Europa Village Review
Address: 33475 La Serena Way Temecula,California 92591.
Phone Number: 888-383-8767
Tasting Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-5:00
Region: South Coast and S. California, Temecula Valley AVA, California
Reviewer: Tara Torres
Review Date: 5/17/2012
Reviewer: Tara Torres
Rating: 4
The Review
One of the newer wineries in Temecula brings old world European charm to southern California wine country. Spanish, Italian, and French influences flow throughout the winery, and the large, beautifully landscaped outdoor area offers a great place to enjoy one of your favorite bottles. Europa Village vineyard is just part of a grander plan which includes The Inn at Europa Village and the residential development, Europa Vineyard Estates.
The Place:  As you walk through the wrought iron gate, you enter a lovely garden area which uses cool water misters to keep guests comfortable on hot southern California days. The outdoor area is expansive with plenty of seating area to enjoy a leisurely glass of wine while enjoying the surroundings. Double wood Spanish style doors enclose the private dining room, and the tasting room is styled in the manner of a French bistro, called Cest La Vie Wine Chateau. Inside you will find a modest tasting room with a gift shop situated to the right.
The Experience:  As you saddle up to the copper bar, you are provided a list of the wines and a unique wine glass with finger grooves on the bottom and the side. The unique tasting glass forces you to hold the glass higher as you drink and encourages proper wine tasting form, as it was explained to me by the nice man who was working at the tasting room. The tasting room was modest in size and fortunately for us, not crowded. Joining us was a couple who had their brand new puppy, who seemed to be enjoying the environment as much as the humans. The vineyard employee was knowledgeable and provided good explanations and recommendations. Our tasting card resembled a passport and was stamped for each wine we tasted.
The Wines: Two tasting options are offered, neither economical. For $15 you are provided with six different tastes and a $5 coupon good towards a purchase. For $30 you are afforded eight tastes to include the premium wines, a $5 coupon towards a purchase, and you get to keep the cool wine tasting glass. Keeping with the European theme, Europa Village wines offer a variety of French, Spanish, and Italian wines. The French wines include Syrahs and Chardonnay, while the Spanish wines included a Tempranillo. The Italian wines included Pinot Grigio and less typical varieities such as Primazia. Of the wines tasted, it was hard to find one that I didnt like.
Insiders Tip:  Europa Village offers events, such as music acts and art classes, on a regular basis. They also have a wine club, which is free to join. However you must select a wine purchase option which ranges between 35-75 dollars. The membership includes complimentary wine tasting and discounts on wine purchases. If you plan to show up at Europa Village in a limousine or bus you must submit a request to make an appointment.