Whether it’s for a birthday, baby shower, or wedding, a personalized wine bottle is the perfect gift! 

In a world of Amazon and Etsy, it can be hard to find a gift to give someone who already has it all. It is even more important to find a gift that shows how much you care about them during a milestone in their life. With a personalized wine bottle, you are giving them a gift they can enjoy and cherish forever as they display the bottle in their home!

At Wilson Creek Winery, we offer beautiful personalized wine bottles for special occasions, gift-giving, and more.  Here’s everything you need to know when creating the perfect personalized wine gift:

How to decide which wine to personalize:

Before you begin customizing the label on the wine gift you’ll first need to choose the wine you think the recipient will enjoy. For the white wine drinkers, we offer a custom label on our “Yes Dear” Chardonnay. For the sparkling wine drinkers, we offer our custom labels on a wide selection of our sparkling. Lastly for the red wine drinkers, we offer a custom label on our Cabernet Sauvignon. The pricing of each of these bottles and the selection of sparkling wine is available here!

How to create a custom label:

Once you’ve chosen the perfect wine, the next step is to create the personalized wine bottle label.  Our custom label maker on our website allows you to choose from a variety of templates that have have already been created. 

To begin,  you select the wine you want to customize, then choose single bottle or a case. Next,  you will be taken to a page with all our label templates. Here we have labels for a birthday to an anniversary and everything in between. On these templates you can add your own text and on certain labels even upload your own picture! When you are customizing these labels, there are a variety of fonts, font colors, and font sizes for you to choose from. It was important for us to offer you options so that you can make this label your own! If you are looking for a label that differs from one of our templates, contact customlabels@wilsoncreekwinery.com and we will be able to assist you in creating your dream label! 

How long will it take to receive this gift?

All labels are designed, and produced in house, and printed on a high quality, water-resistant label stock. Our turnaround time is approximately 3 business days from the time the order has been placed (not including shipping time.) If you are local to the winery, you may also choose to pick up your personalized wine bottle order. If you need a gift in a hurry, we do offer an expedited option to meet your time frame.  Just give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate your request!

The next time that you find yourself stumped with trying to find the perfect gift, skip the mall and amazon! Instead, head over to our website and create the perfect personalized wine gift! 

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This Jingle Juice recipe is simple, delicious, and pretty! You only need three ingredients to make this holiday punch everyone will love. Enjoy a couple of these and you’ll hear those sleigh bells jingling in no time!

2022 Wilson Creek Holiday Wine Gift Guide 

The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to start thinking about what gifts to give our loved ones. If you have a wine lover in your life, then you’re in luck! This holiday season, skip the usual suspects and give a gift they are sure to love—wine!

To make it easy, we’ve put together a list of our top picks that make great gifts. Whether your budget is large or small, we’ve got you covered. So pour yourself a glass of eggnog, sit back, relax, and keep reading to find the perfect wine gift to give this holiday season.

Holiday Wine 

Giving a bottle of wine as a gift is always well-received.  Whether you’re looking for a gift to give to a host of a holiday party, a gift exchange, or a wine loving family or friend, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of wine.  Here are some of our favorite wines to gift during the holiday season:

Almond Sparkling Wine

What would the holidays be without some bubbly? If you’re looking for a festive sparkling wine to give as a gift (or keep for yourself!), look no further than our Almond Sparkling Wine. This white sparkling wine (formerly known as Almond Champagne) is naturally fermented with just the right amount of essence of natural almond that is sure to leave your guests dazzled at its taste.   

Make your Almond Sparkling Wine gift even more festive with one of our holiday celebration labels or make it custom by creating a personalized label of your own.

Plethora Red Wine

No holiday is complete without a good bottle (or two) of red wine.  If you’re looking to really surprise your guests with a red wine that is unique and enjoyable to drink then our Plethora red wine blend is a must.  Made of nine different grape varieties, this wine is perfect for all types of red wine drinkers.  Aromas of oak, dark berries, and spice make it the perfect wine to enjoy during the holiday season.  Make your holiday gift giving a breeze by grabbing a bottle or case today!

2021 Riesling

Of course we can’t forget the white wine drinkers in your life, afterall we love a good white as well.  One of our favorite white wines to gift during the holiday season is our 2021 Riesling. Rieslings are generally pretty versatile, easy to drink, and pair with most foods. They also age well, so if you have a friend who loves to collect wine, this would be a great gift for them.

Our 2021 Riesling is full of aromas of fresh golden delicious apples, ripe pineapple, and honeysuckle that makes it the perfect wine to enjoy not only during the holidays but all year round.

Decadencia Chocolate Old Vine Zinfandel

Chocolate and wine are truly a match made in Heaven.  If you’ve never experienced our delicious Decadencia Chocolate Old Vine Zinfandel then you’re in for a real treat. And if you have, then you know this wine is perfect for the holiday season when indulging in rich, yummy desserts. Our chocolate zin is smooth, elegant, and rich with fruit-forward flavors, chocolate, vanilla, and spice making it the perfect companion to a holiday gathering. Surprise your friends and loved ones this holiday season with this heavenly treat they are sure to enjoy!

Wine Club Membership 

What better way to show your loved ones you care than by giving them a gift that keeps on giving with a wine club membership.  With a wine club membership, your friends and family can enjoy their favorite wines shipped directly to their door all year long.  Choose from a 6 month or 12 month gift membership that delivers two bottles of wine bi-monthly to your favorite family member or friend.  Plus, all memberships come with member perks! Join either a red, white, mixed, or reserve club.

Gift card

Last but certainly not least, give the gift of choice with a Wilson Creek gift card!  Perfect for the person who has everything or is difficult to shop for.  They also make great stocking stuffers, gifts for coworkers, and gift exchange gifts.   Redeemable on property at the gift shop, restaurants or for wine tasting and tours and also online (call to redeem). 

Shipping Deadline*

For arrival before Christmas:

West Coast:  All orders shipping UPS ground should be placed no later than December 16th
Midwest:  All orders shipping UPS ground should be placed no later than December 14th
East Coast:  All orders shipping UPS ground should be placed no later than December 14th

For arrival before New Years:

West Coast:  All orders shipping UPS ground should be placed no later than December 26th
Midwest:  All orders shipping UPS ground should be placed no later than December 21st
East Coast:  All orders shipping UPS ground should be placed no later than December 21st

*Shipping times are not guaranteed.

CTA:  Find the perfect holiday gift this season at Wilson Creek Winery!
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 “Variant Series” is a term to describe wines introduced to showcase the variations of the classical style. Wilson Creek is excited to announce our new Variant Series, which includes an uncommon mix of our now famous White Cabernet and Cabernet Zinfandel red blend. Both are conceived of and vinted to create a unique interpretation of the Nobel Varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon. Find out the difference between Zinfandel vs Cabernet, including how they get their distinct flavor, and why they are better together in our new Variant Series Cabernet Zinfandel blend. 

The Science of Wine Flavor

Wine is interesting stuff from a biochemical and hence taste perspective. It takes flavors and compounds that we are genetically programmed to crave, like sweetness and ripe fruit flavors, and blends it with components that we are genetically programmed to avoid, like acid tannins and alcohols. (Ok, maybe not so much alcohol.) 

Many popular wines are blended to only take advantage of those flavors that are easy to love (think White Zinfandel or fruit-driven cheap wine). Many extremely good, and more complexly nuanced, wines are a challenge until the palate has been trained to embrace the push and pull between sweet fruit and tannins acids and alcohols. 

This is the genesis of the Variant Series. We are aiming for wines that are initially pleasing to the senses, but have subtle complex nuances of depth and character. The mature Zinfandel brings a fruit-driven approach and the Cabernet ends in tannins that are soft. This leads to a wine that can be paired with just a sunset or will not get lost with a burger. If you’re going to a party where you don’t know the pallets or preferences of the guests, CabZin is the perfect option – ideal for nontraditional wine drinkers, while still able to hold up to the scrutiny of wine aficionados. 

California Cabernet Sauvignon

Blends have the unique capacity to combine the strengths of two different varietals, resulting in a more well-rounded and balanced wine. The classic example of this for Cabernet Sauvignon are the French Bordeaux wines. The Left Bank of the Gironde estuary is Cabernet Sauvignon dominant with lesser amounts of Merlot. The Right Bank of the Gironde estuary is Merlot dominant wines with a lesser amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. The California version of these Bordeaux inspired wines are called Meritage (rhymes with heritage).

In the rest of the world, Cabernet Sauvignon often has  difficulty coming to full ripeness. But, in the California sunshine and heat, it develops fully ripe non-vegetal wines that have an initial flavor of ripe black cherries and current, spiciness and cedar. 

California Zinfandel

Zinfandel, which originated in what is now modern-day Croatia, was popular throughout northern Italy before it landed in California in the mid-1800s. Thriving in a warm California climate, it then developed a unique California terroir and expression of deep rich fruit-forward notes, including  blackberry, strawberry and a mild spiciness most commonly expressed as cinnamon. 

The Best of Both Worlds 

Our CabZin is a classic blending theory. Although Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel blends are relatively uncommon, this blend shows the best of two classic grapes that have found a unique expression in the ideal climates of Southern California. 

We are very careful to use techniques that soften the tannins. This means you’ll taste the tannins, but without that signature, strong and bitter astringent profile often associated with tannins.

Once you start drinking the CabZin, you will acclimate your palate to stronger tannins and venture into wines like Sarah, Cinsault, and eventually wind up on the doorstep of Double Dog. 

Zinfandel has large bold clusters that just scream out “look at me!” Juxtaposed to this is Cabernet Sauvignon’s, smaller clusters are reluctant to ripen, a little bit fussy but complex and nuanced. The marriage of these two is a marriage like the life of the party with an introverted intellectual. The expression of two dissimilar but harmonious varietals like Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon is proof positive that opposites attract.

Harvest is just winding down. Yields are a little low, but the quality is exceptional. Block One is the old vine Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard next to the tasting room. We invite you to come grab a cab, be it white or zin, and enjoy all this time of year has to offer in the vineyard where it was born! The vines always enjoy some company and although modest, love a compliment. 

Experience Fine California Wine 

View of the Rainbow Gap from Wilson Creek. The gap is the one on the left. 

The Rainbow Gap: Temecula Valley Breathes 

Yes, good wine regions breathe. And, so do vines. Great wine regions flourish through wind flow. And the best part? It’s all through nature’s impeccable design. 

The Importance of Mountain Gaps For Grape Growing

Mountains are typically needed to create a barrier from the ocean influence. No barrier to the ocean influence results in a lot of air flow and high winds – weather that’s too harsh for grapes.  

However, if there is too much of a mountain barrier, there is not enough flow from the coast, as the air currents are blocked off. 

So, a mountain gap is critical – it acts like an opening and operates like a windpipe, drawing air in and out between the ocean and the valley.

The Rainbow Gap in Temecula

The mountain gap between Temecula and the ocean is called the “Rainbow Gap”. In Temecula Valley, we are nestled between two mountain ranges. West of Temecula, between San Onofre Beach and Camp Pendleton, there’s the Rainbow Gap. The mountains east of Temecula, Mt. San Jacinto, separate Temecula Valley from the heat of Palm Springs. 

How Does The Rainbow Gap Work?

In the morning hours, the wind in Temecula is relatively still, sometimes flowing slightly west. Then around 10 or 11 a.m., Palm Springs heats up, and the rising hot air creates a vacuum that pulls in the cool ocean air from over 30 miles away. That vacuum pulls the ocean air through the Rainbow Gap and it settles into our valley. Then, in the evening, when the air in the east mountains cools down, the air gets heavier and gently flows downhill/westward back into the valley, cooling Temecula Valley at night. 

How The Rainbow Gap Creates Ideal Wine Growing Conditions 

The valley inhales the ocean air in the late morning through the Rainbow Gap, then at night, the air gently flows back down into the valley. This coolness at night allows the grapes to recoup and rest a bit from their hard work of photosynthesis during the day. 

Some of the most famous wine regions have a similar “breathing” process, including Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Bordeaux and even The Rhone Valley in France.

This breathing creates a necessary diurnal shift that grapes need. Grapes like hot days and cool nights with low humidity. The shift from the hottest time to the coolest time is called the diurnal shift. All good wine regions have a big diurnal shift. Temecula Valley can often shift 40-50%, which could mean 98 degrees to 50 degrees on the same day!

While the valley breathes, the vines and soil get love, too. Vines inhale CO2 all night long and exhale oxygen all day long. The soil does the opposite—it inhales oxygen all day and exhales CO2 all night. They enjoy a symbiotic relationship by feeding each other. For the vines, the CO2 is heavier and falls to the ground and the soil ‘inhales’ it.”

With ideal growing conditions, you can say that Temecula Valley is made for quality wine grapes and great tasting wine.

So, when you visit Temecula Valley again and feel the breeze that flows from the ocean to the west, you can be thankful for the Rainbow Gap. And, next time you go wine tasting, ask about how the area breathes and the diurnal shift to find out exactly how nature’s perfect design brings great wine to your taste buds. 

***

Post by: Mick Wilson  

Mick Wilson is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators.  He also teaches various subjects at the Wilson Creek Wine Academy.

Learn more about Wilson Creek Winemaking. 

We all know people consume more sparkling wine during the hot season. Sparkling wine is a refreshing warm weather sipper, add a little Lemon and you have the perfect summer splash. 

Summer, meet Wilson Creek Sparkling Limoncello. 

Modeled after the popular Italian liqueur, this sparkling limoncello wine is a fresh, crisp, effervescent bubbly with intense lemon flavor and aromas.  The fresh acidity is a perfect balance between sour and sweet with a distinct, clean, and light flavor.  These characteristics make it a perfect summertime drink: crisp, thirst-quenching, refreshing, and sensational. We recommend serving ice cold which makes it even more refreshing and palate cleansing.

Pair with your favorite summertime foods.

Refreshing and simple on its own our Limoncello sparkling wine is also a perfect complement to many foods. Limoncello’s crisp citrus flavor with a touch of sweetness pairs perfectly with seafood, salads, light fresh dishes with a delicate taste or teriyaki sauce dishes, raspberry vinaigrette salads and BBQ chicken. A perfect sunny day treat, the scent and tart juiciness provide a burst of bright refreshment even when the temperatures drop. 

If you’re looking to take your backyard BBQ or summer pool party to the next level with a cocktail everyone is sure to love, our limoncello wine makes the perfect companion.  Although very refreshing on its own, it’s also great served over ice with mint and lemon slices or blended with raspberry puree.  If you’re feeling adventurous try a sparkling limoncello sunrise, simply add orange juice and a little grenadine for the full sunrise effect.

Looking for more ways to celebrate the arrival of summer evenings? Try one of our many favorite Sparkling Wine Recipes. 

Enjoy with your favorite summertime activities!

We are all suited for summer sipping, either with food, on your patio, at the beach, by the pool or on the boat. Summer brings beach parties, festivals, outdoor events, or simply relaxing and enjoying an evening sunset. So, pop a cork to celebrate friendship, love, or a simple break from routine. Buy some, chill it, drink it! It will make any party more sparkling. 

When you are ready to enjoy your sparkling wine, the best way to chill your bottle is to fill an ice bucket with ice and one-third water and allow your bottle to cool for 15-20 minutes.  When pouring, only fill your glass about one-third of the way full.  If you over-pour, it will warm up too quickly.

Listen to what fans are saying: Sparkling Limoncello wine reviews:

A bit of Italy, this limoncello sparkling wine is crisp, refreshing with a little zest of lemon.  This is a great addition to a French 75 cocktail, the best of all worlds in a glass. It’s easy and caters to everyone who wants to sip on a food, refreshing cocktail. Brings joy after the first sip!

A brisk, fresh lemon aroma and a touch of tang, this is a classic refreshing flavor.  An unexpected surprise with light bubbles and color. Perfect for many occasions, BBQ’s and parties. Limoncello sparkling wine is perfect chilled, over ice and dressed with fresh slices of fruit.  So delightful.

Shop Wilson Creek Limoncello Sparkling Wine

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!