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.:A Desert Lifestyle Article:.
Temecula Sisters
by Erin Martinez & Katrina Pride
Photos by Kate Dyer
The history of wine making spans thousands of years and can seem a bit obtuse. For those of us new to the world of wine tasting, thoughts of visiting the Temecula Valley wineries can be overwhelming. Fear of the official way to “taste” pops into our heads: sticking your nose into a wine glass, rolling the wine around in your mouth, and eloquently discarding the “taste” into a vase. Not to mention trying to decide which vineyards to visit, considering there are over 22 wineries that produce award winning wines. Well, wipe that slate clean and join us on our trip to two Temecula Valley wineries, Maurice Car’rie and La Cereza. Both were created by the same winemakers but, like sisters, truly have their own personalities.
Located just off Interstate 15 on Rancho California Road, Maurice Car’rie is the fourth winery along the main row of wineries. This winery is based in a Victorian-style farmhouse and is among the first plantings in the region in 1968. Like returning home for this mid-western native, Maurice Car’rie is definitely the most inviting winery I have visited. As you walk up to the wraparound porch, all of your stress is whisked away knowing that you can sit and relax as long as you like. The tasting room, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offers a variety of wines to taste, wines available for purchase, and other unique gifts. A tasting, which costs $10, includes six different wines and a logo wine glass. Since we were visiting both sister wineries, we opted for the Passport Tasting, which is only $5 more and includes a tasting and glass from both wineries.
Forrest, our tasting guide, explained our options and suggested a sequence of tasting (dry white wine through to the heavier red wines) in order to best appreciate the flavors offered. The first choice is yours and, based on your reaction, your guide will recommend the next tasting. I was awed by how I could define a wine as a little too sweet for my palate and Forrest’s next vineyard recommendation would be spot on. His final suggestion was a sherry, a drink I usually stay far away from. Surprisingly, my taste buds were delighted. By the way, there was no spitting into a vase for me! If you are finished drinking the remainder of the “taste” currently in your glass, you are encouraged to pour the remainder out, but no spitting required. Wine is meant to be enjoyed, not swished and spit out.
Maurice Car’rie offers a down home feel at all of their events, including a craft fair, every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. located just in front of the tasting room. For more information on their events, hosting your own event, or the winery please visit www.mauricecarriewinery.com
La Cereza (meaning cherry in Spanish) is located about one mile up the road from sister winery Maurice Car’rie and holds the same tasting hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Saturdays, closing early at 4 p.m. for concerts. This historic Spanish-style winery exudes a spicier flavor and more festive atmosphere. With its 1994 founding and Mediterranean look, the winery is setting a new standard in Wine Country.
Once you can tear yourself away from the beautiful grounds, you enter the eclectic tasting room of La Cereza feeling the energy and liveliness of this unique winery. Much like a visitor from another country, La Cereza brings new customs to the Temecula Valley wineries by combining fine wines with fine art, music and even cigars. The wine tasting room is more of an art gallery with an added bar, showcasing various artistic styles and mediums. La Cereza prides itself in producing premium boutique wines in small quantities. Each bottle is a brilliant work of art in itself. The labels, just like the wine, are original works of art and the bottles are hand numbered. Stories of adventure and allure are displayed on the back label to keep the festival spirit alive.
One such unique creation is that of the “Girlfriends” wine and cigar. Both the “Girlfriends” wine and cigar feature the amusing portrait of a cigar-smoking Cuban grandmother (actually a real, living woman named Graciella). This splendid wine combines a blend of white wines with the flavors of citrus and melon. Need a unique gift for one of your girlfriends? La Cereza offers a “Girlfriends Club” that allows you to send wine on special occasions with a customized label.
Much like her sister winery, La Cereza hosts all types of events, creating a European type retreat. The enchanting grounds hold a private dining area, banquet and conference rooms, a courtyard, gazebo, cigar lounge and a special event and wedding tent. With these accommodations, the winery hosts everything from large parties to intimate wine tasting events. La Cereza also hosts fine art shows and concerts on Saturday evenings. For schedule of events please visit: www.lacerezawinery.com
.:Our Recommendations:.
.:White Wine:. |
.:Blush & Red Wines:. |
.:Champagne:. |
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Maurice Car’rie & La Cereza both proudly support the military by offering a 20% discount on items purchased at their wineries. |
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Maurice Car’rie 3422 Rancho California Road Hours: |
La Cereza34567 Rancho California Road Hours: |
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Maurice Car’rie’s Riesling
Maurice Car’rie’s Sara Bella
La Cereza’s Raspberry
Maurice Car’rie’s Muscat Canelli
Maurice Car’rie’s Merlot
La Cereza’s “Peach Girls”