September is California Wine Month

by Frank Mangio
A fantastic “Camelot” of wine and a champion unmatched in all the world, California wines are celebrating September as California Wine Month.  It’s unmistakable.  More than 90% of the wine made in the U.S. is made in California.  Its diverse and compatible climate allows any wine varietal to be grown in many styles. Over 1,200 producers make wine.  The winemakers origins come from around the world. They are creative and open to experimentation to make greater wine quality.

In the south, the wine country with the greatest potential is Temecula Valley Wine Country, an assembly of some 35 plus wineries and vineyards.  Most of the growth has been in the last decade from dedicated young vintners who are standing tall with increasing quality.

Recently, a notable winery that is striving to make progressive changes, Callaway Vineyard and Winery, cut the ribbon on a spacious and attractive two story Visitors Center with 180 degree views of the valley floor and surrounding mountains. No stranger to Temecula wine lovers, Callaway was founded by Ely Callaway in 1969.  He later went on to golf equipment fame. His legacy is carried on today by owner Patricia Linn and current winemaker Craig Larson.

E. Reeves Callaway, son of founder Ely Callaway helps cut the ribbon with owner Patricia Linn on a new addition to Callaway Winery in Temecula.

One of the most fascinating features I have seen recently in a winery is Callaway’s commitment to wine enomatic stations where guests can purchase a wine debit card and select a wine, push a button for a desired wine amount and price, then place a glass under a spout for a pour, enabling the customer to try before they buy a bottle.  One of the 6 stations had an ’09 Mourvedre, a Rhone Valley Red which I felt was an excellent version. ( $28.). Contact the winery at 951-676-4001.

Keyways Winery, on the De Portola Trail of Temecula Wine Country, has a new owner.  We wish the former owner, Teri Delhamer, all the best.  She operated the only all-woman winery in SoCal and left a legacy of twenty lovely wines and a warm European style ambience.  This year to date, Keyways has harvested Muscat, Rousanne and Voignier and the grapes are looking good according to tasting room manager Jamey Fidler.  The new owners have introduced the Cork Club Room exclusive to wine club members; and the home on the property is now available as a resort rental that can sleep up to 14 people and has a private pool and hot tub.  Details at 951-302-7888.

Peter White brings his jazz guitar magic to Thornton Winery as the Champagne Jazz Series continues there Sunday September 16 at 5pm.  See www.jazzconcerts.com.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa stages their annual Grape Stomp, Wine Blessing and Harvest Festival Sunday September 23 from 4 to 7pm.  An outdoor BBQ, dancing, stomp competition and Italian village music are featured. Cost is $55., with $50. for club members.  RSVP at 866-994-6379.

The Temecula Wine Country Association is presenting its annual CRUSH, a wine and culinary showcase, on Saturday September 15 from 6:30 to 9:30pm at Callaway Winery.  Celebrating California Wine Month, the Temecula wineries will gather with local and winery restaurants in an extravaganza of food and drink.  $75. admission. Buy tickets at http://www.temeculawines.org or call 800-801-9463.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa celebrates the grape harvest with a Festival on September 23.

On a serious note, the Association is calling on those that enjoy their wine country to help protect the region by signing a petition  to request that the Riverside County Planning Commission  preserve and conserve the area as vineyard development over other incompatible interests. There have been and are attempts to introduce commercial projects in wine country that have no interest in vineyards.  See the web site or phone number above for more information.

A final  Temecula Wine Country note…in last week’s article on  my favorite white wine, Viognier, Fred Renzoni of Robert Renzoni Vineyards sent an e mail over alerting me that his winery has made a new release Viognier and added it to Pinot Grigio for a lovely $15. blend called Cantata for the summer–like days ahead. It’s a drink now 2011.  See more at www.robertrenzonivineyards.com.

Wine Bytes
California Wine month is being celebrated at Marina Kitchen in San Diego, next to the Convention Center, with several multi course wine dinners with Executive Chef Aron Schwartz’s “Modern Comfort” menu.  Special wine lists include Paso favorite Tablas Creek.  Call for details and RSVPs at 619-699-8222.

3rd Corner Encinitas has an Argentina Wine Tasting  Sat. Sept. 8th from 2 to 5pm for just $10.  Present will be Patricia Ortriz, owner of Tapiz/Zolo Wines.  A special lunch can be ordered for an additional $10.   Call 760-942-2104.

Movie night is happening at Orfila Vineyards & Winery Fri. Sept 14 from 7 to 9:30pm, with a showing of GREASE!  Cost is $8. See it on a 12 foot screen.  Bring a chair and blanket. Popcorn and wine available.  More at 760-738-6500. x 22.

San Marcos Wine Company presents Bonny Doon Wines Fri. Sept 14 from 4 to 10pm.  Barbara Smith comes in from the winery. Cost is $15.  Details at 760-744-2119.