California Wine Country is generally considered to be the counties of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino north of San Francisco. World-renowned vintages draw millions of visitors a year to the area’s famous wineries.
Here’s a secret – For a real treat visit Southern California Wine Country. The town of Temecula is the center, which sits equidistant and just about an hour from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County.
The picturesque valley with a sublime Mediterranean climate is home to more than 35 wineries that have cultivated over 3,500 acres of vineyards.
While northern California wine country is considered to have started as far back as 1856 when Hungarian immigrant Agoston Haraszthy planted his first vines, wine grapes wouldn’t be planted in Southern California until over one hundred years later.
In several different locations throughout the valley, Richard Break and Leon Borel, working for the newly formed Rancho California Development Corporation, planted 56 different varieties of grapes. And John Moramarco planted a thousand acres for the Brookside Vineyards and Winery in 1967.
The town of Temecula wasn’t finally incorporated until 1989.
The Temecula Valley is now recognized as a full-fledged appellation, legally defining it as a wine-producing geographical area. The Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is gaining well-deserved recognition and has received over 5,000 awards for its wine.
During the spring and summer Temecula Valley is verdant with greening vineyards and growing grapes.
To celebrate the beginning of a new season, the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is held annually during the first weekend of June at the Lake Skinner Recreation Area, just ten miles from Temecula.
This spring festival has balloon launches in the early mornings, and balloon glows in the evenings. Also included is wine tasting offered by 20-plus wineries, wine competitions, and even food and wine parings.
Your wine is accompanied by concerts each evening: Friday features country music, Saturday its classic rock, and Sunday evening is just right for cool jazz.
Exhibits of fine art take place within the wine gardens, along with an arts and craft fair, as well as a Kids Faire.
The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival has been going strong since 1983, when there were just 6 wineries in the region.
Harvest of the heavy, ripe fruit in the fall is worthy of another celebration – AutumnFest, a three-month long celebration of the area’s wineries.
In September Temecula Valley proudly participates in California Wine Month. Take your SIP Passport with you on your self-guided tour where passport holders can savor wine tasting at five of the Valley’s premier wineries, along with enjoying special savings.
October is when the Old Town Temecula Fall Rod Run attracts over 30,000 auto enthusiasts to participate in the Friday Night Cruise, and the Saturday Show and Shine. Hundreds of of the finest vehicles – all pre-1974 – are proudly displayed.
And in November the eagerly anticipated Harvest Celebration Barrel Tasting is finally underway. This food and wine adventure is self-guided at more than 30 participating wineries. At each stop you’ll find barrel samples of unfinished wines that are not available to the general public. Along the way you can sample finished wines and delicious foods.
Throughout the three-month long AutumnFest, the various wineries get in on the fun with other exciting events including Wilson Creek’s Sunset Jazz in the Vines, and Mount Palomar’s Grape Stomps. You can participate in everything from South Coast’s Blessing of the Wine Celebration, and Monte de Oro’s Rocky Horror Halloween Bash.
The Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is truly an exciting place to enjoy both traditional and cutting-edge wines. It’s a must-do for all wine enthusiasts, whether you are just looking for a special vintage for your dinner table, or you are an aspiring sommelier.
Alice Perkins is a timeshare travel blogger for RedWeek.com, the largest online market place for timeshare rentals, where vacationers can find luxury accommodations for less than the cost of a typical hotel room.
Photo Credit: cityoftemecula.org
