When I told my friends that I was spending a January week in Southern California they asked me where I was going. I was flying in and out of Los Angeles to visit friends and then spending 4 days in Palm Desert staying with another friend. In between I would be spending a day in Temecula. I got a lot of blank stares. Where the heck is Temecula and why are you going there? Here is your answer. In 1820 mission vineyards were established 18 miles east of Temecula at Mission San Juan Capistrano. In the early 19th century the California wine industry was located in Southern California. That area supplied most of the wines that came out of California until it was supplanted by Northern California as the wine production center of the state. In 1974 Callaway Winery was founded by the late Eli Callaway Jr. (he no longer is involved with the winery but made his fortune with Callaway golf) in the Temecula Valley. The valley is a combination of mountains as high as 12,000 feet with rolling hills. The cool ocean breezes that flow over the coastal ranges modify daytime temperatures. Vineyards are planted at 1,000 to 2,000 feet above sea level. The slightly higher angle of the sun and the relatively low rainfall leads to an early growing season (March through September). The daytime temperatures are moderated by the cool air flowing inland so they have warm sunny days and cool nights which are ideal for growing grapes (just like Napa & Sonoma). When I asked one winemaker what grape varieties grow best in Temecula his answer was, “There are cool climate grapes like Chardonnay & Riesling as well as Bordeaux varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Cabernet Franc. We also grow the warmer-climate Mediterranean types including Syrah, Grenache, Viognier & Sangiovese.” I guess there are no specialized Temecula grape varieties.In 1984 the United States Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau established the “Temecula AVA" (American Viticultural Area). In 2004 it was renamed “Temecula Valley AVA.” This is the first and only time that an AVA changed its name following its original approval.The valley area contains a population of more than 100,000 with over 40 wineries and 1,500 acres planted in vines. This is triple what existed the last time I visited the area around 10 years ago, driving north from San Diego. Most of the wineries are family-owned and quite small. Almost no wines are sold outside the tasting rooms and/or local restaurants & supermarkets/wine stores. Every winery I visited I ended up meeting and talking to the owner and/or the winemaker.The popularity of Temecula Valley Wine Country and the Pechanga Resort & Casino makes the area a large tourist attraction, especially on weekends. The wineries have lots of land surrounding their main buildings and tasting rooms and some have become wedding destination sites with live musical performances in the summer. There are many Bed & Breakfasts & some wineries have larger hotel facilities. I stayed at the Ponte Vineyard Inn located on the property of Ponte Vineyards. This 60-room 4- Star boutique hotel is a Top 10 Vineyard Hotel in the World according to American Express Departure Magazine (sent to Sent to Black & Platinum Amex members). I had dinner at their Bouquet Restaurant with representatives from the winery association and Convention & Visitors Bureau. Their gift shop may have been the most elegant I have ever seen in the past 10 years. Their wines were the best I tasted during my short stay.The next morning I was escorted to Old Town Temecula for a walking tour. WOW! Had it changed since my last visit? There are almost 650 art galleries, antique dealers, restaurants, wine bars, gift shops, boutiques, performance spaces, etc. Mid May they have Western Days with staged gunfights and bank robberies. I visited the Temecula Museum to learn about the town's past history. Walking into the Painted Gardens by Lorena mesmerized me. This garden has beautiful plants and garden décor and was next door to the Temecula Olive Oil Company where I enjoyed a tasting of locally made olive oils. The Temecula County Store tempted me with their fresh fudge and other sweet treats. I resisted the urge because my hosts had scheduled us for lunch at E.A.T Marketplace & Eatery. Fresh, organic, farm to table, with gluten free and an emphasis on local cuisine. Owner Leah DiBernardo stopped to chat & brought us the most delicious smoothie I had ever had before we finished our lunch. It was 5 Star food & service. I wish I had been in town on Saturday mornings for the Old Town Farmers market.I was heading to Palm Desert before it got dark. I chose the road through the mountains. I would not like to try this road at night. It sure requires your attention.For More Information-www.temeculawines.orgwww.pontevineyardinn.comwww.oldtowntemecula.comwww.visittemeculavalley.comwww.eatmarketplace.com
