Temecula Valley’s Foodie Wine Tour offers a full day of sampling exceptional food and wine out among the vineyards in Southern California Wine Country. Pairing exceptional culinary presentations with wine tasting, the upcoming Foodie Wine Tour features the gastronomical artistry of two top chefs along with full wine tasting flights at four unique Temecula wineries. On April 7th, 2013, guests participating in this one-day-only event will sample distinctive plates prepared and presented by Chef Dean Thomas of Europa Village and Chef Leah Di Bernardo of Extraordinary Artisan Table. The tour departs in the 11am hour from all local hotels including Pechanga Resort & Casino, and concludes at about 5pm. Pricing is $149 per person, all inclusive. Reservations are required.
The Foodie Wine Tour is part of Grapeline’s Signature Series – occasional tours incorporating Wine Country’s best experiences and offerings. In addition to the two chef presentations and four wine tastings, participants experience a behind-the-scenes vintner’s tour and select a catered lunch from Shorty’s Bistro at Mount Palomar Winery. Included transportation aboard deluxe shuttles ensures a safe ride for imbibing guests. Wineries visited are Robert Renzoni, Mount Palomar, Palumbo, and Europa Village. This is the second Foodie Wine Tour offered by Grapeline, following a similar sold-out version held on January 20th, 2013.
Chef Dean Thomas, along with wife Nicole, also serves as an Innkeeper at the Inn at Europa Village. For the Foodie Wine Tour, Chef Dean is preparing poached quail egg, parsnip truffle puree, roast pork belly, and micro greens. The plate is paired with a Vienza Sangiovese.
Chef Leah uses the freshest local ingredients in her creations, and is the recognized leader of the Slow Food movement in the Temecula Valley. In describing her approach to cuisine, Leah said “We are champions of the Local Artisan Food Movement and believe by buying local and supporting our neighbors, we create conviviality, loyalty & community. It’s time to get back to the table!”
Reservations are available online at www.gogrape.com or by calling Grapeline at 1 888 8-WINERY. For more information contact John Kelliher at 951-538-2091 or by email jkelliher@gogrape.com.
About Grapeline Wine Tours
Grapeline Wine Tours was created in Temecula by John and Kim Kelliher in June of 2002, and now offers wine tours in two other California wine regions: Paso Robles and Santa Barbara. With more than 350 five-star reviews on Yelp and Trip Advisor, Grapeline is the top guest-reviewed wine tour in Central and Southern California.
About Leah Di Bernardo of E.A.T
In Temecula Valley, the undisputed champion of the Slow Food movement is Chef Leah Di Bernardo. Known for her zealous promotion of local, seasonal foods, Leah’s Extraordinary Artisan Table strives to “create conviviality, loyalty, and community,” and wins raves for its one-of-a-kind “Farm to Fork” creations. Extraordinary Artisan Table works with local farmers and growers in the Valley to offer delicacies that are created, loved, and shared with the community and visitors from all around. She owns Extraordinary Artisan Table (E.A.T) and Delyte’s Fine Food Catering.
About Chef Dean Thomas of Europa Village
Europa Village began with a vision of combining Old World European wine country charm with the modern advancements of California winegrowers. Chef Dean is raising the standards of the wine country experience by offering incomparable delicacies in wine and dining. A three-time finalist in the “National Chef Championship” at the international Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Show, Chef Dean has won numerous regional and national culinary honors.