Going Grape Temecula Wine Country Tours are Always Events

Going Grape Tour with Ray Falkner of Falkner Winery pouring.

by Frank Mangio

After a number of years in hospitality at Thornton Winery in Temecula, Ginger Giordano saw a space in the personal touring side of the Temecula Wine consumer experience. She knew that most wine lovers who come in to this thriving area, had no idea how to get the most out of this experience. Meantime she developed contacts at the wineries on a first-name basis and conceived a more intimate experience for wine country visitors.

“ I felt it was important to get customers what they wanted…a more personal wine tasting experience in a private or semi-private atmosphere, knowledge of the history and culture of the wines, in a relaxing atmosphere,” she said. “I take care of all the planning and transportation to each wine location. These wines in Temecula are produced on a level with Napa and Sonoma. We can offer you a balloon ride in a ‘fly and taste’ package. I have an association with Vallee d’ Brume for chocolates and desserts; and the Temecula Cheese Company will be happy to provide a platter of their cheeses, fruits and crackers. Our service includes pickup and delivery at your location…we just want the visitors to relax, and leave the driving and all other details to us.” Giordano has other ideas to make that next wine tour unforgettable. Learn more by calling 951-852-1923 or be accessing the web site at: www.goinggrape.com.


Aerate your Wines Without the Wait
It took me awhile to find out the story on the hot new product running around the wine circuit these days. It’s really a simple device that wine is poured through that creates an instant aeration, by drawing in air and velocity. It throws off a fascinating sound, like a waterfall, only it’s a pour of lovely red wine that gets lovelier to drink. It easily fits in the hand, with no power assist needed. It’s called a Vinturi! Made of glass, it eliminates the need to swirl and decant. It’s all done as it pours. The cost includes a stand and travel pouch. Locally, Wine Merchants in Carlsbad carries them for $44.99. There are special discounts for e mail and club members. Call for in questions at 760-804-9994.



Recommended ValueTastes
 Domaine du Caillou Red Rhone from Chateaneuf du Pape, 2005, $35. Beautifully crafted from the best vintage in France in years!
 Red Lava Lake County Syrah Reserve, 2004. $25. Rich tannins and good acidity, jammy blackberry mouth-feel.
 La Cereza Shiraz from Temecula, 2003. $ 18.95. Gold medaled at the Dallas competition. It’s Syrah, with a “down-under” look and feel.
 Peter Lehmann Clancy’s blend from Australia, 2004. $13. 90 point beauty from Wine Spectator. Mix of Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot.
 Catena Malbec from Argentina, 2005. $15. From the fertile Mendoza area. 100 year-old family keeps re-defining Malbec at the foot of the Andes Mountains.