“We’re like what Napa was in the 50′s… what the Central Coast was in the 80′s”. That’s what Justin Mund told Ambassador Alejandro Orfila, proprietor of Orfila Vineyards and Winery. Mund is Orfila’s new winemaker. Leon Santoro passed away a few years ago and Don Reha took over as interim winemaker, stepping down earlier this year. Mund is a viticulturist at heart, and his goal is to promote the fruit and Read more »

CLANG-CLANG-CLANG WENT THE TROLLEY

I had seen the classic vehicle on the streets of Temecula for the past six months, usually in Old Town or parked at a winery on Rancho California or De Portola.  I thought it was a cute rental vehicle for private parties and put it on my “maybe someday” list.  That was until I met Amy Brewen, the vehicle’s owner and event planning mastermind behind Brewen’s Empire Trolley.

Amy is a woman on a mission to fill up the valley’s social calendar with exceptionally fun events and take the stress out of attending them.  Mr. WINEormous and I caught up with her this past week and hopped aboard for the premiere “underground night on the trolley.”  Passengers gathered at the first destination which on this tour was Read more »

I really love living in the Temecula Valley. I cherish the small town feel, its proximity to San Diego and Los Angeles, and of course its world class wineries. I have a handful of favorites and Thornton Winery is among them. A while ago I sat down with the winemaker and tasted their latest releases, which I consider to be among the winery’s finest.

We began with the 2009 Viognier, made with grapes from Hart Vineyards and Summit Vineyard on De Portolo Road. The first thing you notice is peach and honeysuckle on the nose. This is a wine filled with delicate flavors, good acidity and a satisfying finish. I think it’s Read more »

I recently got an email from Vernon Kindred, one of the two winemakers at Fallbrook Winery. They had just bottled some of their 2008 vintages and he was anxious to have me try them. I stopped by yesterday, visited with Vernon and owner Ira Gourvitz and tasted four new wines. There are some tasty treats heading your way.

As you’ll notice in the photo to the left, these wines haven’t been labeled yet. They’re not likely Read more »

Two years ago this November, Wilmer Yabar opened Masía de Yabar on De Portola Road in Temecula. He and his partners Waleed Jouzy and Carlos Riva have now opened a tasting room in Old Town and last night they offered a sneak peek to members of the press and trade. Located on 5th Street between Delaney’s 100 Mile Market and Palumbo’s Ristoranté, the new tasting room is colorful, comfortable and a Read more »

So much has taken place since I boarded the Schooner Stephen Taber in early June, but her memory is fresh in my mind. Commissioned on Long Island in 1871, she is the oldest sailing vessel in continuous service in the United States. We boarded early on an overcast Thursday morning in Rockland, ME. After getting acquainted with the ship and crew, chef Aimee LePage prepared the first of what would be many delicious meals. For breakfast on day one, we enjoyed Read more »

I spent nearly four full days in Rockland with a group of writers from the IFWTWA: the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association. I think I easily could have stayed four months. This town of 8,000 residents has so much to offer. Its rugged, natural beauty, its bounty of delicious cuisine and its warmhearted residents. On day three, after another exquisite breakfast prepared by Frank at the Limerock Inn, we climbed the All Aboard Trolley and headed for the Owls Head Transportation Museum. The museum has more than 100 vintage planes and automobiles on permanent display. The most amazing part is that virtually all the planes Read more »