Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Robert Hall Winery, Evolving Their Wines Toward a Regenerative Future
      • Great Wine Is Headed Your Way, the Spring Portfolio Tasting of Golden State Wine Co Reveals Many Treasures
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016, An Elegant Vintage for an Iconic Wine
    • ETTORE Wines from Mendocino, With An Organic Focus
    • Two Excellent Value Broquel Label Wines From Argentina’s Trapiche Winery
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Temecula Valley is morphing into serious wine country.  After 50 years of commercial winemaking in Southern California, a new generation of winemakers is experimenting with different varietals and styles. With an active wine scene, and year-round events, Temecula Valley has a lot to offer, with over 40 licensed wineries, that produce over 500,000 cases annually from over two dozen varietals.  In close proximity to the major metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County, it has a built-in audience for weekend wine tasting, and is a popular day trip for many.
Many people think that Temecula Valley is too hot to grow winegrapes but as it turns out, the region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, perfect for viticulture with rolling hills and ocean breezes.  Famous for the Wilson Creek Almond Sparkling Wine, the winescape is changing, as the younger generation seeks to make even more graceful and balanced wines.  The official motto of the Temecula Valley Wine Country is "People, Passion, and Perseverance", as evidenced in the above video produced for the Temecula Valley Winegrowers association, and the quality winemaking momentum seems to be gaining steam.
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Chef Leah of E.A.T. Marketplace hard at work on a spectacular winemakers dinner
Temecula Valley Winegrowers, Temecula Valley Wine Country, and E.A.T. Marketplace came to Los Angeles to raise awareness of Temecula wines and their 50 year history in 2018.  A spectacular ten course meal, paired with wines from three producers, was an eye-opener.  The farm to table craft of Chef Leah was on full display, she even brought her own ingredients from Temecula!  Her philosophy for this wine dinner?  “We want to be wine forward, we want the wine to speak for itself, and we want the food to come in and compliment it.”  Overwhelmingly successful, her fantastic food really let the wines of Leoness Cellars, Robert Renzoni Vineyards, and Doffo Winery shine.
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(L-R) Marcelo Doffo and his children, Brigitte, Samantha and Damian/Courtesy of Doffo Wines
Doffo Winery started as a home winemaking project at the family home in Orange County.  But then a trip to Italy in 1994 to visit relatives inspired patriarch Marcelo Doffo to go beyond family and friends, and make wine on a larger scale.  He came to Temecula in 1997, bought 5 acres and a house, and worked at crafting small production boutique wines, becoming an accidental winery with a devoted following.  Marcelo has handed the reins over to his children: Damian, Brigitte and Samantha, and is currently enjoying retirement, but Doffo Winery is ramping up their dedication to his legacy.  Offering an extensive lineup of wines, from sparkling to port, and some grappa to boot, Doffo is well known for their Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Courtesy Leoness Cellars
Leoness Cellars are farmers first, growing all their own grapes in their estate vineyards.  Renowned for their red wines, Syrah and Bordeaux blends, Leoness is experimenting with whites as well.  Leoness, which translates to “village of dreams”, sprung from an agricultural partnership almost 30 years ago, whose founders employed their same high quality farming model for citrus and avocados to wine grapes.  Their expertise has gained Leoness respect and award-winning wines, all from the best fruit that can be grown in the Valley.
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Courtesy Robert Renzoni Vineyards
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Courtesy Robert Renzoni Vineyards
Robert Renzoni Vineyards is dedicated to Bordeaux and Italian winegrape varietals, with the majority of their vineyards planted to them.  Out of the two dozen wines they offer, half are red. With a family history of winemaking going back over 130 years, Renzoni is a recent fixture in Temecula Valley, just a little over a decade old.  Carefully planted vineyards that match the individual grape varietal’s needs yields wines that point to the potential of the region and its terroir.
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Starting with an aperitif of Carter Estate 2014 Blanc de Blanc Sparkling, it’s fine bubbles revealed delicate floral and apple aromas, enriched by yeasty, toasty notes, bright acidity with a creamy texture, refreshing on the palate.

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Pairing: Grilled Peach Toast with Almond Ricotta, Seeded Bread and Pistachio Dust
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Leoness Cellars 2017 “Mèlange d´Été - a light, crisp, off-dry white wine, a blend of five varietals (Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat Canelli) that is easy-drinking for summer, the name means “blend of summers”
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Pairing: Local Halibut with Crème Fraiche and Foraged Greens
Robert Renzoni Vineyards 2017 Vermentino - a complex wine with juicy, tropical fruit notes, tangerine and lemon zest citrus, and white peach, the winemaking process involves a cold, slow fermentation for 30 days
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Pairing: Cook's Pig Heritage Pork with Strawberry Variation, Confit Belly, "Bone Marrow"
Robert Renzoni Vineyards 2015 “Lyric Rosé” - a Provence-style Syrah rosé, dry and delicate with peach skin and rose petal aromas, guava and ripe peach flavors
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Pairing: Cheese Course, Triple Cream with Oat Cracker and Honey
Doffo Winery 2017 Viognier - concrete fermentation gives this vibrant wine explosive floral aromatics and an apricot stone fruit palate
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Pairing: Beets & Berries, composed of Beets and Local Berries, Chèvre and Walnuts
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Leoness Cellars 2014 Cellar Selection Meritage - a blend of 66% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, rich and velvety with dark fruit, licorice, vanilla bean and violet notes, aged for 24 months in small French and American oak barrels
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Doffo Winery 2015 Motodoffo “Gran Tinto” - the name blends the Doffos’ passion for vintage motorcycles and art, the labels are original pieces of art that they commissioned for the wine, a blend of 85% Zinfandel and 15% Petite Sirah, this is a high-powered red.
Robert Renzoni Vineyards 2014 Estate “Sonata” - a Super Tuscan style blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Brunello di Sangiovese, aromas of dried cherry, vanilla and toasted oak intertwined with flavors of cherry, cranberry, spice and a hint of coffee.
Doffo Winery 2015 “Mistura” - from the Portuguese word for mixture, this is an intense blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, ripe red fruit, black pepper, and notes of caramel, chocolate, vanilla and cedar, it’s well-balanced with a velvety finish, a best seller and crowd favorite for Doffo.
Leoness Cellars 2014 Signature Selection “Grande Mélange” - their top of the line Chateauneuf-du-Pape style wine, an elegant and balanced blend of 45% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre and 10% Cinsaut, ripe cherry and plum fruit, smoky bacon, clove and dried fig notes, supple tannins unfold into a lingering finish.



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To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Temecula Valley Wine Country, a special wine was bottled, a 2016 red blend of 50% Syrah, 26% Grenache and 24% Mourvedre, three of the grape varietals that thrive there.  Produced by the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association to reflect the history and identity of Temecula Valley, the 50th Anniversary Wine is available through Hart Winery.
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Chef Leah and her crew with winemakers Damian Doffo, Olivia Bue, and Tim Kramer
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Damian Doffo, with his wife Vanessa and father and founder Marcelo
Temecula Valley winemakers have made great strides in the past 50 years, founded on dreams and shaped by hard working wine growers who saw the potential of the region.  Emerging from many challenges to fulfill this vision, their next act of winemaking will be one to watch.