TEMECULA — Brown grape vines hang seemingly dead, lined with red and yellow leaves, against green rolling hills and beige boulders. But the dormant scenery doesn’t deter wine tourists from swirling blends of merlot, cabernet and pinot in their sampling glasses.

The Temecula wine country is often an afterthought among California’s prominent wine valleys, largely because it is relatively new to the scene.

“You can’t compare a 5-year-old surfer to a 25-year-old surfer,” said Gerri-Lynn Becker, director of operations for the Camarillo-based California Wine Club, a business that highlights California wines.

The wineries vary in size from small tasting rooms, where the person doing the pouring may be the owner and vintner, to what some locals call the “bigger wineries.” Though some of these have established themselves in the Southern California market, you’re not likely to stumble across bottles from most of them in your local Vons.

Read more – Sign On San Diego:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/feb/13/temecula-is-tapping-into-wine-tourism/

Tags: tourists, cabernet, golf, merlot, ca, surfer, wine country, temecula

The PGA made the announcement this week that Chalone Vineyard is the Official Wine of the PGA America. Cheers to Chalone Vineyards!!

Read on for more…

ORLANDO, Fla. — Chalone Vineyard, the pioneering wine producer from Monterey, Calif., has signed a three-year agreement to be the Official Wine of The PGA of America, the world’s largest working sports organization, which is comprised of more than 27,000 dedicated men and women professionals promoting the game of golf to everyone, everywhere. The agreement was announced Jan. 27, in conjunction with the 58th PGA Merchandise Show.

“Chalone Vineyard’s proud tradition of providing quality wines to customers, and committed interest in the golf industry, make a wonderful addition to The PGA of America’s valued family of partners,” said PGA of America President Allen Wronowski. “We are proud to have Chalone Vineyard as the Official Wine of The PGA of America and join us in celebrating our 95th year in golf.”

With the intention of creating a unique collaboration with PGA-staffed golf facilities, Chalone Vineyard will provide wine education programming, on-premise tips, and other tools for PGA Professionals, with an emphasis on wine stewardship, responsible hospitality, and profitability. “I am absolutely delighted to be working with The PGA of America to increase the enjoyment of wine along with the great game of golf,” says Chalone Vineyard winemaker Robert Cook. “I have been an avid golfer since I could hold a club, and this alliance gives me the chance to discuss how the excellent wines we make can be an inspired beverage choice for the “19th hole” – a terrific way to combine two of my passions.”

Chalone Vineyard is the oldest vineyard in Monterey County, originally planted in 1919. The only winery in the unique Chalone AVA (American Viticultural Area), Chalone Vineyard Estate is located on the north slope of Chalone Peak, in the Gavillan Mountains, overlooking a region made famous by local author John Steinbeck. Grapes for Chalone Vineyard Estate wines are grown on the mountainous estate vineyards. The grapes for the Chalone Monterey County wines are grown in distinct vineyards in the 75-mile long Salinas Valley, which runs southeast from Monterey Bay.

Original Article:
http://www.pga.com/pga-america/pga/benchmark-california-winery-named-official-wine-pga-america

Visit the Chalone Vineyard Website:
http://www.chalonevineyard.com/

Tags: chalone vineyard, PGA, winery, fl, Winery Blogs, orlando