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B M & T ••• July/August 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 16 name entertainment, it boasts 1,100 hotel rooms and suites, and 275,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, of the total of 350,000 square feet available in the Valley. Check-in was efficient despite the considerable number of guests. Rooms with views of the surrounding mountains and high desert vegetation were well appointed and con- tained every modern convenience. In addition to 12 restaurants at Pechanga, it has a partner- ship with Temecula Creek Inn, an oasis of peace and serenity. We experienced the charm of the Old World in conjunction with wine country cuisine at the Inn's Cork – Fire Kitchen, overlooking a majestic golf course, followed by playing on a miniature golf course using glow rings in the dark. The Wineries Temecula Valley contains over 50 different wineries and is considered one of the Top Ten wine locations in the world. Contrary to Napa Valley, this Southern California jewel is less pretentious and more casual, plus, the cultur- al diversity of the grapes and vintners is far greater. One will find French, Italian, Spanish, Persian, and others, with two dozen different grape varieties grown. Although the culinary component stood out at each property, our trip focused on convention and meeting facilities. The Europa Valley was most impressive. Although still in development, it will become a major destination. Imagine visiting Spain, France, and Italy, but all within walking distance of one another! Immersion is accom- plished through food, song, hotels, and of course, grapes. We visited most of the Spanish facilities including The Bolero Restaurant. The social and business meeting rooms are more appropriate for weddings and small groups. However, bigger things are on the way. Oak Mountain Winery has Southern California's only, get this, "mined wine caves." You must see it to believe it. We lunched in a cave small enough for 10 diners. It is a special venue for small weddings and intimate business interaction. Famous for its raspberry and strawberry champagnes, along with wine blending, it produces over 30 wines which have won awards. Once you step outside of the caves, the views are breath-taking. South Coast Winery Resort and Spa provided an entirely unique experience, and an alternative to the larg- er size of Pechanga, but still larger than the others. While it is attractive to tourists with its 132 well-appointed rooms and spa, it also draws those interested in the indus- trial aspects of wine. It is regarded as a premier vintner appreciated by industry experts and wine consumers alike. South Coast offers more than 40,000 square feet of flexible, sophisticated space, perfect for corporate func- tions, weddings, and other special events, and both indoor and outdoor spaces." Wilson Creek Winery is one of the larger properties in the area, and can accommodate weddings of any size, inti- mate executive retreats, and large corporate events. Its largest event room consists of 5,200 square feet, within 7,900 square feet total. There are 130 guest suites and vil- las with soaking tubs and gas fireplaces, and more than 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including a 7,025 square foot ballroom and an outdoor amphitheater which will surprise you. The patios, which open to the outside, are particularly picturesque, as you gaze around 63 lush acres of rolling, perfectly manicured vineyards. Our last stop on a whirlwind day was the biggest sur- prise. Imagine rolling up to the top of a mountain to what appears to be a private home and having amazingly quiet views of the surrounding countryside as the sun sets. There were only seven of us, surrounded by a private cas- cading pool, wide interior spaces, private tennis court with a basketball rim, a small private putting green, and five acres of vineyards. The site is Vaquero Vacation Rental. After several bottles of wine, we were treated to a private dinner prepared in the kitchen by Alex and Charity Prestifilippo, owners of Bottega Italia, Gourmet Italia, Poggio Leano Winery, and The Bar Next Door, many of which are in Old Town Temecula. Recreation While there are golf courses associated with several of the properties, most noticeably Pechanga Resort Casino and Temecula Creek Inn, and cycling, the area is famous for hot air ballooning. The day started at 5:30 am and the folks at A Grape Escape worked their magic, as we ascended over the entire valley with awe-inspiring views. Need we say more? We suspect that you are already there spiritually….