Whether or not you’ve visited the quaint towns of France, Spain or Italy, the “Prelude” to Europa Village, one of Temecula’s newest tasting rooms and wineries, will take you there…sans the 12 hour flight. A trio of three separate wineries specializing in hand-crafted wine inspired by three different regions of Europe, this themed winery collective is just beginning its transformation into a full-fledged European village experience in the heart of Southern California Wine Country.

When you first walk through the Tuscan archway into the courtyard of Europa Village you can feel the quiet comfort of the Old World inviting you to slow down and enjoy the day. While Europa Village has grandiose plans for their property on Rancho California including custom vineyard homes, guest villas, spa, events center and village marketplace, the French style tasting room and Tuscan wine cave give visitors a taste of what’s to come. The Temecula Insider sat down with managing partner Denis Ferguson to hear a little more about the inspiration behind the themed wineries and what Temecula can expect in years to come.

In order to introduce wines from the three wineries of Europa Village, a small French Wine Chateau was constructed as well as a Tuscan inspired wine cave surrounding an intimate courtyard among sprawling vineyards. Wines from all three wineries are available for tasting giving guests the opportunity to choose their favorites. Whether you prefer the French inspired offerings from C’est La Vie, Spanish varieties from Bolero Cellars or Vienza’s Italian inspired wine, there is a little something for everyone. Denis explained the decision to create what they call a “Prelude” to Europa Village as they roll out the plans for expanding the current tasting room into three complete wineries and accommodations creating a European getaway in Temecula Valley. Moving forward to introduce the three wineries in a tough economic climate without the complete construction allows for locals and visitors to acquaint themselves with Europa Village and grow with them.

In addition to the distinct differences in the European style wines, a distinct difference in the tasting room is the tasting glass itself. Unlike any other tasting glass in the valley, Europa took a page from the Old World and created a stemless wine glass with unique indentations for your thumb and middle finger. Not only does the bottom indentation allow for ease of drinking, it allows for the wine to open up and release its aroma through the precision sized opening, explained Denis. And here we just thought it looked cool! For the traditionalists, there are regular stemmed glasses for tasting as well.

There are many exciting things ahead for this growing collection of wineries. Recently, Europa Village purchased the neighboring Inn at Loma Vista which was the first Bed & Breakfast in Temecula Valley. The former B&B is now the Inn at Europa and will be remodeled to reflect the Old World feel of the wine village below. We look forward to seeing the growth and expansion of Europa Village and will be back soon to see the progress and taste a few Old World favorites.

Europa Village

33475 La Serena Way
Temecula, CA  92591
(888) 383-8767

www.europavillage.com

Hours

Open Daily 10am to 5pm

Tastings

Tasting fee is $15 per person

Written by Lynne Kristensen, The Temecula Insider