South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, located right in the middle of the Temecula Valley Wine Country on Rancho California Road, has earned the well deserved reputation of being a totally luxurious getaway.

A great clock tower, waterfall and majestic and colorful array of floral beauty throughout the estate grounds surrounded by a flowing sea of vineyards awaits the visitor, be it for a few hours dining in the romantic and well-appointed Vineyard Rose restaurant with an air of countryside chic or taking advantage of the world class Grape Seed Spa or sampling some excellent South Coast award-winning wines in the tasting room.

What first catches the eye in the tasting room is a very realistic and detailed mural of a vineyard scene, encompassing the entire valley and the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains. When you visit the tasting room, please do ask about the "true" bobcat story incorporated into the mural.

You also have the choice to extend your stay for a day or two, or more, at one of the 76 spacious, richly appointed villas with no common walls. Unwind in 575 to 1,150 square feet with a fireplace, soothing spa tub and peaceful terrace tucked away in the vineyards.

Owner Jim Carter is the visionary of this wine country oasis.

"The Vision," Jim’s dream, has come to fruition. To put it in his words, "South Coast Winery Resort and Spa creates the romance of a wine country experience with the blending of nature, fine wine, fine food and elegant comforts presented to our guest with gracious hospitality."

When Jim opened his winery in 2002, one of his criteria was creating a team of carefully selected individuals to project a world class image of professionalism in all aspects of operation.

Jim explained to me that he and his team had a brainstorming session in which employees were presented with the opportunity to put together a statement of principles, standards and procedures to be carried out in the day-to-day representation of South Coast.

Seventeen individual statements were brainstormed, then printed in a formal pamphlet entitled "The Vision." All employees are requested to keep this small pamphlet in their pockets whilst on duty as a quick reference, ensuring that the team members are continuous in Advertisement

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The very first statement reads, "The vision is the one belief of our organization. A must to be understood embraced and respected by all."

The vision continues with new plans that have been formulated and are awaiting final approval from the Riverside County for further additions, which will be constructed across the street from South Coast. This will be the Carter Estate, encompassing yet another winery for the very top-of-the-range wines.

It will be a multiple-story hotel which will compare to some of the finest and grander world class hotels with expansive rooms where luxury, comfort and privacy are the order of the day.

A restaurant will focus on the pairing of wine and food with the usual first class cuisine that we have become accustomed to at South Coast. There will also be a demonstration kitchen for the public to attend to learn more about the art of wine appreciation and the partnering of food and wine.

The Carter Estate, located on a hill in the middle of wine country, is as a beacon to all who have settled with dedicated perseverance whilst establishing their own individual wineries that the Temecula Valley Wine Country has truly arrived.

Jim shared with me that he is at the stage of life where all stops are pulled and will continue with firm and sure footsteps in following his dream. I would like to describe Jim Carter, and his vision for bigger and greater developments for wine country, as only "The Sky is the Limit!"

There will be many more additions which I have not mentioned here; however, I do look forward to sharing them with you when the groundbreaking takes place and this massive construction project is underway.

South Coast Winery has now won more than 200 awards for their wide selection of fine wines, including Double Gold awards. A recent top-of-the-range addition has made its debut from the Carter Estate: a Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve South Coast vintage 2003.

It would be well worth your time to look up www.wineresort.com to view the expansive range of South Coast wines and their award listings. For more information, please call (951) 587-9463.

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