Fallbrook: A Wine Country for the Future

On my visits to Temecula’s wine country I have been making the beautiful drive north on the I-15 in San Diego County for some 9 years now, passing though what is known as Fallbrook.  I have also driven though most of the Northern California and Italian wine countries, stopping to visit and soak in the natural wonders of the hillsides, the aroma of farming and the fresh scent of a nearby ocean.

The only difference is that on the I-15, there are hundreds of avocado trees on the hillsides.  My vision of this area, some day in my lifetime, sees grapevines. The pioneer and model for what I believe is coming, is Fallbrook Winery.  Started as a vineyard in 1981, it moved into mainstream high quality red and white varietals.  There are 36 terraced acres about 1,000 feet above sea level.

The newest winery in Fallbrook, just off Interstate 15, is Estate  D’ Iacobelli, with its
traditional tasting room, shown above.

Only two other wineries were listed as being in Fallbrook, both tiny, until recently. Ronei and Lisa Iacobelli divide their time between Michigan and Southern California, pursuing health care careers in Michigan and their passion for wine in Fallbrook.  Ronie is the son of Italian immigrants where wine was a part of life, and he crushed many a grape in Michigan . Fast forward to Temecula where, in 1998, the couple bought a vineyard along the Deportola Trail. In 2013 they got an opportunity in the hills of Fallbrook for a 15 acre estate to grow grapes, make wine and live in a beautiful home on the property.  “We knew at first sight this was the best location for the highest quality growing conditions.” he said.


 They have just had a grand opening for their Estate d’ Iacobelli tasting room.  The views from this hillside site just over the Pala Mesa Golf Resort are stunning.  The guest residence has two bedrooms and a “great room” with spruce ceilings, an enormous firplace and opens to a private courtyard and swimming pool. A casita guest house also has two bedrooms , a cozy living area with a full kitchen.  Walking trails allow guests to hike though the vineyards. For rates, contact the winery.

A walk though the newest wine releases  offered by Estate d’ Iacobelli revealed 6 choices, including a lone white wine, Viognier, which  could be purchased two ways:  the 2011 vintage ( $32.), and a “Sticky Fingers” 2010 late harvest silky sweet version  for desserts ($26.).

Taste Of Wine columnist Frank Mangio and Estate d’ Iacobelli owner Ronei Iacobelli.

The lineup of estate reds mostly centered around Sangiovese, that quintessential native grape from Tuscany .  Iacobelli has a 2010 vintage of 100% Sangiovese ($36.), and a 2009 and 2010 “Rodolfo Red” blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and mostly Mourvedre, a Rhone Valley French style red.  ($30. and $28.).

One trip to Estate d’ Iacobelli and you will sense the future of wine in Fallbrook.
Public hours are Thurs. thru Sun. 11 to 6pm, Mon. thru Wed. by appointment.  Call 760-723-0616. Visit www.estatediacobelli.com.

I’m Just Wild About Harry’s
Stefano Poggi is as good a presenter of Italian wines as it gets.  Veteran restaurateur and new owner of Harry’s Bar & American Grill, Garo Minassian chose Poggi, who is the Import Director of Batasiolo wines  of Piemonte Italy, to orchestrate his first wine dinner on La Jolla Village Drive, just north of San Diego.

Harry’s Bar & American Grill owner Garo Minassian and
Batasiolo wines Import Director Stephano Poggi.

He also wanted to showcase his Executive Chef Alejandro Vicens and his creations.
Both presentations were triumphs.  Chef’s Rack of Lamb and Roasted Venison wowed the assembled, and Poggi’s Barolo cru Corda della Briccolina 2007 matched up to perfection.  The local Harry’s is a close relative of the world famous bar in Venice , Italy and radiates Bon Appetito!  Visit at www.harryslajolla.com.

Wine Bytes
Wiens Family Cellars in Temecula has its Summerfest Backyard BBQ Fri. July 18.  Entertainment at 7pm, and doors open at 6pm.  Try wines or brews, both from Wiens.  Price is $35. for a full menu plus!  Phone 888-98-WIENS.

Cohn Restaurant Group and Vintana Restaurant in Escondido has the leading Mexican-American vintners of Napa Valley in a “walk-about” wine tasting from 6 to 8pm on Sat. July 19.  Eight leading winemakers will be accompanied by seasoned Vintana sommelier Maurice DiMarino.  Tickets are $25. ea. Call 760-745-7777 or dinevintana.com.

Frank Family Vineyards of Napa Valley will lead a special wine dinner at West Steak and Seafood in Carlsbad Tues. July 22nd at 6:30pm.  Chef Eugenio Martignago has created an exciting 6 course menu to pair with these fabled wines.  Cost is $130. pp.  760-930-9100 RSVP.