Ring in the New Year in Temecula Wine Country

FRANK MANGIO Dec. 18

A flood of event previews have come in from the wine capital of Southern California, Temecula Wine Country. Celebrating with friends and loved ones, in the friendly confines of a wine cellar, to me, has a lot of appeal. Some of these venues are hardly cellars; they are more like ballrooms in the vines. Check out these choices when the clock strikes 12 on January 31:

§ White Hot New Year’s at Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyard 7pm to 1am. (See accompanying photo). “White Hot” parties are big in New York and L.A.
A five course sit-down dinner with tray-passed appetizers, chicken, steak and dessert. The popular Tony Suraci band plays for dancing while guests enjoy Wilson Creek Wines and the famous Almond Champagne. $175 per person. Call 951-699-9463 for reservations.

§ Ponte Winery hosts their New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, “City Lights,” with décor and “street food” from the world’s biggest capitals. Instead of New York City hot dogs, think “lobster dogs!” A full Ponte wine list. Live music all night. $130. per person. Call 800-689-1292.

§ Flashback to the 80’s and you have the unique celebration at Wiens Family Cellars on New Year’s Eve. A luxurious menu of prime rib, king crab legs and dessert with chocolate velvet butter cake with whipped Grand Marnier mousse. A live 80’s band, the “M-80’s” will perform. $160. per person. Reservations at 951-694-9892.

§ Thornton Winery’s guests will stroll a red carpet at its Hollywood Gala party. Enjoy the King Biscuit Music Review, a gourmet meal and a balloon drop and champagne toast. $175. per person. Details at 951-699-0099.

§ Keyways will host the Black, White and Silver New Year’s Bash. A four course wine paired gourmet dinner by popular chef Steve Hamlin will be highlighted by filet mignon and prawns. Live music and dancing. Commemorative champagne glass. $135. per person. RSVP at 951-302-7888.

§ An elegant party awaits guests at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, at the beautiful Vineyard Rose Restaurant. Wine, dine, dance and delight in a huge balloon drop to bring in the new year. Nice thing about South Coast is that they have those plush villas that can be rented, while they last. Party is $120. per person. Reserve at 951-587-9463 Ext. 7205.

While you’re at Temecula Wine Country be sure to see a “Green Christmas” that includes 200,000 lights powered by solar power, a joint effort by Keyways Vineyard and Winery and South Coast Winery Resort and Spa. The nightly light show begins at both locations at dusk and lasts til 9pm. Includes horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides through the vineyards, wine and cider, carolers and surprise visits from Santa.
Most wineries have well stocked gift shops for that special wine related accessory that makes for a lovely gift. Many of them are offering discounts on their wines, and have produced special bottles for the season. The warm surroundings of an intimate shop at the wineries makes shopping ooh so easy.