Here’s a favorite from Chef Enrico at OrganiKa in Greenwich Village in New York City. We visited Chef Enrico and featured OrganiKa in our May Live Fit Magazine Show. Here’s a traditional pasta he shared with us. It’s so simple that you can choose your ingredient portions. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Penne pasta

Asparagus

Cherry tomatoes

Basil

Salt & pepper

Olive oil

White wine

How to make it:

1. Heat up olive oil in a medium skillet.

2. Sautee asparagus, and tomatoes in the olive oil.

3. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Add a splash of white wine.

5. Add a few sprigs of basil.

6. Toss in penne pasta and serve.

Buon Appetito

I confess, until recently I was in the dark about the Manhattan Beach boutique hotel, Shade.  Heading into the on-the-water, tony town, GPS guided the way—my anticipatory slate was blank, for I had no idea what to expect.  The target was an intersection five miles south of LAX, two blocks west of the Pacific.

Located in one of Los Angeles’ South Bay surf cities, Manhattan Beach, the town has a rep as LA’s newest hip corner.  Forever known for its surfing, beach volleyball, bicycle cruising, sunbathing and a back-in-the-day pier, today’s city by the sea is also revered for relatively recent additions, including The Strand House, Rock’n Fish, Mucho Ultimo Mexicana and Shade Hotel, all “babies” of local legend and restaurateur, hotelier, entrepreneur Michael Zislis.

Thus, may I introduce you to Shade, where Hollywood hip meets California casual?   For me, the stage was set at check-in when I met fellow guest, Ash Bebi, a Seattle resident who was greeted by the staff with an ice-cold, lime-garnished Corona.  “They know it’s my favorite drink,” explained the repeat guest.  “I stay here every time I’m in the area.”

Then there’s Shade’s interior.  Designed by Discovery Home Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “lifestylist” Christopher Lowell, it’s been described as “raffish décor co-mingling with seaside casualness and exaggerated lavishness.”  Two-story drapes in colors of the sea dramatically define the promenade entrance and enclosed outdoor patio.

The lobby, seemingly cruise ship-inspired, is the comfortable morning gathering spot for breakfast and lively entertainment haunt  on weekend evenings.  One part bustling bar, one part luxury lounge, one part familiar foyer, it’s where guests can mingle or mellow out.

And it’s where guests and visitors alike can sample Executive Chef Greg Hozinsky’s food.  For me, temptations from the Small Bites menu included the truffle short rib sandwich, brie and pear grilled cheese, truffle cheeseburger (it’s been named the best burger in LA) and a subzero martini served in a glass made of ice.

Uptown amenities flow like champagne during Sunday brunch at the Waldorf at this 38-spa-room hotel.  The list is luxurious and lengthy: Tempur-Pedic bed lathered with 400-thread-count Mascioni linens and a goosedown duvet, two-person Sanijet spa tub hidden by frosted glass shoji-like screens and equipped with chromatherapy where you dial in the color for your desired mood, pillow library, in-room Lavazza expresso machine, complimentary cruiser bikes, a bountiful buffet (fresh fruit, yogurt, lox and bagels, hot oatmeal, just-baked muffins, freshly-squeezed juices and Lavazza coffee) and (this is the best piece of the privileged puzzle) mini-cupcakes at turndown.  Tip:  To take your experience to the max, request a west-facing room on the second floor to see the sun set in the evening and the blue sky all day.

Adding to the amenities lineup:  rooftop Skydeck which sometimes hosts dance classes and always serves up an ocean view, stainless steel pool and the Southern California sun.  Little wonder Shade has overnighted such high-profile guests as Laura Bush during her book tour, Bruce Willis while locally filming a movie and Kobe Bryant when chilling out.

When I strayed from Shade, I popped into a couple of nearby restaurant haunts including the newest kid on the block, The Strand House, and a longer-term community staple, Mucho Ultimo Mexicana.

Steps from the beach, the impressive five-level Strand House opened in August, 2011.  At its entrance, you’ll be greeted with the town’s only in-restaurant wine station.  It’s as simple as purchasing a “wine” credit card, selecting a vino (from a choice of 24) and deciding on a taste (1 oz.), half glass (3 oz.) or a full glass (6 oz.) of ever-changing, hand-selected wines.  And should the process or your choices need explanation, there’s a sommelier nearby.  The Strand House is a happening: dancing Thursday through Saturday nights, a see-and-be-seen lounge, exclusive wine cellar and a noted restaurant.

A short walk away, Mucho Ultimo Mexicana is known as the place to go for the town’s best margaritas and largest tequila selection (over 200 tequilas).  And with the creations of executive chef Chris Garasic (who promises six monthly specials), I’ll remember it for much more than its liquid entrees.  Mouth-watering examples: the day’s featured ceviche, Malbec-braised short ribs and ancho-marinated Arrachera steak carne asada.  At the suggestion of Chef Garasic, my meal ended with churros.  Irresistibly feather-light and made to order, they’re tossed in Mexican sugar and served with chocolate and caramel dipping sauces.  Can you say addictive?  Tip: They can be made gluten-free, too.

Regularly visited by sports notables and such celebs as Rachel Hunter, the music on Friday and Saturday nights creates a whole different scene, says genial general manager Javier León.

Over-the-top amenities, around-the-corner fun, laid-back atmosphere—all sought-after elements, all elements of Shade, Manhattan Beach’s coolest hotel.

For more information, go to Shade Hotel.

Editor’s note: Photos by Cynthia Dial.

The Live Fit Magazine Show heads to New York City to see the sights, the sounds, the fun. We take you on a private tour of the fashion district and take you inside the famous Mood Designer Fabrics. We also show you a fabulous hotel to stay at while you’re in town. Then it’s over to Little Italy, SOHO, Greenwich Village and New York University. We give you inside tips about how to get discounted Broadway show tickets and hear from a adjunct professor at NYU about what the school is looking for in a student. We wrap up in Las Vegas with the New York Festivals International TV & Film Awards. Watch the Live Fit Magazine Show with your host Phoebe Chongchua.

For many, a vacation translates to shopping – seeing the sights of the aisles.  To these travelers, urban adventures of the retail persuasion are more appealing than on-the-road lures like sightseeing, night life . . . even beach going.

I am one of those shop-till-I-must-stop travelers. An island trip may be deemed successful if I return home without a tan, but it scores a resounding incomplete if it lacks that adrenaline rush that causes my “spendorphins” to kick in.

After a lifetime of shopping through seven continents (yes, even Antarctica), during every season and at most sales, I’ve developed a list – World’s Top 10 Shopping Cities.  Offered in reverse order (think David Letterman), I’ve saved the best, aka New York City, for last.  So should you find yourself in one of the following Top 10, put on comfy shoes, grab your AmEx and take advantage of your location.

10. Bangkok – “Shopping day and night” defines this experience.  Most malls and department stores stay open till 9:00 p.m. – some as late as 10:00 p.m.  And popular after-dark markets include the Patpong and Suan Lum bazaars.  Thai crafts, such as Khon masks and Mat Mee silk, reflect skills passed from generation to generation.  And for exclusive treasures, seek out diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, pearls, gold and silver.

9. St. Thomas – St. Thomas has a reputation as the world’s best duty-free shopping.  In Charlotte Amalie on Main Street and Waterfront Drive and along connecting alleyways, shops range from diamond and gem specialists to camera, liquor and linen stores.  Mistakes can be made on your spirits selection, but if diamonds cause that sparkle in your eye, do your homework.  Know the four C’s: cut, color, clarity and carat weight.

8. Los Angeles – Best  thing about L.A.’s shopping scene is its appeal to any fashionista.  Melrose Avenue features funky finds – e.g., handbags made from used skateboard decks.  Then there’s Rodeo Drive.  Punctuated by palm-lined thoroughfares and posh Porsches, it’s wise to devote an afternoon to boutique exploration – Beverly Hills style.

7. London – Here, retail reconnaissance goes beyond Burberry trenches and souvenir Bobby helmets.  Harrods will seem the size of the Parthenon, but its historic food halls and Diana and Dodi Memorial are must-sees.  The funky style of Top Shop appears to be a bustling shrine to teenage fashion, but it’s where supermodels pop in for replicas of trend.  Saville Row is home to bespoke tailoring (made-to-measure clothing).  And Portobello Market is a Saturday staple.

6. Santa Fe – The Plaza, the city’s heart, is also its shopping soul.  The 365-days-a-year Indian market fronts the Palace of the Governors; it features the hand-tooled creations of artisans from nearby Native American tribes.  Surrounding-the-plaza boutiques additionally showcase Santa Fe’s southwestern flair.  But if it’s fine art you’re after, find Canyon Road.

5. Milan – As northern Italy’s capital of designer duds, Milan is a high-octane mix of shopping choices.  Along Corso Buenos Aires are trendy, fun fashions.  Via Montenapoleone is the address of such high-luxe names as Valentino and Versace.  Piazza del Duomo teems with activity – outdoor cafes, street vendors, couples strolling and shopping . . . all with the Duomo (cathedral) commanding the scene’s backdrop.

4. Hong Kong – In this Asian arena, shopping is more than an option, it’s a mandate.  And in reality, it’s an overwhelming one.  My advice: quiz your concierge.  Ask “Where do locals shop?” and “Where do you go for the best shopping?”  Armed with information, seek name-brand eyewear, designer handbags, Mandarin-style clothing and custom tailoring.  But don’t overlook the multitudinous markets:  Stanley Market, Ladies Market, Jade Market and more.

3. Istanbul – Shopping in this East/West Mecca is well . . . grand.  It’s no coincidence that Istanbul’s biggest shopping draw is the Grand Bazaar.  With 60 lanes and more than 3,000 shops, it has every Turkish delight: carpet, fabric, gold jewelry, even meerschaum pipes.  Stop at the Spice Market for edibles.  And seal a done deal over a gold-rimmed glass of tea, a charming custom.

2. Paris – In a city of superlatives, Avenue de Montaigne is no exception.  As Paris’ most exclusive, this street has high style and higher prices.  It’s the Mecca for haute couture. And to complement any French look, make a perfume purchase.

1. New York — As fashion’s multi-faceted home, perpetual options make New York my top pick.  Originally an artists’ enclave, today’s SoHo features one to-die-for boutique after another; on weekends its streets become a posh outdoor mall.  And for those seeking thoroughbred, the avenue to stroll is Fifth.  Add into the equation Bloomingdales, the Diamond District and a designer sample sale or two.  The result: purchase paradise.

The hustle and bustle of an airport is always exciting. So many people coming and going from places all over the world. However, all this commotion can make traveling stressful especially when having to go through the never-ending lines at airport security. Whether you packed something you weren’t supposed to and didn’t pass inspection, or you forgot something at home, it’s easy to get your vacation off on the wrong foot. Here are some tips and tricks to help you fly through airport security with the greatest of ease.

Check Your Pockets

One of the most common mistakes made when going through security is forgetting to check your pockets before you leave the house. The last thing you want to do is find your expensive Leatherman utility tool attached to your keychain. Sure, they may offer to ship it to you, but is it really worth the extra hassle? Don’t let your  pockets go unnoticed. Make sure to check for loose change and other items that won’t make it past security.

Getting off on the Right Foot

When traveling on a plane my first recommendation would be to dress comfortably, but what many don’t know is that certain clothes and accessories may cause some turbulence before even boarding the flight. One of the biggest things to take into consideration is footwear. Slip-on shoes and sandals are ideal for traveling because you’re required to remove your shoes when going through security.

Watch the Bling

Accessories put the finishing touches on a great outfit, but they can also get your traveling off on a bad start. Save yourself the trouble and skip all the fancy jewelry. That goes for you too, men. Don’t worry about the flashy watch. Nobody wants to go through the metal detector more than once and you’ll save time.

The 4-1-1 on the 3-1-1 Rule of Thumb

I ask myself this question every time I go through security, “When was the last time somebody attacked me with a jar of baby food?” But one of the biggest things preventing people from getting through security smoothly is their latest rule against large amounts of liquids in carry-ons. Thankfully, there’s a simple way to remember. Here’s the 4-1-1 on the 3-1-1 rule. These three digits will help you fly through security with ease. Three; Ever heard of travel size? Most fit the standard of 3.4 oz of liquid in a container. One; Put your travel sized containers in one quart-sized clear plastic bag provided to you by the TSA. One; Only one plastic bag per person.

Stay Organized

The minute you leave your house, the first thought that comes to mind is, “I know I forgot something, but I can’t remember what it is.” Whatever you do, don’t let that happen to your boarding pass or I.D. Make a travel folder with all the necessary documents whether they be Passports, travel itineraries or boarding passes. The best thing you can do is have all these papers in a convenient place so that you’re not scrambling to look for them.

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, and the most important advice is to always be prepared. Follow these tips and you’ll hopefully have a smooth flight through security.

I’ve never been a huge Steve Carell fan. Don’t get me wrong. I really like the show, “The Office,” and I LOVED The 40 Year-Old Virgin. But, Carell never wowed me.  Until now.

Crazy, Stupid, Love was a huge surprise for me. Its reviews were pretty good, but I didn’t expect it to be one of the best comedies I’ve seen in a really, really long time. It has everything. A relatable plot, a smooth, fast pace, lots of laugh-out-loud scenes, heartfelt relationships and loveable characters that had me rooting for them through the entire movie.

At the beginning of Crazy, Stupid, Love, Cal Weaver’s wife of 25 years, Emily (played by the always- good Julianne Moore) tells him she wants a divorce. Cal’s appearance at this point is a bit pitiful as the square, ordinary guy who somewhere along the line got really boring and lost sight of how to have any real fun in life. Enter Jacob Palmer, (played by the hot, hot, hot Ryan Gosling). When Jake observes Cal in a bar, the sexy womanizer feels sorry for him and offers Cal a makeover to try to help him get women.

Carell and Gosling are great together! I laughed and laughed as the two polar opposites fought with each other, shopped together, had fun together, learned valuable things from one another, and became true friends.

All of the relationships in the movie are amazing. Cal and Emily, who clearly love each other,  Cal and Jake, Jake and Hanna, the girl he unexpectedly falls for (played by the adorable Emma Stone) who has the eternal bachelor out of control for the first time in his life,  Cal and the 16 year-old babysitter who’s secretly in love with him, and Cal’s son who’s in love with the babysitter. This love triangle (which includes the babysitter’s dad, who thinks his daughter’s hooking up with Cal) could be the funniest part of Crazy, Stupid, Love.

This movie had a lot going on. In other words, it wasn’t one of those predictable romantic comedies with one plotline where you’re waiting to see the ending you can easily picture in your mind. Crazy, Stupid, Love is full of surprises and unpredictability.

Crazy, Stupid, Love made me laugh so much, my cheeks were hurting by the end of the movie. It also made me cry, get really sentimental, giggle, and feel GREAT about so many things when it comes to love and family. There’s also a really good twist at the end!!

Crazy, Stupid, Love could be one of my all-time favorite comedies, with very talented performances by Carell and Gosling, A chemistry between the two that’s unforgettable, Crazy, Stupid, Love has an Indi film feel to it, but it’s also got that Hollywood firytale ending.  What a great movie!

A San Diego couple has to make a big decision to remodel their kitchen or sell their home. One major structural problem stands in the way of their remodel. But Marrokal Design & Remodeling comes up with a unique solution. See how they transformed a tiny kitchen into a delightful living space. Phoebe Chongchua has the story for Live Fit Magazine.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips

When remodeling the kitchen, there are two primary considerations: functionality and improving resale value. Kitchens are high on the list for buyers. Even those who don’t cook, still want to make sure the kitchen has an updated look, is spacious, and has great functionality.

Kitchen walls started coming down a few decades ago. The lack of separation in the rooms in the home leads to great rooms and an easier ability to connect with family members in common spaces.

Typically the most visible area of a kitchen is the cabinets. If they are worn or dated, the kitchen will be less appealing. Choosing to replace, customize, or simply refinish the doors can make a big difference. However, growing trends in kitchen architecture include softer lighting, larger windows, and–here’s a surprise–fewer cabinets. That doesn’t mean that you can get away with very little storage space, instead it means you have to be creative. Some homeowners are choosing to have built in storage spaces.

Create a gathering space. If you have a large kitchen, consider installing or placing a portable island in it. These are very popular for a number of reasons. They’re handy, useful for extra storage space, and they often become a central gathering spot at parties, especially when there’s food on them. Add a few bar stools and you’ve got a comfy and welcoming place for guests to relax while dinner is being prepared.

Turn down the lights. Not literally, rather use lighting that’s less harsh. Overhead lighting is excellent but, to create a mood, you can place accent lights in tucked-away areas that will still allow the light to shine in the kitchen. Maybe an adjoining hallway, for instance, could have a small lamp on a table or sconces on the walls.

Make room. Even though some architects are taking away the cabinets, buyers still are attracted to plenty of storage space. That means sellers who don’t have it, must creatively devise it. By staging your home with stand-alone cabinet furniture and displaying some kitchen items in them, you give buyers an idea of how to use the space. You can also have your remodeler create clever hideaways that look decorative and double as storage space. The options are nearly limitless. Explore and get creative. Always be sure to seek out an expert remodeling company for advice.

Remember, function and beauty will help ensure greater resale value when it comes time to sell your home.

According to stayteen.org three in 10 girls in the United States will get pregnant before their 20th birthday. That shocking statistic adds up to approximately 745 thousand teen pregnancies each year. Knowing that, the “talk” that parents dread having with their children becomes more and more of a necessity.

Our precious little girls grow up idolizing the princesses out of their favorite storybook fairytales. They play dress-up; insisting on wearing a tiara for special occasions and leaving a trail of “pixie dust” wherever they go. As they mature and grow into young women, their role models change as well. In the past, some looked up to a relative or a famous woman in history like Jackie O or Eleanor Roosevelt. While that still holds true today, reputable role models have taken a back seat in this generation; one that puts magazine A-listers and reality TV superstars on a pedestal.

Britney Spears’ younger sister Jamie Lynn stunned the world when she announced her pregnancy in December of 2007, a few months shy of her 17th birthday. Bristol Palin made headlines when (during her mother, Sarah’s, Vice Presidential campaign) she announced that she would become a mother at 18 years old. New mother Beyonce Knowles’ became an aunt when her younger sister Solange Knowles gave birth to a son when she was 18 years old.

These young girls were already in the public eye when they announced that they were expecting, but soon teen pregnancy would be a primetime and box office hit with the show, The Secret Life of The American Teenager and the Indie movie, Juno. With their success, it was only a matter of time before reality television would capitalize on the teen pregnancy epidemic and over glamorize the issue, sending the wrong message to teenage girls

In response to the reality television phenomenon, MTV debuted Sixteen and Pregnant; a show featuring teenage girls and their challenging journey from their carefree adolescence towards being thrust into motherhood. After the success of the first season, MTV then decided to create a follow-up show called Teen Mom which focusses more on the tumultuous relationships between the new mothers and fathers, and the difficulty of going back to school, finding jobs, all the while taking care of a crying, and sometimes sick child. Soon, these teen mothers gained their own celebrity; making the front pages of popular magazines, being followed by paparazzi, and gaining a mass following from their fans on their Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Their pregnancy made them famous and, while some may argue that they’re turning lemons into lemonade, many teenage girls could possibly see this show as an easy way to make a name for themselves.

That’s where Dr. Kenneth Ryan comes in. I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Ryan, a former marriage and family therapist, and ask him about his views on these controversial, yet popular, young women and whether or not he believed that shows like Sixteen and Pregnant and Teen Mom were glamorizing teenage pregnancy. Ryan calls it incredible that a television show could turn teenage mother hood into something that appears glamorous and that it’s a,”huge cultural disservice to turn these troubled girls into role models.” Ryan’s advice: if your children are going to spend the time to watch shows like these, take advantage of the opportunity to have a conversation with them about sex.

Ryan’s no stranger to “the talk.” A father of three girls, he credits his strong relationship with each of his daughters by using everyday conversations to “build the bank of trust” as his daughters matured. In his experience as a marriage and family therapist he recounts that “money may be the number one problem in marriages, but sex is a close second.” In his new book, Finding your Prince in a Sea of Toads: How to Find a Quality Guy Without Getting Your Heart Shredded, Ryan stresses the importance of saving sex ’til marriage in order to protect your heart from confusing sex with love.

Dr. Kenneth Ryan’s book, Finding Your Prince in a Sea of Toads is available on Amazon.

Chef Bernard prepares a tasty Risotto. As he says, “Yummmmy!”

Serves 4 family style

2 ½ cups chicken stock

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup minced shallots

1 cup king oyster mushrooms, trimmed, sliced

1 cup maitake mushrooms, trimmed, pulled apart

1 cup Honshimeji mushrooms, trimmed, pulled apart

1 cup Arborio rice

1/4 cup sherry wine

1/2 cup dried figs, quartered

1 tablespoon truffle oil

1/3 cup pecans

2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese

1/4 cup grated parmesan

1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley

to taste sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

How to Make It

Bring chicken stock to low simmer.  Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.  Add shallots and mushrooms.  Cook 2 minutes without browning, stirring often.  Add rice.  Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Add sherry.  Bring to simmer.  Ladle in ¼ of chicken stock.  Cook at low heat until liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently.  Repeat process with remaining stock.  Remove from heat.  Fold in remaining ingredients.  Season to taste.

Presentation

4 parsley sprigs

2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Transfer risotto to warm casserole dish.  Garnish with parsley sprigs.  Sprinkle with parmesan.

Bon Appetit…Executive Chef Bernard Guillas

The Marine Room, La Jolla

www.chefbernard.com www.marineroom.com www.twochefsoneworld.com

Have you ever awaken and thought today I would love to be in Tuscany or Loire Valley or Napa, basking in the sun, sipping fine wines and overlooking acres of vineyards?

If, like me, you live in Southern California, your reality is that Mexico is closer than any of these dream destinations.  Then again, if you’re a So Cal resident, you’re in luck as Temecula Valley’s wine region is nearby—90 minutes or less from San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County and Palm Springs.

Temecula Valley Wineries Signage

Temecula winemaking has a rich history.  Beginning two centuries ago in California’s original missions, the padres were the region’s first winemakers.  Opening in 1974, Callaway Vineyard and Winery was one of the area’s first modern commercial wineries; its founder Ely Callaway went on to continued fame with another namesake venture, Callaway Golf.  And Temecula Valley’s growth is equally impressive.  Whereas there were 14 wineries in 2000—today the number approaches 40.  Rivaling its quick growth are its numerous awards, including top honors from many major wine competitions.

How apropos that the name Temecula means “place of the sun.”  With a 1,500-foot elevation that translates to cool summer evenings and an ever-pleasant atmosphere for serene sipping, here’s a brief intro to a selection of my favorite wineries in the region.

  

  

 

Briar Rose Winery – Designed by Beldon Fields, one of Disneyland’s creators in the 1950s, this family winery’s façade is of storybook proportions.  Briar Rose is a bit off the path of the typically traveled wine trails, but it is well worth the additional effort to seek out this life-size replica of Grimm Brothers Snow White’s Cottage.

Doffo – Away from the prime concentration of the valley’s wineries, Rancho California Road’s east end is home to Doffo Winery, which has been called Temecula’s first true petite winery.  Situated on 15 acres, Doffo’s annual yield is modest (2,000 cases) but it’s in high demand.  Owner/winemaker Marcelo Doffo heads up a true family operation, consisting of his wife and five children (most of whom work in the winery).  The secret to his success with grapes: music.  Doffo shares that classical music is piped into the vineyard, and on his infrequent days off he turns to a selection from his motorcycle collection for fun.

Europa Village – Presented as a trio of tributes, this European-inspired winery pays homage to France, Italy and Spain in both its environs and its wines (Italian wines are under the Vienza label, France is represented by the C’est La Vie label and the Spanish wine label is Bolero Cellars).  Where better to spend an afternoon than on the patio of the winery’s French-like bistro?  And where else would a group select for an evening of food and wine than the Europa Village’s Italian grotto, the setting for musical wine dinners (French, Italian and Spanish), culinary classes and sommelier workshops?  Add to this mix the Inn at Europa Village—the winery’s bed and breakfast, which sits hilltop overlooking the Village and the valley—and your European getaway is complete.

Lorimar – Newest on the scene, this Tuscan-style winery, complete with a Founder’s Tower, is Temecula Valley’s 37^th winery.  Its uncorked delights are some of the valley’s best, though not necessarily the most expensive.  “Our intention was to produce wines that would fall into the mid-range, price-wise,” explains owner Mark Manfield.  Manfield and his brother-in-law/partner Lawrie Lipton offer an additional benefit to Lorimar’s guests, a hospitality/restaurant background; and it shows.  Explaining the decision for a grand entrance, Manfield explains, “We envisioned a bride when we designed the winery.”

Ponte Family Wine Estate – Situated in the center of the region’s heart, this 300-acre winery is the setting for the Ponte family’s 40-year-old vineyard, award-winning restaurant, world-class gardens, top-notch gift shop and Ponte Vineyard Inn (the newest addition to the team)—all in a highly polished, sophisticated setting.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa - If Temecula Valley had a town square, it would be South Coast Winery.  A neighbor of Ponte winery and named the “Best California State Winery of the Year” two years running, a visit here is like one-stop-shopping—dining, tasting room, spa, luxury villas and of course, fine wines.  Its wines are a true tribute to the commitment of proprietor/winegrower Jim Carter and his award-winning winemaking team Jon McPherson and Javier Flores.

Thornton Winery – Known as the gateway to Temecula Valley Wine Country, a stop at Thornton’s French-style chateau will be a memorable kick-off to a day of California wine tasting.  Known for its sparkling wines, it’s earned more medals in major national competitions than any other sparkling winery.  Thornton Winery’s highlights include Café Champagne, the Champagne Jazz Series and unprecedented views.

Wilson Creek Winery - You’ll know of Wilson Creek Winery if you’ve ever celebrated over a glass of its well-known bubbly, Almond Champagne.  In addition to fine wines, signature features of this Tuscan-themed winery include premier gardens, a bridge spanning a meandering stream informally named Wilson Creek, and a 25-foot gazebo overlooking the stream.

Places to Sip, Swirl and Socialize

With oenophiles in mind, I raise a glass to Temecula Valley.  Cheers!

For more information go to Visit Temecula.

 Editor’s Note: Many of the photos courtesy of Bill Robinson Photography.