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!

What makes a wine collectible? And how do you navigate a marketplace built on provenance, rarity, and trust? In this episode of Pour Temecula, we’re joined by Powell Yang, Director of Sales and Consignment for Spectrum Wine Auctions. Powell’s wine journey spans continents and decades—he’s worked in Napa, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and now bridges the U.S. and Asian markets. Along the way, he’s helped build some of the world’s most serious cellars and brokered the sale of legendary bottles. We get into the nuts and bolts of the fine wine auction world—how consignment works, what makes a wine auction-worthy, and what collectors look for beyond just age and prestige. Powell shares insights on buying vintage bottles, spotting storage issues, and what to know if you're ever tempted to sell part of your cellar. We also talk about the emotional side of collecting—why someone might want a birth-year wine, and how to balance sentiment with drinkability. Of course, we had to bring it home to Temecula. Does Southern California wine have a place in the secondary market? Not yet—but Powell offers an honest take on what it would take for a region like Temecula to gain traction with collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or just wine-curious, this is a rare peek behind the curtain at a world where every bottle has a backstory—and every cork pulled can mean thousands of dollars on the line. 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!

Ever feel like wine lingo is its own secret language? In this episode of Pour Temecula, we’re demystifying the terms that swirl around your glass. Your hosts, Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole, are joined by Sam Capaldi (@samanthasommelier), wine writer Devin Parr, and Heather Rankin of Danza del Sol to answer real listener questions about wine terminology. From the difference between “dry” and “sweet” to what makes a wine “balanced,” we’re breaking it all down in a way that’s fun, approachable, and totally judgment-free. Whether you're a casual sipper or diving deeper into the world of wine, this episode will help you talk the talk—and sip with confidence. Plus, don’t miss our giveaway for a $25 gift card to Corbeaux Wine and Tea House! Cheers to learning something new. 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!

In this episode, Shannon chats with Phoenix-based sommelier Sam Capaldi—better known as Samantha Sommelier—about her unexpected connection to Temecula, her playful take on food and wine pairings, and answers to some of your listener questions. Sam brings a fresh, fun, and approachable perspective that makes wine feel a little less intimidating and a lot more exciting. 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!

Ready for something a little unexpected? In this episode of Pour Temecula, your hosts Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole head to Corbeaux Wine and Tea House, where mixologist Bobby Castro and owner Regan Schneider shake up the idea of a traditional tasting with a wine and tea pairing adventure. In Part 2, Bobby paired a Pu-erh Chinese Tea with a Corbeaux Estate Merlot from some of the oldest vineyards in Temecula Valley. To cap the episode, Bobby and Regan take the "Pour Temecula" blind tasting challenge to see if they can spot the local wine. Whether you’re a sipper, a steeper, or both, this tasting flips the script on what a wine flight can be. 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!

Ready for something a little unexpected? In this episode of Pour Temecula, your hosts Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole head to Corbeaux Wine and Tea House, where mixologist Bobby Castro and owner Regan Schneider shake up the idea of a traditional tasting with a wine and tea pairing adventure. You'll sip along as they compare tasting wine versus tea, dive into different tea styles, and even discover Verjus—a tart, ancient grape juice that's making a quiet comeback. In Part 1 of this two-part tasting, you'll hear about three unique pairings: a White Peony Tea with a Grenache-Sauvignon Blanc blush, a Lung Ching Green Tea with Sauvignon Blanc, and a bold Oregon Pinot Noir paired with a rich Taiwanese Oolong. Plus, Regan shares the story of her family's longtime ties to Temecula, and how history, wine, and hospitality all come together at Corbeaux. It’s a pour you definitely didn’t see coming—cheers! 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!

In this episode of Pour Temecula: A Local Wine, Beer, and Beverage Podcast, your hosts Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole are shining a light on the heart of what makes Temecula’s tasting rooms, restaurants, and gathering spaces so memorable: hospitality. Inspired by the recent Xenia Hospitality Awards, we’re celebrating the people who don’t just serve—they connect, care, and create moments that bring guests back again and again. You’ll hear from a few of this year’s Xenia winners and nominees, including Walter Carter and Heather Rankin from Danza del Sol, Chef Chris Gimeno, Bobby Castro, and Regan Schneider of Corbeaux Wine & Tea House, and Nate Rivera of Goat and Vine, Two Travelers, and Little Goat. Also joining us is Vito LaFata, founder of LaFata Cellars. Each shares their philosophy on hospitality, meaningful guest interactions, and how they approach creating experiences that feel personal, warm, and unforgettable. Whether you’re in the industry or simply someone who appreciates a well-poured glass and a genuine smile, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and heart. So pour yourself something good, and join us as we explore the soul of service—Temecula style. 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!

In this stylish and insightful episode of Pour Temecula, Shannon is joined by two fabulous guests to explore the intersection of wine etiquette and personal style. Paige Comrie—certified wine expert and founder of Wine with Paige—shares her passion for storytelling, photography, and helping others feel confident in the wine world. With her approachable tips on tasting room behavior and navigating wine spaces with grace, Paige breaks down barriers for both newcomers and seasoned sippers. John Galfano of 40 Over Fashion joins the conversation to talk about how dressing well can elevate the wine tasting experience, especially for men who want to feel more comfortable and confident in upscale settings. To round out the episode, Rick and Shannon welcome Danza del Sol wine educator Heather Rankin for a fun and unexpected blind tasting challenge. Whether you're curious about what to wear to a winery, how to order wine without intimidation, or just want to feel more at home in tasting rooms, this episode is full of tips, laughs, and inspiration to help you sip—and show up—in style. Cheers! For more information about Paige Comrie, visit https://www.winewithpaige.com/ and visit John Galfano's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@40OverFashion 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!

In this episode of Pour Temecula, we sit down with Devin Parr, WSET Diploma holder, wine writer, and longtime marketing partner for Temecula Valley wines, to dive into the evolution of this unique AVA. From its ideal growing conditions to the challenges of distribution and pricing, Devin offers expert insights into what makes Temecula both exciting and complex. We discuss the region’s reliance on direct-to-consumer sales, the rise of hospitality-driven wineries, and what the future holds for local producers. Plus, we explore why Temecula wines aren’t more widely covered in the media and what can be done to expand their reach. Before diving into the discussion, Shannon, Devin, and Rick share their thoughts on what they’ve been drinking lately, including a somewhat skeptical take on the Espresso Martini revival—is it overhyped, or does it deserve a place in our glass? To wrap things up, we reflect on the broader themes shaping Temecula’s wine scene, incorporating insights from our recent conversation with historian Rob Crisell. Whether you're a longtime fan of Temecula wines or just discovering the region, this episode is packed with perspectives on where it's been and where it’s headed. To connect with Devin, visit: https://www.devinparr.com We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ask questions, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover on Pour Temecula. 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!

In this episode of Pour Temecula, we sit down with Dirk and Michelle Uys, the husband-and-wife team behind Temecula Wine Country E-Bikes and Uys Winery, to discuss their journey from South Africa to building a business that blends adventure with wine appreciation. They share how they planted their vineyard in 2010 and embraced a garagiste approach to winemaking, crafting small-batch, minimal-intervention wines that showcase Temecula’s terroir. We also dive into their e-bike tour business, exploring how they curate routes to offer guests an immersive experience of Temecula’s wine country. Plus, Rick and Shannon chat about what they’ve been drinking lately, including Guinness Zero, and Shannon breaks down the basics of natural wine, pet-nat, and orange wine. Rick finishes the episode reviewing the red grapes of the Bordeaux region, with special emphasis on Cabernet Franc. Whether you're passionate about winemaking, wine tourism, or just love a great wine story, this episode is packed with insights into craft winemaking, entrepreneurship, and the evolving Temecula wine scene. For more information on Uys Winery, visit: https://uyswines.com, and for information on how you can book an e-bike adventure, visit https://uyswines.com/ebikes/ We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ask questions, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover on Pour Temecula. 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!