Holiday Fun for the Temecula Wineries

Living in Southern California gives us many advantages like being able to drop by the Temecula Wine Country during the holidays. If you luckily get to visit, be sure you visit all the wonderful Temecula wineries as well as the exceptional Temecula dining. Design your visit by initially deciding at which of the many Temecula winery restaurants you wish to dine. Because there are several, this could be more difficult than you think.

The Temecula restaurant that displays Temecula Wineries best is the Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery. One of this first-class restaurants claim to fame, is that from its picturesque hilltop location, it focuses on offering lunch (yes, it only serves lunch) to assure that you get the best and absolute special lunch adventure in Temecula. You must make a reservation ahead of time to ensure you get a table.

This expansive circular building is located on a picturesque hill-top and offers great wine country views, first-class Falkner wines, and the delicious food of Executive Chef Gianni Ciciliot. Chef Gianni won the "Best Restaurant of Inland Empire" award for three years in a row. His creative American/Mediterranean cuisine is simple yet a step beyond what is offered in other Temecula dining establishments. House favorites include: the Lobster Mac & Cheese (made with four cheeses, lobster, as well as prosciutto), the Ahi Crunchy Salad (blackened Ahi on baby greens with ginger, crunchy wontons, and Mandarin oranges), Seafood Portofino (pasta served with jumbo shrimp, lobster, scallops and artichoke hearts), Soy Glazed Flat Iron Steak (8 oz. marinated steak grilled in a sweet & spicy soy glaze), and the ½ Pound Rays Black Angus Burger (named after the owner, grilled to perfection, and served with Monterrey jack cheese, sauteed mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and pickle).

Between Christmas and New Years day The Pinnacle is offering several special deals. Christmas Lunch for two is only $55 for two plus tax and gratuity. This meal includes a choice of shared appetizer, separate entrees (such as Pan Seared Salmon or Herb Marinated Chicken), a shared dessert, and a separate 5 oz. glass of delicious wine for each person. For Groups of eight or more diners The Pinnacle is also offering a $25/person plus tax and gratuity three-course meal of separate appetizer, entree, dessert, and a bottle of wine for each of eight guests. In order not to miss out on these specials, call the winery or make reservations online.

Temecula Wine Country further offers more than 30 boutique wineries that produce handcrafted wines. Falkner Winery has the distinction of having won Gold Medals or better on three-quarters of the wines on Falkners wine tasting menu. Their most popular wines include their Sauvignon Blanc which won Double Gold, Best of Class two years in a row at the distinguished San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; their Riesling which won Gold Medal, Best of California at this years California State Fair; as well as their unique Amante Super Tuscan red wine that consistently wins Gold Medals year after year.

For a more party environment Falkner Winery suggests their propriety Luscious Lips red wine. This somewhat sweet red wine is easy to drink, great tasting, and fun to share. Throughtou the holidays Falkner Winery is giving free samples of its warmed, mulled wine made with Luscious Lips called Hot Lips in both the tasting room and the Pinnacle Restaurant. Sold in a two bottle gift package with recipe and mulling spices, this $33.95 bundle is great for any holiday party you may hold or attend.

Holidays in Temecula Wine Country would not be complete without the opportunity to propose great party venues for business and social parties. A lot of wineries propose special rooms or tented spaces but none beat those offered at the Pinnacle Restaurant at Falkner Winery. The upstairs main dining area can accommodate 170 people as well as a band for a private party. It is ready for use every evening for events since the restaurant serves only as a lunch venue. Downstairs of the Pinnacle offers a wonderful VIP Room which has seating for up to 18 at a single solid Alder wood table in an enclosed barrel shaped room with windows to the wine barrels outside. Also downstairs has an open Barrel Room that accommodates 60 for unique dining among the wine barrels. All events will be catered by Executive Chef Gianni and his staff, with no menu selection too unique for their expertise. These venues as well as an outdoor option and production area options are also attainable for weddings throughout the year.

I encourage you to visit Temecula Wine Country throughout the holidays and enjoy the unique experience that southern California wineries have to offer. To contact Falkner Winery or the Pinnacle Restaurant call the winery. Come see as many of the Temecula wineries as you can and make reservations at the Pinnacle Restaurant and other Temecula restaurants.

For lunch reservations call 951-676-8231 x1 or make them online at http://falknerwinery.com.