Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards Review
Address: 35960 Rancho California Rd. Temecula,California 92591.
Phone Number: 951-699-9463
Tasting Hours: 10:00-5:00
Region: South Coast and S. California, Temecula Valley AVA, California
Reviewer: Tara Torres
Review Date: 9/12/2012
Reviewer: Tara Torres
Rating: 4
The Review
More than just a wine tasting room, Wilson Creeks sweeping, well landscaped grounds provide a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy their good wines with a touch of eccentricity.
The Place: We brought sandwiches with us hoping to find a nice spot to enjoy them at the winery, and it didnt take long to find one at Wilson Creek. We came across a shaded picnic area with multiple wrought iron tables and chairs. A small creek and two white footbridges provide a charming, picturesque scene. The grounds are perfect for meandering the meticulously manicured landscaping with wine décor adding character. A Bocci ball court is available, and two terraces that can double as stages are available for concerts and other events. Should you find yourself hungry, the Creekside restaurant provides sit-down dining with a large outdoor patio. The newest building houses the ballroom and banquet rooms, along with the staff offices. The tasting room is modest when compared to the rest of the winery, but a second bar is available for busier times. Wine accessories and décor are available for purchase and are sprinkled throughout the tasting room. Bottles of their wine are stacked throughout the tasting room, and a separate cashier is available if you know what you want and just want to make a quick purchase.
The Experience: After casually strolling through the grounds, I made my way into the tasting room. Once at the bar a friendly tasting room attendant greeted me with a smile, and set me up with a wine menu and tasting glass. I never waited long for my next wine taste, yet I wasnt rushed either. I was provided good recommendations on which of the wines I should select from their extensive wine menu. Halfway through the tasting, I noticed a volleyball mounted above the bar was decorated like Wilson, Tom Hanks personified volleyball friend from the movie Castaway. The Wilson volleyball seemed to sum up the ambiance at Wilson Creek winery; good wines, sophistication, but with a touch of quirkiness. Wilson Creek provides a great atmosphere for people to relax with a glass of wine combined with a youthful vibe.
The Wines: Wilson Creek offers five white wines, five red wines, five sparkling wines, and two dessert wines. In addition to the wines, Wilson Creek offers specialty drinks, such as Decadencia Chocolate Cup which is the a Chocolate Port served in a chocolate shot glass with a splash of the their famed Almond Champagne. Wine tasting fees are $12 for five tastes on the weekdays, and $15 on the weekends. Overall the wines were smooth and balanced, yet slightly on the sweet side. My favorite white wines was the 2011 White Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 Merlot took the honor of the red wines with Mollys Medley, a blend of Mourvedre, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Merlot, coming in a close second. Wilson Creek is most well-known for their very popular Almond Champagne, but they also offer four other sparkling wines.
Insiders Tip: As one of Temeculas more popular wineries, and a favorite among the party bus tours, reservations are required for limousines and party buses. Make sure you book far in advance as space is limited and reservations fill up quickly. Wilson Creek also offers a variety of events from parties to cigar nights. Personalized wine labels are offered for those who want to add a personal touch to their event. Wilson Creek also offers a wine club.