TEMECULA, Calif., Dec. 1, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- David Letterman has his gut-busting Top Ten lists. So does talk show maven Oprah Winfrey.
Not to be outdone, the Temecula Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau has put together their own Top Ten Reasons to Visit Southern California Wine Country during the holidays.
The region remains a diverse destination for travelers and residents looking for a convenient place to get away and rejuvenate through the holidays.
"Whether it's a day trip or week-long stay, the Temecula Valley has something for everybody: world class entertainment, wineries, casino, championship caliber golf, fine dining and shopping," said Kimberly Adams, president and chief executive officer of the Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Inspire new traditions and celebrate New Years in Wine Country, look for unique gifts in Old Town Temecula and take in Vegas-style excitement at Pechanga Resort & Casino."
Top Ten Reasons to Visit
Southern California Wine Country During the Holidays
10. You don't need your flash to take photos at the spectacular
Temeculights light display at Keyways and Ponte wineries.
9. Sip and Shop: You don't have to wait to finish shopping to have a
glass of wine.
8. If you have one too many triple bogeys on Pechanga's new Journey
golf course you can always try your luck at the casino.
7. Kick up your boots with Santa in Old Town Temecula.
6. Get rubbed the right way at any of the region's high end spas and
resorts.
5. Leisurely float above all the holiday madness in a hot air
balloon.
4. Let someone else think outside the box with free gift wrapping at
the Visitor Center when you purchase $25 or more from Old Town
merchants.
3. Visit Pinnacle restaurant at Falkner Winery and see where comfort
food meets haute cuisine with their tasty mac'n cheese and
lobster.
2. Get into the swing of things at any one of the region's eight
championship caliber golf courses.
1. Make a New Year's resolution to come back to Southern California
Wine Country more often.
Tourism remains a significant contributor to the local economy. A study conducted by Dean Runyan & Associates estimated that visitor spending in the Temecula Valley in 2007 reached $604.7 million, a 10.5 percent increase from 2006. Tourism-related employment in 2007 reached 6,620 workers, up 2.6 percent from 2006 and 21.8 percent from 2000.
The Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, formed four years ago, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate economic growth and tourism by promoting the Temecula Valley as a premiere destination to meeting planners, tour operators and leisure travelers. The bureau is the first in Inland Southern California to use marketing assessment fees rather than taxpayer money to market the region.