It’s spooky season in Temecula, and we’re trading wine glasses for EMF detectors! In this episode of Pour Temecula, Rick and Shannon sit down with Aedan and Becca from The Haunt Ghost Tours: Temecula, ghost-hunters who blend local history with paranormal chills. From haunted landmarks and eerie encounters to tarot readings and ghost stories with a wine country twist, this episode is part history lesson, part haunted happy hour. Grab a glass, dim the lights, and join us as we uncover Temecula’s spirited side. Pour Temecula listeners get $12 off a drinking tour ticket with code POUR at checkout: thehauntghosttours.com/tours/temecula What we're drinking: Lorimar Winery and Vineyards 2019 Zinfandel, California (https://www.lorimarwinery.com/) Gnarly Head Grateful Dead Old Vine Zinfandel (https://gnarlyhead.com/wines/old-vine-zinfandel/) Had a paranormal experience in Old Town? Leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or message us (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

Rick and Shannon taste Cougar Vineyard & Winery’s 2021 Ciliegiolo, a rare Italian red grape with deep Tuscan roots. Does this land as a Dump It, Try It, Pour It, or Buy It? In this week’s bonus mini-episode of Pour Temecula, Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole pour a glass of Ciliegiolo—a cherry-scented red from central Italy that usually hides in blends but shines brightly on its own at Cougar Vineyard & Winery. Their pick is Cougar’s 2021 Estate Ciliegiolo, a small-lot Temecula bottling that’s hand-picked, basket-pressed, and aged in a mix of American and French oak. Rick and Shannon dive into the grape’s history, its fresh, fruit-forward personality, and how Cougar became the first winery in the U.S. to earn varietal recognition for it before sharing their tasting notes and final rating on the show’s Dump It, Try It, Pour It, or Buy It scale.

Temecula isn’t just Cab and Almond Champagne—discover how Italian reds like Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Aglianico are thriving at Bottaia Winery and other local producers. Bold, unexpected, and so pour-worthy! ----------------- Think Temecula is all about Cab and Almond Champagne? Not so fast—Italian reds are staking their claim, and they’re every bit as bold and complex as their Old World counterparts. In this episode of Pour Temecula, Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole visit Bottaia Winery, one of Temecula’s premier producers of Italian varietals, to explore how classic grapes from Tuscany and the south of Italy are thriving here in Southern California. Italy has hundreds of native red grapes, and Temecula’s warm, Mediterranean climate makes it a natural home for varieties like Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Aglianico, and Sagrantino. From the elegance of Sangiovese to the dark power of Aglianico and the tannic grip of Sagrantino, these wines highlight Bottaia’s commitment to honoring Italian heritage while giving it a distinctly Temecula accent. Along the way, we’ll dig into each grape’s origins, why they work so well in this climate, and what these wines say about Temecula’s future beyond the familiar. Expect candid takes, stories about farming and winemaking in the heat, and of course, tasting impressions of some standout bottles. By the end, you just might rethink what Temecula should be known for when it comes to red wine. What we tasted in this episode: 2020 Bottaia Montepulciano (https://www.bottaiawinery.com/product/2022-montepulciano) 2018 Bottaia Aglianico (https://www.bottaiawinery.com/product/2018-aglianico) 2019 Bottaia Sagrantino (https://www.bottaiawinery.com/product/2019-sagrantino) Have a favorite Italian white wine from Temecula? Leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or message us (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

In this episode of The Short Pour, we’re heading to southern France to explore Provence Rosé— the wine that defined what dry, elegant, and effortlessly drinkable pink should be. From its ancient Greek roots to its modern-day dominance, Provence has become the global gold standard for rosé, with over 90% of its production dedicated to this refreshing, food-friendly style. We’ll also be tasting one of the most iconic bottles in the category: Whispering Angel by Château d'Esclans. Created by Sacha Lichine in 2006, it turned Provence rosé into a pop culture phenomenon and helped spark the “rosé all day” movement. With its pale salmon hue, crisp acidity, and delicate notes of peach, strawberry, and citrus, Whispering Angel is a wine that’s as at home on a brunch table as it is on a yacht - or just chilling by the pool. If you’ve ever wondered why Provence rosé matters, what makes it so distinctive, or how one bottle helped launch a global trend, this episode has you covered. Join us as weuncover the story of the pink wine that became a lifestyle.

What happens when you put four Temecula wine lovers in a room, hand them a glass, and ask them to draft their dream winery itinerary? In this episode of Pour Temecula, Rick and Shannon team up with Sarah from Two Days in Temecula and Karagan from Temecula Passport to construct the ultimate four-stop wine-country adventure. Recorded live at Humble Somm over a few pours, this friendly competition blends local insight, strategy, and plenty of laughs. Once the draft is done, it’s up to you—listeners can vote on which itinerary reigns supreme through our social media channels. Think you can organize a superior tour compared to ours? Leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or message us (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

Rick and Shannon taste Bottaia’s 2024 Verdicchio, the classic white grape of Italy’s Marche region. Does this land as a Dump It, Try It, Pour It, or Buy It? In this week’s bonus mini-episode of Pour Temecula, Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole explore Verdicchio—a crisp, citrusy, almond-tinged white wine beloved in central Italy—now being grown right here in Southern California. Their pick is Bottaia’s 2024 Verdicchio, a small-lot Temecula bottling that brings Italian elegance to local vineyards. Rick and Shannon dive into Verdicchio’s Marche heritage, what makes it stand out among Italian whites, and how Bottaia is interpreting the grape in Temecula before sharing their tasting notes and final rating on the show’s Dump It, Try It, Pour It, or Buy It scale.

Think you know Temecula wine? Beyond Cab and Almond Champagne, Italian whites like Falanghina and Pecorino are quietly thriving—and in this episode of Pour Temecula, we’re at Cougar Vineyard & Winery to uncover the crisp, surprising wines you’ll want to pour this weekend. -------------- Italy may have hundreds of native white grapes, but did you know many of them are thriving right here in Temecula Valley? In this episode of Pour Temecula, Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole head to Cougar Vineyard & Winery, pioneers in introducing rare Italian varietals to the U.S., to explore how grapes like Falanghina, Vermentino, and Arneis are making their mark locally. From award-winning Pinot Grigio to exciting pours of Pecorino, these wines prove Temecula’s climate is more than a match for Italy’s classics. Along the way, we’ll break down what makes each grape unique, share tasting impressions from Cougar’s lineup, and give a few shoutouts to other local producers working with Italian whites. Expect some candid takes (yes, we’re side-eyeing $40 Pinot Grigio), plenty of stories, and a few detours into legacy vineyards, volcanic rosés, and what Temecula can learn from Italy’s wine culture. If you’ve ever wondered what Temecula should be known for beyond Cabernet and sparkling Almond Champagne, this deep dive into Italian white grapes might just change your perspective. What we tasted in this episode: 2023 Cougar Vineyards & Winery Vermentino (https://cougarwinery.orderport.net/product-details/0534/2023-Estate-Vermentino) 2022 Cougar Vineyards & Winery Falanghina (https://cougarwinery.orderport.net/product-details/0533/2022-Estate-Falanghina) 2024 Cougar Vineyards & Winery Malvasia Bianca (https://cougarwinery.orderport.net/product-details/0579/2024-Estate-Malvasia-Bianca) Have a favorite Italian white wine from Temecula? Leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or message us (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

Rick and Shannon taste Lost Ranch Winery’s 2023 Nero d’Avola, Sicily’s “Black Grape,” now thriving in Temecula. Does this bold, volcanic-soil red land as a Dump It, Try It, Pour It, or Buy It? In this week’s bonus mini-episode of Pour Temecula, Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole pour a glass of Sicily’s signature red grape—Nero d’Avola—grown right here in Southern California. Their bottle of choice is the 2023 Nero d’Avola from Lost Ranch Winery, a tiny-production Temecula wine made from organic, volcanic-soil vineyards in nearby De Luz. Known as the “Black Grape of Avola,” Nero d’Avola thrives in hot Mediterranean climates, making it a natural fit for Temecula’s bold, sun-drenched style. Rick and Shannon dig into its Sicilian roots, why it’s gaining traction locally, and of course, share their tasting notes before giving it a final rating with the show’s Dump It, Try It, Pour It, or Buy It scale. Cheers!

In this episode of Pour Temecula, we sit down with Ryan and Katie Shumacher, the passionate husband-and-wife duo behind Shumacher Wines, a boutique wine business focused on quality grapes and winemaking. They share how their love of wine grew into a bold decision to launch a label without first establishing an estate vineyard, instead sourcing fruit from premier regions across California. We dive into how they define their brand identity, the careful process of selecting vineyard and winemaking partners, and the hands-on role they play in shaping each bottle. Along the way, they open up about the challenges of the custom crush model, the excitement of winning Platinum at the Critics Challenge for their 2023 Sonoma Valley Sangiovese, and what’s next for their growing portfolio. From intimate dinners to building a community of wine lovers, Ryan and Katie show us that boutique wine isn’t just about the glass, it’s about passion, connection, and vision. Cheers! Join Ryan and Katie for an upcoming event at Two Travelers in Temecula: https://twotravelerswinebar.com/upcoming-events/ What we tasted in this episode: 2023 Lost Ranch Winery Nero d'Avola, Temecula Valley (https://www.lostranchwinery.com/products/2023-nero-d-avola) 2020 Feudo Maccari Nero d'Avola Saia, Sicily Ever tried Nero d'Avola? Leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or message us (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

What happens when a rare French grape shows up in Ramona? Rick tastes Old Julian’s 2024 Picpoul Blanc and finds out. In this bonus mini-episode of Pour Temecula, Rick explores one of the rarest wines you’ll find in Southern California: the 2024 Picpoul Blanc from Old Julian Vineyards in the Ramona Valley wine region. Best known in France’s Languedoc as the crisp, citrus-driven white of Picpoul de Pinet, this grape has only a handful of plantings in the United States—including tiny acreage in California white wine country. Rick shares the history of Picpoul in the U.S., how it made its way to Ramona, and why sommeliers love its “lip-stinging” acidity. You’ll hear detailed tasting notes, classic food and wine pairings (think oysters, ceviche, and goat cheese), and Rick’s final verdict using the Pour Temecula rating system: Dump It, Try It, Pour It, or Buy It. Perfect for wine lovers curious about Temecula wine, Ramona Valley vineyards, and adventurous local wine reviews. Cheers!

Temecula meets Ramona! In this episode, I return to Ramona’s charming, rustic, hilly, and twisting roads to talk to Kim Whalin, Chairwoman of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association’s Wine Competition. We’re diving into everything about Ramona Valley: what makes this AVA unique, the wines and grapes that thrive here, how the region has evolved since its establishment in 2006, tourism, where the AVA is headed next, and a fun comparison of wines from Ramona and Temecula. Whether you’ve never heard of Ramona Valley or you’ve been curious about exploring Southern California wine beyond Temecula, this is your guide to one of California’s younger and most quaint wine regions. Cheers! In this episode we taste the following wines: Old Julian Vineyards & Winery 2020 Tre Sorelle - a red blend of of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Oak Mountain 2021 Vino Leon - a red blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 9% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot Ever visited or tried wine from Ramona? Leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or message us (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!  

In this episode of The Short Pour, we delve into the fascinating world of hybrid grapes—unique and resilient varieties that are making a significant impact in North American wine. We’ll discuss why grapes like Vidal Blanc, Marquette, and Chambourcin are becoming popular from Vermont to Southern California, especially as winemakers face challenges like plant diseases and climate change. These wines are more than just everyday choices; today’s hybrids are flavorful, enjoyable, and able to grow in places where traditional grapes struggle to thrive. Speaking of Vidal Blanc, we’ll also be tasting something exciting: Aldi’s Canadian Icewine. Priced at just $15 for a half bottle, it offers a delightful combination of rich sweetness and bright acidity, showcasing excellent quality from the Niagara Peninsula. If you’re curious about icewine or want to learn more about hybrid grapes, this episode is perfect for you. Join us as we uncover the stories, science, and delicious flavors in just 15 minutes!

After a month-long summer break, we’re pouring something a little different. We’re stepping outside Southern California wine country and heading north. Way north. Yep, this episode is all about Danish wine. That’s right—Denmark makes wine. And we’re diving into it thanks to a special delivery from Shannon’s in-laws, Christian and Sarah, who brought us a lineup straight from the vineyards of Denmark. We’ll talk about how wine can even grow in a country better known for pastries and long winters. From PIWI hybrids to the rise of cool-climate winemaking, there’s more going on in Denmark than you might expect. We had a lot of fun exploring this fascinating comparison to our local region, and we hope you do too. Cheers, or in Danish, Skål! In this episode we taste the following wines from Guldbaek Vingaard:  Lush Green - a dry white wine made from the varieties Cabernet Blanc, Riesel, and Solaris. Riesel - a single-varietal wine made from the Riesel grape—derived from the Riesling grape. Solaris Blok 3 - a single-varietal wine made from Solaris from a single vineyard block. Gentle Pink - a rosé wine made from a selection of red and green grapes, predominantly Cabaret Noir.  Ever tried wine from Denmark or a hybrid wine? Leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or message us (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

Think You Know Rosé? Shannon and Kylie are popping pink corks and busting myths in this fun, fact-packed episode devoted to all things rosé. They answer listener questions about production methods (direct press, saignée, and more), explore rosé food pairings, and then participate in a blind tasting of four Temecula rosés, attempting to guess how each one was made. From crisp and pale to bold and berry, they sip, swirl, and sleuth their way through the lineup. Wines featured on this episode:  Nude from Matin du Bois/Corbeaux Wine and Tea House Blush from Bottaia Winery Garnacha Blanca from Masia De La Vinya Estate Parlez Vous Rosé from Akash Winery   Do you have a favorite rosé from Temecula? Leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or message us (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

The Short Pour is your quick, approachable take on the wide world of wine and beverages—served in 15 minutes or less. Each episode explores a focused topic, from regional deep dives and grape spotlights to beverage trends, tasting tips, and food pairings. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned sipper, The Short Pour delivers smart, engaging insights without the snobbery. It's your perfect pour of knowledge, ideal for commutes, kitchen prep, or that first glass of the evening. Today, we're staying home and cracking into a style that helped build the modern craft beer movement—the West Coast IPA. Think bold bitterness, bright citrus, piney aromatics, and a bone-dry finish. And to showcase the style, we're pouring one of the originals that's a stone's throw from our hometown: Stone IPA from San Diego, a beer that didn't just ride the West Coast wave—it defined it.

Temecula wine—bold reds, Italian grapes, almond fizz? In this episode, Rick and Shannon ask local voices what the region should be known for. From terroir and teamwork to tourism, we explore identity, perception, and potential. Featuring insights from Vito LaFata, Dirk Uys, Walter Carter, and Devin Parr.

Rob Crissell is back on Pour Temecula—and this time, he’s setting the record straight. In this episode, we explore some of the biggest myths and misconceptions surrounding Temecula Valley wine. Is it too hot for quality white wine? Are the wines overpriced? Do winery owners care more about profits than passion? Rob tackles these questions and more, drawing from his recent talk to area servers and his deep experience as a local wine author and producer. We also take a quick dive into Sagrantino, one of the most underrated grapes out there. It’s a frank and refreshing conversation about Temecula’s potential, challenges, and how the narrative around this region is finally starting to shift. We’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s your favorite winery, a memorable story, a question, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover — leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or send us a message (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

The Short Pour is your quick, approachable take on the wide world of wine and beverages—served in 15 minutes or less. Each episode explores a focused topic, from regional deep dives and grape spotlights to beverage trends, tasting tips, and food pairings. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned sipper, The Short Pour delivers smart, engaging insights without the snobbery. It's your perfect pour of knowledge, ideal for commutes, kitchen prep, or that first glass of the evening. Today, we’re headed to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany—winding roads, rows of cypress trees, the smell of hearty, rustic dishes and wild herbs in the air—and at the heart of it all: Chianti Classico. But don’t expect a dusty old straw-covered bottle. We’re tasting a Gran Selezione level wine with real pedigree… and it just so happens to be from Costco. That’s right—the 2020 Kirkland Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. So, let’s take a quick sip into Chianti Classico.

Welcome back to Pour Temecula! This week, we’re following up on our recent episode about wine certifications by taking the conversation one step further—with someone who bridges both the academic and professional sides of wine education. Today’s guest is Stephanie Staab—a Sommelier, WSET Diploma Candidate, and luxury wine consultant with over a decade of experience in winery business, marketing, and education right here in Temecula Valley. She teaches Winery Business Principles at Mount San Jacinto College, NYU graduate, holds an MBA in Luxury Brand Management from ESSEC in Paris, and runs her own consulting company, The Luxe Sip, where she brings wine to life through events, strategy, and personalized advising. In this episode, Stephanie shares with Shannon how collegiate-level wine education differs from programs like WSET and the Court of Master Sommeliers—offering insight into how real-world experience intersects with theory. We talk about keeping non-wine students engaged, the unexpected career paths that aren’t often highlighted in traditional wine tracks, and what the next generation of wine professionals really needs to thrive. It’s a thoughtful, informed look at what it means to teach wine today.  We’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s your favorite winery, a memorable story, a question, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover — leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or send us a message (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

Wine certifications—are they a must-have, a nice-to-have, or just one path among many in the world of wine? This week on Pour Temecula, we dive into that question with two local industry voices who’ve taken very different but equally passionate routes. Heather Rankin, better known as HB, is a seasoned tasting room pro at Danza del Sol Winery who pursued her studies to deepen her understanding and better serve guests. Nate Rivera, co-owner of The Goat & Vine, Two Travelers Wine Bar, and Little Goat Bakery, shares how certification played a role in shaping his palate and building credibility across multiple businesses. We explore how these certifications—from WSET to CMS—have impacted their careers, the way they talk about wine, and even the way they drink it. Whether you're considering your first wine course or just curious about what all the acronyms mean, this episode shines a light on the personal motivations behind professional wine education. And stay tuned—next week we continue the conversation with Stephanie Staab, a longtime industry veteran and wine instructor at Mount San Jacinto College, for a deeper look at wine education in the classroom. We’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s your favorite winery, a memorable story, a question, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover — leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or send us a message (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!