While on vacation in Southern California, some of the Vineyard Cats took a drive inland to sample the wines of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association member wineries. It was a hot, hot day in Riverside County as the group made it to the first stop of the journey, Hart Winery. A reoccuring valley theme started here with six tastes and the glass for $5. The 2000 Fume Blanc and 2001 Estate Viognier gained some praise, but none the reds except for the 1999 Old Vines Zinfandel were received positively. Heading up the road, the group decided to stop at the Thornton Winery, because they are the only winery that makes sparkling wine. Unfortunately, none of that "champagne" was ever sampled, because the tasting menu said three tastes for $12, so we turned around and walked out. The first real good experience was found at the Baily Vineyard & Winery, but it was still five tastes and the glass for $5. Again, the whites seemed to be more impressive than the reds with the 2001 dry Riesling and sweet Riesling, 2001 Chardonnay, and 2000 "Serenity" Late Harvest Chardonnay all standing out from the list. The reds were decent with the 100% Sangiovese "TV Red" being one of the best. A little furthur up the road, the group decided to get some lunch at the Mediterranean Deli at the Mount Palomar Winery. To our surprise, the deli was closed, so we settled for pre-made sandwiches and some cheese and crackers. Another $5 for five tastes got the group some uncommon wines, such as a 1999 Trovato, 1999 Long Valley Vineyard Grenache-Carignane, and a NV Cream Sherry, but no glass. A 1996 Library Selection Meritage and NV Limited Reserve Port were also available, as well as others. Straight across the street was Stuart Cellars. They also charged $5 for five tastes, but no glass. This was the first stop where the reds really seemed to dominate over the whites, although there was a note worthy 1999 Viognier. The 2000 Sangiovese, 2000 Cabernet Franc, 2000 Zinfandel, 2000 Merlot, and 1999 "Tatria" Bordeaux-style blend were are good, but not great. On a recommendation from the tasting room attendant at Baily, the group decided to try out the Falkner Winery. It was here that we discovered that we don't grow older, just more complex. We got to keep the glass this time when we paid our $5 for five tastes. It was a push between the whites and reds with some nice 2000 Sauvignon Blanc, 2000 Riesling, 2000 Muscat Canelli, 1999 Merlot, 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1999 Amante. We talked for awhile with the tasting attendant here also, and we hope to see her sometime in Napa or Sonoma. Our last stop through the valley was petting the big Golden Retreivers at the Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards. Five dollars more got us another glass and five tastings. Some picks from the list were a 2001 White Cabernet, 2000 Reserve Merlot, 2000 "Double Dog Red" Old Vine Zinfandel, 2000 Petite Sirah, "Duet" Late Harvest Cabernet/Zinfandel, and the infamous "Almond Champagne." Sun-beaten and broke, the Grape Juice Plus Wine Tasting Group headed back down the Ortega Highway for the cooler weather of Laguna Niguel.

Here's everybody's thoughts on the day: