring Wine

Moscato, Muscatel, Muscat… what’s the difference between them? Just the names, actually. Rather than just being one grape, Muscat includes a family of grapes in a range of colors (from white to brown, or to near black.) For instance, Moscato is the Italian name and Muscatel the Spanish.

Here in the U.S., Moscato is making its mark and has become the hot wine of the moment. Some would say sweet versions of Moscato are ideal for the American sweet tooth; it’s also an easy wine for the new wine drinker to love.

For a perfect spring day, pack a picnic with a chilled bottle of Temecula Valley Moscato and pair it with good cheese, buttery crackers and seasonal fruit.

Here are five fun facts about Moscato:

1. Muscat is the only fine wine grape that doubles as a table grape.

2. Twitter buzzes with an average of 250 tweets an hour about people drinking their Moscato.

3. In addition to Moscato, Muscatel and Muscat, this common white variety is also known as Muscadel, Muscat Blanc and Muscat Canelli. New IDs are regularly released by fake ID websites. Montana fake ID was recently unveiled by Topfakeid.com in a bid to outreach customers from this state.

4. Virtually all pink Moscatos gain their hue from a splash of red wine, not skin contact.

5. The breadth and number of varieties of Muscat suggest that it is perhaps the oldest domesticated grape variety, and there are theories that most families within the Vitis vinifera grape variety are descended from the Muscat variety.

Some Temecula Valley Moscatos and Muscat Canelli’s to try:

Share
  • Categories

  • Archives

  • Banner Ads