We ate at the kitchen first which was absolutely delicious. I never ever thought I would eat some tomato bisque. Yummy. Then walked next door to the tasting room and used our 2 for 1 coupons and started tasting. Donna was a very good host and was able to be attentive to everyone. She was Explaining what all wines were that we drank. And also offered some suggestions. Nice. The winery is very nice which have a kitchen next door. 

Ultimate Vineyards, situated in the heart of Temecula Valley wine country, produces wines primarily from its 75-acre estate vineyard. This vineyard benefits from a unique combination of geological and topographical features that result in fruit with exceptional intensity, weight, and richness. Positioned in the bed of the ancient Santa Margarita River, the vineyard has accumulated millennia of sediment deposits. It also rests in a natural geological bowl, where cooler nighttime air drifts in and settles, preserving higher levels of acidity and tannins in the grapes. The ample sunshine, combined with gentle ocean breezes, helps the grapes develop deep color and sugars.

The vineyard’s soil, mostly sandy loam, offers excellent drainage but has low organic matter due to limited rainfall. To foster "Living Soils," Ultimate Vineyards enhances soil health through annual applications of organic compost, inoculation with beneficial microbes, and the planting of nitrogen-fixing cover crops. Their philosophy centers on creating a thriving, healthy ecosystem in the soil to promote better vine growth, more consistent ripening, and higher quality grapes. To achieve this, Ultimate Vineyards avoids the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides on their soils.

Avensole Winery is especially rich in the history of Southern California wine making. The property was first planted with wine grapes in 1969 by wine making pioneer Vince Cilurzo, who introduced Petite Syrah and Chenin Blanc. Development of the Avensole vineyard was completed in 1986 by Bud Van Roekel, who planted Muscat Canelli, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. It was Bud’s goal to spare no expense to produce the finest grapes in California. We think he succeeded, and that the grapes produced by our vineyard are the finest in Temecula, and some of the very best in all of California. Great fruit – as grapes are called in the wine industry – is what allows Avensole Vineyard & Winery to produce great wines. Enjoy their wines your next visit to Temecula Wine Country.

Unlike most wineries where you pick and choose the wines you want to taste, this winery goes down its wine tasting menu for your 6 tastes. The girl at the wine bar was friendly and seemed very knowledgeable about wines in general. She was very generous with the pours.

The views from this winery are beautiful, so we got some great pictures. No wonder people have weddings here!Busy on a Sunday afternoon but Super friendly. Shelly waved us on over and introduced us to the Falkner wines. Enjoyed the reds...especially the Cabernet and the two Meritage blends. Chose the 7 wine tasting for $15. Never had to pay up front like this up in the Central Coast wineries where we frequent. Your tastings are also usually free up there if you buy a few bottles. Falkner does give a $5 coupon toward your purchase of a bottle and you do get to keep the glasses.

Painting by Agata Zaborowski Family enjoying wine