For those of us who have been writing on wine in Southern California , watching, visiting and knowing that some day Temecula Wine Country would show its excellence in winemaking, I say that day has come. I no longer buy the “party wineries” or the “theme park” stories connected with Temecula Wine Country that have divided the larger goals of excellent wine, proclaimed by responsible vintners in this community of over 100,000. The city of Temecula owes a big debt of gratitude to the wineries that have brought in a big surge of wine visitors that helps all. South Coast Winery Resort and Spa is one of the best examples.
South Coast winemaker Javier Flores, owner Jim Carter and Master winemaker Jon McPherson celebrate another California State Winery of the Year Award.
A dream of Jim Carter, who planted seeds at 8 years old, convinced himself to buy 400 acres in Temecula in 1981, who in the mid-nineties was inspired by the movie A Walk in the Clouds and found ways to nurture his land by maximizing water, land and climate. He brought in expert winemakers who would help him establish the winery’s excellence. A later chapter would offer villas, a restaurant and world–class spa to visitors….and as he says it, “a complete wine country experience.”
This winery has been awarded over 2,500 medals for its wines, so it’s really no surprise that, for the 4th time in its history, it brought home the California State Winery of the Year at the California State Fair. This, after only 13 years of wine production.
Carter leaves no doubt that major credit deservedly goes to his winemaker team of Javier Flores, Master winemaker Jon McPherson and the winery’s outstanding staff of veteran professionals. Visit at wineresort.com.
Elegance and Style Served Up at Tasting Room Del Mar
In the middle of the Village of Del Mar is a new age, beautifully appointed tasting room featuring “vines, hops and harvest.”
It’s the exquisite, new Tasting Room Del Mar, with “small bites”dining, craft beer and a premium wine experience. Over 40 known and loved craft beers sit side by side with a carefully selected small production collection of over 100 wines. It made its debut recently with the hosts David and Evan Taylor launching the business, with Rusti Gilbert wine Director. Executive Chef is Steven Loma and Chef de Cuisine is Jenny Goycochea.
Tasting Room Del Mar had its Grand Opening recently with delicious appetizers provided by
Service Manager Victoria Abdallah and Champagne by Wine Director Rusti Gilbert.
Gilbert came from the highly acclaimed Addison and most recently The Cork and Craft. She’s put together a small production, boutique wine list with an eye on the seasonal menu for optimum pairing. The list focuses on France , Germany , Spain and about 40% California with emphasis on Rhone varietals from the Central Coast , but as Gilbert says, “the list is still evolving as we discover great new challenging wines. Syrah and Grenache are big favorites.”
I spotted a couple of personal favorites from Saxon Brown and winemaker-owner Jeff Gaffner. His home base is Sonoma but he looks high and low for the best vineyards for his wine grapes. Check out the 2009 Chardonnay and the 2012 Pinot Noir from Durell Vineyards. Gaffner will be presenting his wines at a Tasting Room wine dinner Monday July 25th. Contact Tasting Room Del Mar for details at 858-461-0124.
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