putting the knit in shizknitz

So after our little tire mishap, we eventually made it onto the freeway and of course ran into evening traffic. We made it a tad late to the South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, and barely enough time to grab a bite to eat at their restaurant. It was a lovely place, roomy and each booth is large and private. T got a gorgeous prime rib and I got one of the best lambs I’ve had in a loooong time. We also shared a salad (came with a machego toast) and french onion soup.

The next morning we were awakened at 5:15AM to be picked up for our 5:45 AM hot air balloon ride with California Dreamin. We had absolutely no idea what we were in for, but we dressed warm. They picked us up in a van, then drove to two locations where they tested the wind with some balloons. There was a storm coming in, and so we were a tad worried… it turned out to be an absolutely amazing journey. The setup took less time than I thought, as we hopped into the basket and quickly flew away. I was shocked by how little we shook, it was a gentle ride. I didn’t realize how little control there was in direction of the balloon - you go up and down to catch different drifts in order to move in certain directions at certain velocities. Our pilot and co pilot were awesome… really knew the area to explain all the different areas we were flying over. I got some gorgeous shots as well given the clouds and the incoming storm. The landing was a little rough, and the rain started to come in a little. The best part was talking to the pilot and owner, Dave afterwards. He explained his history with ballooning, going back to high school and traveling around the world to balloon. His perspective of the world was a different one and after being in the air for about an hour, can see why.

They took us back to the room where we napped for the next several hours. I awoke to starvation as we first visited Maurice Car’rie Winery for lunch. Steph had shown me pictures and recommended their brie… and it was amazing. There was brown sugar baked in with it so for you sweet and salty lovers, it was heaven. T had chicken and I had another round of french onion soup and salad.

Stuffed, we then hit up wine tasting at Stuart Cellars, a cute place on a hill… I started to get a feel for Temecula wine country. Small and cozy, locally owned. Similar to Santa Barbara area (than Napa), but even more personal. There we picked up Malbec 2004 - Limited Reserve and Tatria 2002 - Limited Estate Reserve

We then visited Bella Vista Winery, previously known as Cilurzo, the oldest winery in Temecula. My professor had worked with the winery for her PhD dissertation and so I decided to stop in. Another small place with a larger tasting room. There we picked up 2 x Petite Sirah 2004 Late Harvest (OMG this was so yummy with Champagne), Petit Sirah Rose 2005, Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (labeled Cilurzo).

We then visited Falkner Winery, which was next to Pinnacle Restaurant (its set up high so you have gorgeous views), recommended by Dave the pilot from the hot air balloon. Here, we picked up one bottle of 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon.

We then visited Ponte Winery, which was actually next to our place which had a large tasting room and fancy setting, something more of what you would expect in Napa. They had a huge selection and great history to the names of their wines. My favorite, the Graciela was named after the grandmother who now splits her time between San Diego and Italy. We picked up two bottles of the 2005 Graciela there.

We then drove back to South Coast, parked, and walked to our tasting room since there wasn’t much chance of us driving after this point. Most of the tasting rooms in Temecula give you about 5-6 tastings for about $6-$10, much more than what you get elsewhere. T and I shared, but even then I was really starting to feel the wine at this point. Here we bought Black Jack Port, Cabernet Rose 2005, Pinot Grigio 2006, 2 x Gewurtztraminer 2006. I think I fell asleep at this point, skipping dinner altogether.

Lunch the next day was at Ponte Winery. All seating was outside which was a little bit of a challenge, since it was windy and cold. The food was delicious though… so it was worth it. The bread came with this dipping sauce that was amazing. We had steamed mussels and clams with an olive tapenade, my salad had fried green tomatoes and T had a mahi mahi sandwich that he loved. For dessert, the homemade apple pie with candied rosemary was perfect.

To finish off the trip, we stopped by Hart Winery, where we were greeted by their mascot. There we purchased 2005 Syrah Rose and 2003 Zinfandel. We left Temecula after driving through old town, and stopping by a yummy cheese store for some die-for brie. What an amazing trip… we have nearly doubled our wine collection!