Wine country remains off tourist trail
CALIFORNIA DREAMING: Temecula Valley has become a hidden gem for grape lovers
“It’s a trick question,” I admitted, sidling up to the bartender at the Lorimar Winery, “but are you aware of any valley in California where they don’t grow grapes?”
“Sure,” she replied, pouring me a glass. “Have you heard of Death Valley? Would you prefer the Sauvignon Blanc or the Chardonnay?”
I blame it all on Napa Valley. What started out as an innocent pastime among Italian immigrants almost a century ago has grown into a culinary obsession. If conditions are right, some entrepreneur in a California valley will grow grapes and open a winery. I thought I’d visited them all but then I stumbled across the Temecula Valley.
I’d never heard a word about Temecula, but I’m a quick learner. If you love your wine, and you are exploring Southern California, pay attention. Mid-week, before the tourist day buses arrive in swarms from L.A., an hour away to the northwest, the Temecula Valley still remains a hidden gem. It’s not a famous spa or 5-star resort destination like Napa, yet. Unspoiled is still the operating word.
Start your tour in Old Town, the original where you will find the usual tourist attractions like restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, a museum and such. The little town maintains much of its old time western feel along one long main street (Front Street, between 2nd and 6th) where the only missing essential is good hotels. For that you’ll have to head east to the valley, a kilometre or two away but a whole different world indeed.
If you plan to visit several wineries and taste wines, you might want to book a tour or limo. Executive VIP Wine Tours provided us a limo and a very well informed driver, who between stops gave us a history of the valley and its two-dozen wineries. First up was a flight of champagne at Thornton Winery. I love champagne so much I might have stayed all day, but it was onward to Hart Winery, where we met the father and son of this small familyrun operation and enjoyed lunch and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc with the “best view in the valley.”
Next up Danza del Sol, where the bartender told us that the winery was packed six-deep at the bar on weekends with bus tours, so mid week is best. Finally a cooking demonstration at Lorimar Winery, perhaps the most popular location in the entire valley. Aside from tastings and a gift shop, the winery features many regular events like cooking shows and live music.
Finally, dinner at Yuan Boutique Bistro and Dim Sum, a tiny gem hidden away in a large shopping mall near downtown Temecula.
Temecula’s wine growing region is unique. Located 25 kilometres from the Pacific classifies the valley as a Maritime climate. Balanced with warm sunny days and cool nights, the vines flourish and produce excellent fruit. The soil composition of decomposed granite and clay drains well and is ideal for retaining moisture reserves deep below the surface roots.
Accommodation is not available at the wineries but there are several hotels scattered around the valley and near downtown.
While the valley is very well known in Southern California, it remains a secret to the rest of the state and certainly I’ve never known anyone in Canada who has visited there. For those who love their wine, hidden Temecula Valley will come as a big and most enjoyable surprise. Go now before it gets too crowded.