​It was a beautiful summer day when we came upon the empty buildings.  They were in one of Bacchus’ playgrounds, an area atop Mount Monserate in the enchanted land of Fallbrook.  It was not our first trip to these hallowed grounds, of course.  On all our previous trips we had struck it rich, finding fine wines and food, but never at the same location.  Sometimes we went left, and sometimes we went right.  This time the Monserate Winery sign sent us to the left, to the buildings that had not been there before.  And they were empty.  Could the forces of evil have driven Bacchus’ servants away?  Was this a case of alien abduction?  Or, could it be, that we were there on the wrong day?  Maybe they just weren’t open on a Tuesday….

​So, we came back a few days later, on a Friday, proving that we should have read the signs….  As we entered the archway, we were greeted by a spirit guide who showed us where to get the spirits – and food.  Choosing a nice table, we proceeded to feast on a Caprese salad and a truffle-mushroom pizza, washed down by various wonderful libations, including Fiano, Barbera, Montepulciano, and, last but by far not least, Sagrantino!  The setting was simply wonderful, so wonderful the setting that a couple decided to get married right then and there!  (OK, we actually only saw the groom and his groomsmen when they were taking pictures before the wedding, which, of course, was planned well in advance.  But you have to admit it makes for a better story if it were spontaneous).

​Truth be told, we were aware that these buildings would some day be completed, and the days of wondering whether you turn left or right through the gate would come to an end.  What we anticipated was that the new facility would have a “sterile” look.  Instead, as you can see from the pictures, it is anything but.

​I must also point out, as shown in the picture below, that they keep their red wines chilled in the outdoor tasting bar so you can be assured that you will taste them at their best.  Amazing how so many wineries can’t get their hands around this simple concept.

​You should have noticed that my last blog was in mid-July.  Well, I apologize for not giving you the benefit of my great wisdom presented in the most glorious and thrilling manner expected of me.  I can give a number of excuses for this dereliction of duty on my part, but suffice it to say that it was a really, really hot summer….
With the weather cooling somewhat, I did manage to leave the comfort of my home for a quick trip to Temecula, where my wife and I enjoyed a lovely lunch at Ponte and then gelato at Europa Village.  Surprisingly little wine was consumed in this mini-adventure, leaving only the winery facility to pontificate about.  In particular, Europa Village has completed its Italian section, La Vienza.
When we first visited Europa Village they had a small tasting room off Rancho California in Temecula.  Over the years they have split the winery into three sections, with three distinct labels:  a Spanish section, complete with hotel and restaurant, with the Bolero label; a French section using the original building, with the C’est La Vie label (with plans to expand); and the Italian section, which includes a deli offering pizza, espresso, and gelato, soon to add villas, with the label La Vienza.  It is this last section that we visited this past week.
If you enter from the main Europa Village entrance off Rancho California, you will need to go up to the ground level of La Vienza, as seen in the pictures below.  A lot of stairs.  This will put you on the delicatessen level.  The tasting room is in the upper level, reachable by stairs or an elevator.

​There is another way to get to the tasting room – from the top.  La Vienza is on the side of a hill, and you can get to the top of this hill by taking the road off of Rancho California just past the Europa Village entrance, the one with Carol’s Restaurant on the corner.  Turn left at the second gravel road and you will go into the La Vienza upper parking lot.  As you work your way along the back of the building you will encounter this:

​Pretty impressive!  As you can see, when we visited, they were setting up for an event.  The last time we were there, this was still in construction, so it is pretty much brand new. 
Oh, they have finally listened to me and added Graciano to their Bolero Spanish wines.  Well, maybe they didn’t actually get the idea from me….