Driving through the rural area is an experience all its own. Brilliant purple and orange flowers and gently sloping hills on either side show that this is not what is expected. Horse ranches and stables line this less travelled road and charmingly old-fashioned signs mark the way. This is another part of Temecula Wine Country. This is the De Portola Wine Trail.

What is now the De Portola Wine Trail, originally consisted of only two wineries, Filsinger and Keyways. There are now nine. It feels different here. It is more spacious, more open, and everywhere you look, your eye lands on something beautiful. The sky seems bigger and the surrounding area contributes to the wine tasting ambience.

Fred Renzoni is the coordinator of the De Portola Wine Trail association and owner of Robert Renzoni Vineyards.

“We want people to know about the “Silverado Trail” of Temecula,” he says, referring to the stretch of wineries located in Napa Valley just east of the more famous Route 29.

“The wineries on this side are brimming with new ideas. We are committed to the “wow” factor.” The wine makers have found that Mediterranean grapes grow well here. The warm days and cool nights resemble Southern Europe’s climate. Most of the wineries serve Italian, Spanish or Rhone varietals.

All of the wineries have spectacular views. Each winery is set up on a hill, with long winding driveways. Inside the wineries,

Winery dogs are another common denominator out here. Ranging from large Yellow Labs to tiny Dachshunds, all were friendly and added charm to the wineries. It is not uncommon to be escorted from your car to the tasting room door by a hospitable dog. A great glass of wine can be infinitely more enjoyable when sipped while rubbing a grateful pooch’s belly.

All of the wineries on the De Portola Trail are family owned and operated. One can often find winery owners behind the bar pouring wine. They enjoy talking to people about the wine and the area. Even on the weekends, the pace is slower and the crowds are smaller. This allows guests time to talk to owners and pourers, and really learn about the wine.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards

Fred along with his son Robert come from a family of winemakers going back 130 years.  The tasting room is spacious but the real surprise is the upper picnic area with perfectly manicured emerald green grass. Wine club pick-up parties are held there, and it is also available for special events. The winery was recently voted “The Most Horse Friendly Winery in Temecula.” Robert Renzoni Vineyards serves a wide variety of wines, including an outstanding 2006 Super Tuscan called Fiore di Fano. It is reddish, as opposed to purple, and has a lingering finish and just one example of the diversity in their wines.

Masia de Yabar

This converted home has made full use of the stunning views of the surrounding hills. It is the perfect place to decompress after work with a glass of their not too sweet Muscat Canelli, and take a moment to drink in the beauty of where we live. It is immaculately landscaped and perfect for events. A beautifully decorated bridal suite and a separate groom’s suite make getting ready for any type of event easy.

Cougar Vineyard and Winery

This winery is a study of casual friendliness. From the affable winery dogs to the quick-witted pourers, this winery is fun. The Italian varietals that Cougar specializes in may be unusual to local consumers, but these wines are complex and flavorful. The Montepulciano is a superb example of how well Italian grapes grow on the De Portola Trail. Cougar Winery also donates a portion of the proceeds from Pink Cougar to Breast Cancer Research.

Frangipani Estate Winery

Don’t let the flower on the sign fool you. This is a manly winery. It is also a very personal, homey place. Don Frangipani has created an atmosphere that feels like being in a buddy’s den. His love for all things Steelers is evident in the comfortable seating area, complete with a big screen TV. Don and his wife JoAnn welcome cigar smokers, outside during business hours and inside the lounge after hours.

Danza del Sol Winery

One of the newest wineries on the De Portola Wine Trail is in the location of one of the oldest wineries. Mike Tingley, an established and respected winemaker, has taken over winemaking and managing the promising new winery. The 25 acres are gradually being replanted with Mediterranean varietals. “The focus here is going to be unique proprietary blends,” the professorial looking winemaker said. They are introducing the new Danza del Sol wines as they are selling the old Filsinger inventory. Some of the very popular wines will keep the Filsinger name and label. Even in the early stages of the transition, one can see the beauty and attention to detail that is coming.

Leonesse Cellars

Possibly one of the best-known wineries on the De Portola Trail, Leonesse is large and luxurious. The winery is known for its big reds; particularly it’s consistently good Syrah. It is a lively place, full of people and chatter. The large covered porch with abundant seating provides a place to sit and enjoy the wine. The side porch provides a great view of the nearby Palomar Observatory.

Keyways Vineyard and Winery

The lovely well appointed tasting room is welcoming. The spacious outdoor area is inviting. Keyways fills a niche on the Wine Trail by providing food on the weekends, most notably the “KeyZza”. It has been described as “Pizza for the adult palate”. It is the only winery in Temecula that offers Eiswein, a sweet delicate wine made from frozen grapes.

Oak Mountain Winery

There have been big changes at Oak Mountain Winery. The large fountain and spiral cut Cyprus give a decidedly Italian feel to the winery as you enter. Steve Andrews and his wife Valerie both spend a good deal of time behind the bar serving the primarily Rhone style wines. Like many wineries on the De Portola Trail, Oak Mountain gives proceeds to various charities. A portion of the sales of “For Pete’s Sake” white and red table wines go to Cause for Paws. In addition to award-winning wines, Oak Mountain also carries an extensive line of flavor infused avocado oils. The natural avocado oil has a neutral clean taste, which allows the flavors of the infused oils to come through prominently. The free oil tasting is a fun part of visiting Oak Mountain.

Gershon Bacchus Vintners

Walking into Gershon Bacchus, one has the feeling that this is something different. The expansive tasting room is beautifully decorated, with gorgeous fabric canopied down from the ceiling. The murals are reproductions of what would be seen if the murals were, in fact, windows. The winery welcomes the educated palate. Guests are encouraged to sit down and talk about the wine. Owner Christina says the goal is not to over-analyze the wine, but to taste it and say, “This is good, may I have another glass?” The elegant, sophisticated wines are very drinkable. The winery is perfect for events, with a dedicated bridal suite and an outdoor kitchen.

Visiting the De Portola wine trail is like getting away, without leaving town. The natural atmosphere is relaxing, the wines are delicious, and the wineries are unique. Go and experience “the other side of Wine Country”and participate in a fun and exciting experience called "Mapping your way through the De Portola Wine Trail."

Enjoy a tasting at one of the participating wineries and receive a map of the De Portola Wine Trail with a sticker on it. As you visit the other wineries on the map, each one will add their sticker to your map. When it is complete with at least 6 stickers, leave it at the last winery and be entered into a monthly drawing. The lucky winner will receive 2 bottles of wine from each winery, signed by the owners or winemakers.

To learn more about the De Portola Wine Trail visit the website at: http://deportolawinetrail.com/index.php

Visiting Our Vineyards is a continuing series featuring the wines and wineries of the Temecula Valley. When you visit the local wineries, make sure you tell them you read about it in Neighbors!