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It’s that time of the year again when nearby Wine Country comes alive. One of the great things about living in Canyon Lake is having some of the best wineries in California and the West Coast within a 30 minute drive. Temecula Wine Country features over 35 wineries with over 35,000 acres of vineyards. The area is known for several award winning wines and the location creates a growing climate that produces a large variety of wines. According to the Temecula Valley Wine Growers Association, Temecula growers produce wines varietals ranging from cool-climate grapes such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Chardonnay, through the moderate-climate Bordeaux varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, to the warmer-climate Mediterranean varieties, including Viognier, Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese, and Tempranillo.
There are two events in May that kick off wine season and provide a perfect opportunity to sample some of the local wines:
Temecula Wine and Music Festival | May 4th
This 9th annual event features 14 different jazz artists performing all throughout the day. Grammy nominated artist Brenda Russell will be performing along with several other well known musicians such as Warren Hill, Grammy winner Patrice Rushen, jazz pianist Gregg Karukas, and English guitarist Chris Standring. This all day event with showcase wines from 10 different wineries including locals Lorimar, Monte De Oro, South Coast, and Wilson Creek. Lawn seating, reserved seating, and table seating up close to the stage is all available for this one of a kind event. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at Temecula Wine and Music Festival’s website. The event takes place at beautiful Vail Lake Resort and runs from 11am to 6pm.
Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival | May 31st-June 2nd
The 3 day Balloon and Wine Festival truly is a unique event. For 30 years the community has come together for amazing entertainment, musical artists, and exceptional wines in the Temecula Valley. Expect to taste amazing wines and beers while you catch artists like Scotty McCreery, All American Rejects, and Berlin. And of course, the hot air balloons every morning and every night are breathtaking. In the evening, they tether the balloons but light ’em up and the entire festival grounds glow with dozens of balloons. If you want to take a morning ride in a balloon and watch the sun come up in the most spectacular fashion, prices start as low as $200 per person. There is also an amazing selection of food vendors and food trucks every year so you won’t go hungry. There’s so much to do at the festival and the best place to get all the details is the Balloon and Wine Festival’s website. The best advice we have for you is to bring walking shoes and comfortable clothes and probably a sweater or jacket if you plan on staying for the evening festivities.
If you’re planning a trip to wine country soon, here’s a map courtesy of the Temecula Wine Growers Association to help guide you on your tasting tour. Please remember to taste responsibly. 🙂
* Photos courtesy of Temecula Valley Wine Growers Association, Balloon and Wine Festival, and Wine and Music Festival