Temecula (California) Creek Inn Salute to Southern California Wine

Savor the best of Italy at Temecula Creek Inn’s “Best of Italy” artisan wine dinner featuring the wines of Robert Renzoni Vineyards, Friday, (June 25, 2010). Temecula, California is the spot for fine dining, and superb wines. Then in August, discover the essence of Southern California’s premier boutique winery, with a “All Things Local” farm-to-table concept at Palumbo Family Vineyards (August 20, 2010) followed by “A Tale of Two Valleys” a Rhone vs Temecula wine dinner featuring Leonesse Cellars (October 15, 2010). All three dinners are part of Temecula Creek Inn’s “Salute to Southern California Wine,” a series of artisan wine events launched in March and continuing throughout the year.

Wine isn’t the only highlight at these dinners –Temecula Creek Inn’s executive chef Salvatore Giuliano pairs each wine with dishes that are both seasonal and inventive, bold and familiar. Each wine dinner allows novice and wine connoisseurs to discover new flavors, partake in discussion and debate, meet the region’s top winemakers, and dine on the area’s finest cuisine.

Teaming up with Italian winemaker Robert Renzoni, he guides guests through the regional wines of Italy and serve the winery’s premium varietals with a delectable four-course meal with a creative spin on classic Italian favorites. Antipasti, Cured Italian Imported Meats, Picked Eggplant, Pressed Olives, Fire-Roasted Red Bell Peppers, Aged Balsamic and Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil, launch the dinner. A second course of Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Farro from Rustichella d’Abruzzo is heavenly. Main course offerings include options such as Tenderloin of Beef Braciole Stuffed with Prosucitto, Fontina Cheese, Fresh Herbs with Oven Roasted Tomato, Rapini and Radicchio in a Genovese Sauce; and for dessert a delicious Lemoncella Panna Cotta with Berry Jus, and Oven Dried Cracked Spiced Zest.

In August, wine and food enthusiasts will be taken on a savory sojourn with a six-course dinner expertly matched to wines from Palumbo Family Vineyards. Many of the courses Giuliano will prepare will reflect the usage of local produce and products from the region in keeping with the family owned/operated theme.

The October, 2010 wine lovers evening will pair Southern California wine against those of the Rhone Valley in France. Winemaker Tim Kramer and owner Mike Rennie of Leonesse Cellars will present a blind tasting of the wines, each paired with complementary dishes from Chef Giuliano.

Priced at $85 per person for June, $95 per person for August and $85 per person for the October dinner, the four-six course dinners exclude tax and gratuity, but each includes a complimentary wine and cheese reception, where guests can preview wines which will be served during the evening.

The setting will be intimate, beginning with a wine reception on The Plaza at 6:30 p.m. for the June and October dinners and at 7:00 p.m. for the August dinner. Each will feature artisan-inspired appetizers by Giuliano, wine tasting, and a four-course decadent four-course dinner at 7:30 p.m. (June 25 on the Plaza), 8:00 p.m. (August 20 at the Stone House) and 7:30 p.m. (October 15 in Temet Grill). Reservations are required.

Pictured is Robert Renzoni, owner of Renzoni Vineyards

Those who want to make it an overnight event can reserve, a “A Salute To Wine” Country” package, available for one night only at the resort on Friday, June 25, August 20 and October 15. Priced from $319 per couple and based on double occupancy, the package includes one night of deluxe guestroom accommodations, wine dinner for two, and two sets of touring/tasting tickets. The package is not applicable to groups. To make a reservation for each dinner, call 951-587-1465. To book the special wine dinner package, call 877-517-1823, e-mail temeculacreekinn@jcresorts.com, or visit the web at temeculacreekinn.com.