Spring Break in SoCal Wine Country Day Stops 2 -4

Spring break is here and if you miss that feeling of carefree abandon and going on a road trip...then read on my friends for stops 2-4 in Temecula Wine Country in gorgeous Southern Califormia.

In my last post, we arrived in Temecula Wine Country around 10 AM and visited Thornton Winery.

11:30 AM - Briar Rose Winery
Just around the corner, and maybe 8 minutes from Thornton Winery, this upscale boutique, by reservation only winery takes itself seriously... and for good reason. Their amazing wines ranging from $28 –- $1,300 and will knock your socks off. It’s a special experience from start to finish from the Snow White Cottage theme, to the smooth, complex wines. Check out http://www.briarrosewinery.com/ for hours and reservations.

1 PM - Ponte Winery (See photo above) - Time for lunch. Just about 10 minutes from Briar Rose you simply must stop in at the Smokehouse Restaurant at Ponte Winery where you will sit out among the vineyards. Views, menu, and hospitality are incredible. Great wines for every palate and plate. You’ll want to linger for a while and after lunch enjoy their wonderful gift shop - one of the best in wine country. Reservations a must on the weekends! (http://www.pontewinery.com/)

3:00 PM – Keyways Winery -The only wholly female owned winery in the So Cal area, this winery is on De Portola Wine Trail, about 15 minutes from Ponte. You'll quickly notice the terrain changes from your Rancho California Road to one that focuses on more of an equestrian feel on the DePortola side. Gorgeous, relaxing, unique is what makes the area and this particular winery worth the drive. The wines are fabulous: the décor is thoughtful and engaging. The best bathrooms in wine country - almost art like in concept! This owner knows details. The grounds give off a Zen vibe, and when this winery showcases local musicians indoors or outdoors, guests find themselves caught up in the moment. Truly a memorable experience. (http://www.keywayswinery.com/)

The Perks of Keyways

We had so many wonderful perks on with our Conference at Sea, I need to share a little more about the Keyways Vineyard Winery in Temecula Valley Wine Country.

One night when we came back to our room, Keyways was gracious enough to provide each attendee a bottle of their Sauvignon Blanc. It was packaged in a sheer rust colored material that had an inviting sheen.

I'm one of those people who gravitate toward red varietals. However, the next evening, the Keyways Sauvigon Blanc was calling me. This wine is similar to the well-known and appreciated Sauvignon Blancs of Sancerre, France. On the Keyways website, it says "it is very food friendly with aromas of flint and fruit." What it doesn't say is that its extremely light fruity aromas draw you in completely. It was a true compliment to my scallops.

Since both Norm and I enjoyed this so well, I checked out the website once we were home. I expected it to retail around $24 to $29 and it is only $18 a bottle and $15.30 per bottle if you order a case - a tremendous value for a lovely light varietal.

While visiting their website, I discovered Keyways has the unique distinction of being the first woman owned and managed winery in Temecula Valley. Since 2004 when Terri Peblley purchased the winery, it has undergone an extensive make-over including the tasting room and landscaped grounds.

The original vineyards have been replaced with Viognier, Roussane, Tempranillo and Grenache which appeals to the palates of current wine enthusiasts. They also feature many special events.

If you are in the Temecula, CA area, you may want to visit Keyways and definitely their tasting room.

Keyways Vineyard Winery
37338 De Portola Road
Temecula, CA 92592
http://www.keywayswine.com/
951-302-7888

IFWTWA has Linda Kissam, lindakissam@aol.com, to thank for introducing us to Keyways. Linda represents many of the wineries of Temecula and the surround area. She also puts wine trips together. Linda is a great resource for all of you who write about and enjoy wine.



Maralyn D. Hill

President

IFWTWA

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