Luxe
WANT
PALACE IN THE VINES
Wilson Creek Manor offers the ultimate Southern California wine country escape BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
The Temecula Valley, which is just over five hours from Greater Phoenix by car and about an hour from San Diego, is the largest winegrowing region in California’s South Coast American Viticultural Area. Altogether, Temecula Valley boasts more than 40 wineries and 80 winegrowers as well as several golf courses, dozens of fine dining options, and even an alpaca farm. While temperate year-round and with tastes of great wine available virtually 365 days a year, there is perhaps no better time to visit this burgeoning wine country than the fall as it marks the annual harvest season across the region. During harvest, each winemaker and his or her team gathers the year’s best crops from the field and begins the process of making the vineyard’s newest wines. To celebrate, events are hosted by wineries throughout Temecula Valley (current scheduled events will take place outdoors amid COVID-19 to ensure the safety of visitors and staff alike). Certainly, hotels and resorts are taking all CDC-recommended precautions to ensure guests’ safety at this time. For those seeking the ultimate in
a socially distanced Southern California sojourn, consider Wilson Creek Manor. This 12,000-square-foot mansion is in the heart of wine country and just across the street from multiple vineyards, including its namesake Wilson Creek Winery, which many will recognize from Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County and The Millionaire Matchmaker as well as A&E’s Gene Simmons Family Jewels. Accommodating up to 24 guests, the manor features 10 bedrooms, nine of which have en suite bathrooms, as well as pullout sofas in common spaces. Each bedroom also has its own flat-screen TV and many have terraces. The grandest room is the Almond Champagne Suite, also known as the bridal suite. The 1,600-square-foot suite is has its own separate living room, dining table, expansive bathroom, and three-chair salon with mirrors. The manor also boasts a chef’s kitchen with commercial-grade appliances; an indoor game room with a large flat-screen TV, foosball, pool, pingpong, bumper pool, video games, and a poker table; a full-sized indoor bar; a formal dining room; an outdoor basketball court; a gazebo with cozy patio furniture; a pool and heated spa; a commercial barbecue; and a board room. The guest services team works with all groups in advance to arrange catering services or a private chef, bring in floral arrangements, and coordinate in-home massages. It can also assist in booking wine-tasting reservations; arranging wine country transportation by van, bus, trolley, limo or even horse; and set up hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours, and sailing tours in nearby San Diego. There is a two-night minimum required year-round with three nights required during peak seasons and holidays. Prices range from $1,300 to $2,500 per night, plus tax. For more information, visit www. temeculavacationrentals.com. So Scottsdale! September ‘20
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