Southern California’s famed Temecula Valley will again feature its special World of Wine winter barrel-tasting weekend on Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This two-day passport event is a great excuse for an easy wine country day-trip or overnight getaway for SoCal wine lovers. The WOW passport to 35 Temecula wineries includes wine tasting, barrel samples, live entertainment and gourmet food bites at each stop. During the self-guided passport event, guests can visit 35 member wineries at their own pace. A winery map and souvenir tasting glass is provided for each guest as a keepsake. This year the World of Wine Weekend features two new VIP experiences – the WOW Event Passport plus Winemaker Dinner and the Wow Event Passport plus Vineyard Tour and Breakfast. Out-of-towners can also bundle either one with a leave-the-driving-to-us Grapeline shuttle service, an overnight stay or both.
The Wow Event Passport and Winemaker Dinner
The WOW Event Passport and Winemaker Dinner will be held Saturday, March 2 at Thornton Winery. For $179 per person guests can purchase a special package includes both the World of Wine 2-Day Passport ticket and the chance to join veteran winemaker, David Vergari as well as winery owner Steve Thornton for a four-course dinner. Paired with Thornton wines including the NV Thornton Blanc de Noirs, Thornton 2011 Chardonnay and 2010 Thornton Estate Syrah, the menu highlights will include a tapas plate of fennel salami, garlic shrimp, cannellini bean salad, slow-braised boneless beef short ribs, white cheddar polenta and spring vegetable ragout, along with a final note of strawberry shortcake with a cherry caramel kiss reduction.
The WOW Event Passport and Vineyard Tour with Breakfast
The WOW Event Passport and Vineyard Tour with Breakfast will be Sunday morning at Cougar Winery. For $114 per person the hosts at Cougar Winery offer a continental breakfast and a glass of bubbly before a fascinating behind-the-scenes "Ground to Glass" vineyard and production tour. Advance reservations are recommended as this popular annual event is usually a sell-out. Three recommended hotels are offering lodging packages that include tickets for the World of Wine event: the charming Inn at Europa Village, luxurious South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Temecula Creek Inn, a tranquil golfing getaway.
To purchase either of these experiences call (800) 801-9463 or book online.
