Temecula, CA October 2024 by City Lifestyle

Let's Celebrate Fall!

Thank you for picking up this issue of Temecula City Lifestyle. As we turn the page to Fall, our Food and Wine Issue serves as a reminder of the changing season. For me, Fall means cooler weather, the excitement of football, and the anticipation of the holidays just around the corner -- a time to unite with family and create lasting memories.

In Temecula, it also means Harvest—a time when grapes are gathered and new wines are crafted. Harvest has always held deep significance across different cultures, often celebrated with feasts that bring people together. It’s a tradition that reminds us of the importance of community, our dependence on others, gratitude, and the joys of sharing good food and drink with loved ones.

I hope this issue inspires you to explore our local wineries—perhaps try one you haven’t visited yet—or dine at one of our exceptional restaurants. More importantly, I hope it encourages you to set aside time to share a special meal with friends and family. Throughout history, the simple act of breaking bread and sharing wine has been at the heart of life’s most meaningful rituals and traditions. After all, it’s hard to share a meal with someone you don’t like—meals have a way of bringing us together, fostering connection, and reminding us of what truly matters.

Enjoy the season and savor every moment.

Cheers,

SEAN ARNETT, PUBLISHER @TEMECULACITYLIFESTYLE

October 2024

PUBLISHER

Sean Arnett | sean.arnett@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Desiree Allen | desiree.allen@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kim Wilder | thekimwilder@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Scott Downing | scottdowning@mac.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Ashly Sandoval

MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER

Wynter Creative Group | kristal@wyntercreative.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Tara Gerard - Mattsson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Eric Cruz, Melissa Colombo, Kim Wilder, Desiree Allen, Sean Arnett

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Scott Downing, Shawna Sarnowski, Ashly Sandoval

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

Corbeaux Wine and Tea House brings "Funky French" flavor

Old Town Temecula

Corbeaux Wine & Tea House's signature filet mignon, marinated in raspberry and coffee served with braised leeks.

Scott Downing

Martha Culbertson's & Rebecca Farnbach's New Book Dishes

Delicious Recipes Paired with Temecula Wines

1: Executive Chef Mario Amaral Wins the So-Cal Chef Open People's Choice Award 2: Temecula Mayor James “Stew” Stewart second from the left 3: Judge Henry DiCarlo from KTLA Morning News 4: Miss Nonie Hilgesen & Family Perform the National Anthem 5: Axe Throwing was a huge hit for attendees throughout the night 6: Special Performance by the Oak Grove Dance Team, Choreographed by Kimmie Morrow and Arts Director Stacey Dove 7: Executive Chef Taylor Israelsen from Avensole Winery

22: Executive Chef Johnathan Alcala from Vineyard Rose Restaurant

Executive Chef Matthew Steffen from Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

ASHLYMSANDOVAL.MYPORTFOLIO.COM/

4 days on the market. 7 offers. 2 thrilled sellers. I can do the same for you. Call me today for a consultation. Or text me for a free copy of my book How to Sell Your Home for MORE Money.

Dare To Venture Beyond What Is There

Step into the realm of possibility and explore the transformative journey of home remodeling with us this month. we invite you to delve into the exciting world of new trends that will elevate your living space to unparalleled heights. As we embrace the theme of “explore,” envision your kitchen and bathroom adorned in the latest warm color palettes, inviting you to cocoon yourself in comfort and style.

Dare to venture beyond the ordinary and discover a design that speaks to your unique essence, crafting a home that mirrors your personality and character. Picture sleek black accents dancing harmoniously with vibrant hues, creating a captivating contrast that exudes elegance.

Embark on this adventure with us, and together, we’ll unveil a sanctuary tailored exclusively for you—a space where cherished memories are born, comfort flourishes, and life is lived to the fullest. Join us as we embark on a journey of exploration and reinvention—because your dream home awaits.

business monthly

MAHLY

MALHY Community Outreach celebrates local leaders who tirelessly work to educate and uplift our community. The dedicated individuals donate valuable resources and raise awareness about critical challenges. Through this initiative, leaders select a word that encapsulates their passion for a specific aspect of community, highlighting their positive impact. By recognizing their contributions, MAHLY not only honors their efforts but also motivates others to engage, get involved, and make a meaningful difference in our community

Pumpkin Drive in partnership with Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary

You’re invited to the fourth annual Temecula Mama Pumpkin Drive in partnership with Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary. Between Nov 1-3, repurpose your un-carved pumpkins to help reduce waste and support sanctuaries in need. Don’t miss out on this festive fall tradition and visit @temeculamama for the details on drop-off locations and times.

Corbeaux - Best Wine Bar by Quality Business Awards

Congratulations to Corbeaux Wine and Tea House for being named the 2024 Best Wine Bar in Temecula, earning the top spot with an impressive overall quality score of over 95%. Experience a unique fusion of French style wines, curated teas from Japan, China, and India, and creative cocktails — all perfectly paired with flavorful small bites!

Photography by Sarah Dupree with Dream Weaver Media

Photography by @scottdowningphotography

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top breweries and restaurants, hoping to inspire you this month to try something new -- or visit a local favorite!

Brewery

8 bit Brewing Company 8bitbrewingcompany.com/ | 951.677.2322

Ironfire Brewing Company ironfirebrewing.com/ | 951.296.1397

Black Market Brewing Co blackmarketbrew.com/ | 951.296.5039

Relentless Brewing Company relentlessbrewingandspirits.com/temecula | 951.296.9400

Garage Brewing Co - Tap Room garagebrewco.com/ | 951.600.1945

Restaurant

The Goat & Vine thegoatandvine.com/ | 951.695.5600

Small Barn Old Town smallbarn.com/ | 951.225.2820

The Gambling Cowboy ilovethecowboy.com/ | 951.699.2895

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ swinginncafe.com/ | 951.676.2321

Corkfire Kitchen corkfirekitchen.com/ | 951.587.1465

Fit 4 Fall

"By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail"

- Benjamin Franklin

With fall just around the corner, it’s vital to prepare for the wonderful time that is the holidays. I don’t mean preparation for gifting and event planning. I mean preparing your strategy to come out of the holiday season healthier than you went into it. We all know we’re about to be surrounded by an overabundance of opportunities to eat more sugar, drink more alcohol, stress more, and sleep less. If you want to buck the trend this year on weight gain, seasonal illness, and heart attacks.

Here’s your guide to actually start the New Year with positive momentum in your health goals:

4 Tips for Navigating Holiday Health Struggles to Finish 2024 Strong

1. MOVE EARLY

Getting movement in early in your day is your best chance of making it happen and it will improve your brain and body chemistry. This is a great time of year for weekend morning hikes. Short on time during the week? Search "7 Minute Workout" in your app store.

2. MAXIMIZE SLEEP QUALITY

Let's be honest, you're going to stay up later with many holiday festivities. Maximize your restoration time. Blackout your room. Avoid electronics before bed. Take an evening walk. Wind down with prayer or meditation.

3. FOCUS

ON PROTEIN

Holiday gatherings usually have food that doesn't support our fitness goals. Focus on eating protein first. This will steady out your blood sugar and make it less likely for you to overeat on sugary food.

4. GET ACCOUNTABILITY

Hard things aren't meant to be done alone. Find a friend, partner, or professional to help you stay focused on the daily habits and actions. This is often the difference between winning and losing in the weak moments we all have.

CAPTURING LIFE’S GREATEST ADVENTURES

Lifestyle photography for the Temecula Valley and Beyond! Let us capture the special moments in your family’s life! The big game, that special performance or a day at the beach. We’ll capture your Star’s Big Moment!

SHAWNASARNOWSKIPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

We aim to share our diverse menu with our community and present a different, upscale twist that you couldn't find in Temecula.

FALL F L AVOR PROFILE

CORBEAUX WINE AND TEA HOUSE BRINGS "FUNKY FRENCH" FLAVOR TO OLD TOWN TEMECULA

ARTICLE BY MELISSA COLOMBO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DOWNING PHOTOGRAPHY

Corbeaux Wine &Tea House is a refreshing, nontraditional tasting room making a name for itself in Old Town.

The name Corbeau means "crow" in French, and suffixed with an "x" serves as an homage to their offerings of Bordeaux varietals.

"Corbeaux was designed to be a restaurant featuring different educational and culinary experiences," said Schneider.

Schneider described the menu as an "intersection between traditional ingredients and modern techniques."

CONTINUED >

Corbeaux works with and features locally owned businesses in their dishes, such as the

in addition to the

Temecula Lavender Company

Old Town Spice Merchants.

The signature filet mignon which is “marinated in raspberry and coffee” with braised leeks, umami demi-glace and coffee cured egg yolk on top.

The fall menu brings these words to delicious fruition. From miso braised charred cabbage with shiso chimicurri to their signature raspberry and coffee marinated filet mignon, there is something for everyone. And of course, it wouldn't be fall without Pumpkin Spice tea and fall cocktails including Apple Spice Sangria!

The stylish design makes this spot picture perfect.

Publisher's picks! #temeculawinecountry

OUR GUIDE FOR BEST WINERIES IN TEMECULA

ARTICLE

BY DESIREE + SEAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DOWNING + SHAWNA SARNOWSKI

Europa Village: Multiple tasting rooms, diverse food options and a lively calendar of events! Altisima Winery: Stunning views, perfect for Instagram! Grazing Theory: The yummiest wine slushies and great wine selection to pair with charcuterie! Great location in Vail HQ, perfect location for a family day out. Peltzer Farm + Winery: Family-friendly most days ft. local food trucks, great selection of whites and even craft beer! Doffo Winery: Family owned, known for it’s handcrafted full-bodied reds. If you’re looking for reds, def check out Doffo! Marshall Stuart Wines: Check out the NEW tasting room located in the historic Vail HQ! Lorimar Winery: Looking for music? Live music at Lorimar - six days a week!

Experience the comfort of fully furnished cabins that blend modern amenities with rustic charm, ideal for a peaceful retreat.

DISCOVER THE SERENITY: A REIMAGINED ESCAPE

Nestled just minutes from the heart of Temecula Wine Country, the newly reimagined Native Falls Campground offers an idyllic retreat that blends the charm of the natural world with the comforts of modern living. Formerly known as Indian Oaks, this revitalized destination has become a hidden gem of the region, for those seeking a serene and unique lodging experience - one that stands apart from anything else in the area.

ARTICLE BY DESIREE ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DOWNING PHOTOGRAPHY

WHERE CONVENIENCE MEETS TRANQUILITY

While Native Falls' Campground's close proximity to Temecula's vibrant vineyards makes an excellent base for wine country out of state visitors, it's far more than just a convenient place to rest after a day of tastings. This hidden gem invites visitors to step into a world where the natural beauty of the outdoors is harmoniously paired with modern comforts. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer retreat, Native Falls is designed to offer something special for every type of traveler.

ACCOMODATIONS FOR EVERY ADVENTURE

At Native Falls Campground, accommodations are as varied as the adventures that await. For those that prefer a more luxurious escape, the fully furnished cabins are the ideal choice. These cozy cabins provide all the comforts of home - complete with modern kitchens, comfortable beds, and private bathrooms - while still offering a connection to the surrounding wilderness. The cabins are perfect for families, couples or anyone looking for a more intimate, indoor retreat. If you're drawn to a more traditional camping experience, Native Falls has you

NATIVE FALLS CAMPGROUND: WHERE TRANQUILITY MEETS ADVENTURE!

covered with it's spacious RV sites and tent camping areas. The RV sites are fully equipped with hookups, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay, while the tent sites offer an authentic, back-to-nature experience under the stars. No matter your preference, every lodging option is designed to provide privacy and a sense of seclusion within this tranquil landscape.

ENDLESS RECREATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

What truly sets Native Falls apart is it's impressive array of on-site amenities that cater to both relaxation and recreation. At the heart of the campground lies a beautiful

lake, complete with a cascading waterfall that gives the site its name. Whether you're interested in catch-and-release fishing, playing with lake toys, or simply lounging on the sandy beach, the lake is the centerpiece of fun and relaxation.

Beyond the lake, guests can enjoy a variety of recreational facilities. From the Pickleball Court and Shuffle Board to the Pool Table and hiking trails, there's something to engage every guest. Evenings at Native Falls are particularly special, with numerous fire pits available for roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the surrounding nature. For the avid hiker,

the campground's trails offer a perfect opportunity to explore the area's natural beauty. Winding through lush landscapes, these trails provide stunning views and allow you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Native Falls Campground is more than just a place to stay - It's a place where you can unwind, reconnect with loved ones, and find peace in the simplicity of nature. Whether you're drawn to the tranquil beauty of the lake, the camaraderie of outdoor games, or the joy of sitting by a crackling fire, Native Falls offers an experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

As the sun sets over the rolling hills of Temecula Valley, there's no better place to be than at Native Falls Campground. So, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and discover the magic of this reimagined retreat. Whether it's a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo escape, Native Falls promises a lodging experience unlike any other.

To make sure that their guests enjoy their stay, everyone receives a 2 for 1 tasting at both Masia de la Vinya and Danza del Sol, as well as $10 off a M-F round of golf at Cross Creek Golf Club. If you're a local, you can enjoy the fun as well; Day passes are only $25 for a family of four per vehicle.

The tent camping areas offer an authentic outdoor experience, where you can sleep under a canopy of stars.

Spacious RV sites at Native Falls over full hookups, providing all the coveniences you need for a comfortable stay close to nature.

Do The Monster Mash With These Fall-Focused Cocktails Perfect For Halloween Festivities

spook

ARTICLE BY SAM LAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

TOASTED MALLOW

• 2 ounces cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane rum, silver rum can be substituted)

• 1 ounce Galliano liqueur

• 1/2 ounce lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

• fresh nutmeg

Combine all ingredients except for the nutmeg in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a mesh fine strainer into a martini glass or other decorative glassware without ice. Shave fresh nutmeg over the top as a garnish and enjoy!

PUMPKIN BRAIN PURÉE

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka

• 1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur

• 1/2 ounce Frangelico liqueur

• graham crackers

• marshmallows

Combine all ingredients except for the graham crackers and marshmallows in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag to make a fine powder. Coat half of a martini glass with your crushed graham crackers and strain your cocktail into the coated martini glass. Layer the top of the drink with marshmallows and toast with a crème brûlée torch. Enjoy!

“FLAVORS OF THE TEMECULA VALLEY WINERIES”

ARTICLE BY KIM WILDER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWNA SARNOWSKI

Martha Culbertson's & Rebecca Farnbach's New Book Dishes Up Delicious Recipes Paired with Temecula Wines

When restauranteur and Temecula winery owner Martha Culbertson first met the illustrious French chef Julia Child, she had no idea that one day she and friend Rebecca Farnbach, a writer and Temecula historian, would write their own cookbook 43 years later. Titled Flavors of the Temecula Valley Wineries, Culbertson’s and Farnbach’s book is a magnificent hardbound, full color coffee table sized tome that invites readers and novice chefs to take a journey to one of the top winery destinations in the world and “indulge in its rich flavors” of food and local wine.

“When we were conceptualizing this book, we thought it would be wonderful if it could be a little token to take home and to prolong visitors’ experiences with Temecula wines so that they could recreate some of the experiences and savor the flavors,” Farnbach says.

“It’s delightful to change your routine,” Farnbach states. “It’s fun for people to look at the pretty pictures and then (hopefully) it’s an inspiration to them to try different flavors, plating and presentation.” Culbertson agrees. “We wanted to create a memento,” she says.

Culbertson is a native Californian whose relatives settled in Fallbrook in 1924. She is a published writer and passionate foodie. Farnbach, who is also an award-winning poet, moved with her family to the area from Pasadena in 1988. Together, the authors have more than 60 years of food, wine and writing experience here in the Temecula Valley.

Culbertson and her husband John are the founders of the lauded Culbertson Winery (now Thornton Winery) that first brought award-winning champagne style sparkling wine to the Temecula Valley in 1988. A seasoned traveler with an interest in fine food, Culbertson had owned two restaurants previously, the Fallbrook Grocery and Belle Fleur in Carlsbad. “In the ‘80s, there was no (good) food here,” Culbertson says. “So we opened Café Champagne at the winery and finally gave people a place to eat in wine country.” There, Culbertson supervised the menu, oversaw the kitchen and offered cooking classes, including some taught by her friend, Child. “That was her baby,” Farnbach says of Café Champagne.

“Martha brought fine dining into our Valley,” she proudly says of Culbertson.

Culbertson and Child enjoyed a warm friendship for many years and Culbertson would even cook for the renowned chef at her home. “Julia would come and stay with us at the ranch in Fallbrook. And I had my comeuppance one day,” Culbertson says with a smile. “When Julia came, I always tried to invite the other winery owners for lunch. One time I arranged a big lunch for Julia and I decided everything was going to come from our ranch. Zucchini blossoms were in season and instead of preparing them the classic way, stuffed with cheese, battered and fried, I decided to poach them and I stuffed them with some kind of avocado thing. They looked pretty but were God awful. So Julia looks up at me and she says, ‘Is this your recipe, dearie?’ I never cooked anything like that ever again!”

While the Culbertsons were busy running the winery and restaurant (and winning many national awards for excellence), Farnbach was getting involved in her new city and becoming familiar with the fascinating history of Temecula. “I did fall in love with Temecula, Farnbach says.

“After we moved here, my husband Darell took me to see the Vail Headquarters. It was going to be bulldozed in 1998 and we were two of the four people who championed the saving of it. We did so without attorneys – we just had the passion and the knowledge of the significance of that site. I wrote and published articles in every publication in the Valley I could because I wanted to tell the story of the Vail Headquarters. So I published a book that shared what history I had learned. And as of last year, that site is now recognized as a national historic site.”

Farnbach comes from a very long line of writers. “My ancestor William Bradford, governor of the Mayflower Colony, wrote the first book on the North American continent, called “Of Plymouth Plantation,” she says. But it wasn’t until a lunch in May of 2018 at Journey’s End restaurant at Pechanga Casino, that she and Culbertson decided to collaborate on their new cookbook.

Farnbach says of that fateful day, “We were at lunch one day and Martha shared with me this idea that she had of taking Temecula wines – choosing a red and a white from each winery – and pairing her personal recipes with them. I thought it was brilliant.”

“Rebecca is the one who knows how to get things done,” Culbertson says. Using Farnbach’s contacts in publishing, the ladies pitched their idea to Great Oak Press and signed a two book deal. COVID slowed down their progress but the duo spent that time perfecting the recipes. “Every Wednesday was our cooking day,” Farnbach says. “We had conversations about how to plate the food for the photography and it would sometimes take more than an hour per dish. Of course, Martha did the cooking and I found myself assisting with design, plating, and holding screens and photography equipment,” Farnbach laughs. Finally, Flavors was published in 2023 and contains nearly 100 recipes and accompanying wine pairings from the wineries of Temecula Valley.

The public’s reaction to Flavors has been overwhelmingly positive. “People love it,” Farnbach says. “They love the beauty of the book, they love the recipes and people love that the recipes contain ingredients that you can easily get.”

“This book features home cooking using French techniques,” Culbertson adds. “My aim was to make good food accessible. This book is so regional and really uses Rebecca’s and my experience to the utmost.”

HERE ARE SOME OF CULBERTSON’S AND FARNBACH’S RECIPE & PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Oefs – a baked egg dish that pairs perfectly with Lorenzi Estate Bella Mia Brut. Page 198

2. Chocolate Mousse with Syrup of Syrah Wine – a decadent chocolate dessert with which they recommend serving Leoness Cellars Syrah. Page 184

3. Spaghetti Carbonara – Culbertson’s version of the classic for which they recommend Bel and Vino Butterfly Effect red as a wonderful complement. Page 48

4. Chocolate Pear Tart – a reader favorite that pairs nicely with Foot Path Winery Late Harvest Zinfandel. Page 156

5. Guacamole in Crispy Cups – delectable small bites perfect as an appetizer which mesh well with the flavors of Monte De Oro Winery Nostimo. Page 248

What’s next? The ladies are planning their next book for Great Oak Press - Portraits of the Temecula Valley Wineries. “What we’re going to do is weave poetic thoughts and quotations through it,” Farnbach says. “Most of the photos are already done – mostly landscapes. It will be beautiful.”

Flavors of the Temecula Valley Wineries can be purchased on Amazon and locally at Ford + Elm, and at Citrus and Moss and Corbeaux Wine & Tea House in Old Town Temecula. You can also find them on both Facebook and Instagram @flavorsoftemeculavalleywineries.

SEPTEMBER 22ND

Peltzer Pumpkin Farm + Harvest Festival

39925 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591

Get ready for fall fun at Peltzer Pumpkin Farm! Explore the petting zoo, unleash creativity in pumpkin painting classes, and more! Open Mon-Thurs: 10am-8pm (attractions start at 4pm), Fri: 10am-8pm (attractions at 4pm), and Sat-Sun: 9am8pm. Bring the family for a day of pumpkin-packed adventures! See you there!

SEPTEMBER 30TH

Big Horse Corn Maze + Pumpkin Patch

33320 Temecula Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592

Get ready for a-maize-ing fun! Every October, Big Horse Feed & Mercantile transforms into a Harvest Festival haven, packed with family-friendly activities. Dive into our corn mazes— perfect for some good old-fashioned family bonding!

OCTOBER 10TH

Lorimar - The Killer Dueling Pianos

39990 Anza Road, Temecula, CA 92591 | 6:00 PM

Enjoy a night of music and fun at Lorimar Winery! Doors open at 6:00 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. The Killer Dueling Pianos are back—21+ only! Enjoy dancing, dinner, wine, beer, and sangria. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening—grab your friends and join us!