Still relatively unknown to many wine lovers is the up and coming Temecula Valley, located between Los Angeles and San Diego. Temecula Valley continues to produce more award winning wines year after year, making fine wine tasting a short day trip for many Southern California residents. Here are five wineries not to miss when wine tasting in the Temecula Valley.
1. Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyard
Wilson Creek is one of the most popular wineries in the Temecula region, and with good reason. Their award winning wines have reached international fame with their “Almond Champagne” being coveted by wine lovers around the world. 2009 was an eventful year with numerous medals awarded for many of their signature vintages. Wilson Creek is known as the “unofficial official winery” of many U.S. Navy ships, including eight aircraft carriers!
With an annual case production of 30,000 many are surprised to learn Wilson Creek Winery is a family business. Founded by Gerry and Rose Wilson in 1998, their entire family is involved in all the day-to-day operations. The grounds feature a beautiful gazebo, a spacious lawn for weddings and concerts, a scenic picnic area, and a new Creekside Grille restaurant, where guests can dine alongside the vines.
One wine not to miss: splurge for the chocolate shot glass and try a mix of the Almond Champagne and signature
Port.
2. South Coast Winery Resort and Spa
South Coast Winery may sound familiar as they beat out all other California wineries to be judged as Best California State Winery of the Year for 2008 and 2009.
Founded in 2003, the property features the Vineyard Rose restaurant, 76 luxurious villas, a full-service day spa and salon, and concerts. With an annual case production of 65,000 the talented winemaking team of Jon Mcpherson and Javier Flores certainly keep busy. Grapes for South Coast Winery are grown in the valley of Wild Horse Peak, on the eastern side of Mount Palomar, 2,200 feet above sea level. The extra sunshine the area receives helps produce exceptional grapes for these award winning wines.
One wine not to miss: Black Jack Port – a blend of 85% Zinfandel, 10% Alicante Bouschet, and 5% Malbec.
3. Miramonte Winery
Started in 2000, Miramonte was founded by then 32-year old Cane Vanderhoof. Vanderhoof’s vision and strong desire has pushed Miramonte to the forefront of Temecula Valley wineries. In 2008, Miramonte purchased a neighboring piece of undeveloped Rancho California Road, extending the estate vineyard to 13 acres.
Miramonte Winery features some amazing after hours events, such as Flamenco Fridays, since the winery’s inception in 2001. Other after hours events include Saturday Blues Jam and Laugh Jam at Miramonte. These tastings have become some of the signature events known throughout the Temecula Valley.
The boutique winery produces 5,000 cases a year focusing primarily on Rhone varietal wines and blends. Miramonte features an excellent line-up of both red and white wines, all worthy of a taste.
One wine not to miss: Opulente – Temecula Valley, Red Meritage. Aged in oak for 20 months, this is a multiple gold winner for Miramonte.
4. Falkner Winery
Falkner was founded in 2000 and is located atop a hill with beautiful views of the Temecula Valley. The picturesque grounds feature the Pinnacle Restaurant, reception and banquet facilities, and an art gallery. One of Falkner’s signature events is free jazz on Sundays, which has been a popular event in Temecula Valley.
When visiting the winery, be sure to check out the wine appreciation class schedule. Over the years, Falkner Winery has earned a reputation for their educational wine appreciation classes.
Many Falkner wines have won numerous awards – some of their most decorated wines include the Amante, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Meritage.
5. Callaway Vineyard and Winery
Callaway was formed by the legendary Callaway golf family. In the late 1960’s Ely Callaway traveled to Temecula and found the perfect spot to plant his vines. In the 1970’s he made a permanent move to winemaking and defied experts who once said Southern California was an unsuitable spot for planting grapes. Callaway sold the business to Hiram Walker in 1981 when he retired, but came back as a leader in the golf industry with his “Big Bertha” golf club.
Today, Callaway Vineyard and Winery remains one of the top producers of America’s favorite wines. The winery has grown and there is an onsite restaurant, Meritage at Callaway, which was recently named one of the “Hot 100 Restaurants in the Inland Empire” in Inland Empire Magazine.
One wine not to miss: Winemaker’s Reserve Calliope White featuring aromas of baked peach, exotic fruits, and vanilla. A unique blend of flavors including dried apricot, tangerine, and creamy, toasty butterscotch, make this one of their best wines.
For more information on all wineries in the Temecula Valley region, check out Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association.
