California Wine Month in Temecula

I just found my new favorite holiday: California Wine Month!

This September marks the sixth consecutive year that California Wine Month will be celebrated in September, in honor of our region’s ideal climate and optimal harvest time. As the beautiful landscape of California wineries bursts into full bloom with grape stomps and traditional celebrations, oenophiles from across the globe are invited to discover the West Coast’s emerging flavor.

Did you know, California is the fourth largest wine producer in the entire world, makes 90% of all American wine and is responsible for $18.5 billion in retail wine sales across the United States? Specifically, California is now home to more than 4,600 grape growers and 3,000 bonded wineries. In drinking California wine, you are supporting the local economy and confirming your commitment to local sustainability. And there is no better time to drink up than during California Wine Month this September! California Wine Month is a campaign coordinated by Wine Institute and its more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses.

During the month of September, some of the best wineries up and down the California coast are hosting unique wine tasting events. Events range from the First Crush Harvest Grape Escape at Silver Horse Winery in San Miguel September 3-4; to the Capitola Art & Wine Festival in Downtown Capitola September 11 -12; 2010 Sonoma Valley Crush at various Sonoma Valley wineries on September 15th; and the 7th Annual Taste of the Central Coast at Cypress Ridge Pavillion in Arroyo Grande on September 19th.

In the greater San Diego County area, Temecula Valley Wine Country is celebrating California Wine Month at a variety of participating wineries through a diverse spread of tastings and events. In true SoCal style, Temecula Valley has created an incredibly cool SIP Package that is offered the entire month of September. How it works? You choose when and which five wineries you want to visit, and you can visit all five for one low SIP ticket price. Or, opt for the SIP & RIDE Passport, and add easy and convenient roundtrip transportation into the mix. There is also a SIP & STAY Package, which offers overnight stays at the luxurious South Coast Resort Winery & Spa. These unique California Wine Month SIP Packages range from $40 to $269 in price. For tickets and more details about how to celebrate California Wine Month in San Diego, please visit temeculawines.org.

More Fun Facts About California Wine

A leader in sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices: With its statewide Sustainable Winegrowing Program (SWP), establishing strong environmental standards and practices from ground to glass, California vintners and winegrape growers are a model for other agricultural products and other wine regions in the U.S. and the world.

Comprised largely of family businesses
The vast majority of California's 4,600 winegrape growers and 3,000 wineries are family-owned and operated businesses, many involving multiple generations.

Inspired a culinary revolution: As the popularity of California wines has risen, so has the national focus on fresh seasonal cooking and dining. Many of America’s top chefs work in California’s wine country.

For more details about California wine please visit discovercaliforniawine.com.

Discover more about SoCal wine culture in Stomp: Guide to San Diego Wineries.