Wilson Creek Blog
Events, News, Recipes & more!

What happens when you give our Wine Club Members a lineup of Wilson Creek wines, a table full of mixers, and a whole lot of creative freedom?

Sangria magic. 

At our most recent Wine Academy session—our exclusive hands-on experience for Wine Club Members—we hosted a lively Sangria Blending class. Members teamed up to craft their own unique sangria recipes using our signature wines, botanical ingredients, and a splash of inspiration. And guess what? The results were so good, we had to share them with the world.

Whether you’re throwing a backyard bash or just cooling off with a glass on the patio, these member-created sangrias are perfect for summer sipping.

White Sangria – Bright, Fresh & Perfect for Day Drinking

This one’s like a tropical breeze in a glass—cool, citrusy, and oh-so-refreshing, thanks to our crisp Sauvignon Blanc and lightly sweet Moscato.

You’ll need:

• 3 bottles Wilson Creek Sauvignon Blanc

• 1 bottle Wilson Creek Moscato

• 2 cups white cranberry-peach juice

• 2 cups margarita mix

• 2 cups mojito mix

• ¼ cup orange blossom water

Botanical Tincture:

• 1 tsp dried spearmint

• 1 tsp dried ginger root

• ½ tsp lemongrass

• ½ tsp fenugreek

• ½ cup gin (warmed)

Rosé Sangria – Flirty, Floral & Fan-Favorite Pink Drink

Designed by a team who clearly knows how to brunch, this pretty-in-pink blend combines Rosé of Cinsault with floral hints and warm vanilla.

You’ll need:

• 3 bottles Wilson Creek Rosé of Cinsault

• 1 bottle Wilson Creek White Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2 cups white cranberry-strawberry juice

• ¼ cup rose water

Botanical Tincture:

• 2 tsp dried hibiscus

• 1 tsp dried ginger root

• ½ small cinnamon stick

• 2 tbsp vanilla sugar

• ½ cup gin (warmed)

Red Sangria – Bold, Rich & Berry-licious

A sangria that says, “I’m here to party.” This deep, fruit-forward blend starts with NV Grenache and builds with spice, cherry, and complexity.

You’ll need:

• 4 bottles Wilson Creek NV Grenache

• 2 cups white cranberry-cherry juice

• 2 cups white cranberry-raspberry juice

• ½ cup Grand Marnier

Botanical Tincture:

• 2 cardamom pods

• 3 cloves

• ½ tsp grains of paradise

• 1 tbsp cacao nibs

• ½ tsp fenugreek

• ½ small cinnamon stick

• ½ cup gin (warmed)

Tank 15 Sangria – Spicy, Sultry & Seriously Good

A fan-favorite at the event, this sangria features our bold Tank 15 Red Blend and a spicy botanical mix that gives it a warm, exotic edge.

You’ll need:

• 4 bottles Wilson Creek Tank 15 Red Blend

• 2 cups white cranberry-cherry juice

• 2 cups white cranberry-pomegranate juice

• ½ cup Grand Marnier

Botanical Tincture:

• 2 star anise pods

• 3 cloves

• ½ tsp grains of paradise

• 1 tbsp cacao nibs

• ½ small cinnamon stick

• ½ cup cognac (warmed)

How to Make the Botanical Tinctures

To infuse your gin or cognac with rich flavor:

Warm it slightly to around 90°F, stir in the herbs and spices, and let steep for a few hours. Once ready, mix it into your sangria and chill the whole batch for a few hours (overnight is even better).

DIY Sangria Tips from the Pros (aka You!)

• Add fresh herbs or fruit to enhance flavor and make it photo-ready.

• Chill your sangria long enough to let all the flavors mingle.

• Want it sweeter or stronger? Tweak the juice or spirit ratios to suit your vibe.

These blends were made by our Wilson Creek family—Wine Club Members who know their way around a good glass of wine.

Want in on the next Wine Academy event? Join the Wine Club and be part of the fun!

Cheers to summer, sangria, and unforgettable sips. 

Tank 15: The Wine So Good, It Went Missing

Every great wine has a story. Some are aged in barrels for decades, others are crafted from vines kissed by morning fog—but Tank 15? Well, this one vanished before it ever left the cellar.

Let’s rewind to 2009. We had just crushed a beautiful batch of Zinfandel grapes—big, bold, jammy, and promising. The wine found its temporary home in, you guessed it, Tank 15. Back then, it didn’t even have a name. It was just “that Zinfandel in Tank 15”…but oh, was it something special.

It didn’t take long for word to get around the winery. Like a well-kept not-so-secret, staff members began sneaking down after hours—wine glasses in hand—to “check on its progress” (and, let’s be honest, show it off a bit). Whether it was to impress a friend, sneak a taste, or just admire the beauty of a Zin in the making, Tank 15 became the unofficial it spot on the property. We bragged about it. We bonded over it. We even debated the perfect food pairings for it (spoiler: BBQ anything).

Then one day… it was gone.

Panic set in. Confusion. Accusations. Had someone bottled it all in the dead of night? Was it secretly released without our knowing? Was the staff really that thirsty?

Turns out, the winemaker had simply moved the wine to another tank—routine stuff, really—but no one told the rest of us. The disappearance only deepened our affection. That nameless Zin from Tank 15 had already become a legend.

And so, the name stuck. Tank 15 was born—not just as a wine, but as a moment in Wilson Creek history.

Today, Tank 15 continues its legacy in our lineup, with the 2022 vintage bursting with the same bold, juicy character that made it famous in the first place. Crafted with Zinfandel grapes grown in Lodi, it’s a fruit-forward, spice-kissed stunner with rich berry notes, hints of black pepper, and a smooth, smoky finish.

Perfect Pairings:

Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at home or throwing a backyard feast, Tank 15 is a foodie’s best friend. Here are some top-notch pairings to make your bottle shine:

• BBQ Ribs – Sweet and smoky meats bring out the Zin’s juicy fruit and spice.

• Spicy Italian Sausage Pizza – A classic match for the wine’s bold profile.

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Especially with tangy slaw or a zesty BBQ sauce.

• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms – A great vegetarian option that highlights the earthy undertones.

• Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt – For dessert lovers, this contrast is rich and decadent.

So the next time you open a bottle, raise a glass to Tank 15—the wine that had us all sneaking into the cellar and believing (just for a second) in wine-based magic tricks.

Shop 2022 Tank 15

https://www.wilsoncreekwinery.com/product/2022-tank-15

P.S. Don’t worry—it won’t disappear on you. Probably.

Temecula’s beloved winery turns heads with cutting-edge environmental practices and community-driven legacy

In a major win for sustainable agriculture and family-owned business, Wilson Creek Winery has been named the recipient of the 2025 Green/Sustainability Award by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Orange County Chapter.

The honor—announced at ACG OC’s 30th Annual Awards Gala—recognizes a standout company that’s doing more than just reducing its footprint. Wilson Creek’s unique and science-driven regenerative agriculture program has made the Temecula Valley winery a model for environmental innovation in California’s wine industry.

“This award is more than recognition—it’s a reminder that we can build a successful business by healing the land, not just using it,” said Bill Wilson, Owner and CEO of Wilson Creek Winery, who accepted the award with members of his team. “We believe that healthy soil equals healthy grapes, which leads to exceptional wine—and a better future for all of us.”

Why It Matters: A Deeper Commitment to the Planet

While many wineries have adopted sustainable practices, Wilson Creek has gone further—implementing a holistic, data-driven regenerative program that includes cover crops, compost testing, insect biodiversity tracking, soil health monitoring, and even rotational sheep grazing. One of their showcase blocks has seen dramatic results: higher yields, reduced disease pressure, and improved grape quality, all while restoring vineyard biodiversity.

Investing in the Next Generation of Growers

In addition to transforming their own vineyard, Wilson Creek is actively helping to shape the future of regenerative farming in the region. The winery is leading the Temecula Valley High School Regenerative Agriculture Program, mentoring students and providing hands-on training in living soil practices, integrated pest management, and sustainable vineyard operations.

“Our goal is to help create the next wave of winegrowers and ag leaders who understand that sustainability is science, not just philosophy,” said Greg Pennyroyal, Vineyard Manager.

A Family Legacy Rooted in Stewardship

Founded in 2000 by Gerry and Rosie Wilson, Wilson Creek Winery has grown into a thriving 90-acre estate known for its award-winning wines, weekend concerts, weddings, and charity events. The Wilson family’s culture of celebration and care extends far beyond the tasting room—it’s rooted in stewardship, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the community and the land.

From the ACG Awards Committee:
“Wilson Creek Winery exemplifies the spirit of this award category—combining innovation, environmental integrity, and deep community impact. Their story is one of purpose, progress, and possibility.”

Wilson Creek’s recognition is a testament to what’s possible when agriculture, science, and heart come together. It’s not just about growing grapes—it’s about regenerating the land for generations to come.

• Grilled Steak: For a classic steak off the grill, reach for a bold red wine like our 2020 Malbec. The soft tannins with notes of cedar and raspberry stand up well to the charred exterior and juicy interior of a perfectly grilled steak.
• Barbecue Ribs: The sweetness and tanginess of barbecue sauce on ribs call for a special wine to balance the flavors. Our 2021 Syrah features luscious dark fruits, hints of black pepper, and a touch of smoky oak, perfectly complementing the richness of the ribs.
• Pulled Pork: Pulled pork’s tender texture and smoky flavor pair wonderfully with a medium-bodied red wine such as our 2022 Reserve Merlot. With dark fruit flavors and subtle spice, this wine offers enough acidity to cut through the richness of the pork while enhancing its savory goodness.
• Brisket: Whether your BBQ brisket leans towards a sweeter Kansas City style, a tangy Carolina style, or a spicy Texas style, our Cabernet Zinfandel can adapt due to its fruit-forward nature.
• Grilled Chicken: For grilled chicken dishes, opt for a crisp and refreshing white wine like our famous White Cabernet. With bright acidity and aromas of peach and ripe strawberry, this wine provides a lovely contrast to the charred exterior of the chicken, making for a delightful pairing.
• Vegetable Kabobs: Vegetarian barbecue options like vegetable kabobs deserve a wine that accentuates their vibrant flavors. Our crisp 2023 Viognier can complement the grilled vegetables without overpowering them. The delicate oak tannins and firm stone fruit on the back palate make this wine a refreshing and satisfying pairing for any vegetable medley.

Every Earth Day, we’re reminded of the importance of preserving the land we love—for ourselves, our children, and future generations. But here at Wilson Creek Winery, we believe that stewardship of the earth should be a daily mindset, not a once-a-year reflection. That’s why we’ve committed to something bigger than sustainability. We’re going regenerative.

Regenerative agriculture is a bold, holistic farming philosophy that doesn’t just aim to “do less harm”—it strives to heal. It’s about restoring vitality to our soil, increasing biodiversity, improving the resilience of our vineyard ecosystem, and creating a long-term positive impact that ripples far beyond our property lines.

And we’re proud to be leading the charge in the Temecula Valley.

What Is Regenerative Agriculture?

While traditional sustainable farming focuses on reducing chemical use and preserving resources, regenerative agriculture goes further by actively rebuilding the health of the vineyard from the ground up—starting with the soil. Healthy soil is alive. It teems with microbes, fungi, and organisms that work in harmony with the vines to naturally retain water, cycle nutrients, and boost plant resilience.

At Wilson Creek, our regenerative journey includes:

• Building Soil Health & Capturing Carbon: Through composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage, we nurture the microbial life beneath our feet and help pull carbon from the atmosphere back into the soil.
• Water Conservation: We use precision irrigation and soil moisture sensors to deliver just the right amount of water to each block—vital in a drought-prone state like California.
• Biodiversity in Action: Sheep graze through the vineyards naturally mowing grass and fertilizing the soil, while owl boxes and beneficial insect habitats help us control pests without harsh chemicals.
• Eliminating Synthetic Inputs: Our team avoids chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides that degrade the ecosystem, opting instead for organic alternatives and integrated pest management practices that work in sync with nature

Meet the Steward of Our Vines:

Greg Pennyroyal

Our Vineyard Manager, Greg Pennyroyal, is a nationally recognized voice in regenerative farming. With a background in botanical medicine and ecosystem management, Greg brings a systems-thinking approach to the vineyard. His belief? That truly great wine starts long before harvest—it begins with living, thriving soil and a healthy, balanced vineyard.

Greg has helped lead research projects with the USDA and NRCS, started a Regenerative Agriculture Club at Temecula Valley High School, and regularly trains vineyard workers on regenerative methods. His passion is contagious, and it has set the tone for our entire viticulture program.

A Taste of Regeneration: Block 9 Cabernet

This year, we’re proud to release our very first vintage from a fully regenerative block—the Block 9 Cabernet Sauvignon. Grown without synthetic inputs and managed with regenerative techniques from start to finish, this wine is proof that what’s better for the land can also be better in the glass.

Block 9 Cabernet showcases rich notes of blackberry, cedar, and chocolate-covered espresso beans. But it’s more than a wine—it’s a story in a bottle. A story of care, science, and a little bit of magic from Mother Nature.

Giving Back to the Valley

We know that one vineyard can’t change the world on its own, which is why we’re also sharing our knowledge with others. Through our Small Wine Growers Association and ongoing educational partnerships, we’re empowering other local farmers to adopt regenerative practices and make Temecula Valley a model for responsible, climate-resilient winemaking.

We believe that true leadership means lifting others up—and that the health of our entire wine community is stronger when we learn and grow together.

Explore More: Our Regenerative Agriculture Page

Curious to learn more about what we’re doing and how you can support regenerative agriculture in wine country? Visit our new webpage dedicated to all things regenerative:

 wilsoncreekwinery.com/regenerative-ag/

There you’ll find more details, behind-the-scenes photos, and updates on how our practices are evolving.

Cheers to Earth Day—And Every Day

At Wilson Creek Winery, we’re raising a glass not just to great wine, but to a better future. Regenerative agriculture is about more than farming—it’s about healing. It’s about hospitality with heart, rooted in responsibility. This Earth Day, we invite you to celebrate with us and become part of a movement that’s growing deeper roots every day.

Happy Earth Day—from our vineyard to your glass.