Fiery Concert Brings New Wine to Temecula

Photo: La Cereza Winery owner Buddy Linn with Benise, the star of the winery’s first concert which was a sellout.

Article by Frank Mangio

La Cereza Winery in Temecula is still buzzing over the bold flamenco style concert by Benise and his bigger-than-life 25 piece band and dancers on August 16th. It was Buddy and Cheri Linn’s first event of this kind and a home run it was!

The opening act by Maston Smith and his wild medieval costuming, electric cello and bizarre dancers sent the crowd into a frenzy.

All this is a prelude to a new wine, created especially for this occasion by the Linns and their eclectic winemaker Gus Vizgirda… the “Benise Private Reserve Sangiovese.” La Cereza is always ahead of the curve with some 33 different wine brands to choose from and this passionate addition adds to the excitement of this Spanish formatted winery.

This wine has a bold flavor with distinctly cherry characteristics, and a slightly pepper, smoky accent. The sangiovese grape is Italian Tuscan originally and winemaker Vizgirda never disrespects that, but the Spanish touches that go into most reds at La Cereza is clearly evident. It pairs nicely with most beef. It’s already picking up medals in several California competitions. Vintage is 2005.

In other Temecula wine news: hats off to Thornton Winery in Temecula Wine Country for hosting a rare Progressive Dinner featuring three award winning winemakers and one top chef together in one event. Kim Wascher of Hart Winery, Gus Vizgirda of La Cereza and Maurice Carrie Wineries and the host winemaker Don Reha of Thornton provided welcome wine conversation for guests, while executive chef Steve Pickell shared secrets about matching Temecula wines with his exclusive cuisine. His menu items are part of the new selections at the winery’s Café Champagne. See them at www.thorntonwine.com.

Wine & Cuisine Gala of the Season is Sat. Oct. 4
Here is a rare event not to be missed. It’s the Circle of Hope Gala to benefit New Haven Youth and Family Services of Vista, at the Tuscan style, custom built Casa di Fede, a private family estate created by Frank and Claudette Mercardante, just south of Temecula, Saturday October 4. A VIP reception begins at 5 pm with cocktails and formal dinner from 6 to 9pm.

I have the privilege of being one of the selected wine presenters, along with the brilliant winemaker Leon Santoro of Orfila Vineyards and Winery. His wines will be exclusive to this high-level luxurious event. Other rare insights will be provided by Chocolatier Michael Antonorsi and featured guest and the Food Network’s newest star, Chef Jeff Henderson.

Henderson’s is a real-life Circle of Hope journey which took him from the streets of San Diego to prison, where he discovered a passion for cooking. Upon release he pursued a career to Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. He has since published a best selling book and has a movie in the works. A formal Tuscan-inspired dinner will be prepared by Master Chef Carlo Di Gristina, with live music by the Cecilia String Quartet. Tickets for this special occasion are $500. for the cocktails and formal dinner, and $1,000. for the VIP Reception, cocktails and dinner. For a complete summary, call 760-630-4035 or access www.circleofhopegala.org.