A Temecula Wine Tasting

A Temecula Wine Tasting – Episode #573

November 7, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk tastes 3 wines from the emerging Temecula region of Southern California.

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Comments on this episode(145) Leave a comment ›

“We’ve lived in Temecula since 1996 and moved to Temecula Wine Country …” by Kirk from Temecula
“Just came back from my second trip to Temecula today, so I dialed this…” by G
View all 145 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2007 Keyways Sauvignon Blanc
2005 Hart Family Meritage
2005 Thorton Estate Syrah

145 Responses

November 7, 2008

jason
# 1 ?
November 7, 2008

jason
# 2
November 7, 2008

jason
i will stop at 3 – now with the show
November 7, 2008

KenP
top 5!
November 7, 2008

Patt
Top 5? on with the show!
November 7, 2008

Jay
QOTD (1): This weekend the UW Huskies will remain the only “defeated” team in Division 1 football.

QOTD (2): Honestly, I haven’t even heard of Temecula until this episode.
November 7, 2008

jason
i have not enough knowledge on either. the only thing i can say is that i like the name ” Temecula” it just sounds halloween like
November 7, 2008

ChrisR
Yay, wines from my neck of the woods! Go SoCal wineries!!!
November 7, 2008

DannyK
Used to live in San Diego. I hope Temecula can hit it big.
Prediction…..The Pats crush the Bills and emerge from the weekend in the rightful spot. First place!
November 7, 2008

sam
Great show, as always…

QOTD: Never had a Temecula. Maybe sometime soon…

Cheers!
November 7, 2008

M
I lived near Temecula, sort of, but I never had a Temecula wine. There was a Temecula winery that started with the letter “C” that people seemed to like.

QOTD: Giants over Eagles 35-17
November 7, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD #1 Giants 17 Eagles 10

QOTD #2 Would like to visit the area, especially Palumbo Family Vineyards. They were featured on Fine Living Network and even have small family -style wine dinners on weekends.
November 7, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
No football prediction from me, sorry. I’ll give you a weather prediction instead. It might snow here tomorrow.
Temecula- maybe it will grow into something more substantial eventually.
November 7, 2008

Timinspokane
Dude….. you were a little grumpy today! Just kiddin… interesting to see some wines from the Temecula area. I have been there, and they do have some decent wines and wineries in the area, although, like many of the smaller, less known areas, the prices are steep for what you get. Maybe they should pitch in their pennies and buy their bottles by the truckload??

QOTD – football score prediction – I don’t even know who they are playing (yes, a broken hearted Seahawks fan…), but my prediction is: Seahawks 13, whoever their opponent is, 37!
November 7, 2008

ScottEJ
Never had a Temecula wine, but have had plenty of Lodi. What I don’t understand is how wines like this from an area so un-heard of can charge those prices? Who is buying that wine?

QOTD: I see the Titans sacking Rex Grossman 7 times on Sunday and beating the Bears 24 – 13.
November 7, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
football prediction? Well, hope out Univ team gets a win in Delaware tomorrow! I’ve heard of Telecula as a tourist wine region, but have never seen one to actually try it
November 7, 2008

Dominus
Good show though I . . .

QOTD: 1) Never had a Temecula wine and 2) Colts over the Steelers 20-17.

Cheers!
November 7, 2008

Bob Dwyer
I went wine tasting in Temecula while on vacation in San Diego a couple of years ago. Although it was a charming tasting experience, I thought the wines represented a poor value across the board. The wines cost like Sonoma and tast like, well, Temecula.

We ended up buying a case of wine from Costco on the way back to the hotel and made believe we bought them while tasting that day. I’m glad we didn’t shell out $40+ for the mediocre wines we came across since like you said, Gary, they are “not inpsiring”.
November 7, 2008

B. Moore
Gary,

#1 – Packers by 8 over Vikings (28-20)

#2 – Temecula wines, although I am in Illinois, one of best friends lives in Temecula. He is right off of “winery row” about 30 winerys on a 5 mile stretch of road. Some of by favorites are Mount Polomar, Ponte & Wilson Creek. Wilson Creek makes a dessert wine called Duet that is 50% Cab & 50% Zin, both late harvest – usually not my type, but I can never get enough of this one.

As a side note, I was really looking forward to seeing you in Woodstock, but a camping trip with my 7 & 4 year old, landed on the same date. Maybe next time, hope it wasn’t your first and last trip to Chicago’s far northwest suburbs.

Love the show!!!!!!!!!!!
November 7, 2008

Slushpuppy
It’s too bad CA won that wine tasting in France some years ago. They are just too damn big for their britches; mostly crapy way over-priced wine. Are most people afraid to buy foreign wine??
Gary Vay is the Joe Pesci of the wine world!!
Smell it first. TR Glad you are feeling better.
November 7, 2008

Dr. Horowitz
You should find some wine from Death Valley, CA. No branding required there!

Is Mott sick from when you made him taste your secret pack wine while he was sick?
November 7, 2008

Ross
Temecula is definitely “up and coming”. It pays to be selective … and focus on quality.

Just like anywhere else there are some houses trying to capitalize on the name and market market market.

HOWEVER… there are a few good houses that are focusing on growing good grapes, making good juice, and fairly pricing their products.

Check out Stuart Cellars … their Zinfandel is outstanding and their Tatria Meritage is simply sublime.
November 7, 2008

ex-lurkdawg
Gary, is it me or were you talking faster than usual in this episode? Too much coffee?
qotd: I don’t follow football. I’ve never had a Temecula wine, so I hope to try some soon.
I will now mention (again) my request for a Madeira show that will include a vintage Madeira. I’ll give it a rest for a while after this comment, but don’t think I’ve forgotten or given up.
November 7, 2008

JonE
I have a hard time selling super high quality syrahs from Napa and Sonoma, much less Temecula.

QOTD1: I predict I won’t watch any football this weekend.
QOTD2: I associate Temecula with Wilson Creek Almond Champagne. Not a good prediction for its future.
November 7, 2008

Murso
In the early 90’s, went to a few Temecula wineries, as my then girlfriend had moved out to San dee aygo. Callaway (of golf club fame) was the big winery then, and their big product was the Calla-lees, sur-lee Chard, which was always a little better than good enough, and in the fighting varietals price range. I remember buying some reds at Hart, meaning that they were good enough for me to support their industry in my small, token way, but in general, the whites were better developed throughout the AVA. I’m confident that some 15 years later, many improvements have come about with vine age, experience, and industrial standard methods always evolving.

Though grapes were grown at missions since the 1820’s, no wineries were established until the 1960’s. I don’t think they’re gonna steal Napa’s thunder, nor is that their intention, so cut ‘em (and the rest of ‘us’ in those other ‘crappy or crazy’, whatever you said the other day) some deserved slack.
November 7, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: Cal wins!
November 7, 2008

Murso
Oh, and thanks for expanding our PALate. No, really. Sincerely. Love, Me.
November 7, 2008

Andrew Lee
QOTD: Ohio State 94, Northwestern 2
November 7, 2008

JudeMurphy
Football? Got nothing.
Nice show, anyway!
November 7, 2008

Jordan
You will hate me for this but go Patriots! Now that my New England roots have been exposed, I will say that I have lived in southern California for about six years now when I came out there with the Navy. I am no longer in the navy but remain in California. Temecula wines are nice. It is scorching hot there in the summer and to be honest I don’t see it cool down all that much at night. Some other good wineries in the area are Palomar mountian winery, South coast winery, Ponte family winery, and Weins. Oh I just cheated to see another comment and Wilson Creek does a very nice Almound Champagne. Maybe you could come out here and do a show or two on the area. I would definatly come and see you. I am waiting on a non oak monster and affordable California wine show in the near future. Take care and I will be watching.
November 7, 2008

AT
Didn’t know California had an east coast… – J/K, Great show!
November 7, 2008

Murso
The reason to plant Sauv Blanc in California is Fred Brander, Emmolo, Fiddlehead Cellars, the likes of Mike Grgich, etc., etc., and of course my favorite, Crocker and Star.
November 7, 2008

Herb
Gary, finding the wines you review on your show has been a challenge for me…apart from the Yellow Tail’s and such. So far my success rate has been about one in ten. And the ones I do find are usually the more expensive wines. But that’s okay because exploring is as much fun for me as smelling and tasting.

QOTD: Who cares about the NFL this week. YOUR Tampa Bay Bucs are on bye.
November 7, 2008

ncwinetravels
gary,
nice show. interesting wine area..maybe one to watch in the future ? I was just in san diego on business, and the (so. cal.) climate seemed amazing for wine growing. cool mornings – warm afternoons and cool again in the eves. best regards, NCWT.
November 7, 2008

manonthemoon
Meh show, more overpriced cali juice.

QOTD: Don’t really know anything about Temecula.

QOTD: Dirty phish 26 and the ocean gulls 13
November 7, 2008

Jimmy T
Hope you feel better soon. I can still hear it in your voice some. Now, you get on us all the time for hatin’ on the 89 pointers but the way you talked about the Hart leading up to your 89 point score is part of the reason people stay away. Go back and listen to how you talked about right before you scored it.

Again though, great show!

QOTD: Steelers 28 Colts 13
November 7, 2008

thecobalt9
qotd – my wife and i go down to temecula a few times a year since we live in LA and her folks live in murietta (right next door). when people talk about how Napa is disney – i tell them they need to get down to temecula – at least there’s AMAZING wine in napa – temecula is like carmel in that there’s not a lot of substance, and the price points of the wine are what they are solely to get wealthy tourists excited about wines simply because they are expensive. period.

that being said, i’ve had some wines from temecula that showed well – i think in 5-10 years it’ll be an area to be reckoned with, but there’s so much great central coast cali juice out there for significantly less that it’s hard to justify ever walking away with a bottle.
November 7, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD 1: Why do you make me hurt you almost every week Gary? Rams 24 – Jets 21

QOTD 2:I wasn’t aware that wine was produced in Temecula. Apparently it isn’t exactly the QPR center of the wine world.
November 7, 2008

Marc
QOTD: I live close to Temecula but rarely go there. The wines are overpriced and really not memorable.
November 7, 2008

steve w
My prediction:
Dolphins 28, Seattle 7

I don’t know much about Temecula, but it’s all about Washington State.
November 7, 2008

Susan
Gary & Chris, I am sorry to say that I have not had Temecula wines yet……..soon!!!!!
November 7, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD… Well the Cards beat the hell out of the Rams so I think the Jets won’t have any problem with them either. Lets say 31-10
The only one I have had is Callaway Cab. And Merlot 85 pt wines at best.
November 7, 2008

MattieJ
QOTD: Anybody can beat the Rams this year, I’m pretty sure Favre can dismantle their defense.

Haven’t had a Temecula wine, but I am drinking a Malbec. The Malbec caught my I because of a WLTV I recently watched. I talk about it on my blog @ http://mattiej.com/2008/11/07/penguins-vs-oilers-postgame/
November 7, 2008

Ray Barnes
Nothing from this show stood out as being remarkable or not.

QOTD – I have been to Temecula but not tasted any wine there.

CFL prediction – being a resident of metro Vancouver, it pains me to take the Saskatchewan Roughriders (Regina) over the visiting BC Lions by two touchdowns. The Lions, of which I am a season’s ticket holder, normally play under a dome. On Saturday they play in what is forecast to be in the high 20s dropping to 14F, excluding the usually stiff wind. I hope to be pleasantly dissapointed, but that seems unlikely.

NFL – The Patriots/Bills game should be very close. Pats by a field goal in overtime.
November 7, 2008

carilius maximus
TEMECULA WINES SUCK!!!!!!!
But Temecula is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!
Avocados thrive–grapes do as well—-THAT IS THE PROBLEM!!
Perhaps if they had an elevation of 3000 feet, then they might be able to be able to compete. One could make the argument that Temecula is like Paso Robles. It has elevation and it is 25 mile from the coast. That is great, but what Temecula does not have is the diurnal (temperature swing). ..and when they do have them, it is when the vines are dormant. You can’t get something from nothing —sorry.
November 7, 2008

victor
Should check out Baily Vineyard & Winery
http://www.bailywinery.com/
Because of flight baggage limitations this is the one winery I brought a bottle back from. None of the others “did it” for me either….
November 8, 2008

Ian Raney
Great Show. Was just up at Temecula a few weeks ago and ironically I’m taking my parents there tomorrow.

I really liked the wines at Callaway. My favorite was the 2005 Old Vine Zinfandel which had this really strong Raisin taste and smell.

Also the Southcoast Ruby Cuvee smells like sweaty berries…it literally smells like berries covered in human sweat. Tasted good…but what a weird smell.
November 8, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD= How can I get my feakin green wrist band???
November 8, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
I have been to Temecula on one of my many California trips and did not like any of the wines I had at the tastings and the prices were extremely high. You review of these 3 wines wasn’t much different from what I tasted.
November 8, 2008

Withnail
The “south-east coast of California”?
Where is that – the Salton Sea?
November 8, 2008

Johnnyutah
QOTD: Look for the Eagles to step it up over the next few weeks…definitely a Super Bowl contender.

Temecula has got a long row to hoe…they need to find a grape that distinguishes their terroir from other Cali regions.
November 8, 2008

Brian
We were in Temecula last weekend. Agree that wine is generally over priced, but some good efforts there. Check out the Tesoro tasting room downtown. Nice wine, great atmosphere, and nice staff.
November 8, 2008

jaredlevy
Uhm….did you say “boobastic”?

Good show. I have not ever had a Temecula wine, nice info.

When are you going to continue the “Other 46″ series?
November 8, 2008

Darlene O.
Hey, Gary! Loved the episode. I live about 45 minutes from Temecula, have done much wine tasting there over the years. Temecula has had a bad rap overall, and it was great to see you highlight these wines. Thanks.
November 8, 2008

Jim Stephens-Wine Dude
QOTD: Despite the injured Kyle Orton being “questionable” for the game, I think the Chicago Bears can pull out another nail-biter (do they ever have a game that isn’t???) against the undefeated Titans, followed by a rout of the Packers once Orton is back in the game. Other than that, I am sick and tired of over the top syrah, and being a Rhone Ranger-esque-type-guy, I have found some outstanding expressions of the famed varietal in Chile and South Africa of late!

Salud!
November 8, 2008

Clemclone
I’ve been to Temecula many times over the last 30 years and there’s been a big improvement over that time. I do find most Temecula wines to be uninspired, but there are a few that are worth buying. Ponte has a very nice Super Tuscan and Baily also is worth looking at. I have heard good things about Palumbo but a friend gave me an ‘05 Meritage that was so tannic as to be undrinkable. Maybe in 5-6 years it would be approachable. The Napa – Sonoma areas are my favorite but I have spent a lot of time in the Sta Rita to Paso Robles areas and I think it’s far better than Temecula in general.
November 8, 2008

T. Bone
I know someone who has a wine club with Weims. She loves their wines.

Since you brought up graphic design, FYI, take a look at your Thunder Cuvee, man. *You* need to get a real graphic designer. That bottle is sad.
November 8, 2008

RANDI
GARY!!!
Do Good Things! <-I like it!!!!
QOTD: Never been to Temecula, or had their wines that Im aware of…
QOTD2: My Magic 8 ball, says “try again later”…so no football scores…but my crystal ball says Jets WIN!

xo
November 8, 2008

Susan B
I went to Temecula in Aug. 2005 and went on a tour of 3 wineries and thought and enjoyed it. The wine we especially liked was a dessert wine from Keyways–the Late Harvest Zinfandel. I don’t know what the score will be but I hope the Jets win.
November 8, 2008

ravi
Find what you are looking for in the Temecula Valley Area with LoveTemecula.com – LoveTemecula
November 8, 2008

Mark Fitzpatrick
LOVE the quiet then explosive (old school) intro. Who cares if it scares some peeps ;

Never been to Temecula, so I’m mum for now.

NFL Lock of the Week:

The Redskins will absolutely, bet the house on it – NOT lose this week…I know. They don’t play. Let me mix it up then and give a two week out prediction for the Return of Romo – Redskins 30 – Cowboys 24.
November 8, 2008

Greg
QOTD: Never heard of Temecula.

QOTD: Pittsburgh 20 Indianapolis 17
November 8, 2008

ChrisV
Gary good job on soldiering on through the illness.

QOTD: I’m an Australian and not an expert on NFL, but I do watch the games that are on at a reasonable hour here. I like a lot of the big underdogs this week: Chiefs, Lions, Seahawks. My prediction is for all three to beat the spread (Chiefs +15.5, Lions +7.5, Seahawks +9.5).
November 8, 2008

JBE
QOTD: Alabama 32 LSU 24… BTW Gary, Richard Todd is from Bham and a Bama grad. Broadway Joe obviously a Bama grad. Therefore. I, though always in the south. Have also always been a HUGE Jets fan!
November 8, 2008

Dave FROM TEMECULA (SoCalDaveL)
Will leave comment shortly, but quick correction…

There is no SOUTH EAST COAST of California.

Temecula is inland, not on the coast. It’s about 55 miles north of San Diego up the 15 Freeway.
November 8, 2008

Ohio Bruce
1) My Browns already gagged Thursday night so my prediction is Brady Quinn will be a solid NFL quarterback.

2) I’ve been to the Temecula Valley twice and it was okay. Decent wines but overpriced for the quality. Still, a nice laid back area with friendly pourers.
November 8, 2008

CHICAGO MARK
TITANS 33 BEARS 13
November 8, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G, Fuuuuuun Episode!!

qotd1: Me(?) Chargers will FINALLY win a game (against the dreadful Chiefs)!

qotd2: Temecula, i got one of me residances there, so i guess i should say
it’s OK
November 8, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
I think the only wine I have had from Temecula is Callaway and that was years ago. I’m not sure there is a reason to search them out. The Jets will win because of Brett Favre.
November 8, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G, i should also mention that i used to buy those Temecula Vinos
in the 4 to 8 bone range. 20, 36, 59 bones??? OOOOOOOOOOOUUUCH!!!!
Inflation has definitely hit Temecula!!
November 8, 2008

SoCalDaveL FROM TEMECULA
Kudos for bringing Temecula wines to the table. Quick correction though… Temecula is NOT in the South East Coast of California (there is NO Southeast Coast). It’s located inland a bit about 55 miles north of San Diego.

There are over 22+ wineries in Temecula and it does get quite a lot of tourist attraction with Thornton typically being one of the busiest (as it’s the first one you come to on Rancho California Rd). The wines are absolutely overpriced, but there are certainly some good finds.

Temecula is a valley and as such, gets very warm (hot in the summers) days and very cool nights which the grapes love. It’s also based just beyond a ridge in the mountains and because of that it gets the cool breeze from the Pacific Ocean in the late afternoons. All of the wineries here attribute this weather to the grape growing climate.
November 8, 2008

Garry M.
So what you are telling us is that these wines
are well made but as with most California small production wines
these days, overpriced.
I can match this performance for $15 everyday.

I am from Cincinnati and the Bengals will lose.
I think they have a by this week but they will find a way to lose.
November 8, 2008

Christine
Gary, thanks for doing a show on Temecula. Living in San Diego, Temecula wine tasting makes a nice day outing every once in a while. Although I’ve been tasting there many times, I haven’t found many wines I really appreciate from that area, with the exception of Stuart Cellars’ wines. It’s unfortunate that the prices per bottle are so high.

QOTD: no clue about football, sorry.
November 8, 2008

SurfCityJay
Been to Temecula numerous times over the years, actually, just 3-4 weeks ago… Always felt that for the most part, they are very overpriced… And I agree about the labeling… cartoonish,,, in a bad way…

QOTD 1: Carolina 31, my Ray-Duhs 3

QOTD 2: Maybe you could try some other Temecula wineries to see how they fare… Mt. Palomar, Callaway and Baily…
November 8, 2008

Arnie the one man party
Gary!
I remember you mentioning Temecula a few times in other shows and I got excited to see that this episode was on Temecula wines when I got the email. Temecula is not too far from me (Palm Springs.. spreading The Thunder hear baby!) and I’ve been to a few tastings over there before going to my parent’s house in San Diego. I really liked the reserves from South Coast winery which I think has won many medals. You should check them out.

I also just wanted to mention that ever since being inspired by you and your show, every 2 months or so I have been getting my friends and relatives together for some great food and tasting many wines to expand their palate. More and more of my circle of people now have an appreciation for wine and a different outlook on it. Instead of drinking the same old bud light, miller lite, corona, etc. just to get a buzz, I have been getting calls from them asking what wine or beer I would recommend they try with their food or for a date. And I tell them the same thing you say because I totally agree with it.. To try something new. But if they are on a date or something, I’ll of course recommend an entry level kind of wine. You should come and visit Palm Springs some time!

I have been over estimating my Chargers every week. So I’m gonna say Chargers 30, Chiefs 24.
November 8, 2008

DC Devil
Southeast coast of California, Gary? Would you like to buy some beachfront property in Arizona?
November 8, 2008

Matt
Hey!

Been watching for a long time, first time leaving a comment (I know…lurker…). Nice episode. When are you going to do some Canadian wines?? I am from the Niagara Region from Southern Ontario which over the last 10 years has really been growing. Niagara wines are a big part of any wine retailer in my area, so I would love to see you do some wines from here.

Thanks,
~Matt
November 8, 2008

Rowland
hahaha, thank you, as soon as i saw those 2 first bottles, i was like, wow those labels suck!

dude get with it, anything that was $18 in 1999 has got to be at least $30 now.

uuuuuuh i got no thunder today.
November 8, 2008

neutron212
QOTD:Temecula donr know anything about it il give it a go we shall see. as far a football buffalo is playing New England as well have all been seeing the bills have been imploding with no coverage over the middle the bills are a getting 3pts with the spread but im going NE 27 BUF 17
November 8, 2008

Joe
Great show, I’ve been waiting for a Temecula show for a while since i live in Murrieta, 10 mins from Temecula. Gary you are right on about the labels. They are horrible. There was one out here with a black label and a huge red lipstick print on it, not good.

The wines are getting better though, little by little. If you ever make it out there, try Leonesse, they are right past Keyways. So far they have impressed me the most. I also like Wiens.
November 8, 2008

Benson from Temecula
I live in Temecula and have for the past 11 years. The region has grown and matured, partly due to an influx of new wine makers buying up land and planting vineyards over the past several years. Gary hit the nail on the head relative to the marketing of Temecula Valley; it sucks (including the labels). That said, very comfortable place to visit, taste wines, and spend time with friends and family.

Some up-and-coming wineries are Ponte, South Coast, and Stuart Cellars. Hart, Keyways, and Thornton have been around a long time. Ponte and South Coast have really built fantastic properties with the winery, restaurants and lodging. So, no question – the area is growing up, particularly from a tourist standpoint.

I, too, haven’t been happy with TV wines over the years. As a result, I’m now making my own juice with the Winepod. Growing grapes too (Peachy Canyon cab vines from Paso Robles). So far, so good.

Gary – Ever thought about doing a Winepod tasting? Get a few of the home-winemakers out there to subject their juice to your rigorous analysis? Could be fun. Talk to those Winepod folks (or they should be talking to you!).

Great show and website. Big fan.
November 8, 2008

Mikey Schotts
WOW a Temecula Episone!!! I’ve waited 375 episodes for this one!…………………………. Looks like omeone in Temecula made you MAAAAAAAAAAAAAd!!! It wasn’t the traditional Gary on the screen today, it was an angry man . . . . . . Anyway, It was great to see your thoughts on Temecula because I live 45 minutes from there. Its the closest area to my house. Loved the episode!

Mikey Schotts
November 8, 2008

Willem
Great to get feedback from you on Temecula.

You are right about them not marketing themselves as a region…what gives?

One to look out for particularly is Leonesse Cellars – They are not on the main strip! They are on the De Portola Wine Trail (Same road as Keyways) The guys farm about 400 acres of vineyard in the area. Starts in the Vinyeard!
(Gary, you might even find a ninety in there somewhere) Pricey, but worth it!
OHHHH – Great looking place too! leonessecellars.com
November 8, 2008

Kenny Hyder
QOTD: Just went tasting in Temecula last month.. I had the same thoughts, some decent wine, but nothing spectacular to write home about…
November 8, 2008

BobbyTiger
Didn’t Lon Chaney star in Temecula?
Football?
November 8, 2008

Susan
Gary – HATE to break this to you…………………………I have been doing good things for MANY years…………………………..
November 8, 2008

Bill Carter
Have been to Temecula many times and agree that the wines are way overpriced. Had some decent white wines but have yet to find a drinkable red. Barefoot makes better reds for 6 bones. That being said, tasting there is great fun. It can get very crowded if the weather is good.

QOTD, Da Bears in an upset over Titans. Not a big NFL guy. Far prefer college football.
November 8, 2008

Riche
My 2 boys visted Temecula this past spring and found the wines just okay to the the price points, so Gary it appears you seconf that opinion.

QOTD:
Jets 23
Rams Suck
November 8, 2008

Ray Barnes
Postscript to my football prediction yesterday, being a “rational” BC Lions season’s ticket holder:

yesterday’s prediction: Lions lose to the Saskatchewan Roughriders by 14 points. A team playing home games indoors going to the Canadian prairies with frigid conditions forecast.

today’s result: weather at 32F no wind chill. ideal conditions for November. BC Lions 33, Roughriders 12. I’m extremely pleasantly dissapointed. Time for a drink. This was also the first round of the playoffs in Canada.

Advance prediction for next weekend: BC Lions visit Calgary Stampeders and lose to the Stamps by 14 points. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. :-;
November 8, 2008

Susan
Gary, Praying & hoping that The NY JETS will win tomorrow……………………..
November 8, 2008

Andy
QOTD—- Carolina Panthers 35 Oakland Raiders 10
Never had a Temecula wine G
November 9, 2008

Kent
Gary, I think you underrated the Keyways Sauvignon Blanc. It’s one of only maybe 4 or 5 wines you’ve tasted on Wine library TV that I’ve actually had before. In all of the past instances I agreed with your assessments and ratings, but not this time my friend. I absolutely loved it when I tried it. It was pretty spectacular to me; big honey, a little bit of a sour apple flavor going on, and nobody else agreed with me on this aspect of it but I was tasting a bit of garlic as well. That may seem peculiar in a wine but I went absolutely crazy for it. I’d give it a 92 or 93 instead of a 87. And that’s remarkable because I usually don’t like white wine whatsoever.
November 9, 2008

joeinla
Leonesse is pretty dany good and was a shocking surprise for me, a Napa and Tuscan wine fan…!
November 9, 2008

joeinla
Leonesse is pretty DAMN goood is what I meant to say!
November 9, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I know nothing about football and maybe just a little less about Temecula.
November 9, 2008

Theresa
Gary – just came across this webisode on Temecula! Glad to see you reviewing. I lived in Laguna Beach for a couple of years and went out there a few times. I really enjoyed Hart and also another vineyard, Stuart Cellars. Next time, you should give Stuart a try!
November 9, 2008

HuskerJamie
QOTD: Jet 80 Rams 0
November 9, 2008

Shawn_944
Good Show, i will admit it never heard of the region and it is now to late to make a prediction as the game is over…
November 9, 2008

Rick W.
I have lived in the Temecula Valley for 20 years and still think there red wines are 75 to 85 points at best. Wiens Winery makes the best reds in the valley. It’s still fun to go wine tasting just a few minutes from the house, but I wish I lived in Napa Valley!!! Jets 47 Rams 3 (I cheated)
November 9, 2008

Mik991
Throw that Jets win in your Rams friend’s face.
November 10, 2008

Jason Schermerhorn
Hi Gary!
It is great that you are trying some Temecula wines. We recently PCSed (permanent change of station) in the US Marine Corps, from Virginia to California. I am stationed at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. Like many Marines who chose not to live in Oceanside, we decided to settle in Temecula. Temecula is a great little city of about 100,000 people. We absolutely love it here. I have been a fan for about a year, but until we moved here, I’d never heard of Temecula, muchless that it was a wine region. Now that we’re here, a lot of people seem to visit, as it is much closer to San Diego and Los Angeles than Napa is – and the wines have gotten some acclaim, but as you mention in your show – there is no cohesive organization that does even a half decent job of marketing the region. Nonetheless there is steady business for the many beautiful wineries here, and a lot of anticipation that the region is going to explode as a wine mecca over the next 10 years or so.
Thanks as always for bringing attention to regions and wines that are oft overlooked. We’ve meant to start visiting all the local wineries, but now I think we’re inspired to stop procrastinating and go out and do it. Will let you know if we find something else we think worth your while.
Semper Fi,
Jason Schermerhorn
November 10, 2008

RobT
G,

Kurt Warner’s gonna light up Martz on Monday night — 2 for Boldin, 2 for Fitz, and a dash of Hightower in garbage time. Niners D will hang in the first half, but Shaun Hill ’s debut will be… “eh”. Aside from Gore TD or two, Arizona 38, San Fran 20

Temecula… where the 215 & 15 meet?

PS. Nice graphic design blast (!)
November 10, 2008

Ray Barnes
Belated QOTD..First of all congratulations Gary on a most convincing Jets victory. This weekend now sets up a crucial game this Thursday with your favourite football team against my favourite and likely your most hated team. I truly wish this game was being played next Sunday, since I fear both teams will not be fully rested. I expect both quarterbacks to do better this time than when they met in week 2. I expect the game to be close and am hoping for a Patriots win by 7 points, but would not be the least bit surprised if the Jets win this time around. The AFC East division in my view, unlike prior years, does not have a dominant team now. Good luck to the Jets on Thursday, and may the best team win.
November 10, 2008

J Crazy
Weekend has passes so no prediction. I will predict, however, that you will do a show with Beau from True Sake in San Fransisco very sooner than much later.

Temecula is rockin’ and rollin’. I’ve had the Hart before and was pleased in my mouth but not in my wallet.
November 10, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD 1: I know you hate it, but since they already played- PATS BABY!
QOTD 2: NEVER had a Temecula wine and it’s one of the closest wine regions to my current home… I need to fix that. SOON!
November 10, 2008

Susan
Gary, I HAVE to say CONGRATULATIONS to the BIGGEST JET FAN ever!!!!!!! What a blowout!!!!
November 10, 2008

David Siteman Garland
Gary,

My poor Rams yesterday

I haven’t been this embarrassed since….well you get the idea.

Keep bring the damn thunder.

(whoops on my last comment, typed in someone incorrectly!)
November 10, 2008

GD
A Temecula show! Great! I was visiting Temecula last summer while on vacation in the US. We visited one of the local wineries there. Our impressions were quite similiar to yours on the show, very fruity wines, but often with high residual sugar. Too much sugar for my taste. But then we only visited a single winery, so I can’t say if that’s a common thing for Temecula wines.

Gary, when will you have a Sauvignon Blanc from Austria (Styria) on the show? Time to present some alternatives to the SBs from California and New Zealand.
November 10, 2008

late-start
Thanks for the interesting episode; especially as I just returned from a west coast trip where I spent a few midweek days in Temecula. It was a nice place to relax and taste a few wines. I agree with most of the comments that there are some good wines to be found, but substantially overpriced. That being said it does have potential to improve but will take a real effort from the wineries to initiate change.
November 10, 2008

Steve O
Frankly – Temecula wines suck! Overpriced, bad and for some reason they try to produce every varietal known to man ? ? ? I went to a wedding at South Coast Winery one recent weekend and they were charging 14 $ a glass to the bride and groom for VINEGAR. That region needs some focus but that is just my opinion.
November 10, 2008

Scottie P
I have a bad taste in my mouth for Temecula in general, because a slimy competitor of mine is based there. But, wine is wine. And I’ll certainly give it a shot.
QOTD: Even though it’s Monday now, I would’ve picked my Vikings to beat the Packers anyway. Thankfully they eeked out a win due to “All Day” AP.
November 10, 2008

Chris Rufkahr
NOT COOL! I didn’t mind if your Jets beat my Rams, but that was not necessary at all. You guys are mean!

I still think you’re hot, GaryVee!!!!!
November 10, 2008

Nathan H
score prediction: Nathan 37 NYJ 3
November 10, 2008

Scott Breffle
Gary, I was glad to see you take a look at some of the wines in this forgotten region. This area is a short drive from my home areas of Orange County and San Diego.

With many wineries focussing on day-tripping tourism and hosting weddings as the primary revenue stream, I think Temecula has gotten itself into an unfortunate self-perpetuating cycle: the wines get less care and attention, so the wineries focus ever more on tourism to make money, and the cycle repeats.

That said, I there are still some good wines made there. A good bet to find them is to focus on the wineries that dont tout wedding hostring on theier web sites . Leonesse Cellars and Stuart Cellars come to mind.
November 10, 2008

chris
How about Grenache? There was a label Grenache Village a while back – OUTSTANDING (aka yum *#!@! yum)

great video! Hope this inspired Temecula to revamp their brand.
November 10, 2008

Jeff "SoCalinMotion" Crace
Man where’s my props for getting these wines to Gary!!! btw I agree that TV wines are over priced. But as everyone has mentioned they tend to stay local…doing alot of tours wedding etc so they can charge that much I guess.
November 10, 2008

Ilse
it’s very worthy of you to spend attention to less known wine regions…if I see some of the comments (same line as your remarks during the video), I feared for the worst. I visited a number of smaller wineries in California years ago and they all seemed more proud of the parties they had organized on the premises (even between the barrels, wonderful for the temperature control!) than of their wines…in comparison to wineries of similar scale in Europe, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand (when on holidays, I always try to visit a couple of wineries), as far as I can tell, the Californean lacked behind in “seriousness” about their products…it’s only positive if this is changing now.
November 10, 2008

Davey
Thanks for the Temecula post! I live about an hour away, but because I know nothing of these wines (or the region), I never ventured out there. The sauvignon blanc is a nice surprise. Maybe a road trip is in order.
November 10, 2008

Little Jonny H
Nice show from a completely unknown region in California. To be honest, I didn’t know they existed!

QOTD: Well, since it’s monday, I guess I’ll have to pick tonight’s game: SF-20, AZ-27
November 10, 2008

Dan-o
GV – a 2 part QOTD, that is like giving homework assignments.
OK show, I don’t know much about the Temecula region. I do not like the sugar bombs, although my wife does.

QOTD 1 – football prediction – Jets in a romp! (note date of comment)
QOTD 2 – as said above, don’t know the region
November 10, 2008

Stan Vasily
Live 20 min from temecula and frankly there wines SUCK. the only decent wine I have tasted from there is HART old vine zin but the grapes are grown in Rancho Cuomonga. Perdiction is that the Radiers will lose
November 10, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
QOTD: I’ll say that the Pats will be up by 6 six at half time…and I haven’t had much from Temecula lately…but in the past they have always been, as you said…solid wines.
November 11, 2008

apj_bobswineguy
Temecula – Texas. From what I’m reading, sounds about the same. Uninspiring wines. Just ok. Not really worth the price tag.

I do suggest trying Syrahs though. Compared to the cost of some Napa CABS you can find some winners.

But, Gary you have opened our minds. My brother and I picked up a $10 Primitivo from Puglia because my brother quoted you – expand your palate. It was great. Worth dbl. QPR!!!
November 11, 2008

Nik
Got to agree with the graphic design comment – those labels are horrible! Maybe I should move to California and my design work for wineries…

QOTD – I’m a bit late for this, but the most important football score for me was a good one… Arsenal 2 Manchester United 1!
November 11, 2008

pawncop
Have been working all weekend and am just now having the chance to see the episode so – - football prediction is out.

Have not tried Temecula but will put it on the list, maybe far down, but on the list.
November 11, 2008

Andrew Saliga
I saw the Hart last night and almost bought it. I think the horrible label is what made it catch my eye.

It’s so true about what you were saying about 89 vs. 88 points. The fact that this didn’t make it to a 90 point (and the price) make it a pass for me.
November 11, 2008

Jolie Elman
Temecula is a place for groups of female 20-somethings to grab a party limo or party bus and go winery hopping for the camaraderie and for the buzz. It’s difficult to take Temecula wine serious. I find Temecula wine to be insipid and overpriced. I, personally, find Temecula wines to not be worthy of other wines produced in California.
November 11, 2008

Jolie Elman
Temecula is a place for groups of female 20-somethings to grab a party limo or party bus and go winery hopping for the camaraderie and for the buzz. It’s difficult to take Temecula wine serious. I find Temecula wine to be insipid and overpriced. I, personally, find Temecula wines to not be worthy or on par with other wines produced in California.
November 11, 2008

Ben Daniel
I grew up in Mendocino, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by wine from Temecula as well as from Escondido, a little bit to the south.
November 11, 2008

Sharon
Sometimes ‘The Ladies’ aren’t wild about sweet alcoholic fruit bombs either
QOTD: Right, Jets already beat Rams, so…
Pats 27, Jets 21
November 12, 2008

karenp
We visited Temeculah a few years ago and thought the wines sucked. Price and quality just didn’t match … and the wineries were so proud of their properties. A Napa wannabe…
November 12, 2008

Grapedigger
Cool Show GV…Never heard of Temecula wines before! Thanks.. One thing for sure, they need to reconsider their pricing..Cheers
November 13, 2008

Dan
My wife and I discovered Temecula several years ago (we live in LA) and our favorite out there is Mount Palomar Winery. Their dessert wines including their Riesling, Sherry, and Port, and especially their Muscato di Amore are all fabulous. I have to say I think Temecula is better for dessert wines than your big bold reds or whites with any finesse. However, Mount Palomar’s Cloudbreak and Best of Vintage Syrah both grab my attention as well, despite their high price point. In the normal price ranges, they do make a pretty fabulous Sangiovese and their Travoto mock super-Tuscan isn’t too bad either. Just my 2 cents.
November 13, 2008

Matt
Growing up in Northern California and now living in San Diego, I completely agree with you on this. Temecula wines are overpriced and there are very few bottles that are worth their price tag out there. With all of the great competition from Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, Hollister, etc., they only survive by catering to tourists who “hop” from winery to winery to get blacked out. All of the places mentioned above make much better wines at or below the prices Temecula charges.
November 13, 2008

dan
I live in san diego and I’ve been up to Temecula for some tastings – I would say that the day I went up the Thornton 2005 Cab was by far the best wine we tasted all day. Their wines are crazy expensive for the quality- but in a $10 flight with cheese platter the combo of their cab with some goat cheese was absolutely one of my favorite culinary experiences ever. The property up there is beautiful, but it’s a little snobbed out. ah well. i guess it’s better that they produce than not produce at all… even if it is overpriced.
cheers
November 15, 2008

CraigG
I used to support a branch office in Temecula where I used to work. Damn, I didn’t think they made wine there back in the day. Prediction = Rams will lose, whoever they play.
November 18, 2008

MattUD
Haven’t had any Temecula yet, and a little late on the predictions, but it worked out for the Jets!
November 20, 2008

Kristen
I was very surprised you liked the Sauvignon blanc! This must be a first!

QOTD: no football predictions, sorry. But I did see Temecula spotlighted in a Cooking Light article on wine regions across America to visit.
November 23, 2008

JayZee
Interesting show, but I wasn’t impressed with the wines as you described them. I mean, if Temecula wants to play with the Cali Big Boys, they are going to have to bring some thunder, right? I didn’t get that sense. As for Temecula as a region, I think I’ve had something from Thornton in the past, but I cannot recall what type of wine it was. Apparently it wasn’t that memorable.
November 28, 2008

CarinaG
I’ve lived in Temecula for over 5 years now. Check out Palumbo Family. Best reds in the valley.
December 19, 2008

Mike
If you have a chance to check out Temecula try what they call the backside on De Portorla Rd. There is 7 smaller winerys that have a variery of wiens. Cougr has an Aglenaico, Cortese, Arnies, and a few other Itilain varitals.
December 19, 2008

yowens
QOTD: Steelers in Superbowl. QOTD2: Hadnt heard of it.
January 26, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD1: Steelers pound Cardinals in Super Bowl, Arizona falls apart next season.
QOTD2: Dont know anything except what youve talked about. Will look into more.
September 27, 2009

G
Just came back from my second trip to Temecula today, so I dialed this up. A year ago, Keyways was the only winery I liked. Tried 4 more today and was mostly puzzled. Miramonte had a couple drinkable reds that seemed to be priced about right. Baily was mostly a pass. Weins did alright, but I’d read a label, take a sniff and shake my head. The cab came across as a zin on the nose. Just odd. Then made Wilson Creek where the Legacy was drinkable and they offered that in the 05 and 06 versions. 06 worked better for me. But what an odd area this is, ‘very touristy’ is dead on. Comments next to me ranged from “Why do you do that swirly thing” to “Don’t they have any sweet wines?” Was thinking this was the Wal-Mart shoppers AVA, but Wal-mart shoppers have a good sense of value and there were few value plays here. So this is the AVA for people who don’t have the taste and sense to shop wal-mart.

Didn’t try any whites, but the reds were more often than not just puzzling. I was drinking Gigondas the prior week back in DC. While they are much different than northern CA wines that I’m more accustomed to, those wines made sense. Across the board these wines were just puzzling as to where they were going. At times it seemed they had to make a concerted effort to make the grape on the label and the flavor in the bottle unrelated.
November 5, 2009

Kirk from Temecula
We’ve lived in Temecula since 1996 and moved to Temecula Wine Country in 2005. We just had our first harvest of our 2 acres of Cinsault. It got barrelled yesterday. It’s gone from a dozen or so wineries to a very touristy 30 or so. I agree that most of the wineries, larger ones especially, either cater to or just attract (mostly female) people more interested in copping a buzz than tasting. We’ve been sticking to the smaller, family run wineries lately. The larger ones have a circus feel to them.

As sar as the quality goes, you have to be choosy. Now I’m no wine expert. I just started taking wine seriously about six months ago. I’m in the early stages of my journey. To me, the stand outs are Briar Rose, a very small outfit; South Coast, one of the biggest; Doffo, another small one with an Argentinian ex-patriate owner of Italian descent.

I’m afraid that the emphasis on tourism is going to keep the Temecula Valley from achieving it’s potential. Also, it seems odd, considering all the money made from the tourism end of things that the wines are priced as high as they are. Maybe the fact that we’re close to Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego convinces that higher prices equates to higher quality.