{"id":243759,"date":"2010-08-06T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2010-08-06T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sdnews.com\/bottled-up-wineries-make-a-case-for-temecula-vineyards\/"},"modified":"2010-08-06T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2010-08-06T07:00:00","slug":"bottled-up-wineries-make-a-case-for-temecula-vineyards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/bottled-up-wineries-make-a-case-for-temecula-vineyards\/","title":{"rendered":"Embotellado: las bodegas defienden los vi\u00f1edos de Temecula"},"content":{"rendered":"

Por Christy Scannell
\nEditor s\u00e9nior de SDUN
\n<\/strong>
\n\"Bottled<\/a>If you think you need to hop a plane or drive half a day to visit quality wineries\u2014perhaps in Sonoma, Napa or Paso Robles\u2014think again. Just an hour away from your Uptown doorstep, the Temecula Valley winegrowers are making delicious and affordable wines that rival what you\u2019ll find at points north.<\/p>\n

Surprised? So was I on a recent visit.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think we\u2019ll ever be one of those polished kinds of wine countries,\u201d said Peggy Evans, executive director of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, a consortium of 31 wineries founded in 1968. \u201cEverybody here owns their own hats. We know we\u2019re never going to be the King of Chards or the King of Cabs but that\u2019s OK. If people understood the blood, sweat and tears that goes into [the winemakers\u2019] efforts, they would appreciate it even more.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t always that way. Until 1989, the association had just a handful of members growing in its 33,000-acre viticulture area. But with the economic boom of the 1990s came \u201chobbyists,\u201d as Evans and her members diplomatically call them, who brought bags of money but no knowledge of how to grow grapes or make satisfactory wine. Instead of pushing for quality wine, the hobbyists marketed their tasting rooms, creating a Southern California tradition of drunken limo tours to Temecula for bachelor parties, birthdays and the like.<\/p>\n

Then came Pierce\u2019s disease, a bacterial outbreak carried by flying insects that cuts off vines\u2019 water supply. In the late 1990s, it wiped out about a third of the Temecula vineyards at a cost of $20 million. Yet the winemakers who survived say it was a blessing in disguise.<\/p>\n

\"Bottled<\/a>\u201cPierce\u2019s disease was one of the best things that could have happened to us,\u201d said Nick Palumbo, owner and winemaker at Palumbo Family Vineyards. \u201cIt caused us to rethink how we do everything, like trellising. Those of us who stayed are feeding our kids off this\u2014it\u2019s not some hobby.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joel Reese, who hosts tours at Leonesse Cellars, said that period was when growers successfully reevaluated not only how they were cultivating but what they were growing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was that saying, \u2018Nothing good comes out of Temecula\u2019 and that was very true in the \u201980s and early \u201990s,\u201d he said. \u201cBut some of that was due to growing the wrong grapes. People realized this isn\u2019t pinot noir country\u2014it\u2019s a Rhone Valley.\u201d<\/p>\n

If anyone can point to what works and what doesn\u2019t in Temecula wine country, its Leonesse\u2019s owners Mike Rennie and Gary Winder. They started farming avocadoes and citrus there in the 1970s, with Rennie eventually adding grapes as \u201csomething extra, a little romance,\u201d he said. At first they sold the grapes to other winemakers, but as their surplus grew, Rennie and Winder decided to make their own wine for friends and family. By 2002 they had opened a winery that now produces 25,000-30,000 cases per year, much of it sold over the counter in Leonesse\u2019s tasting room or through its popular wine club.<\/p>\n

Rennie is strikingly humble about his company\u2019s growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are really farmers first, and good grapes make good wine,\u201d he said. \u201cBut (compared) to the big boys (in Napa and Sonoma), we\u2019re still boutique.\u201d <\/p>\n

Whether large\u2014like big producers Callaway, South Coast and Wilson Creek\u2014or small, it\u2019s not unusual to hear Temecula winemakers talk about the importance of camaraderie in their region. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really a community, a collaborative effort,\u201d said David Raffaele, winemaker at Keyways Vineyards, one of the original wineries in the area, explaining that winemakers often visit each other to help problem solve\u2014a cooperation not found in other California wine areas.<\/p>\n

But while the winemakers meet monthly to share ideas and assess each other\u2019s wines (\u201cThey are ruthless,\u201d Evans said with a chuckle), there is no lack of competition between wineries to attract people for tastings and more. Many offer a full slate of concerts, plus space for special events and catering services. For example, Keyways hosts \u201cWine Down Fridays\u201d the second and fourth Friday of each month, which includes a meal, glass of wine and live entertainment for $15.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the best cheap date night you can find,\u201d said Mimi Harlan, Keyways\u2019 operations manager.<\/p>\n

Perhaps more extravagant, Thornton Winery\u2019s Champagne Jazz Series, now in its 22nd year, brings jazz headliners such as Dave Koz and Chris Botti to its courtyard stage. General admission ticket holders can choose from a variety of upscale drink and food options to take to their seats, while those who buy the Gourmet Supper Package (an extra $60-70 per person) receive a three-course meal and paired wines served at linen-covered tables.<\/p>\n

That rivalry is bound to expand as the number of wineries increases. Evans said six have opened in the past three years with 10-12 planned for the next two years. Ponte Family Estate Winery is expanding with a 64-room hotel, South Coast Winery is adding 52 rooms, Mount Palomar Winery just received county approval for new facilities including a restaurant and 25,000 square feet of retail space, and others are adding vineyards and generating more estate wines. Overall, Evans estimates the appellation\u2014which Riverside County rigorously protects through licensing and code\u2014could support 100 wineries.<\/p>\n

Now that the Temecula winegrowers are taking themselves seriously, what will it take for others to follow suit?<\/p>\n

\"Bottled<\/a>\u201cIf we do our job, it sells itself,\u201d said Leonesse winery\u2019s Reese. \u201cThe word of mouth has changed in the last two years. Our guest visits have been up 25 to 50 percent each year.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Palumbo, whose bottles appear on wine lists at such prestigious San Diego restaurants as A.R. Valentien and Nine-Ten, just making a terrific product isn\u2019t enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s easy to say it\u2019s good but it\u2019s another thing to say, \u2018Hey, world, you need to drink this wine,\u2019 \u201d he said. \u201cWe need somebody in the industry like a sommelier or one of the big wine magazines to stick their neck out for us and tell people what they\u2019re missing out on here.\u201d<\/p>\n

How about a community newspaper? Uptown wine drinkers, consider yourself informed.<\/p>\n

Distancia desde el centro de la ciudad:<\/strong> about 65 miles
\nTiempo de conducci\u00f3n:<\/strong> a little over an hour
\nTo get there:<\/strong> Take I-15 north, exit Rancho California Road and drive east. Wine country begins at Butterfield Stage Road. Most wineries are on either Rancho California Road or De Portola Road, which runs parallel, plus a few on the cross roads between.
\nMejor momento para ir:<\/strong> Any time, although rainy season won\u2019t allow for as much enjoyment in the beautiful vineyards and picnic areas.
\nEvitar:<\/strong> Some wineries are only open for tastings on weekends but be ready for crowds. Weekdays are better.
\nMejor para:<\/strong> Adults age 21 and older.
\nNo tan bueno para:<\/strong> If you don\u2019t like wine, stay home or be the designated driver. But please don\u2019t hang around the tasting room with your can of Bud Light.
\nNo te pierdas: <\/strong>Schedule at least one tour so you can better understand the winemaking process and perhaps talk with a winemaker.
\nPropina: <\/strong>In September, take advantage of California Wine Month with a $40 ticket that provides tastings at your choice of five participating wineries. See temeculawines.org for more information plus maps and other planning tools.<\/p>\n

Temecula is prime for a romantic weekend with your significant other. Here is a sample itinerary:
\n<\/strong>
\nSaturday<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Enjoy a leisurely drive up the I-15 and through Temecula to wine country. Stop for a couple of winery tastings, then check in to your hotel.
\n\u2022 Take in a concert and dinner at Thornton Winery\u2019s Champagne Jazz Series (ask for Katherine\u2019s section if you book a dinner table) or at another winery.<\/p>\n

Sunday<\/strong>
\n\u2022 After breakfast, travel around to three or four wineries for tastings. Call ahead for a tour appointment at the winery of your choice.
\n\u2022 During the day, enjoy a picnic lunch (either buy one from a Temecula market or order from a winery) with a crisp ros\u00e9 or sauvignon blanc.
\n\u2022 Return to the hotel to relax, visit a spa for a treatment or fit in a few holes of golf.
\n\u2022 Go for dinner at one of the seven winery restaurants. The Vineyard Rose at South Coast Winery offers a to-die-for lobster ravioli plus other well-prepared meat and vegetarian dishes and, of course, a stellar wine list in a chic setting.<\/p>\n

Monday<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Start the day with a dreamy sunrise balloon ride above the valley, followed by breakfast with mimosas.
\n\u2022 Return to your hotel to rest until checkout.
\n\u2022 Head over to Old Town Temecula (on the west side of the I-15). Stop by the clever olive oil tasting bar at Temecula Olive Oil Company and then have lunch (plus another wine tasting!) at the Longshadow Ranch Tasting Room, both on Old Town Front Street. <\/p>\n

\"Bottled<\/a>Baily Vineyard and Winery
\n33440 La Serena Way (@ Rancho California)
\n(951) 676-WINE
\nbailywinery.com<\/a>
\nPropina:<\/strong> Carol\u2019s Restaurant onsite is a locals\u2019 lunch favorite with scrumptious salads and sandwiches
\nTry this:<\/strong> 2008 Dry Riesling ($14.95)
\n

\n

\n

\n\"Bottled<\/a>Keyways Vineyard and Winery
\n37338 De Portola Road
\n(951) 302-7888
\nkeywayswine.com<\/a>
\nPropina: <\/strong>Keyways\u2019 \u201cKeyzzas\u201d\u2014gourmet pizzas\u2014were created to complement their wines. Enjoy \u201cthieve\u201d barrel tasting through August. (The valley\u2019s only woman-owned winery!)
\nTry this: <\/strong>2006 Krystal Ice Wine ($40)
\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n\"Bottled<\/a>Leonesse Cellars
\n38311 De Portola Road
\n(951) 302-7601
\nleonessecellars.com<\/a>
\nPropina:<\/strong> My best recommendation for a tour and lunch. Call for an appointment and ask for menus from Marie Fowler of The Special Event Connection. If your time is limited, Leonesse\u2019s vineyard has a self-guided tour.
\nTry this:<\/strong> 2007 Zinfandel ($36)
\n

\n

\n

\n\"Bottled<\/a>Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery
\n40150 Barksdale Circle (off of Monte de Oro Road)
\n(951) 676-7900
\npalumbofamilyvineyards.com<\/a>
\nPropina:<\/strong> For a more personal experience at this small, rustic tasting room, call ahead for a weekday tasting appointment with Nick Palumbo.
\nTry this:<\/strong> 2007 Estate Tre Fratelli Meritage ($36)
\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n\"Bottled<\/a>Robert Renzoni
\n37350 De Portola Road
\n(951) 302-8466
\nrobertrenzonivineyards.com<\/a>
\nPropina:<\/strong> This family\u2019s winemaking history began in Italy in the late 1800s so expect wines that honor an Italian heritage. Free Sunday afternoon concerts add to the ambience.
\nTry this: <\/strong>2007 Fiore Di Fano ($58)
\n

\n

\n

\n\"Bottled<\/a>Thornton
\n32575 Rancho California Road
\n(951) 699-0099
\nthorntonwine.com<\/a>
\nPropina:<\/strong> The Champagne Jazz Series sells out early but the winery\u2019s lauded Caf\u00e9 Champagne is open daily for lunch and dinner. Wine tastings are 2 for 1 on weekdays.
\nTry this: <\/strong>Non-vintage Brut ($24) (Thornton uses the M\u00e9thode Champenoise for its sparkling wines)
\n

\n

\n

\n\"Bottled<\/a>Best place to recover from wining and dining
\nLoma Vista Bed and Breakfast
\n33350 La Serena Way
\n(877) 676-7047
\nlomavistabb.com<\/a><\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s so much more fun to stay for a night or two in wine country rather than rush back the same day\u2014yet the chain hotels near the I-15 are convenient but dull. Instead, try Karl and Connie Sweigart\u2019s comfortable 10-room inn, which is perched on a hill above Rancho California Road and offers all the views and breezes you want in a relaxing weekend. Each room has its own bathroom and most have a balcony, and the common area has a widescreen TV with living room seating. A cozy outdoor hot tub is available to guests, as is a fire pit for the valley\u2019s cool evenings. Connie\u2019s decadent breakfasts feature fruit, scones and hot entr\u00e9es, plus fresh juice, coffee, tea and even sparkling wine. In the afternoon or evening, enjoy a bottle of \u201cMolly\u2019s First Crush,\u201d a wine named for the Sweigarts\u2019 gentle Shih Tzu, Molly, who quietly serves as the inn\u2019s cuddly host. Rates begin at $130 per night for two, including breakfast. Adults only.<\/p>\n

\"Bottled<\/a>California Dreamin
\n(800) 373-3359
\ncaliforniadreamin.com<\/a><\/strong>
\nFor something really different, book a hot air balloon ride with California Dreamin. The sunrise adventure\u2014yes, it\u2019s worth the 5 a.m. wakeup call\u2014takes you on an hour-long trip across the rolling valley over about five miles. Hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate will great you on arrival at the balloon\u2019s launch site, while traditional mimosas are served during the flight. After your gradual return to earth, breakfast is provided in a secluded rose garden at the private vineyard La Vindemia. Rates in a shared basket start at $133 per person.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Christy Scannell SDUN Senior Editor If you think you need to hop a plane or drive half a day to visit quality wineries\u2014perhaps in Sonoma, Napa or Paso Robles\u2014think again. Just an hour away from your Uptown doorstep, the Temecula Valley winegrowers are making delicious and affordable wines that rival what you\u2019ll find at […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1287,"featured_media":243760,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"11555","_seopress_titles_title":"Bottled Up: Wineries make a case for Temecula vineyards","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[11551,11555],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-243759","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-uptown-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243759","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1287"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=243759"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/243759\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/243760"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=243759"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=243759"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=243759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}