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. 

Make this year’s unwrapping experience unforgettable. We have curated our holiday gift guide personal, thoughtful and a little playful to help you find the best wine gift for anyone on your list.

Wine Gifts For Her

When Christmas shopping, you want to make sure you find something that the women in your life will love and use. Here are some ideas that she will fall in love with:

Idea 1: Wine Picnic Instead of gifting clothes or shoes, why don’t you gift her a date! Come to Wilson Creek, grab a charcuterie board or lunch from our Courtyard Bar and Grill, sit in our Lower Garden with a bottle of her favorite wine, and enjoy each other’s company! 

Idea 2: Tastings While you’re on property, you can’t leave without tasting our handcrafted, award-winning wine. Along with the wine picnic, take her wine tasting so that she knows exactly what her favorite is for next time. (Tasting Options)

Idea 3: White Cabernet Pack Don’t live within driving distance to Wilson Creek? Well, then we know what you need. Purchase a White Cabernet 4 pack and take her to your nearest park for a wine picnic-DIY style! Your lady will fall in love with the effort and time you put into her Christmas gift this year. (White Cabernet 4 Pack)

The holidays are a perfect time to show your sister how much you care about her and how special she is to you!  Gift your sister a Peach Bellini Sparkling Wine or a Rose Sparkling Wine! 

Idea 1: Make it Personal When you order Peach Bellini or Rose Sparkling Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay, we can include a picture of you and your sister complete with a special message that will mean the world to her. Not only will she get a delicious bottle of wine, but she will also get to keep it as a memory of the two of you. (Create Your Custom Label)

Idea 2: Wine Packages Check out our red or white wine packages that will leave her wanting more. To go along with that red or white package, add a gift card with a fun note saying she can cash in a tasting with you whenever she’s available! Not only are you giving her a delicious gift, but you are also planning some quality time with the two of you after the holiday craziness calms down. (Wine Packages)

Idea 3: Wine Club Membership Wine Club Membership would be a perfect gift for your sister or even your best friend! And to add to the fun, a wine club membership is the perfect excuse to plan the day and do a wine-pick up all in one! (Wine Club Membership)

Wine Gifts For Your Mom

Moms hold a special place in our hearts. If you are looking for gift ideas to spoil your mom and make her feel loved, we have some solid wine gift ideas.

Idea 1: Wine Pack One gift idea that we find to be a fan favorite is bringing a package of wine that mom can share at the holiday party. Having that on hand is so beneficial for her as she probably has a million-check list to do items in prep for the parties that are about to happen! (Wine Packages)

Idea 2: Wine Club Membership If your mom loves Wilson Creek Wine as much as we think she does, then one wine pack will not be enough! Gift her a Wine Club Membership so that she continues to receive her favorite wines over and over again. She will be reminded of you every time her package arrives. (Wine Club Membership)

Idea 3: Custom Label When looking for a sentimental gift, a custom label would be sure to put a smile on her face. Have her favorite sparkling flavor made with a picture of you and all your siblings or a special photo of you and her, so that she can keep it for years to come as a memory! (Create Your Custom Label)

Wine Gifts For Your Sister

The holidays are a perfect time to show your sister how much you care about her and how special she is.

Idea 1: Sparkling Wine for the “Sweet” Wine Drinker Our bubbly wines make a great gift especially for a sweet wine drinker. Gift your sister a Peach Bellini Sparkling Wine or a Rose Sparkling Wine. (Sparkling Wine)

Idea 2: Make it Personal When you order Peach Bellini, Rose, Brut or Almond Sparkling we can include a picture of you and your sister complete with a special message. (Create Your Custom Label)

Idea 3: Lunch Date How long has it been since you had lunch with your sister?  Our Executive Chef at Creekside Grille rotates the restaurant menu every season with farm fresh, locally sourced menu items that she will love!  Even more special, you have some time to catch up over a glass or two. (Make Reservations)

Wine Gifts For Him

Forget the shave kits and the golf clubs.  This year is all about a robust wine sure to leave the palette happy! 

Idea 1: The Best Gift for Wine Lovers Instead of holiday liquor, pick up a bottle or two of our ’19 Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel. Not only do they make perfect wine gifts, but they also have a great story! Aged in a Bourbon Whiskey barrel for 16 months, this wine gift idea has a smoky flavor-perfect for your manly man. 

Idea 2: Another Red Favorite Another perfect gift for your man is a Terrior of Temecula Wine Country. This pack includes 3 Library wines, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Meritage. (Red Wine 3 Pack)

Idea 3: Something Unique for the Beer Drinker If your husband or boyfriend is more of a “beer” drinker, gift him a bottle of our Brut Sparkling Wine. This sparkling is one of the most popular amongst the beer drinking community and is a great gateway wine to introducing him to richer flavors. Ever wished he would sit down and enjoy a bottle of wine with you? Then, encourage him to try this sparkling! By gifting it to him, he can’t say no! (Brut Sparkling)

Idea 4: Reserve a sit-down wine tasting experience in the Reserve Room Get away from the hustle and bustle of the Tasting Room and take a trip upstairs to the Reserve Room.  Take it up a notch and indulge in a sit-down guided tasting by one of our knowledgeable wine experts. Select from red, white, sparkling, library wines or even try a vertical flight.  (Reservations)

Wine Gifts For Your Brother

If you’ve been wracking your brain for the perfect Christmas gift for your brother, then we can help win you some sibling points! 

Idea 1: Developed Palette If your wine connoisseur brother has a more developed  palette, we recommend getting him a bottle of our Plethora. This wine is delicious and has a very interesting story to go along with it. Most wines are made up of just a few grape varietals but this wine has about nine different varieties that make up the flavor. Complete with aromas of French Oak and blackberries, this will surprise him with your gift giving ability!  (Plethora)

Idea 2: Lifestyle Accessories Check out our popular Wilson Creek Winery polos. Sleek style and design nails distinguished comfort on the golf course or casual Fridays in the office. Our collection of double-insulated, WCW logoed coffee and wine tumblers are ideal for camping or beach picnics as they keep the hot stuff hot and the chilled drinks, chilly! 

Wine Gifts For Your Dad

Is your dad’s Christmas wish list sparse? Dads can be  tough to shop for, but Wilson Creek Winery is here to make it a much easier experience this holiday season. 

Idea 1: Custom Collection Instead of buying him a T-shirt, tie, or latest tech gimmick from Amazon, build a custom collection of wine favorites that he can enjoy with your mom, his buddies, or you! Add a mix of red, white, and sparkling wines that will give him a variety of flavors to try. Fan favorites include: our Family Reserve Syrah, our Family Reserve Double Dog, Roussanne, or our Brut Sparkling Wine!

Idea 2: Get Him Geared Up! To go along with him on his next fishing trip, purchase your dad a Wilson Creek Winery baseball hat. With this gift, he can sport his favorite winery and protect himself from the sun! Don’t forget to pair it with a Wilson Creek sweatshirt or t-shirt. (Accessories)

Idea 3: Wine Tour Is your dad a wine connoisseur? Or even just curious about the winemaking process? Well, we have the perfect gift for him. Give your dad a wine tour with the whole family! He will love taking a look behind the scenes of all things winemaking and seeing our vineyards, tanks, & barrels from a hands-on perspective. And, he might even get to try some of his favorites along the way! 

Wine Gifts For Your Best Friend

Even though we get super busy all year long, the holidays are a great time to re-connect over a glass or two with friends.

Idea 1: Adventure Pack Time with the bestie is always valuable.  Purchase a gift card and plan a wine tasting date with you two for some quality time!  And don’t forget to add her favorite bottle of sparkling with it.  There is nothing better than popping open a bottle of sparkling with your best friend to celebrate. (Gift Cards)

Idea 2: Custom Labeled Bottle Put a special photo of the two of you with a note that says “come taste with me”.  Not only is the bottle a special gift but spending time at the winery catching up, even better! (Create Your Custom Label)

Idea 3: Wine Slushie  Yes, it says “wine slushie”.  Treat your side kick to a one-of-a-kind treat.  Served on property at Courtyard Bar and Grill or Creekside Grille restaurant, the day is not complete without one.

Wine Gifts For Your Grandparents

This season, grab your grandparents some of your Wilson Creek Winery favorites and show them the things that make you happy!  Grandparents are easy to please especially when it’s something you are passionate about!  Decadencia Chocolate ‘Old vine Zinfandel’ and our Angelica Cream Sherry make special gifts, especially for those that haven’t tried our delicious dessert wine before. (Dessert Wine)

If you are just curious and looking for personalized guidance, click on the chat in the lower right corner. We have a trained representative ready to assist you and answer any questions you may have to guide you through a personalized selection. Regardless of your wine gift selection for your loved ones, we are pleased to be a part of your celebrations this season!