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TEMECULA, CALIF. (October 16, 2024) – A majority of owners of Somerset Vineyard & Winery, a premier winery and entertainment destination in Temecula, Calif., are part of an ownership group that has acquired Bella Vista Winery, the first commercial vineyard in the Temecula Valley Wine Country that planted its first grapes as Cilurzo Vineyard in 1968.
The new ownership plans to honor the heritage of the first commercial vineyard in Temecula while creating new facilities that will take full advantage of its 52.5 acres that includes sweeping hilltop views. The property includes a large 14,500-square-foot tasting and production room, mature vineyards featuring Petite Syrah and Chenin Blanc grapes, and a lake with surrounding walking paths.
The real estate transaction was brokered for the sellers by Randy Roth of Fairway and Ranch Realty of Temecula. Titan Real Estate of Corona represented the buyers. The listing price for the property was $8.9 million. The real estate sale closed earlier this year, while the business side of the transaction was finalized on October 8, 2024. The new owners have already begun renovations and maintenance on the property and tasting room.
“We have a clear vision of what we want Bella Vista Winery to bring to the valley, and it starts with preserving the traditions and soul of this landmark property,” said Kurt Tiedt, President of Bella Vista and Somerset Wineries. “For longtime residents in the valley, Bella Vista has always been special. It has the highest location in the valley and brings a rich heritage to wine country. Our ownership group wants to preserve its charm and at the same time, make improvements to ensure its standing as a premiere destination.”
Temecula Valley Wine Country is home to more than 50 wineries and growing, intermixed with boutique hotels, award-winning dining, pristine wedding and corporate event venues, a robust selection of indoor and outdoor activities, spa and wellness offerings, and more.
The location’s high-quality wines are made possible by its unique microclimate. Its morning mist, warm midday sun and cool, moist ocean breezes mixed with granite-based soil produces wines that keep visitors coming back. Bella Vista Winery’s original owners, Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo, were the first to discover the potential of the region in 1967.
