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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.

A fabulous addition to a cold winter evening. A holiday tradition of ours, this wassail will add a glow to your festivities & make family & friends feel welcome.

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 navel orange (zested and juiced)
• 4 chole cloves
• 3-star anise
• 4 navel oranges (pealed for garnish)
• 1 Bottle of VS Cabernet Zinfandel

Directions for Wassail: Combine cider, wine, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves, and star anise in a crockpot on low for 4-6 hours or in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.  Pour into your favorite mug and garnish with an orange peel.

Add a Sparkling Sangria Topper!

Directions for Chilled Mulled Sangria Sparkling:

4 oz. chilled mulled Zinfandel and 2 oz chilled Wilson Creek Sparkling Sangria.

Serve in your favorite champagne flute or wine glass and garnish with a fresh orange slice, lime slice, optional add-in’s include fresh blueberries, pomegranate, and cranberries.

A great gift option for the holidays! Winter Mulled Wine 2 pk Special.

Mulled Wine Duo with our VS Cabernet Zinfandel & Sangria Sparkling topper is a Winter delight! Two ways to enjoy our mulled wine recipe. Hot or Chilled. Includes: Wine and recipe for your fun and festive party.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—when cookies come fresh out of the oven and wine flows as freely as holiday cheer! While Santa might prefer a plate of cookies with a glass of milk, we think wine is a much better companion for your holiday sweets.  

At Wilson Creek Winery, we believe that wine has a magical way of enhancing the flavors of your favorite Christmas treats. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide to pairing our signature wines with classic holiday cookies. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, baking with the kids, or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these pairings will bring a whole new level of holiday joy to your table.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or indulging in a quiet moment by the tree, these pairings will add an extra sparkle to your season.

Let’s pair some cookies and pop some corks!

We didn’t stop at S’mores! Here’s how to pair Wilson Creek wines with other Christmas cookie classics:

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies & Cabernet/Zinfandel

The rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate meets the cool, festive snap of peppermint in these holiday classics. To match their bold personality, our Zinfandel steps in with its vibrant notes of dark berries and subtle spice. Together, this pairing feels like a winter wonderland for your taste buds.

Chocolate Chip Cookies & Petite Sirah

Classic chocolate chip cookies deserve a wine that enhances their timeless charm. Enter our Petite Sirah, with its bold blackberry and plum flavors that complement the cookie’s gooey chocolate goodness. The rich tannins of the wine create a balance that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.

Jam Thumbprint Cookies & Merlot

Sweet, fruity jam thumbprints are a holiday staple, and our Merlot is their perfect partner. With its soft, velvety texture and notes of ripe cherry and plum, this wine enhances the fruitiness of the jam while adding depth to every bite.

Chocolate Biscuits & Decadencia Port

Rich chocolate biscuits pair seamlessly with our Decadencia Port, a dessert wine that’s as luxurious as it sounds. The velvety, chocolate-infused notes of the port elevate the cookie’s deep cocoa flavor for a decadent holiday treat.

Shortbread Cookies & Almond Sparkling Wine

Shortbread cookies are simple, buttery perfection, and they shine even brighter when paired with the effervescent elegance of our Almond Sparkling Wine. The slight nuttiness and refreshing bubbles of the wine perfectly balance the cookie’s richness, making this a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings.

Gingerbread Cookies & Riesling

The cozy spices of gingerbread cookies—cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg—deserve a bright and zesty partner like our Riesling. Its refreshing sweetness cuts through the spice, creating a balanced pairing that’s undeniably festive.

Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies & Angelica Cream Sherry

Salty, sweet, and oh-so-addictive, peanut butter pretzel cookies meet their match in our Angelica Cream Sherry. The creamy, nutty notes of the wine highlight the cookie’s flavor, while its smooth finish balances the salty crunch.

There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with delicious cookies and perfectly paired wines. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a quiet moment of indulgence, these pairings are sure to bring extra magic to your holiday celebrations. Shop Your Favorite Wines Today: Visit our online store to find all the wines in this pairing guide. Don’t wait—stock up now so you’re ready for every holiday occasion!

Let’s Bake: S’mores Cookie Recipe

Homemade Gooey Smores Cookies with Marshmallows Chocolate and Graham Crackers

Nothing says cozy like the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallow goodness of S’mores—now in cookie form! Follow this easy recipe to whip up a batch of holiday magic:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups mini marshmallows, divided
• 2 cups graham crackers, broken into small pieces, divided (about 9-10 crackers)
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 Hershey’s bars, broken into pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until creamy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
4. Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just incorporated.
5. Stir in 1 1/2 cups graham crackers, 1 1/2 cups marshmallows, and both types of chocolate chips. Mix until evenly distributed.
6. Scoop 2–3 tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
7. Top each cookie with additional marshmallows, graham cracker pieces, and Hershey’s chocolate. Bake for another 1–2 minutes until cookies are golden and marshmallows are slightly toasted. (Use the broil setting for extra marshmallow toastiness—just keep a close eye!)
8. Cool for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Storage Tip: These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for 4–5 days.

Pair Your S’mores Cookies with Almond Sparkling Wine

Now, let’s talk wine! The gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crispy graham crackers of these S’mores cookies call for a wine that’s equally celebratory. Our Almond Sparkling Wine is a perfect match, with its light sweetness and nutty undertones that complement the cookie’s nostalgic campfire flavors.

Cheers to the Sweetest Season Yet!
From all of us at Wilson Creek Winery, we wish you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and, of course, fantastic wine. 🍷🎄

As November settles in, the air turns crisp, holiday plans start taking shape, and we’re all reminded to embrace a spirit of gratitude. At Wilson Creek, we’re all about celebrating with friends, family, and of course, great wine!  Whether you’re gathering around the Thanksgiving table or simply enjoying a cozy night in, we have the perfect wine pairings and delightful Sweet Treat Duos to elevate any moment.

Thanksgiving Wine Pairings Made Easy 

Thanksgiving is the ultimate food holiday. With so many flavors at play – from savory stuffing to sweet cranberry sauce – finding the right wines to complement the feast can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry; we’ve curated a selection of wines to match the star dishes of your Thanksgiving spread.

Wilson Creek Sparkling Rosé

Perfect with: Roasted Turkey & Cranberry Sauce
Our Sparkling Rosé is a Thanksgiving favorite for its vibrant berry notes and refreshing finish. The bubbles and bright acidity cut through the richness of turkey, and the subtle sweetness complements tart cranberry sauce beautifully. It’s a festive choice that will add a little extra sparkle to your holiday meal.

2023 Albariño

Perfect with: Sweet Potato Casserole & Glazed Ham
The bright, citrusy notes of our 2023 Albariño bring a fresh, zesty balance to the richer flavors of sweet potato casserole and glazed ham. With a crisp acidity and hints of green apple and peach, this wine beautifully enhances the sweet and savory elements on your plate. Albariño’s light, refreshing character makes it an easy-going option for holiday meals that are both hearty and flavorful.

2020 Cinsault

Perfect with: Herb Stuffing & Roasted Vegetables
Our 2020 Cinsault is a vibrant, lighter-bodied red that brings a lovely balance of red berry flavors and subtle spice to your Thanksgiving table. With its soft tannins and smooth finish, this wine complements the savory herbs in your stuffing and enhances the earthy flavors of roasted vegetables. It’s an elegant, approachable choice that pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday dishes, adding a touch of sophistication to your meal without overpowering the flavors.

After a big meal, dessert is a must! And we believe that dessert is best enjoyed with the perfect sweet wine pairing. This November, we’re excited to introduce two delightful Sweet Treat Duos that are as indulgent as they are delicious.

Sweet Treat Duo #1: Angelica & Almond Sparkling Wine

Perfect for: After-Dinner Sipping & Sweet Treats
Angelica, our luxurious dessert wine, is all about rich caramel and fig notes that linger on the palate. Paired with the light, slightly nutty Almond Sparkling Wine, you get a combination that’s both unique and unforgettable. Sip them side by side or alternate between the two – either way, it’s a treat that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth and then some. This duo is perfect for enjoying with a slice of pumpkin pie or a handful of roasted nuts.

Sweet Treat Duo #2: Decadencia & Sparkling Sangria

Perfect for: Chocolate Desserts & Fruity Finishes
Decadencia, our chocolate-infused Port, is pure heaven in a bottle. Paired with our fun and fruity Sparkling Sangria, this duo is an adventure in every sip. Decadencia’s rich cocoa notes make it ideal for pairing with chocolate desserts, while the Sparkling Sangria offers a light, refreshing contrast that’ll keep things from getting too heavy. This duo is a crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering or casual night in.

Tips for Serving Wine this Thanksgiving 

1. Chill Your Whites & Bubbles: Serve your Sparkling Rosé, Almond Sparkling, and Albarino chilled for maximum enjoyment. Keep them in the fridge or a bucket of ice so they stay perfectly cool.
2. Room Temp Reds: The Cinsault and Decadencia are best served at room temperature. Set them out about 30 minutes before dinner to allow the flavors to shine.
3. Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings. Every palate is unique, and part of the fun of Thanksgiving is discovering new flavor combinations with family and friends.

Give Thanks, Sip Wine, and Celebrate with Us

November is all about gratitude, and we’re beyond thankful for each of you – our Wilson Creek family! Whether you’re a regular visitor, a Wine Club Member, or simply a fan from afar, your support and love for our wines make every day at Wilson Creek special. This month, we invite you to stop by the winery, pick up your Thanksgiving wine essentials, and try our Sweet Treat Duos.

From our family to yours, here’s to a holiday filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of good wine. Cheers to a wonderful Thanksgiving season!

Thanksgiving is already here! With so much to be thankful for, we wanted to take time to thank all of our Wine Club Members and Guests who enhance our lives everyday! You are the reason we love bringing you fine wine, delicious cuisine, and good times!

To celebrate you all and all the things we have to be thankful for, Wilson Creek put together a few wine pairings to go with your favorite Thanksgiving Pies! Because nothing says celebration like sweet treats and bubbly!

Apple Pie

Brut Sparkling

Pumpkin Pie

Almond Sparkling 

Pecan Pie

Angelica Cream Sherry

Key Lime Pie

Coconut Nui Sparkling or Yes Dear Chardonnay

Lemon Meringue

Rose Sparkling or VS White Cabernet

Cherry Pie

Sangria Sparkling or VS Cabernet-Zinfandel

Chocolate Cream Pie

Almond Sparkling or Decadencia Chocolate Port

Blueberry Pie

Sangria Sparkling or VS Cabernet-Zinfandel

Peach Cobbler

Brut Sparkling or Viognier