by Maggie Avants, Senior Staff Writer
September is California Wine Month and southwest Riverside County residents don’t have to drive far to take part in the statewide celebration.
“This month, millions of tourists will come to our state from around the world to sample our vintages and enjoy the many other attractions that our several distinct wine regions have to offer,” stated Gov. Jerry Brown, in a proclamation. “I hope that many Californians will join me in raising a glass to the pioneers, beginning with Padre Kino, who helped bring this amazing bounty to California, and the many diligent and innovative workers today who help the industry continue to thrive.”
Locally, a variety of events are planned all month long in Temecula Valley Wine Country as harvest gets underway. For instance, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association and its 31 member wineries are offering the SIP! Temecula Passport again this year. For the price of a $40 ticket per person, guests can visit four wineries. The special runs Sept. 1-30.
Or join winery owners, winemakers, growers and restaurateurs for a wine and culinary showcase from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Wiens Family Cellars. The event, called CRUSH, allows guests to enjoy a walk-about tasting of award-winning Temecula wines and culinary bites from local and winery restaurants. The price is $85 per person. A VIP experience is also offered for $110, granting access to join six to eight Temecula Valley winemakers for a private tasting.
Rosie Wilson, who along with husband, Gerry, owns Wilson Creek Winery, agrees it is an ideal time of year to visit wine country. While the winery has harvested all of its white grapes, and some of its red ones such as Zinfandel and Malbec, it is awaiting the ripeness of many other varieties.
“Any time is a good time to visit Wilson Creek Winery, but Autumn is a particularly good time—governed by the weather and the chance to see grapes ripe for the picking,” Wilson said. “We have tours of the vineyard and the making of the wine that are fascinating. There is always something going on!”
For those looking to go beyond tasting, Wilson Creek is hosting its Wine Academy from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13. Led by their winemaker, the session will be all about the science of red wines. Reservations are preferred for the two-hour, fee-based class and can be done so by calling 951-699-9463.
And at Thornton Winery, enjoy live entertainment as the venue’s Champagne Jazz Series continues on Sept. 13, 27 and 28. Thornton is in its 26th year of providing a lineup of nationally-renowned artists.
More information about SIP!, CRUSH and other California Wine Month events in Temecula Valley Wine Country can be found by going online to Temeculawines.org or calling 951-699-3626.
Guests can also look forward to Temecula Valley Wine Country’s 24th annual Harvest Celebration Barrel Tasting Weekend, set for Nov. 1-2.