We Are Heading South To Taste The Grapes
It has been a while since we all were there together but it is now time! Into the Silver Ghost and away...we picked up Donna and Bob and scooted down the 91 while Ed and Kathy planned to meet us there! Fun is about to be happening!
There are now over 40 licensed wineries and 70 growers that farm vineyards throughout the Temecula Valley. The wines produced from our appellation are winning awards in California, across the United States, and even in France itself. Those wines, together with Temecula's magnificent climate and beautiful vistas, attract visitors from all over the world.
Vineyards and wine making are by no means new to Temecula. Wine making began at Mission San Diego de Alcala in 1769 and has continued ever since. By the 19th century the majority of wine came from Southern California before eventually being surpassed by the explosion of the Northern California wine industry.
In the 1960s Temecula Valley led the way to a revival of vine culture in Southern California, driven by the unique climate that kisses this area. The mountain passes that lead into Temecula Valley provide a gateway for cool, moist ocean breezes. This microclimate is perfect for producing the rich fruity grapes that Temecula is known for.
We lucked out...the water has yet to boil!
We arrive at Avensole Winery with the temperature hovering in the 90's.
Did You Know? - Avensole Winery is especially rich in the history of Southern California wine making. The property was first planted with wine grapes in 1969 by wine making pioneer Vince Cilurzo, who introduced Petite Syrah and Chenin Blanc. Development of the Avensole vineyard was completed in 1986 by Bud Van Roekel, who planted Muscat Canelli, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. It was Bud's goal to spare no expense to produce the finest grapes in California. We think he succeeded, and that the grapes produced by our vineyard are the finest in Temecula, and some of the very best in all of California. Great fruit – as grapes are called in our industry – is what allows us to produce great wines.
Ed and Bob spotted these...a match made in heaven
While the girls bend their elbows, Bob and Paul explore the building!
Paul checks in to assist the girls!
Ed has arrived...Now we gotta be cool... No blowing bubbles into the wine!
The girls get expert assistance... Ed asks for directory assistance!
Decisions decisions
Bob broke the code discovering the truth about tasting wine!
A decision is forthcoming!
"Hold on! Perhaps the other color is nicer!"
The boys are kibitzing....we are getting disowned!
Kathy ponders her next selection
I think yhe boys are getting in trouble
Kathy gives the stern "Mom Look" and Sue points the finger....
We had better start behaving!
Back to serious business
Donna is formulating a plan... oh oh!
The smile tells all!
He swishes with such grace...
He shakes the wine around also!
The nod of approval! We now know it contains alcohol.
Ed never looses a drop...hangs on with both hands
Out the door like a shot
A short walk in the 96 degree heat is good for you...says no one!
Dining awaits - Checkout the menu!
We can see everything going on in the kitchen
We found "our spot"
Serious studying required
Click to see what Kathy is seeing
He is thinking hamburger!
He is thinking hamburger
Donna gets down to business!
No Donna... You can't compare wine form the same bottle.... Can you?
"Why not???"
Romance is in the air
Kathy and Paul lead our group in song....
What shall we sing???
Click the arrow and listen
Sue and Ed decide to sing a duet
...
Animals from a mile around ran for their burrows!
The guys (Bob and Ed) did burgers
Paul and Kathy shared stuffed mushrooms
Paul tried the shrimp tamales - WONDERFUL!
A sad moment was had by all
It was a hilarious meal....we laughed until it hurt
Giggles and more giggles
Serious wine discussions
Ed and Donna explain to the waiter about wine...
Wish we could have recorded this one!
Bob pontificates on the issue of size
Then reality sets in
Bob and Paul are a foot apart! Get it?
Someone is having a good time!
Relaxing at the winery...what better place to unwind?
It's heating up... We had better move along!
We took a stroll in the heat
Back to work
Bob and Paul watched the goings on
Checking out the food, Bob decides not to get the baloney sandwich
Bob spy's the dessert
But it is my favorite
Meanwhile the serious wine tasters and going at it
Slurp, gurgle, burp!
Our new philosophy
The misters cooled the area down significantly
Did You Know? - An evaporative cooler (also swamp cooler, swamp box, desert cooler and wet air cooler) is a device that cools air through the evaporation of water. Evaporative cooling differs from typical air conditioning systems, which use vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycles. Evaporative cooling uses the fact that water will absorb a relatively large amount of heat in order to evaporate (that is, it has a large enthalpy of vaporization).
The temperature of dry air can be dropped significantly through the phase transition of liquid water to water vapor (evaporation). This can cool air using much less energy than refrigeration. In extremely dry climates, evaporative cooling of air has the added benefit of conditioning the air with more moisture for the comfort of building occupants.
"OK, where is my wine?"
"I am waiting!"
The misting is going on all over...and it is needed!
The white roses were striking
Bob was striking also!
Donna explains...we all listen
Do the guys look convinced?
Good to the last drop
One more pass through the mist and they will turn green
On the freeway it was hotter
