The Mondavis Move On and Up

by Frank Mangio
Quietly, without fanfare, Michael Mondavi, favored son of the great one of wine, the late Robert Mondavi, is re-building his place in the Napa Valley Wine Hall of Fame. Michael’s story is the stuff of legends, after 40 years and 2 empires. The current success is Folio Fine Wine Partners.

TASTE OF WINE visited with Michael recently at his estate in Napa Valley and found the passion and heritage in place, but with a relaxed and mild-mannered posture. If we fast-rewind the clock back to 1966, when Robert Mondavi Winery was first-born, Michael was already winemaking and with fire in his belly. He was determined to show his father he could be every bit as good as Mondavi confidants Warren Winiarski and Mike Grgich, two Napa greats, who would later leave Mondavi and present wines that would topple French dominance in the “Judgement of Paris” in 1976.

Michael is now beyond the go-go days that ground out one of the largest public wine companies in the world. In 2004, he and his son Rob, daughter Dina and wife Isabel combined fine family wine with world-wide premium wines from Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.


Mondavi patriach, Michael Mondavi, founded Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa producers and importers of wine from exciting countries around the world.

The tradition continues as son Rob is now the winemaker at Folio, highlighted by the 2007 M, a Cabernet aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 22 months. The wine is rich yet supple, and has soul beyond its years. This is Michael’s signature wine. It was racked several times then cellared15 months in bottle before release.( $200.) Michael was quoted as saying that “wines are like people; some age quickly and flame out; others continue to improve over the years. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

It’s been a long time since the chaos of the boardroom at Robert Mondavi Winery and age has been kind to Michael Mondavi and his true family. He and his son are making the best wine of their lives and he is a happier man for it. See for yourself at www.foliowine.com.

Vigilucci’s Restaurants Pour It On
Roberto Vigilucci and his team of restaurant managers are running fast lately, with an array of wine events that have stirred a lot of attention. From Coronado to Carlsbad, Vigilucci’s and fine wineries have paired up to treat guests to world-class names.

Two recent occasions included Chateau St. Michelle, pouring at the Carlsbad Coast Highway location; and the premier winery in all of Italy, Castello Banfi based in Tuscany, in a special appearance at the original Encinitas Vigilucci’s. Vittorio Homberger, the affable manager in the Carlsbad coast location, runs a lovely, contemporary seafood and steak Vigilucci’s with a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean.

Chris Livingston with Marc Lipovac of Southern Wine & Spirits, help manager Vittorio Homberger at a recent Chateau St. Michelle wine event at Vigilucci’s Carlsbad.

Based in Washington, Chateau St. Michelle is a major west coast wine producer with a portfolio of familiar fine wines. This night, we were treated to a wine that made my top ten last year: the 2008 Eroica Riesling, a product of the genius of Chateau St. Michelle’s winemaker and Germany’s best winemaker, Dr. Ernst Loosen. The name itself is a product of the musical genius of Beethoven and his Third Symphony. It sells for $25. You will love the crisp acidity. Another that has showed up on my previous Top Ten lists is Erath Pinot Noir from Oregon. It is in top form with the current 2008 release.( $19.). Fruit forward silky finesse with concentrated structure. In Encinitas,

Manager Paolo Pastorelli brought in Castello Banfi with their Educational Director Sharron McCarthy. Sharron informed us that 3 generations of the Mariani family have guided Banfi to a prime position in the Italian wine world, from Castello Banfi in Montalcino, Tuscany, to Banfi Vintners a world-class wine distributor.

“The reds with the Banfi banner are made on our 7,100 acres of vineyards near Montalcino that have virtually 100 micro-climates, enabling Banfi to produce wine grapes from Pinot Grigio to Brunello,” she said. She was especially fond of the 2007 BELNERO, an exciting Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and French varietals, and made a point to remind us that Banfi reds are best served at 64 to 67 degrees instead of “room temperature.”

Castello Banfi is a featured visit on the TASTE OF WINE Tuscan Tour October 7 to 10, part of our Celebrity Mediterranean Cruise from October 10 to 20. You can find out more by calling 800-359-3772.

Wine Bytes
Meet the Chefs of Del Mar Sun. Apr.10 at the Hilton Del Mar from 1 to 4pm. Top chefs are presenting their best dishes and fine wines. Drawings for exciting food and wine prizes. Tickets are $125. VIP $185. All proceeds to Casa de Amparo. Visit www.casadeamparo.org or call 760-754-5500.

Wine Vault in San Diego brings in Cass Winemaker Ted Plemons for a wine dinner Sun. Apr. 10 from 5 to 9pm. Ted has made my column many times with his Paso Robles Rhone Valley style. Reception at 4:15pm. Cost is $49.50. Contact by phone at 619-295-3939.

Keyways Vineyard and Winery in Temecula has its annual birthday Karnival Sun. Apr. 10 from 3 to 6pm. Games, food, wines and more. $25. for club members, $35 non-members. $10. for kids 5-12. Call 1-877-KEYWAYS.

Orfila Winery in Escondido has its next Concert in the Vines with artist Laura Roppe singing Sun. Apr. 10, 4:30 to 6:30pm. Tickets are $20. Call 800-868-9463.

Flemings Steakhouse & Wine Bar in La Jolla has a Justin Winery event Fri. Apr. 15 at 6:30pm. Appetizers and a 4 course dinner. $95. pp. Call for an RSVP at 858-535-0078.

Bang the Drum for Temecula Wines

by FrankMangio

My in-box is loaded with optimistic news on Temecula Wine Country. It’s time to catch a rising star in the wine world. (Are you paying attention Wine Spectator ?)

Peggy Evans, Executive Director of the Winegrowers Association just added Krista Chaich to the marketing team to further fine tune the message of Southern California’s home wine country, with 30 some vineyards and wineries that specialize in Mediterranean climate grapes.

Long-time wine marketing pro Karen Lindstrom is now in Catering Sales and Marketing for Callaway Vineyard and Winery, and it looks like the long-awaited Europa Village is headed to reality. I was recently contacted by a spokesman.

Over at Falkner Winery, the irrepressible and suave Angelo Abril is now Restaurant Manager for the premier Pinnacle Restaurant for Ray and Lorreta Falkner. The pair hosted an elegant holiday winemaker 5 course dinner with Falkner’s best wines, including my favorite, the 2006 Amante Super Tuscan style blend.(39.95)

Angelo Abril, Falkner Winery’s Pinnacle Restaurant Manager, and Ray Falkner with his wife Lorreta, are combining to help bring Temecula wines to the next level.

It marries up the flavors of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc. Pinnacle is offering Mediterranean style lunches since executive chef Gianni Ciciliot got his hands on the menu. A leading regional publication has awarded Pinnacle “Best Restaurant” the last 3 years. It will be open for Valentines Day Wine Dinners on Saturday through Monday February 12, 13 and 14 with timed seatings. Call for an RSPV and price at 951-676-8231 ext 1.

Over at Keyways, Terri Pebley and her winemaker David Raffael, introduced me to their latest wine, Traditions, a Merlot varietal from the Woodworth Vineyard in nearby Deluz. It has an irresistible ruby color with rich flavors of plum, cherry and mocha. ($31.) Keyways Voignier is always rich and complex with tropical notes, accents of peach and apricot, and the 2009 version carries this tradition. ($27.)

South Coast Winery, Resort and Spa is breaking new ground with a new release for a new label, from a new vineyard in southeastern Monterey County. Its’ called Saint’s Valley Winery and its first release is the 2010 White Zinfandel with a price starting at $3.99. Master Winemaker Jon McPherson promises a new day for this “blush” historic varietal.

A new book has just been launched by Temecula writers and publicists Tom Plant and Linda Kissam called A Recipe for Temecula Wine Country ( $19.98). It’s a contemporary cookbook featuring recipes from 22 of Temecula’s finest wineries. Vivid color pictures make it a mouth-watering experience, with pairing suggestions and recipes.

The book is already in circulation at local wineries and is coming soon to Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Call Linda Kissam for locations at 951-526-4540.

The next big Temecula winery event is the World of Wine 2011 Saturday March 5 and Sunday March 6. It’s barrel tasting and gourmet food servings in an all-day self guided tour. Limited time pre-sale two day ticket is $89. Check in at www.temeculawines.com for details. www.lacostawineco.com

Wine Bytes

Valentines Day in a winery and vineyard…now that’s romantic! Here are more choices in Temecula.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa has a Valentines Wine Dinner on the 14th from 5:30 to 9:30pm. The chefs have a special menu and live music. $95. pp with a select bottle of wine. RSVP at 951-587-9463 ext 7237.

Tesoro Winery has a “Dolce Pomeriggio” ( sweet afternoon) Sat. Feb. 12 from 4 – 7pm. Wine, Champagne, chocolate and love songs with the Deek and Long duo. Cost is $26. ea. Call 951-308-0000.

Oak Mountain has a winemaker dinner Sat. Feb. 12 from 6 – 9pm. Four course Filet Mignon dinner with chef Michael from the Ritz Carlton and Oak Mountain favorite releases. Ticket sales at 951-699-9102.

Thornton Winery has its Romantic Rendevous Sat. Feb. 12 at 7pm. Adults only Valentines Day celebration with strolling violinists. Choice of glamorous venues in the winery. Filet Mignon and Salmon entrée. $85. pp. Call for RSVP at 951-699-0099.

Callaway Winery has a Vino d’Amore Dinner on Sat. Feb. 12 from6 -9pm. It features sparkling wine, live music and dinner in the barrel room. $90 ea. Call 951-676-4001 for seats.

Keyways has two Valentines events: Sat. Feb. 12 with That’s Amore, a 4 course dinner and entertainment from 6:30pm – 9:30pm for $99; and Cupid’s Walk, a romantic winery tour on Mon. the 14th from 3-4pm where you’ll sip wines and learn a little about winemaking for $17. RSVP at 951-302-7888.

Bring in the New Year in Wine Country

by Frank Mangio
Temecula Valley’s Wine Country is a “Camelot” experience anytime, but when New Year’s Eve celebrating is right around the corner, the wineries that can orchestrate the event do an especially exciting production as the vineyards ring out the old year and bring in the new. Seasoned chefs prepare their best and the winemakers pair up each course to match the flavors, from appetizers to desserts. Themed entertainment captures the moment with fun, fun and more fun.

Let’s take a tour of Temecula wineries that are planning some festive New Years’ Eve parties to make your evening memorable. Thornton Winery has a Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Gala. Come in costume or evening wear as the fun starts at 7:30pm with a champagne toast and dancing to the live band “Faultline.” Cuisine includes Lobster Napeleon and Tournedos of Beef. Wines include Brut Reserve, Viognier, Merlot and Zinfandel. $125. each. RSVP at 951-699-0099.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has the Spirit of Carnivale. Rio music and merriment abound with great food and wines in an array of venues throughout the winery. Pricing averages $209 per person. Phone 951-587-9463.

Colorful celebrations and gourmet dinners paired with top quality local wines make up the New Years Eve attractions in Temecula Wine Country.

Wiens Family Cellars is presenting a Vintage Hollywood Soiree, celebrating the golden age of Hollywood. Amazing food, wine and high energy music and dancing. “Old Hollywood glamour” attire is encouraged. $100. each, with an RSVP by calling 951-694-9892.

Wilson Creek Winery has a Mardi Gras Celebration with masks and beads provided by the winery. 4 course New Orleans style gourmet dinner featuring Filet Mignon. Dance to the sounds of Audiocast. Ticket price is $160. each. RSVP at 951-699-WINE.

Keyways Winery turns the clock ahead for a New Year’s celebration, New York time. This event goes from 5:30 to 9:30pm with unique “family style” food service. Entertainment with comedian Ron Ruhman and dancing to Joey P and the Hats. Tickets start at $95. each. RSVP at 951-302-7888. If you want a lift to one of these events, call Going Grape Transportation Service, at 951-852-1923.

Raise that toast to the New Year with champagne and wine at the source - one of the many memorable events in Temecula Wine Country.

Is Merlot the Forgotten Red?
The Top 100 Wine Spectator wine selections are out and as we pointed out, some surprises were woven in, starting with the #1 selection: a 2005 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon. (if you are looking for that vintage, chances are you won’t find it. Try the 2006 which is available.)

Not one Merlot is listed in the 100 best. This is a varietal that was a household name recently. Two things happened that sunk the brand: too many vineyards growing inferior Merlot, chasing the bubbled market, and the near-fatal blow of a campy movie about saintly Pinot Noir wine, called Sideways. Some unkind remarks about Merlot came out of the movie, and sales dropped over 25%. Merlot still remains in the cellar.

At its best, Merlot is a soft, round and fruitful grape with origins in the Bordeaux area of France. Other appellations that do well are: Washington State, Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Chile and Italy.

In Escondido, the Orfila Winery has established a reputation for its “Futures” where customers come from many parts of the country for a November event and the opportunity to purchase the following year’s Merlot release. I tasted the 2007 “futures” wine and I feel it has more going for it, but ’06 is what you will find on most shelves and that is enough to please. Orfila’s Ambassador’s Estate Reserve Merlot is as good as it gets with a price of $28.

Merlot is quirky in that it tastes more refined at cellar temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees than at room temperature, and most are best without aging. Up in Washington State, try the St. Michelle Indian Wells 2005. It sells at retail for about $14. and is a great value at that price.

Wine Bytes
 Il Fornaio in Del Mar has kicked off its last of a series of “Festa Regionale” Wine and Food Pairing events. This time it’s Sicily, now through Sun. Dec. 20. Roberto Gerbino, from Catania, prepares the local Sicilian cuisine, paired with such wines as Nero d’Avola and Scurati Bianco. Call 858-755-8876 for details.

 Wine Styles in Encinitas has a six-pack wine tasting from 10 choices on Sat. Dec. 19 from 1 to 7pm. The tasting is FREE with a any wine purchase or $10. without purchase. Paninis and 4 cheese plates available. For more, phone 760-633-0057.

 Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido presents the “Year’s Best Wine Tasting” Sat. Dec. 19, 3 to 6pm. Bubblies, big reds and dessert wines. $15. pre-sale, $20. at the door. Call 760-745-1200.

 Belle Marie Winery in Escondido has a “pre-release” party Sun. Dec. 27 from 2 to 4pm. Preview their finest just-bottled wines, including 6 new reds. Admission is FREE. Open house format. Get more info at 760-796-7557.

Salut! To Italian Wines

article and photo by Frank Mangio

I’ve been doing a lot of saluting lately as Italian wines are bursting with new, beautiful releases up and down the peninsula.

There is no country quite like Italy with its varied complexity of varietals, from lovely whites at the northern border district of Trentino-Alto Adige to the dark, deep luster of Sicilian reds. There are over 300 regions sanctioned by the government, making wines from over 2,000 grape varietals.

Wine making has been going on for over 3,000 years. Unlike California which labels its wines by the grape, Italians label their wines by the district. A Sangiovese grape wine is labeled Chianti, a Nebbiolo grape wine is labeled Barolo or Barbaresco, favorite locations for the making of that wine.

Two recent wine tastings had me happily declaring the recent 2006 releases as the best since 2001: a gathering at When In Rome in Encinitas where Italian wine expert Marco Barat was holding court as special guest of G.M. Daniel Shaffer. Marco, in addition to his humorous one-liners, waxed poetic on five wines from Puglia, on the southeastern coast of Italy.


A Taste of Wine columnist Frank Mangio, When in Rome Manager Daniel Shaffer and Italian wine specialist Marco Barat.

As Daniel served Italian courses like “Grillata di Pesce” with halibut cheeks and scallops to add to the “Specialita d’ Puglia,” orichette pasta, broccoli and salcicccia, Marco poured the 2006 Feudi San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino and Ognissole Primitivo di Mandura. Both were beautifully balanced reds with light fruit to accent the floral, honey and coffee-like earthy flavors that are oh-so Italy. The capper was a 2001 Feudi San Gregorio di Aglianico Taurasi, a 94 point Robert Parker favorite. It retails for about $56.

Over to Wine Street in Carlsbad for their “Italian Harvest” of offerings, the two best bets from 2006 were: a Nero D’Avola from Chiaramonte, a delicious red from Sicily and a Taste of Wine previous Top Ten Taste ( $16.99); and a Romitorio Morelllino di Scansano ($19.99). Both are now selling at Wine Street. Ten of the top 100 wines in the world, as named by the influential Wine Spectator are from Italy. The highest rated was Pio Casare Barola, 2004 ( $62.)

A Journey Through Temecula Holiday Wine Country
Christmas and New Years Eve wine dinners, a light festival, hay rides, wine gift shops and much more will make Temecula Wine Country a must-enjoy for the holidays. Now through December 29, Keyways Winery has a holiday light festival from 6 to 9pm daily with hayrides and other activities. As with Ponte Winery which has theirs until December 23, you can marvel at over 200,000 LED lights that stretch over vineyards and rooftops. It’s family style fun and entertainment. For more at Keyways call 951-302-7888. For Ponte, 951-694-8855.

New Year’s eve is memorable as many wineries host special events:
South Coast Winery has its elegant dinner, dance and celebration at Vineyard Rose. You can also stay in one of the luxury vineyard villas. Reserve at 951-587-9463, ext 7230.

Wiens Family Cellars has “Jungle Boogie” with dinner, live music, dancing and animals from the Wild Animal Park. Call for RSVP’s at 951-694-9892.

Keyways has an all-star music concert with its dinner and dancing, including Ambrosia. Details at 951-302-7888.

Wilson Creek Winery has a “Sail Into the New year” extravaganza at their new events center. Call 951-699-9463.

Thornton Winery will have its gala including dinner, dancing and balloon drop. Get the full story at 951-699-0099. A good way to see all the Wine Country fun is by Going Grape and its holiday transportation tour packages. They are local and know the winemakers personally. For reservations, call 951-852-1923.

Wine Bytes
The Fallbrook Visitors Bureau is presenting a Wine & A Bite Holiday Walk through the historic downtown area, 4 to 7pm on Sat. Dec. 13. Sip wine, indulge in great food and shop the distinctive stores. Ten restaurants and Fallbrook Winery are providing nice food and drink. $10. pp, $15. at the door. Call for RSVP’s at 760-451-3282.

Big Bold Reds is the theme of the wine tasting at Vino 100 in San Marcos Fri. and Sat. from 5 to 9pm. Cost is $15. ea. For more, contact Vino 100 at 760-591-9113.

Holiday wine tasting is sure to please at the 3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro in Encinitas Sat. Dec. 13 from 2 to 5pm. Tasting fee is $10. for 10 tastings. RSVP requested at 760-942-2104.

San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Road has its annual top ten values to taste on Sat. Dec. 13 during business hours for just $10. or just $1. with an unwrapped toy or gift card to benefit a childrens fund. More at 858-586-9463.

Keyways Gets Top Awards at Long Beach Grand Cru

Temecula, CA --Keyways Vineyard & Winery continued its remarkable performance at wine competitions in 2008 by winning seven medals at the prestigious Long Beach Gran Cru, including a Best of Class and three gold medals.

Keyways 2007 Chenin Blanca ($18) won a gold medal and Best of Class at the competition. Also winning gold medals were Keyways 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($20 and Contentment ($21) a Rhone blend made form Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne grapes.

Other medal winners included Keyways 2007 Riesling ($19), 2006 Barbera ($33), 2005 Cabernet Franc ($27) and 2006 Syrah ($35).

The Long Beach Grand Cru is considered one of the top international wine competitions in the U.S. The major public tasting event attracts more than 1,400 wine and food aficionados every year. In 2008, more than 400 wineries from a dozen countries submitted more than 1,900 entries.

The new Keyways Vineyard & Winery is only four years old, but the winery has received six coveted Double Gold and Best of Class awards at wine competitions in 2008.

Double Gold requires unanimous approval from a panel of four judges and Best of Class reflects superiority, typically in a price category.

For Keyways owner Terri Pebley, the results are evidence of the growing number of quality wines consistently coming from Keyways.

“Keyways wines are receiving this recognition in double-blind wine competitions with participants from all over the United States and the world,” she said. “Neither the judges nor the presenters know the identity of the wine they are tasting.”

Keyways winemaker Michael Tingley said the award is especially fulfilling because his wines were competing against the best of the best.

“Overall I think the level of competency in the Temecula Valley is going up,” he said. “This not only reflects the skill of the winemaker but the expertise of growers who are becoming better and better at what they do.”

For Tingley and many winemakers, award-winning wine always starts with great grapes.

“I really think the growers need to get more credit for the awards and medals,” he said. “They are the unsung heroes of Temecula’s Wine Country.”

He suggests that more wineries should produce vineyard-designated wines when possible so that the growers can share in some of the glory.

Keyways Vineyard & Winery is setting new standards in Temecula’s Wine Country. In addition to offering the first ice wine, it has created a new line of wines for women – who make 60 percent of the wine-buying decisions.

Keyways sit on about 13 acres at the confluence of the 2,000-acre Valle de los Caballos -- Valley of the Horses – and southern tier of Temecula’s Wine Country at 37338 DePortola Road. Its tasting room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call (951) 302-7888 or go to www.KeywaysWine.com

Master Chef with a Passion for Wine

By Frank Mangio

Steve Hamlin is a man on a mission. His passion: spread the gospel of fine food perfectly matched with fine wine. His venue: Temecula Wine Country.

I mentioned Steve in my last column on wine and chocolate pairing when he was opening up minds and palates on that very subject a few years ago when his Allie’s Restaurant, named after his lovely wife Alicia, was a popular restaurant at Callaway Winery in Temecula Wine Country. Prior to that, Steve competed for 13 years in the culinary arts space and was named “Best Up and Coming Chef” and “Best Chef in the West.” He advises and teaches at San Diego State University in its wine extension studies program, oversees a thriving catering and special events business and is seen at many winery dinner events, making sure that every detail is of the highest quality.

I last had the opportunity to feel the energy of this wine and food renaissance man at Keyways Vineyard and Winery (see accompanying photo of this writer and Steve Hamlin). During a lovely four course event there, Steve found an opportunity to fire up the taste buds of those in attendance with a rousing talk on the essence of the wine/food pairings been served. He meticulously unveiled the “holy grail” of the wine offered and exactly why it was meant for the food companion that it was mated to.

Now to the best part of this testimony on Steve and his impact in Temecula Wine Country. After a period of time without a restaurant to call his own, Steve and Allie are about to open their newest creation: “Allie’s Tapas au Vin” a Wine Bar and Café, on Overland Drive in Temecula. It will be a contemporary upscale wine lounge and restaurant, with premium wines, including Charles Krug, Jordan, Franciscan, many Bordeaux names and a lovely list of Temecula wines. It will also have a cocktail menu, a Mediterranean style of Tapas, entree selections from Brasato Tortelloni to Rack of New Zealand Lamb. A “Café Menu,” like roasted Vegetable and Cheese Panini and Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap will be presented with Mediterranean Fusilli and Fried Leeks.

A Grand Opening is planned for 6pm Saturday January 12,with proceeds going to the couple’s favorite charity: the George C. Glenner Alzheimer Family Center, a facility that is close to the family, since Allie’ s “grannie” was lost to this disease in 1998. Since then the Hamlins have donated more then $250,000. to this cause. Tickets are $75. per person. A live auction for great items will be at 8pm.

You can RSVP by calling 951-235-9219 or e mail ….steve@alliestapas.com. The website to learn more about Steve and Allie Hamlin is: www.alliestapas.com.

Wineries Kick Off Eye-Catching Holiday Light Festival

(Don McAuliffe) Keyways Vineyard & Winery and South Coast Winery & Resort are helping to brighten up everyone’s holidays.

In December the wineries will host the Temeculights Holiday Festival, a spectacular month-long celebration that includes more than 200,000 LED (light emitting diode) lights powered by solar power that stretch over rooftops and vineyards and provide more than 14 miles of low-wattage visual excitement.

The nightly show begins at dusk and lasts until 9 p.m. and includes horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides through the vineyards, mulled wine and cider, Christmas carolers, award winning wines, Christmas cookies and snacks, a gift shop that carries unique holiday gifts, surprise visits from Santa and fun for the entire family.

Horse-drawn wagon rides $10 adults; kids $5 (5-13); under 4 years free.

“The lights are truly beautiful,” said Wendell Locklin, chief executive of Four Seasons Lighting, the Murrieta-based company that provided the lights. LED lights are not only brighter than typical incandescent lighting but they use 90 percent less electricity, according to Locklin. When used in combination with solar arrays, the lighting represents the ultimate in low energy consumption.

Keyways and South Coast hope all of Wine Country will embrace Temeculights in the years to come as an eco-friendly holiday event that promotes awareness about alternative energy sources.

To make Temeculights possible, the wineries have partnered with The Green Lights Project, an Arizona-based firm that put on Red Rock Fantasy, a two-month-long, nationally recognized holiday festival of lights that attracts more than 250,000 people each year to Sedona.

For more information call (951) 302-7888 or go to www.KeywaysWine.com