TEMECULA…IT'S DELIGHTFUL "OLD TOWN" AND SAN DIEGO'S CHARMING WINE COUNTRY!

NOTHING LIKE A SUNRISE BALLOON RIDE

BEAUTIFUL CITY HALL AND OLD TOWN CHARM

ONE OF THE WONDERFUL SPOTS ON OLD TOWN

Well, it's good to be back, sorry I've been away so long….this time of year is so hectic and there's only so much time in a day but I always have time for great wine!! I wanted to share a lovely spot in southern California with you, Temecula and it's charming old town! Only an incorporated city since 1989, I've watched this place and it's surrounding environs grow and prosper…the first time I visited

OLD TOWN AT NIGHT 

was more than twenty years ago when my sister moved there and since then this little town that could has become a huge tourist attraction and developed a booming wine business!! As we head on up to Wine country we can see how this business has grown, the wine that put Temecula on the map was Callaway, which no longer is the case..there are dozens of  wineries in the area now and they've starting opening tasting rooms in old town…by the way great idea, if you build it they will come….true words! We visited this beautiful tasting room in town and had some very good and interesting wines…a great Sauvignon Blanc!

GREAT TASTING ROOM IN OLD TOWN

As we head into Wine Country you will see the pastoral rolling hills dotted with Tuscan and Hacienda style wineries….we are stopping at South Coast winery, which has a beautiful hotel, restaurant and an amazing spa, I've personally been to all three! They have an enormous tasting room and gift shop, you could definitely go Christmas shopping there for the wine lovers in your life!Try there 2012 Wild Horse Peak Meritage, a tasty blend and the 2009 Wild Horse Peak Syrah!  Our next stop is Ponte Winery which is my personal favorite, they do have outstanding wines and a gorgeous property…the hotel is charming and very "GREEN"! They also have two lovely outdoor restaurants with terrific food!

MEET ME IN THE BARREL ROOM!

Their tasting room is also a spectacular gift shop as well…my favorite wines there are Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Super T(Tuscan) & Doppietta, they are made with a very Italian syle, delicious! 

WONDERFUL WINES AWAIT YOU!

AMAZING VINEYARD TERRACE VIEW!!

CURTIS GIVING THE GRAPES A BIG SQUEEZE!

THE VIEW FROM THE RESTAURANT AT PONTE

 A wonderful time awaits you in Temecula, even if you are not a wine lover…God forbid!  There is championship golf, horseback riding, hot air ballon rides great shopping and my national pastime WINE TASTING!!! 

GREAT SISTERS AND FRIENDS ENJOYING WINE, WINE AND MORE WINE!!

MORNING VIEW FROM OUR SUITE AT PONTE WINERY

HAVE A WONDERFUL TURKEY DAY…ENJOY A GREAT PINOT NOIR WITH YOUR BIRD!

SALUTE AND HOLIDAY CHEER,
 THE WINE CONTESSA