After a number of years in hospitality at Thornton Winery in Temecula, Ginger Giordano saw a space in the personal touring side of the Temecula Wine consumer experience. She knew that most wine lovers who come to this thriving area had no idea how to get the most out of this experience. Meantime, she developed contacts at the wineries on a first-name basis and conceived a more intimate experience for wine country visitors.

"I felt it was important to get customers what they wanted…a more personal wine tasting experience in a private or semi-private atmosphere, knowledge of the history and culture of the wines, in a relaxing atmosphere," she said. "I take care of all the planning and transportation to each wine location. These wines in Temecula are produced on a level with Napa and Sonoma. We can offer you a balloon ride in a ‘fly and taste’ package. I have an association with Vallee d’ Brume for chocolates and desserts and the Temecula Cheese Company will be happy to provide a platter of their cheeses, fruits and crackers. Our service includes pickup and delivery at your location…we just want the visitors to relax and leave the driving and all other details to us."

Giordano has other ideas to make that next wine tour unforgettable. Learn more by calling (951) 852-1923 or accessing the Web site www.goinggrape.com.

Aerate wine without the wait

It took me awhile to find out the story on the hot new product running around the wine circuit these days. It’s really a simple device that wine is poured through that creates an instant aeration by drawing in air and velocity.

It throws off a fascinating sound, like a waterfall, only it’s a pour of lovely red wine that gets lovelier to drink. It easily fits in the hand, with no power Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] assist needed. It’s called a Vinturi!

Made of glass, it eliminates the need to swirl and decant. It’s all done as it pours.

The cost includes a stand and travel pouch. Locally, Wine Merchants in Carlsbad carries them for $44.99. There are special discounts for e-mail and club members.

Call (760) 804-9994 for more information.

Recommended ValueTastes

• Domaine du Caillou Red Rhone from Chateaneuf du Pape, 2005, $35. Beautifully crafted from the best vintage in France in years!

• Red Lava Lake County Syrah Reserve, 2004, $25. Rich tannins and good acidity, jammy blackberry mouth-feel.

• La Cereza Shiraz from Temecula, 2003, $18.95. Gold medaled at the Dallas competition. It’s Syrah, with a "Down Under" look and feel.

• Peter Lehmann Clancy’s blend from Australia, 2004, $13. Ninety-point beauty from Wine Spectator. Mix of Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot.

• Catena Malbec from Argentina, 2005, $15. From the fertile Mendoza area. Hundred-year-old family keeps redefining Malbec at the foot of the Andes Mountains.

The Local Sip

• Keyways Vineyard and Winery in Temecula has a new blend release: Contentment, at $21 per bottle. They will unveil it at the Femina Vita Festival at the winery Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. Call (951) 302-7888 or visit www.keywayswine.com.

• Azul, downtown La Jolla, is spotlighting David Vergari’s red wine lineup with Chef Orion’s cuisine Tuesday, April 8, with a 6 p.m. start. Call Summer Lang, sommelier, at (858) 454-9616.

• Try the new ENO, the fascinating tasting room at the Hotel Del Coronado on the island. Wines, cheeses and chocolates are featured. It emphasizes wine and education with communal tables encouraging conversation among tasters and the in-house sommelier. Call (619) 522-8113 for hours.

Frank Mangio is a wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. His library of columns may be viewed at www.tasteofwinetv.com. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.