Looking to join a wine club but don’t know where to start?  With so many options and so many wineries, you may be overwhelmed trying to pick the right wine subscription. There is a lot to consider when deciding which wine club is going to fit your taste and budget. We’ve gathered a few tips and tricks we have learned along the way to help you maximize your enjoyment and budget for wine.

EXPERIENCE OR BIG BOX

With a quick Google search, you will find a dizzying array of wine clubs to join. There are “bulk” wine clubs that provide a wide variety of lower end wines for simple enjoyment.  There is no connection with a winery, no physical location to visit and learn more about how the wine is made, and no connection directly with the Winemaker or Owner.  If you are craving more of an experience and connection with wine, look to a particular winery that you enjoy.  The first thing to look for is where the wine is made.  Wilson Creek produces only wines that are hand-crafted on property. Visit several wineries, see what you connect with. Many Wilson Creek wine club members tell us they feel “at home.”

LOCATION

There are nearly 50 wineries sprawled throughout Temecula Valley alone, not to mention the many wine regions in CA and across the nation so, first and foremost, you need to consider location.  If you want to be able to take advantage of everything a winery has to offer when visiting, narrow down your search to ones that are in a desirable location for visiting as often as you desire. 

Temecula Valley is fortunate to be within a short driving distance from Southern California.  Wilson Creek provides a family atmosphere where patrons frequently comment on how comfortable they feel when visiting.  They get attached to the servers and become friends they want to visit over and over.  We also have several members that live out of state and make Temecula their once a year vacation!

CURATED OR PERSONALIZED

New to the wine world or want to explore some wines you are not familiar with? Let a professional pick your wine for you.  Most wineries have several club choices to narrow down selections.  Like white wine club, red wine club, mixed club, and bubbly clubs. These are the simplest clubs most people want, a variety of wines that show up at your door on a regular basis.

Wilson Creek offers several  Bi-Monthly Clubs: Our experts choose the wine for you based on your club selection. Members can choose from the following: Mixed Club offers one bottle of red and one bottle of white, the Reds club delivers two bottles of red wine, and if you prefer the higher-end reserve wines, the Reserve Club is perfect with two bottles of Family Reserve red wine. 

Last but not least is our White Cab Club which provides two bottles of the favorite White Cabernet Sauvignon and one rotating bottle of sparkling in each release. Unlock the flavors of hand-selected wines chosen for you six times a year plus an extra bonus July shipment exclusively for members only. This club works well for those who like to discover wine and the packages are pre-selected for you. If you like to be the first to try newly released wines, you want to select this option.  Oftentimes, some small-batch wines are allocated for these clubs and frequently sell out quickly. These clubs ship every other month. 

For those that know what they like and want to personalize their selection, the Semi-Annual Winemaker’s club allows more flexibility. This club ships more wine but fewer times a year.  The day you join, you will select your 12 bottles and then every six months thereafter, you will receive an email notifying you that it is time to select your next case. It’s true that waiting around for deliveries can be a drag.  This club is great for those out-of-state wine enthusiasts that want to save a bit on shipping and have a bit more convenience.

 If you simply just love the wine, Wilson Creek also offers Online Clubs. These clubs are a great option for those who live afar and are not able to take advantage of the events, and complimentary wine tasting. The flat rate shipping of $10 on a case really helps you keep your wine refrigerator stocked throughout the year too!

Whatever club you choose, it is important to know that Wilson Creek’s history runs deep.  Our winery has been around since 2000 with many of the Cabernet vines planted back in the 1970s. Our Vineyard Manager, Greg Pennyroyal focuses on a Biologically Based Soil Fertility Program building a reservoir of nutrients for the vines. What does this mean? Temecula Valley is classified as a Mediterranean climate with hot summer days and cool nights with most of the rainfall in the winter months, this has proven to yield high-quality wines. Our wines have won several wine awards and many of them are rated in the 90s by Wine Enthusiast!

Share your love of wine! Wine clubs are a great way to start exploring new wines, especially if you’re a beginner. For this reason, gifting a wine club membership to someone is about as thoughtful of a gift as it gets.

SELECTION OF ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Believe it or not, there is more to a wine club than wine! The additional benefits can be priceless! Look out for additional discounts, special events, exclusive wine club areas, educational opportunities, customer service, and amenities on property. Probably one of the most popular reasons why our members choose to become a wine club member is for the perks.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

First and foremost, if you are going to be spending any time at the winery, you must enjoy where you are visiting right?  Customer service should be top priority!  Is there a special VIP wine club area just for members? At Wilson Creek, we have a mission to enhance lives.  From the moment you step onto our property you are treated special.  We will personalize your wine tasting to what you like and may even expand your pallet by guiding you through new wines.

On the weekends when the property is most busy, our members are offered an opportunity to enjoy the Members-only Upper Room where they can take their guests and enjoy a glass of wine or complimentary wine tasting while soaking in the views of the property from the second level.  We pride ourselves on connecting with many wine club members through many personal interactions whether on the phone, chat line, or in person.

DISCOUNTS

Consider the additional discounts a membership offers.  Every wine club has different benefits. One of the biggest perks of being a wine club member is the ability to come wine tasting.  Many wineries limit the number of times you can come or how many you can bring with you.  Wilson Creek members receive complimentary wine tasting for themselves and up to three additional guests. The complimentary tastings reset daily, which means if you wish to visit every day, then you may wine taste with us every day.

Members at Wilson Creek also receive multiple discounts and exclusive offerings- on wine, tours, merchandise, events, and even in the restaurant. We offer special online incentives such as periodical shipping rate discounts and exclusive offers for online shopping purchases which are not available to the public. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

When you become a part of a wine club you are not only gaining access to wine but also exclusive popular events. If you like to attend gatherings make sure you find a winery that offers different events to your liking. They can range from small intimate dinners to large parties. A variety is always the best option.

At Wilson Creek, you can find many opportunities to fit your style. Dine with the Winemaker and hear the stories behind the winemaking process and join the Vineyard Manager for a pruning class. Put on your boots and join us at our annual Harvest Party or go all out and win the costume contest at our Halloween party! Come sit in the courtyard on a beautiful Friday night and enjoy the live entertainment while sipping on a glass of wine or grab a ticket to a concert with big-name country music artists.

Meet and mingle with fellow wine club members at exclusive events that are always a big hit.  The annual family barbecue is a super fun place to pick up some new friends the wine academy classes with great learning opportunities always fill up quickly. Another fun way to connect with us is through our virtual tastings. Join us for live tastings with a variety of experts from the comfort of your own home.

SAVOR YOUR WINE JOURNEY

One of the most delightful aspects of wine is that it’s impossible to ever know it all.  You can learn and grow in wine for your entire adult life or if you simply want to enjoy the flavors of a glass of wine over great conversation, you can do that too! Just remember, when joining a wine club not only are you joining a subscription to receive wine, but you’re also joining a community of liked minded individuals who share a passion for wine, events, and wine education.

If you are already a part of the Wilson Creek wine club, we thank you for contributing to each experience by allowing us to provide a warm and friendly environment while sharing our passion of wine and knowledge to all. If you are thinking of joining a wine club, we understand there are several options and choices to consider. Soak this in, the best option is the one that allows you to savor the wine and moment that makes you smile when you take a sip, realizing you want to share your experience with others while toasting to your favorite wine.

Go on, Celebrate!

Spring has Sprung!  

William Carlos Williams coined the phrase “In the summer, the song sings itself”. We couldn’t have said it better. Spring may be in full bloom, but the Summertime is a season full of picnic barbecues, vacations, and beach days. Typically, the summertime gears up for a flavorful abundance of fresh vegetables, cold salads, seafood, poultry, and barbecue worthy meat cuts. 

Spring is officially in full swing, and we couldn’t be more excited.  Springtime in Southern California is a wonderful time of year, the weather is warmer, the air is fresh, the birds are chirping, and the sun stays out to play for a little while longer.   For us, that means it’s the perfect time to soak in the gorgeous weather and enjoy some delicious, light, and refreshing spring wines.  If you love springtime just like us, then you’ll love what we have in store for you today!  

Wilson Creek Winery’s Top 5 Must-Enjoy While Spring is in Bloom into Summer with these popular wines.

1.White Cabernet Sauvignon

First up on our list is a true “white” wine, our variant series white cabernet sauvignon. Yes, you heard that right!  A white cabernet sauvignon. While you may be surprised that white wine can be made from a red grape, you’ll be even more surprised at its taste. Packed with aromas of strawberry, melon, and peach this deliciously light and refreshing wine is soft, subtle, and sweet making it the perfect companion to any springtime picnic in the park or summer backyard barbecue dinner with your friends and family, our white cabernet sauvignon is sure to take your festivity to the next level of enjoyment.  Pair with spicy Thai dishes or a fruit vinaigrette salad with goat cheese.

2.Yes Dear Chardonnay

Next up on our list is a favorite, not only in the taste but in the name itself.  Yes, Dear!  A phrase all women like to hear.  Not only does the name itself elicit pleasantry, but your taste buds will also be in for a pleasant surprise when you take your first sip of this silky, buttery wine. Packed with flavors of honey crisp apples, hints of warm vanilla, and spice, this fantastic cocktail wine is a perfect wine to enjoy now throughout the summer months with a wide variety of cocktail foods including shrimp, cheeses, and vegetables with dip, or pair with classic roasted chicken.

3.Almond Sparkling Wine

What’s a top spring wine list without a Wilson Creek favorite?! If you haven’t yet tried our almond sparkling wine, you’ll want to this spring. This gold-medal winning wine is our most popular varietal, and after one sip, you’ll understand why. It’s hard to imagine a sparkling wine being packed with almond notes, but we’ve found the perfect combination of sweet almond marzipan, aromatic bouquets, and notes of caramelized sugar. This sparkling wine is not only popular for weddings, but you will find it pairs well with a perfect picnic spread of brie cheese and petite desserts.  You’ll want to bring a bottle of this to your next spring picnic to dazzle your friends. Just be prepared that everyone will love it so much that it’ll quickly become a spring staple

4. Rose Sparkling

Once spring weather arrives, many wine enthusiasts immediately swap out their reds for lighter Rosés. Unlike other Rosés you may be used to, this sparkling Rosé surprises your taste buds with bursts of strawberry and melon notes. But just like with the other rose wine you know and love, our varietal is refreshing and clean, while only being semi-sweet. While some may say a Rosé compliment any spring or summer meal, try pairing it with a spicy Asian dish or fresh strawberry poundcake to bring out the flavors even more

6.Syrah

Just because the warmer weather is slowly arriving, doesn’t mean you can only drink white wines or Rosé. Even in the warmer months, Syrah wines are still able to keep their flavors and pair well with all your staple barbecue foods to enhance the flavors of your food. If you prefer a fruit-forward, earthy red varietal, you’ll love our last pick for a spring and summer wine. Wilson Creek’s Syrah has the attributes of a classic Syrah. You’ll uncover aromas of tobacco, leather, and blackberry and a touch of oak spice flavors with your first sip. Some of us may not be a sommelier or world-renowned chef but have been around long enough to know that certain wine varietals like our Syrah can enhance your foodie experience better than others. Try this wine with charred Tri-tip steak, roasted chicken, tomato-based pasta dishes, and smoked gouda cheese. 

Spring is officially in full swing and it’s a wonderful time to start planning into the summer for life’s occasions. The next time you’re charged with grabbing a bottle for your next gathering, try one of these five to wow your friends and family. Each of our wines are packed with unique flavors, so you can’t ever choose a wrong one!  We are true believers, the best wine to savor your favorite appetizer, main dish or dessert is the one YOU like.

Shop our wine selection today and grab a bottle or two to enjoy while spring lasts and throughout the summer!

Did you know that there are over 4,700 wineries in California and over 11,000 in the United States?  One of the best parts is within every region at every winery, you can have a different wine tasting experience.  Your mood, your attitude about what you are looking for and the people you are with can all change that experience. 

Visitors often ask: what is better, a sit-down tasting or a stand at the bar type of tasting?  We asked our resident Sommelier and Owner, Mick Wilson to give us some insight.

I enjoy vineyard wine tasting. No that is an understatement; I absolutely love vineyard wine tasting. I enjoy it all: bellying up to a wine bar, sitting on a couch outside the winery, or enjoying a tour. The experience I love the most is the sit-down wine tasting experience, where I can taste high level wines with a trained server while I interact with my friends.

Throughout the years, my wife, Deanna, and I traveled a lot with Rosie and Gerry. Every time we visited another winery, we did a sit-down experience. I learned a lot about each region by asking questions. I grew closer to the wines simply by relaxing, tasting and learning about their philosophies and history. Conversely, we have had some fun experiences standing at the bar as well. We have had some darn good wines doing both!

I’ve noticed these differences between the sit-down experience and the stand-up one:

• You feel less rushed with a sit-down tasting: Usually you have around 75-90 minutes to take your time and enjoy the process. I like a timeframe, but a big one, where I don’t feel hurried.
• Interaction: Enjoying wine is all about community. I love the interaction and discussion in a wine tasting. You can get the synergy with both options, but I find it is so much easier than in a sit-down setting.
• Less people with the sit-down experience: I like tasting with up to six people in a small group (two or four is the best). This intimate environment is difficult standing at a bar. If you are feeling a more energetic vibe, I like tasting at a bar. I tend to prefer the smaller amount of people in a quitter setting.
• Engagement with the server: Every time I visit a winery, I want to learn something new. I love it when there is an knowledgeable server who can share with our group the backstory of the winery, the vineyard practices, how the wine is made, what restaurants to go to, and so on. A good server engages and answers questions, but they don’t hover. A good server discerns when to engage and when to let you enjoy your group alone. At a sit-down tasting, the server has more room to move about and visit another table, letting you enjoy your company whereas at the bar you may feel the need to constantly engage with the server and not so much with the person next to you.
• Experiencing the good stuff: Sit-down tastings showcase a winery’s best wines in their best stemware. There often are food pairings or a charcuterie board to use as a wine pairing experience. The server can answer any pairing questions you may have. For the most part, food is not an option at a stand-up bar.
• Reservations: Reservations are only accepted for the sit-down tastings. They work the same way as in a restaurant. I like knowing that there is a table or couch arrangement ready for my group at a particular time. When I arrive my spot is reserved, the glasses are buffed, the wine is ready, and the server is scheduled. Sweet.  With a stand-up tasting, you do not have to arrive at a particular time, but you may have a wait.
• Value: I have learned that there is not a big difference from a sit-down tasting versus a stand-up but I do feel you get so much more for your money. You get the crystal stemware to taste out of, the reserve wines, the interaction with a trained server, a quieter room with a view, a place to unwind, and intimate time with your company.

Book Your Wine Tasting Experience

Wilson Creek is excited to be adding another tasting opportunity at our vineyard! Our new sit-down wine tasting experience in our Library Room takes place in an exclusive location on the second floor above the tasting room, tucked away behind our Wine Club Lounge. The view is beautiful! The balcony overlooks the Cabernet Vineyards and you truly feel like you are in a secluded location.

You can enjoy our high-end library wines, and our aged reserve wines that are only available in The Library. Come learn about what makes Temecula wines unique. Our winemaker (Gus), our Vineyard Manager (Greg), as well as myself (Mick), along with other owners and family members will even stop by and make some surprise visits.

To make your vineyard wine tasting reservations for the Library, visit: https://www.wilsoncreekwinery.com/winery/visit-us/

We want to give a big thank you to our very own HR Generalist, Brandi Scoby for putting a Christmas twist on the Famous Chocolate Wafer Icebox Cake. Brandi thought our Almond Sparkling would add a delicious flavor to this already tasty dessert. She decided to her give her new idea a GO and added the Almond Sparkling while she was mixing up the whipped cream. She brought her cake to work for everyone to enjoy and she was correct, the Almond Sparkling adds a pure almond flavor with a hint of caramelized sugar to the cake. Yum! Next time you are at the winery, grab a bottle of Almond and give this famous dessert a try! 

INGREDIENTS:

1 pint plus ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

¼ cup Almond Sparkling

½ cup powdered sugar

1 package of Famous Chocolate Wafer Cookies

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a mixing bowl, whip the cream on high and add in Almond Sparkling and powdered sugar until it forms stiff peaks. 

2. Spread a teaspoon of whipped cream onto each wafer. Stack wafers together. Then stand on edge of serving platter to make log.

3. Frost with remaining whipped cream. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Decorate with seasonal sprinkles, chocolate chips, nuts, coconut shavings or serve as is! Enjoy!

Wilson Creek Winery’s chosen charity for the holiday season is Oak Grove Center.

Oak Grove Center Gift Collection for Children without Families

Oak Grove will be housing 67 children during the Holidays this year; 24 are without families such as foster children. For children in care, the Holidays can be a difficult time being away from their families or reminded of families lost. To help bring love, joy and cheer, Oak Grove is collecting gifts to provide to the children on Christmas morning for those living at the Center. Children living at Oak Grove range from age 8 to 18 years old. The most commonly requested items for the younger children include dolls, Barbie dolls, Lego sets, and sports equipment. Teens have been requesting MP4 players, gift cards, make up, cologne and clothing. Working with the community, Oak Grove is able to help them create positive memories, start new traditions, and celebrate.

Individuals interested in helping a youth this season can contribute any of the items on the wish list.  Gifts must be new and come unwrapped. Items can be delivered to Oak Grove Center’s Culinary Creations next, 41923 Second Street, Suite 104, Temecula or in our tasting room here at Wilson Creek. Gifts are needed by December 19^th. 

Founded in 1989, Oak Grove Center is a nonprofit Residential, Education and Treatment Center (with multiple campuses) for children throughout California with mental health, emotional and behavioral problems and special needs. Oak Grove Center’s mission is to rebuild the lives of at-risk children and their families through educating, healing, restoring relationships, building character and instilling hope.

The Holidays are a time for family and friends, a time when many people think of Joy and Hope. Yet, for a child living in foster care, the Holidays can be heartbreaking with constant reminders of broken homes and families lost. Oak Grove Center is asking for your consideration to help provide gifts for the 76 Residential Youth.  Your support can help bring the youth joy and hope, and reminds them that they are valued.

Here is how you can help:

Gifts accepted from December 1st-December 19th.