WHO: Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
WHAT: 2006 Winemakers Gold Dinner & Auction
WHERE: South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, Calif.
WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 6:15 p.m.
TEMECULA, Calif., June 21, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- TV and radio personality Chef Mario Martinoli has been a fan of Temecula Valley wines since the early 1980s.
He's seen the community 1 hour north of San Diego grow from its rural roots to one with nearly 200,000 residents. He's also watched as Wine Country has matured into a premier winemaking region that rivals any in the state.
"Look at the gold medals Temecula wineries are winning," he said. "You don't need to talk to me, just look at the trophy cases."
Martinoli will further his long-standing relationship with Temecula and its wines when he serves as master of ceremonies and auctioneer at the annual Winemakers Gold Dinner & Auction on July 22 at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa in Temecula. The multi-course meal matches gourmet food and award-winning Temecula wines. For more on the menu go to: http://www.temeculawines.com/events/GoldDinner.asp
A portion of the proceeds from the evening will go toward the Temecula Agricultural Conservancy, a non-profit group created last year to preserve vineyards and open space in Temecula's Wine Country. See http://www.temeculaact.org/
Martinoli has always appreciated the straightforward and hardworking approach Temecula winemakers have taken to improve their craft and wines.
"Temecula never wanted to be anything but Temecula," he said. Martinoli, who hosts several "Food and Dining" featurettes heard each day on KFWB News 980, believes Temecula wines can go "toe to toe" with any in the state.
Although Temecula has been known for its white wines, he said the region is gaining a reputation and following with its reds, especially red blends and unique varietals. "They are very drinkable wines," he said. "They are extremely open-armed wines that let you taste the love."
To make sure the food matches up with the quality wine, event chairman Ron McMullen and other Wine Country officials for the first time taste-tested the menu items to make sure they were the highest quality. In some cases the panel recommended changes in the entree to upgrade the experience for dinner-goers. "We tried to give them more of a fine-dining experience," said McMullen, who is general manager of Stuart Cellars.
Cost of the Winemakers Gold Dinner & Auction is $100 per person plus a small processing fee. For more details call 800-801-WINE or visit www.temeculawines.org.