My magical trip to Napa this yearhad me recently missing visiting wineriesso we decided to drive east of our Orange County hometo Temecula.
A drive of just more than an hourJeff and I used to visit the Temecula wineries oftenbefore kids.So it had been quite a while since we went outand
really explored the area.
And just like our kids have grown upso too have the Temecula wine region in the last two decades!
Changing from a few handfuls of mainly mom and pop wineriesinto some top of the line destinations likethe Ponte Family Estate.
The Estate is comprised of a beautiful hotel and restaurantsurrounded by 300 acres of working vineyards.With it's picturesque views and stunning property the Ponte Estate has become a highly sought after destination wedding venue as well.
The hotel architecture is inspired by the prevalent Spanish Missions that were built by Father Serraand his team in the late 1700's up and down California.
The views on the property are truly magical.
Set a short walk away from the hotelis the tasting room and restaurant.
The restaurant features alfresco diningand a most delicious produce driven menu.
Everywhere on the patio has been beautifully styledright down to even the bus stations!
The styling detail I was most taken with is when
the basket that appears from the seating hostessto place your purse in while dining.
You can look across the patio and see a beautiful collection of baskets on the groundall keeping clean the guest purses!
I am always absolutely taken with such attention to detail!
The food was fabulous as well!
My favorite salad this summer was made up of
watermelon, heirloom tomato, barrata, basilwith an herbed balsamic dressing.
Summer perfection in my book!
Well that and maybe a little closing desertwith a most marvelous port wine!
Our alfresco lunch in Temeculaat the Ponte Family Estatewas definitely a summer weekend highlight!
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy as you style your life
PS ~ right now there are some glitches in this post
with pictures showing up where they shouldn't
hoping to sort this all out :))
