THE REAL DIFFERENCE!

Grapes growing on a vine in Temecula Wine Country

I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time in the Temecula Wine Country this past weekend.

It was a birthday celebration spent at the South Coast Winery – which included a stay at one of their quaint villas.  The rooms were cozy but with a touch of classy elegance.  The entire facility had so much to offer including the wine tasting room, the pool and spa, the fitness center, the restaurant and more.  The villa was very comfortable with a full breakfast table and four chairs, a bar and mini-fridge, a beautiful fireplace, comfortable beds and a large bathroom that featured an oversized jacuzzi tub.

I had dinner at the restaurant and enjoyed coconut shrimp as an appetizer, lamb as my entree and a chocolate fondue for my dessert.  Overall, my dining experience was very impressive. 

My favorite wine at South Coast is the Wild Horse Peak Sangiovese.  It is a nice red wine aged in french oak barrels with a smooth balance of the sangiovese grape and hint of black cherry.  We participated in the wine tasting at South Coast Winery  on Friday evening and the wine tasting at the Ponte Family Estate Vineyards on Saturday afternoon.  My favorite wine at Ponte Estate is the Nebbiolo.  It is a dryer wine than the Sangiovese, but full-bodied with tastes of prunes, roses and truffles.  Both facilites were a bit crowded for my preference, but it was a weekend – and I do recognize that – although I loved every minute of it regardless!

Overall, I would highly recommend the South Coast Winery and Ponte Family Vineyards to anyone considering visiting the Temecula area wineries!