Temecula Valley AVA, adjoining the borders of Riverside and San diego counties, but physically located in southern Riverside County, is home to more than forty wineries.

The scourge of Pierce’s Disease in 1996 created a death sentence for many of the valley’s wineries, with at least 1000 acres vineyard permanently lost to other purpose. The once dominated Chardonnay grapes were replaced by red varietals, especially Rhone Rangers, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and the occasional Cal- Italian, which seems to have higher level resistance to Pierce’s disease.

Callaway winery is the major winery in Temecula Valley AVA, and the wine is only available at the winery and online now.  Other well- known wineries in the AVA include Baily, Bella Vista, Briar Rose, Churon, Falkner, Filsinger, Frangipani, Hart, Keyways, Leonesse, Longshadow Ranch, Maurice Car’rie, Miramonte, Mount Palomar, Oak Mountain, Palumbo, Ponte, South Coast, Temecula Hills, Thornton, Van Roekel, Wiens Family and Wilson Creek.

Hart Winery, the owner is explaining Winter Pruning to California Polytechnic University wine students.

Owner of Hart Winery- Mr. Hart, who quitted his job and dedicated to become a winery owner.

South Coast Winery produces mainly sparkling wines.