Vindemia Vineyard & Estate Winery Review
Address: 33133 Vista Del Monte Rd Temecula,California 92591.
Phone Number: 951-699-0601
Tasting Hours: Fri-Mon 11:00-5:00
Region: South Coast and S. California, Temecula Valley AVA, California
Reviewer: Tara Torres
Review Date: 11/25/2012
Reviewer: Tara Torres
Rating: 5
The Review
Vindemia Winery is a secluded vineyard and winery tucked away at the end of Calle Contento. For wine connoisseurs, this tiny, no frills Temecula Valley winery is a must visit.
The Place: Located at the end of a dirt road in Temecula wine country, Vindemia is a simple, yet charming, winery with little more than some patio furniture and a tiny outdoor bar. Decked out for fall, pumpkins, squash, and other fall vegetables were placed on top of the tables and the wine barrels that line the walkway. The hill beneath the winery slopes gently, providing a great view of the vines lined throughout the valley. Being off the main road of Rancho California, its a quiet escape. Behind the wine tasting area, you can catch glimpses of a large house, which happens to be the owners home. The owner, David Bradley, who is also the winemaker, originally used the land to provide hot air balloon rides through wine country, and hot air balloon rides are still offered on the property.
The Experience:  I sighed unhappily when I saw the dirt road leading to the winery. Fortunately, the choppy and dusty drive was brief and didn’t take a toll on my sports car. I was surprised that Vindemia only offers a modest outdoor bar. While the feel is rustic and charming, it does not scream good wine. Not expecting much, we paid for our taste and expected to be served something resembling kool aid. We were promptly provided a plate of bread, cheese cubes, and homemade olive oil to nibble on while we tasted. The food was a pleasant surprise and far more ample than most other wineries offer. I started tasting, and was quickly blown away at the quality of wine. After tasting the Petit Verdot, I couldnt take it anymore and asked the manager who was pouring our tastes how a hot air balloon operator learned to make such good wines. He smiled and said the owner was always getting asked wine questions by people on the hot air balloon rides, and he became curious and went looking for answers. He became so curious that he learned how to make wine, from some really good teachers. My taste buds appreciate his curiosity!
The Wines:  Vindemia doesnt offer a huge variety of wines, but what it does offer is consistently good. The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and delicious. Intrigued by the name “More Cowbell,” I was surprised at how good it was, as sometimes wineries use funny names to get people to try a so-so wine. Wow, was the only word I could come up with to describe the Petit Verdot, which is the priciest at $64. For our last taste we debated between the Syrah and Commonwealth. I was talked into trying the Syrah which was described as an in your face wine. The flavor was indeed bold and peppery, yet it was still smooth. Vindemia had officially won me over. Wine tasting costs $15 for five tastes, which includes bread, cheese and olive oil.
Insider’s Tip:  Vindemia offers two options for the wine club, either 4 or 12 bottles per shipment with five shipments a year. Wine members receive up to four tastings per visit and 25% off all winery purchases. Wine members also receive a discount on hot air balloon rides so they can see how it all started.