by tony reverditto
Back in 1982, when I was a food server, our team took a field trip from Palos Verdes to Callaway Vineyard & Winery for a wine tasting. The restaurant where I worked, The Hungry Tiger, was serving Callaway wine. Management wanted us to learn the history and enjoy the tasting room so we would be more knowledgeable about their wines.
Callaway — founded in 1974 by golf legend Eli Callaway — was the first winery to open in Temecula Valley. However, the first commercial vineyard in the area was established in 1968 by Hollywood couple Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo. The Cilurzos planted the first 40 acres of grapevines on Rancho California Road, which was just a dirt path, and eventually expanded to 100+ acres.
Since then, the region has exploded to nearly 50 wineries and 33,000 acres of vineyards. Make no mistake, Temecula Valley loves to celebrate California Wine Month each September in a big way. The weather is perfect, and visitors see and experience the makers and mavericks working hard to provide their own unique brand.
Wine Month includes onsite tastings and demonstrations, tours, live entertainment and farm-to-table culinary experiences. Visitors can crush grapes underfoot while marveling at the sight of colorful hot air balloons floating over the visually stunning vineyards.
Here are just some of the events that are planned . . .
CRUSH SHOWCASE CELEBRATES WINE LIFE
One of the premier events in Temecula Valley during California Wine Month is CRUSH Wine & Culinary Showcase on Saturday, September 7 at Monte de Oro Winery. This extravaganza features live entertainment, wine and food from 30+ wineries, restaurants and caterers, all at this location. Mix and mingle with winery owners and winemakers at this outdoor walkabout event, which will include live entertainment by Jack French on acoustic guitar. temeculavalleywinegrowers.ticketspice.com/crush-2024
ART IN THE VINES
During the first week of September, guests can watch local artists paint at several wineries and vineyards, including Avensole Winery, Briar Rose Winery, Chapin Family Vineyards, Cougar Vineyard and Winery, Churon Winery, Danza del Sol Winery, Domaine Chardonnay, Europa Village, Falkner Winery, Frangipani Estate Winery, Gershon Bachus Vintners, Leoness Cellars, Lorimar Winery, Mount Palomar Winery, Oak Mountain Winery, Palumbo Family Vineyards and Ponte Vineyard Inn.
The artwork will be on display at Temecula Valley Museum from Monday, September 9 to Monday, September 30. Visit the museum in Old Town Temecula and vote for your favorite art piece until September 26, when the winner will be announced.
GREAT TASTE OF EUROPA
Europa Village Wineries & Resort will host its third annual Great Taste of Europa Wine & Food Festival on Sunday, September 15. Experience diverse flavors, discover new wines, and enjoy a variety of live entertainment. The festival will feature 50+ award-winning European wines, European-inspired bites, a dedicated beer and spirits garden in the newly opened Vienza Italian Garden, and the opportunity to support local culinary talent. Indulge in culinary treats inspired by France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Greece. A portion of ticket sales will go toward local culinary arts education programs. Local students will work alongside Executive Chef Hany Ali and other seasoned chefs. europavillage.ticketspice.com/the-great-taste-of-europa
PECHANGA’S 2ND ANNUAL TACOS AND TEQUILA FESTIVAL
Indulge in a variety of gourmet tacos crafted by Pechanga’s chefs and sip on some of the best names in tequila and mezcal on Saturday, September 14 starting at 11 a.m. pechanga.com/entertain/tacos-tequila-festival
GRAPE STOMPS
Callaway Vineyard & Winery will host Sip, Stomp & Play, the annual grape-stomping extravaganza, on Saturday, September 7 at 7 p.m. The event includes an “I Love Lucy” look-alike contest, live music and dancing, mouthwatering food, a pie-eating contest, a Hula-Hoop contest, a cornhole tournament and delicious wines. callawaywinery.com/collection/events
Ponte Winery will host its 22nd annual grape stomp on Sunday, September 22 at 4 p.m. A spectacular harvest-Italian-themed dinner, music and dancing. The grape stomp competition will include prizes. pontewinery.com
Somerset Winery will host its 6th annual Grape Stomp on Saturday, September 28 at 1 p.m. Each ticket will be for a team of four adults and include a bottle of wine and a chance to compete for fun prizes. Costumes are encouraged, and prizes will be provided for the best-dressed teams. somersetvineyard.com
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa will host weekend grape stomps in its Vintner’s Garden throughout September. Admission includes mix-and-match cases of wine, tastings and stomping.
Wine-blending classes are held every Wednesday in September from 5 to 7 p.m. The wine experts at South Coast Winery share their passion and knowledge of wine blending with guests. The classes are fun and include a friendly wine competition at the end.
September 4 – Reds blending
September 11 – Whites blending
September 18 – Sweets blending
September 25 – Reds blending
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm and Harvest Festival’s 28th Season will include a petting farm, pony rides, a tractor garden, Peltzer Express train rides and carnival games. The event will take place from Monday, September 23 to Monday, September 30. peltzerfarms.com
Temecula Carriage Company will offer a private vine-to-wine tour on a horse-drawn carriage followed by a grape stomp competition for groups of up to eight. temeculacarriageco.com
There are fantastic music events happening throughout the month. To get details for specific wineries, visit temeculawines.org/events/winery-events
After a full day of touring and sipping, frolicking travelers can pair their experience with a stay at one of Temecula Valley’s many resorts, hotels or short-term rentals. Find rates and availability at visittemeculavalley.com/hotels
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE – Wine Month Flights & Bites
During Wine Month, several restaurants, hotels and wineries will offer exclusive wine and food pairings designed to highlight the best of the region. Enjoy a blend of locally selected wines and delicious bites for a truly memorable experience. Beginning September 1, a digital pass program will invite guests to earn points and redeem prizes from participating wineries and restaurants. visittemeculavalley.com/wine-month