Wilson Creek Winery is all about family. In fact, in 2000, when the multigenerational Wilson family first opened the winery in the heart of the Temecula
Valley, California, they were most excited about working together in a simple, joyful business.
“I guess we were half right,” Rosie Wilson chuckles. “It certainly has been joyful!” Rosie and her husband, Gerry, represent the winemaking family’s first generation. They had no real winemaking experience (unless one counts the dandelion and rhubarb wines they dabbled with in the 1960s), but they had a strong commitment to family, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and learn.
In the 13 joyful years since, Wilson Creek’s vineyard holdings have multiplied from 20 to 90 acres; wine production has grown from 2,000 to 40,000 cases; and the winery’s facilities have expanded to include an outdoor patio dining area, an outdoor stage, and a spacious area for picnics. The number of family members has also grown, not just with the third generation, but with the addition to the winery of many important people, including its winemaker and its executive chef.
Under the direction of winemaker Etienne Cowper, the Wilson Creek Winery portfolio demonstrates the many facets of the Temecula Valley terrain. The impressive tier of reserve wines earns high acclaim, and recently, in Jerry Mead’s New World International Wine Competition, the 2012 Roussanne won Gold and Best of Class.
In the Temecula Valley, Wilson Creek is at the top of every wine tourist’s list. Its fabulous restaurant, Creekside Grille, overseen by executive chef Steve Stawinski, serves a marvelous Sunday Bubble Brunch Buffet in its alfresco dining room with vineyard views. Wilson Creek is also ideal for weddings and special events, with enchanting indoor and outdoor venues, including a ballroom and concert stage.
Wilson Creek Winery is a fun place to visit and feel like part of the family. For wine club members, it’s official: they join the Extended Family Wine Club. Now that’s something to feel joyful about.
WHAT TO BUY
Almond Champagne – $16.99
Sweet almond marzipan, hint of caramelized sugar
’12 Roussanne – $24.99
Jasmine, apricot, anise, spiced apple
Decadencia Port – $28.99
Smooth, elegant, rich, chocolate
’10 Double Dog – $43.99
Clove, cherry and plum preserves, nutmeg
CONTACT
951-699-9463
info@wilsoncreekwinery.com
wilsoncreekwinery.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Daily 10–5
35960 Rancho California Rd.
Temecula, CA 92591
SPECIAL NOTES
Restaurant, weddings and receptions, corporate events, wine club events, owners on site.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
