La Cereza Temecula Winery Come Explore Hemingway's Hideaway
La Cereza Temecula Winery not only offers fine, award-winning wines, but also provides a glimpse into Cuban culture and literary charm with art, music, and the spirit of Hemingway himself.
La Cereza Vineyard & Winery 34567 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92591 951-699-6961
This is the home of gourmet chesses, the best Viognier in the State of California, the best Red Garnacha in Temecula Valley, and addicting raspberry-flavored champagne. Where will you enjoy your next glass of wine?
The La Cereza Temecula Winery offers gorgeous views that stretch into the calm of typical Southern California blue skies.
A mesmerizing gazebo with an elaborate dome design has seen its fair share of weddings. Not too far - rows of lush green trees and vineyards stand at attention and watch over the festivities.
The natural and cultural charm of the winery is never-ending and once you decide to pay a visit – don't forget to tell them that the Best Temecula Guide.com sent you.
Brief History
The winery formally known as Van Roekel Vineyards (founded in 1994) is now the stomping grounds of husband and wife team, Buddy and Cheri Linn, who bought 40 acres of land and two wineries from Bud and Maurice Van Roekel (who also founded the Maurice Car'rie Winery). To add romantic fuel to the fire, La Cereza Temecula Winery is named after Cheri, which translates into the Spanish meaning of "the Cherry."
Pushing the envelope of Temecula winery appeal, La Cereza adds Mediterranean flair and distinctive features to the former layout.
For instance, the brick and green-aged wood structure is now a haven for gift seekers and wine tasters.
The Linns also built a building with Spanish elegance that now houses a wine and cigar bar. It is the perfect place to converse while admiring the hypnotic surroundings.
Exploring La Cereza Temecula Winery
The wine and cigar bar surrounds visitors with colorful art from around the world and effectively captures the essence of "Papa" himself - hence the name "Hemingway's Cigar Bar".
Open Saturday and Sunday, the cigar bar entertains guests from 10am to 5pm.
Blended especially for the winery; hand-rolled cigars (thanks to world-renown Cuban masters) are fixtures at La Cereza Temecula Winery. This includes one called "Girlfriends" -a perfect match for the wine that bears the same name -white wines combined with citrus, melon, and papaya.
The "girlfriends" theme is one that continues throughout La Cereza, as inviting portraits and caricatures of women smoking rather lengthy cigars decorate the walls.
Everything about her is larger than life thick-rimmed glasses, big white curls and hairpiece, and of course - the large cigar hanging out of her mouth.
A popular tourist icon that has many visitors pining to have a photo taken with her, you can embrace her essence at Hemingway's.
We tasted wine at the inside bar, where delightful California finches darted in and out of eyesight. One even graced our presence by landing on a book situated close to a photo of Hemingway - to the right.
Open daily from 10am to 5pm, the tasting room of La Cereza allows visitors to sample an array of exquisite blends, such as La Cereza "Peach Girls" Champagne or the Rojo Novato that I had the pleasure of enjoying. With a hint of sweetness, this wine is perfect for those looking for a smooth variety to accompany a pasta feast or indulge in a night filled with good conversation and sipping.
The tasting room also opens its doors for spectacular corporate events, banquets, and weddings.
If you wish to take your wine outside - the beautiful views of Southern California await. A host of relaxing Spanish chairs and tables (decorated with red umbrellas) provide cover.
Wine tasting at La Cereza is $8 for five tastes with a complementary logo glass for you to keep unless you'd like to go for the gusto and spring for the Passport Ticket ($12) - five tastings and a logo glass at La Cereza and at their sister winery, Maurice Car'rie.
Signature Events
At any moment, you will find the Tank Room, Fountain Plaza, Vineyard View Plaza, the Courtyard, Gazebo Park, and La Cereza Park abuzz with roaming guests - looking for the next magical adventure.
The winery holds an assortment of signature events and fun-filled get-togethers, such as fine art shows that highlight
local talent.
You may even get a chance to enjoy an enchanted evening full of wine, displayed art, and conversation with the artist.
Entertaining concerts (with VIP options) take place on the grounds, presenting anything from new wave sounds to the charm of legendary country music stars.
In the past, the winery has hosted "Winter Barrel Tasting," a "Wine Pick Up Party," and a "Harvest Wine Celebration."
I truly enjoyed my time at the beautiful La Cereza Temecula Winery, but you'll just have to discover this Southern California gem for yourself.
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Pushing the envelope of Temecula winery appeal, La Cereza adds Mediterranean flair and distinctive features to the former layout. 
Entertaining concerts (with VIP options) take place on the grounds, presenting anything from new wave sounds to the charm of legendary country music stars. 
