Temecula Wine Country interview with an insider

I recently got time to sit down and catch up with a Temecula Valley Wine Country insider, Melanie. She’s had intimate experience with the valley’s growth over the past decade and was willing to share with me some really useful information for visitors.

Me: Thanks for taking the time to do an interview with Temecula Life! Now that we're starting a brand new decade, what excites you most about the Temecula Valley in the coming 10 years?

Melanie: As the valley continues to grow, with more tasting room options, and hundreds of award-winning wines being offered, I look forward with anticipation to what the future holds for Temecula Valley Wine Country. Did you see that Temecula Wine Country was recently featured in Wine Enthusiast 10 best wine travel destinations for 2019?  It's an honor to be apart of the publication. The publication has reviewed 80 Temecula wines in the last two years with nearly half the wines receiving scores of 90 points or higher. We make great wines!

Me: What should visitors know before heading to Temecula Valley wine country to do some wine tasting?

Melanie: Check out the wine club before you pay for your wine tasting! In many of the tasting rooms its worth joining the wine club. People don't know that many wineries offer free tasting or glasses of wine when you join their club as an added benefit. Many of the tastings are around $20-25 each, providing anywhere from 5-6 samples of different wine varietals. A bottle of wine costs close to that on average in the valley. Which means if you do the math, you can walk out with 2 bottles of wine and free tastings at the same price of the tasting alone. The majority of Temecula Valley wineries make only a small quantity of each vintage. So, you won’t often find their wines anywhere else. That means, when you buy a bottle to take home, you’re bringing back something truly unique!

Me: I know I've had a great time skipping around and discovering some delicious reds at Rancho California wineries. What hidden gems await me a few miles south on De Portola Road?

Melanie: If you're looking for some hidden gems on De Portola Road, check out Lorenzi and Danza Del Sol wineries. Both of these wineries produce outstanding, estate grown varietals that have powerful complex flavors.

Me: When you're able to take a break and visit old town Temecula, where do you like to take your friends?

Melanie: I personally really enjoy The Goat and Vine. They have a rustic, cool vibe and made from scratch policy for their menu. My favorite is the pizza - they use a 100 year old starter for their sourdough bread and special order their flour from Caputo, Italy. In my opinion, it's the best pizza in town!

Me: Finally, and thanks for taking the time to educate our visitors, what flavors can residents and out-of-towners expect to experience this coming Spring in Temecula?

Melanie: Temecula is known for diversity. Wineries here in the Temecula Valley grow and produce over 50 different varietals of wine; I like to stick with what Temecula does best which in my opinion, is the Italian, Spanish and French grape varietals such as; Viognier, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Barbara, Montepulciano, Syrah and Tempranillo. This spring many of these varietals will hit the tasting rooms with their new releases.