This year’s Winter Barrel Tasting event, under the auspices of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA), will take place Jan. 26-27, presenting guests to an intimate weekend in Wine Country.

Visit 20 wineries, taste their award-winning wines, meet with winemakers and sample wines right out of the barrel.

The demanding pace of the holidays are over and what finer way to take time out to relax and unwind than to spend a few quality hours this weekend enjoying the warm hospitality and beautiful scenic countryside in our wine country?

Last week when speaking with Tomi Arbogast, executive director of the TVWA, she enthusiastically shared with me the great excitement that is building up as preparations unfold to creating yet another annual Winter Barrel Tasting.

Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of wine with this exceptional two-day wine and food pairing.

"A sample of some of the wine pairings that will be featured this weekend," said Tomi, "is Baily Winery, who will be serving Mediterranean steak salad of baby greens, olives, feta and grilled tri-tip steak, balsamic vinaigrette with 2006 Sangiovese, pre-release and their 2006 Rosé of Advertisement

Barrier Reef Pools Cabernet Sauvignon.

"Maurice Car’rie Winery is serving up a sherry-infused black bean soup with rosemary skewered grilled shrimp. The wines are their 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, NV Cream Sherry and their 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (out of the barrel).

"Oak Mountain Winery, our newest addition to wine country, will have homemade Italian sausage steamed in an Oak Mountain Sauvignon Blanc blend with herbs, grilled peppers and onions served with a fresh Italian baguette. Wines out of the barrel are 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and their 2006 Merlot."

Tickets are $85, which includes a two-day ticket and souvenir wineglass if purchased prior to the event. At the door, tickets are $95.

Designated driver tickets (one per group), available for $65, include food and bottled water.

For more detailed information, please contact the TVWA at (951) 699-6586 or look up www.temeculawines.org.

"Our members produce some of the finest wines and wine grapes in the world," added Tomi. "The Winegrowers Association is a nonprofit regional organization dedicated to promoting the making and growing of quality wine and wine grapes in the Temecula Appellation."

Until next time, take care and enjoy life. CHEERS!

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