Here are a few spots to kick off the adventures in oenophilia (that’s a love of wine), tips for managing the driving (hint: sip slow and eat often), and key phrases to drop along the way.
TEMECULA
Vineyards Wiens Family Cellars: For the sweetheart who’s serious about her sipping, start here. Considered one of the best in the region, this family-run winery features a beautiful tasting room, where $15 will buy you a flight of six pours, and a reserve cellar room for private groups (read: you and your date will sip the good stuff, away from the riff-raff). Wiens is also known for its red wines, with bold, bright flavors.
Wilson Creek Winery: Prefer your wine with a dash of party? Wilson is known for its fun, family atmosphere—and its crowd-pleasing Almond Champagne. On the weekends, this hotspot is practically standing-room only, where even their Golden Retrievers are part of the action. A bonus is the option to pack a picnic to enjoy in the Lower Garden, or to order food from the on-site Creekside Lounge.
Dropping knowledge: Winemaking is relatively new for Temecula, which is known more as a residential, bedroom community than a happening hotspot for grapes. The first modern vineyard opened in 1968; more than 25 wineries have opened since, and the region is now certified as an American Viticultural Area (AVA). Temecula’s climate is warmer than many grapegrowing regions and favors Zinfandel (bolder taste, fuller-bodied, fruity), as well as Syrah (spicy finish) and Cabernet Sauvignon (fullerbodied, hints of chocolate). Pinot Noir (lighter, hints of berries) doesn’t do as well here—look for it farther north, starting in Santa Ynez.
Be a Baller Want more bang for your wine-tasting buck? Book a tour with Sunrider Wine Tours. With visits to three wineries in open-air Jeeps, the tours make tastings feel like wine safaris, more than studied events in sipping.
Bonus: The tours offer local knowledge and keep you out of the car and focused on your drinking companion.
JULY 2013 | Fully cultured, yet unshaven | Four El 33