Temecula Wine Country near sunset in August. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
While Napa and Sonoma are probably the first California wine regions that come to mind, there are plenty others throughout the state that are producing quality wines. Paso Robles, Lodi and Livermore Valley, to name a few. However, at the very south of the state, Temecula Valley has been waiting for its time to shine. And that time is now.
“The wines in Temecula are diverse and there is a wine here for everyone’s palate. There is a concerted effort by wineries here to produce world class wines,” says Damian Doffo, CEO of Doffo Winery.
The terroir of the valley is varied, winemakers say, and can shift not only amongst the hillside or flats, but even in a vineyard. For example, Doffo explains that he has three different types of soil on his property; while Christina Falik, owner and proprietor of Gershon Bachus Vintners, says that she works mostly with granite, silt and rich soil. This variation allows for winemakers to pick varietals that work best and truly showcase Temecula’s potential. Falik notes that Zinfandel, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Roussane grow well on her property; Doffo feels that Malbec and Syrah are the stars of the show on his.
“Regardless of what you have, the proper root stock is an art form. Our winemakers and farm professionals know exactly what to do and they are masters of their craft,” Falik says.
Adds Steve Chapin, founder and owner of Chapin Family Vineyards, “Matching the right grape varietal to the vineyard climate and soil is a crucial factor. It’s crucial because it has economic importance for surviving in a very competitive financial endeavor.” Chapin puts a focus on Syrah, Petite Sirah, Montepulciano, and Aglianico at his winery, as those flourish in his terroir.
In any wine region, it’s about the wine first and foremost. But in Temecula, hospitality also plays a role, not only in bringing visitors in, but allowing them to feel what the region is all about. Chapin says this is where the region shines brightest; showcasing how wine can be an experience and how wine can enhance an experience.
“I believe the surprising diversity of experiences is the first visitor reaction. The larger wineries have not only wine experiences but excellent restaurants and exceptional hotels. Other smaller wineries like Chapin provide a calm getaway from everyday issues, where we concentrate on the wine experience shared with family and friends,” he says.
Doffo adds he believes the wine region does tourism very well, especially as it brings in not only wine lovers, but beer drinkers, golf enthusiasts and foodies alike. It also boasts more than 23 million people in a 90-minute radius, allowing for a bit of an escape to a region that, he says, “feels more like Europe, but is one hour from home.”
As the region continues to grow, winemakers see a focus on small, craft wines coming into view. Temecula’s attention to service and detail make it a great region for beginner wine drinkers to start their exploration; however, more serious sippers are looking for a sense of place in their bottle. This wine region can provide both things, say winemakers, with quality and individuality in mind.
“In the coming years, I see a large focus on single lot, smaller batch wines with a big focus on quality, Temecula grown fruit with sustainable farming practices being a key selling point for consumers. The idea of origin source to bottle is appealing to the consumer,” says Doffo. A point that Falik echoes.
“For those who place their strengths in small batch wine, we excel and can rally against any wine region. I believe that Temecula wineries decide what they want to do best and build their business model around those guidelines,” she says.
As for the moment? “I see Temecula as a serious contender in the wine market. We have yet to be really discovered. Each year, the wineries push the envelope to bring their very best to the consumer. Given the opportunity, we can and will show fine wine drinkers that we are amongst the top producers of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals,” Falik explains.