last year, i figured i will go out valentine's day february 14 either before/after v-day to beat the crowd, parking, waiting lines and pricey menus. i am not whining... just being reasonable about the whole irk potential.
a v-day lunch invite in wilson creek winery in temecula, ca came my way this year through a tempting invite from the wilson family (not related to the owners-ha!). who can say no to such wonderful company and a relaxing afternoon.
www.wilsoncreekwinery.com
it would have been nice to have my two babies (rich&rhett). however, they have other plans in the evening for some motocross show at the qualcomm stadium. pure male bonding.
we had a four course meal at the restaurant that was visually enticing and yummy as well. matthew (age 2) was happy with his kid's meal (chicken tenders). that always helps. happy children.
we sampled several drinks and the best so far was the almond champagne. lovelyn's husband - john enjoyed the red wine. lovelyn is no wino but did sip a bit. the presentation of the food was so pretty. our cameras were kept busy.
we met the owners (gerry&rosie wilson) who were gracious enough to welcome us to their restaurant and narrated how they started the winery by accident on their way to retirement. they hail from minnesota. so there was a mutual connection since my husband rich comes from the same state. i had to segue my favorite quiz: what is minnesota's state drink? (milk). gerry kept hammering me with the state bird. i think that was his fun quiz. don't ask me the answer (lovelyn reminded me - mosquito).
well, if u read the couples bio you would be inspired by their retirement adventure that brought this family business. read on businessweek:
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/oct2004/sb20041028_6026.htm
i discovered a new fave champagne made by the winery called almond champagne available at their store, online, bevmo, etc. i buy mine at costco which is reasonably inexpensive at $8.99. it has a sweet taste with a bubbly aftertaste. i get giggly with just the thought of it. it is THAT good!
we checkout the gift shop and wine tasting room. very pack. tasting fee is $10 and you get to keep the logo wine glass for souvenir. btw, we got to keep ours too from the restaurant. and yes, i have to mention that our waiter made sure the ladies got a rose for this love day.
this lovely day would not have been possible without a shout out to the ladies in corona and los angeles who were so cool and initiated the invite - tammy, gigie and riz. cheers!
