Why not experience Temecula Wine Country with a guide who knows the area perhaps as well or better than anyone else. You can reach Tom Plant at (951) 907-9701 or via email at tom@wineormous.com.
More than 50 years ago, Vince and Audrey Cilurzo drove through Temecula, and encountered a gentleman who told him he believed the area would be ideal for growing wine grapes. They did their homework and were intrigued enough to buy some land and plant a vineyard. One afternoon, a gentleman drove up, introduced himself as […]
I named my blog WINEormous and a year later began offering winery tours in the Temecula Valley. I felt the relationships I had forged with members of Temecula’s wine community would be of interest to those wanting to visit this unique region. I offer visits to three wineries, spending up to an hour at each. […]
In 1982 a group of Temecula wine lovers got together and formed a group, calling themselves “Women on Wine.” In 1986 they became a bit more inclusive and changed their name to the Temecula Valley Wine Society. The TVWS is a non-profit dedicated to the appreciation of wine through fellowship and is open to anyone […]
When Paula Arlich returned from summer camp at age eight, she announced to her mother “I need to have a piano.” Her love affair with the keyboard apparently began when she was three, although she doesn’t remember it. She began formal piano lessons at age four and began writing music when she was 12. “I […]
Tonya Wake began her career at Thornton Winery in 1994 as a receptionist. She’s worn several hats in her tenure: she was office administrator working in several different departments, she helped out in accounting and “did any miscellaneous job they needed.” She was eventually put in charge of Thornton’s concert series, now in its 30th […]
I caught up with Ken at his iconic shop and we talked about what’s going on at his shop since we last visited. He’s added guitar, piano and voice lessons and says, “That’s pretty cool.” Three other teachers work with him instructing guitar, trumpet, trombone and piano and another instrument repairman besides him. Ken teaches […]
When this year’s Champagne Summer Concert Series gets underway at Thornton Winery, it will mark a milestone. 30 years of great music at Temecula’s landmark winery. The full schedule was recently released, and you can find it in this month’s entertainment section. Director of Operations, Tonya Wake, told me most artists have already been confirmed.
Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz, Kenny G, Michael McDonald, Chris Botti, Brian Culbertson and Chris Isaak will all be returning to the Thornton Champagne stage. “Most of the best ones will be here along with a few new people.”
The two met in 1989. She was a music student at Mira Costa College. She decided at age 32 she wanted to be a singer and felt “I’ve got to do it right.” While taking vocal courses and studying music theory, she auditioned for a Manhattan Transfer type vocal group. She also backed up a […]
Balanced Breakfast has nothing to do with a morning meal. Instead, it’s a networking group of music industry professionals: musicians, producers, engineers, booking agents and the like. Over breakfast, they discuss actions they can employ to help musicians and industry professionals make money doing what they love. There are more than 25 chapters of Balanced […]
My relationship with the Wilson family dates back to 2009. I had just launched my website, WINEormous, and saw Bill Wilson on Mornings on 2 on the Los Angeles Fox affiliate. It was harvest time, and Bill was talking about the grapes that had already been harvested and shared his thoughts on how he envisioned […]
