1st Annual "Temecula Valley Wine & Culinary Showcase" Invites Locals & Visitors to Celebrate California Wine Month

Online, September 1, 2010 (Newswire.com) - TEMECULA, Calif. -- Things are changing in Temecula Valley wine country--and the area's 30-plus wineries are eager to demonstrate how and why. With September officially designated as California Wine Month, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association has seized the opportunity to unveil a new branding strategy, new wineries and restaurants, and a new approach to winemaking at an event dubbed the "Temecula Valley Wine & Culinary Showcase."

WHAT: 1st Annual Temecula Valley Wine & Culinary Showcase, a unique opportunity for visitors and locals to meet local winemakers, learn about changes and improvements in the area's viticultural practices, and sample wine and food from dozens of vendors.
WHEN: 9/17/2010; 5:30 - 6:30 PM -- Winemaker's Roundtable Q&A, moderated by a prominent figure in the wine and food world 6:30 - 7:00 PM -- Thornton Champagne Reception 7:00 - 9:30 PM --Showcase Tasting, featuring wine and food samples from local wineries, restaurants and caterers
WHERE: Monte de Oro Winery 35820 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92591-5126
TICKETS: $65 per person Tickets may be purchase online at TemeculaWines.org/Events or by calling (800) 801-9463

In addition, the following packages are available September 1 - 30 to make exploring wine country easy and budget-friendly during California Wine Month; packages can be booked at TemeculaWines.org or by calling (800) 801-9463:

California Wine Month Passport - $40: Visit 5 Participating Wineries & Receive a Full Tasting Flight at each
Stay-and-Sip Package - $269 2 California Wine Month Passports: Overnight Stay in a Deluxe Villa at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa which includes Bottle of Wine in Room, Welcome Gift, 2 Free Tasting Flights at South Coast Winery Passport Discount Booklet *Valid Sept 2010, Sun-Thur
*Add safe shuttle transportation to any package by visiting GoGrape.com and clicking "Temecula."

About the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
Comprising more than 30 wineries and 60 wine growers, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is a nonprofit regional organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the quality wines and wine grapes grown in the Temecula Valley and South Coast Appellations. Officially established in 1984, the Temecula AVA (American Viticultural Area) consists of 33,000 acres, of which approximately 1,300 acres are currently planted to commercial vineyards. Known as Southern California's wine country, the Temecula Valley is located in Riverside County just one hour from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs. Temecula Valley wine country is easily accessible from Highways 15 and 79, and welcomes day visitors as well as overnight guests, wedding parties, meeting groups and hot air balloon enthusiasts. _
For more information about California Wine Month events and offers, please email Michelle McCue, Public Relations Counsel to the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association or call (213) 985-1011.
Journalists may download high-resolution images at http://db.tt/TeqOjO; photo credit should be given to Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association.

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