The month of September is California Wine Month, and Temecula is ready to celebrate.
Proclaimed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for the sixth consecutive year, California Wine Month celebrates the Golden State’s wineries, grape growers and regional associations.
“California has long been known for our production of superior, award-winning wines,” Schwarzenegger said in his proclamation. “The Judgment of Paris in 1976 brought California wine to the world stage and established our wine producers as respected masters of their craft. This month is dedicated to celebrating our rich history of winemaking and the bright future of this important industry.”
To commemorate California Wine Month 2010, the Temecula Valley Wine Growers Association has created a special passport that allows guests to sip their way through local wineries.
The “SIP Temecula” passport will be offered throughout the month of September – it entitles guests to wine tastings at any five Temecula Valley Wine Growers Association member wineries (more than 30 to choose from). The passport cost is $40 per person and is valid any day of the week, from September 1 – 30 (2010 only).
During Wine Month, also check out the first-ever Temecula Valley Wine and Culinary Showcase at Monte de Oro Winery, Sept. 17, from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
The vineyard-surrounded patio of Monte de Oro Winery will play host to this premiere event that will have guests tasting their way through the wines of the Temecula Valley, all at one location.
Winery owners, winemakers and chefs will mingle among guests, and the spread will include a vast sampling of local wines and culinary creations from local wineries and restaurants.
One hour before the Showcase begins, guests are invited to watch and listen in as Monte de Oro hosts a Winemaker’s Roundtable that will be filmed and broadcast live.
The Roundtable will feature moderator Meredith May from The Tasting Panel magazine interviewing Temecula Valley winemakers in a panel discussion about the area’s past, present and future as Southern California’s premier wine region.
Cost for the Temecula Valley Wine and Culinary Showcase is $65 per person.
For more information about the events, visit www.temeculawines.org
