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At Wilson Creek Winery, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to the land, our community, and the future of winemaking. Located in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country, our Regenerative Agriculture program focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and farming methods that give back more than they take.

What is Regenerative Agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is a holistic farming approach that restores and enhances the ecosystem. In our vineyards, that means:

Cover Cropping – Planting diverse crops between vine rows to improve soil structure and attract beneficial insects.

Composting – Turning organic matter into nutrient-rich compost to feed our vines naturally.

Integrated Pest Management – Reducing chemical use by encouraging natural predators and balancing vineyard ecology.

Water Conservation – Using innovative irrigation practices to protect one of California’s most precious resources.

Partnering with Local Students
One of the most rewarding parts of our program is our connection with local schools, FFA programs, and agricultural colleges. We regularly invite students into our vineyards for hands-on learning experiences—teaching them about sustainable viticulture, soil microbiology, and how farming choices impact wine quality and the environment.

Our vineyard manager, Greg Pennyroyal, leads these interactive sessions, guiding students through the science and art of regenerative practices. These real-world lessons help shape the next generation of agricultural leaders and eco-conscious winemakers.

Why It Matters for Wine Lovers
Better soil equals better grapes, and better grapes make exceptional wine. Regenerative practices not only improve vineyard health but also create wines with richer flavor, unique character, and a true sense of place.

 See how Wilson Creek Winery is making a difference in the vineyard and the community.

Join Us on the Journey
If you’re passionate about sustainability, wine, and community, come visit us in Temecula Valley. Take a vineyard tour, taste our wines, and see regenerative agriculture in action.

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.