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Temecula Valley Celebrates Wine Month with Grape Stomps, Harvest Events, and Festivals

Monday, July 29, 2024 10:00 AM by Norma Marlowe

California Wine Month is the perfect time to experience the excitement of harvest season in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. Throughout September and into October, local wineries will host behind-the-scenes harvest tours, festivals, culinary experiences, grape stomps, and more.  

Since the first commercial vineyard was planted in the late 1960s, Temecula Valley has become the largest and most popular wine region in Southern California. Because of its close proximity to Southern California’s major cities, Temecula offers the perfect escape for those seeking a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.   

“More than 22 million people live within a two-hour drive of Temecula Valley, making it a great destination for anyone looking for a refreshing change of pace without the need for extensive travel,” said Scott A. Wilson, CEO of Visit Temecula Valley. “There’s no better time to celebrate this bountiful region than during California Wine Month. We encourage visitors to sit back, relax, and enjoy this region’s amazing beauty.” 

After a day of touring, sipping, and shopping, visitors are invited to stay in one of Temecula Valley’s many resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals. Some will offer complimentary wine tastings and host celebratory receptions during wine month. For continuously updated information, go to https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/wine-month/

Here are just a few experiences for visitors to enjoy in celebration of Wine Month: 

CRUSH Showcase Celebrates Wine Life 

One of the most popular events in Temecula Valley during Southern California Wine Month, CRUSH Wine & Culinary Showcase, will be held on Sept. 7 at Monte de Oro Winery featuring live entertainment and wine and food from more than 30 wineries, local restaurants, and caterers. Guests are invited to mix and mingle with winery owners and winemakers at this outdoor, walk-about event, which will include live entertainment from Jack French on acoustic guitar. 

Art in the Vines 

During the first week of September, guests can watch local artists live-painting at several wineries and vineyards including Avensole Winery, Briar Rose Winery, Chapin Family Vineyards, Cougar Vineyard and Winery, Churon Winery, Danza del Sol Winery, Domaine Chardonnay, Europa Village, Falkner Winery, Frangipani Estate Winery, Gershon Bachus Vintners, Leoness Cellars, Lorimar Winery, Mount Palomar Winery, Oak Mountain Winery, Palumbo Family Vineyards, and Ponte Vineyard Inn. 

The artwork will be displayed at Temecula Valley Museum Sept. 9-30. The public is invited to visit the museum in Old Town Temecula and vote for their favorite art piece before Sept. 26, when the winner will be announced. 

Wine Month Flights & Bites 

During Wine Month, several restaurants, hotels, and wineries will offer exclusive wine and food pairings designed to highlight the best of the region. Visitors can enjoy a blend of locally selected wines and delicious bites for a truly memorable experience. Available on the Visit Temecula Valley website Sept. 1, a digital pass program will invite guests to earn points and redeem prizes from participating wineries and restaurants.  

Great Taste of Europa 

Europa Village Wineries & Resort will host its third annual Great Taste of Europa Wine & Food Festival on Sunday, September 15, 2024. From 11 am to 4 pm, eventgoers are invited to experience diverse flavors, discover new wines, and enjoy a variety of live entertainment. The festival will feature over 50 award-winning European wines, European-inspired bites, a dedicated beer and spirits garden in the newly opened Vienza Italian Garden, and the opportunity to support local culinary talent. Guests are encouraged to indulge in culinary treats inspired by France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Greece. A portion of ticket sales from The Great Taste goes toward local culinary arts education programs. Local students will work alongside Executive Chef Hany Ali and other seasoned chefs. 

Grape Stomps 

Callaway Vineyard & Winery will host a grape-stomping extravaganza, including a Lucy look-alike contest and hula hoop competition, live music, and more. For more information, visit www.callawaywinery.com.  

Ponte Winery will host its 22nd annual grape stomp on Sept. 22, with a spectacular Harvest-Italian themed dinner, music, dancing, and a grape stomp competition with prizes. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa will host weekend grape stomps in its Vintner’s Garden throughout September. Admission includes mix & match case of wine, tastings, and stomping. For more information, contact the winery

Somerset Winery will host its 6th annual Grape Stomp on Sept. 28. Each ticket is for a team of four adults and includes a bottle of wine and a chance to compete for fun prizes. Costumes are encouraged, and prizes will be provided for the best-dressed teams. 

Temecula Carriage Company offers a private vine to wine tour on horsedrawn carriage followed by a grape stomp competition for groups of up to eight. 

And on Oct. 27, Wilson Creek Winery will host Stomp 2024, an evening of live music, fun fall activities, and a grape stomp competition.  

For a continuously updated list of Grape Stomp events and additional information, visit www.visittemeculavalley.com/wine-month 

About Visit Temecula Valley 

Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors. Also known as Southern California Wine Country, Temecula Valley is a year-round vacation destination located less than two hours from every major metro area in Southern California including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs. 

Known for its scenic vineyards and award-winning wines, this popular Southern California destination includes Temecula Valley Wine Country, historic Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino. The largest wine-producing region in Southern California, Temecula Valley was honored as a Wine Enthusiast “10 Best” Wine Travel Destination. 

For visitor information and assistance, go to VisitTemeculaValley.com

 

Author: Norma Marlowe