with Daryl F. Mallett & William R. Mallett
Some self-appointed "experts" say there are no good California wines produced outside of the Napa/Sonoma area. Wrong! There are at least eleven wineries near Temecula which produce good wines. Mostly located on or near Rancho California Road, these Southern California "desert" wineries produce a number of award-winning wines.
The first winery you'll encounter on your trek east (from I-15) on Rancho California Road is Hart Winery. On the north side, Hart was established in 1980 by former home winemaker Joseph Hart, who planted nine acres in Temecula in the early '70s. As of 1985, they were producing about 7,000 cases a year (a jump of nearly 5,000 from 1984) of mostly red wines, and a bit of Sauvignon Blanc. The number has increased to about 8,000-10,000 cases now. Call 714/676-6300 for more information.
Right next door is Callaway Vineyard & Winery. Southern California's first winery, it was established in 1974, but pioneer Eli Callaway was planting there in the late '60s. Famous for its fine white wines, Callaway has earned countless awards and praise, including the 1991 America's Cup Official Winery distinction, and the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration Dinner Winery served Queen Elizabeth I of England on her visit here. Callaway also discovered and cultivated America's first botrytized wine. Sold to Hiram Walker in 1981, the winery continues to produce fine wines to this day, jumping from 70,000 cases in Callaway's day to 250,000 cases annually. For tours, wine tastings or to visit their fine restaurant, call 714/676-4001.
Across the street from Callaway is John Culbertson Winery (also known as Culbertson Champagne Cellars). Culbertson's is Southern California's methode champenoise sparkling wine specialist. Established in 1981, they produce between 8,000-12,000 cases of wine yearly. Also of particular note is their restaurant, The Cafe Champagne, located on the premises. Open from 11 a.m. daily, they serve lunch and dinner. Some of our favorites include the smoked chicken with basmati rice, salad and asparagus; the angel hair pasta with fresh daily seafood; and the linguine with scallops. Prices range from $10-20 for entrees. Call 714/699-0099 for the winery; 714/699-0088 for the restaurant.
On the north side again, Piconi Winery is located next door to Callaway. Debuting in 1980 with a Petite Sirah, they produce about 7,000-9,000 cases of wine yearly, ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon to Chenin Blanc, from Chardonnay to Sauvignon Blanc. Call 714/676-5400.
These are just four of Temecula's fine wineries. Give them a look. In Southern California's land of wine, the hospitality is wonderful, the winemakers are friendly and you'll enjoy every minute of your tour, dining experience and visit.
About the Authors
Daryl F. Mallett is a professional editor, freelance writer and actor who managed to narrowly escape death by shotgun when his father mistakenly thought he was a burglar trying to break into the wine cellar.
William R. Mallett is a research chemist who treasures his wines. He cornered his son once with a shotgun thinking him to be a wine burglar.
(Originally published in The Riverside Review Magazine, Vol. 1:8, July 1992.)
