Greater SoCal/Temecula Event Feb 15th. 2020
2I am back in Temecula for this winter and realized my schedule is beginning to book up and seeing if we can put together another event. It was a lot of fun last winter. Since then Lisa and I have bought a house out her with a beautiful view overlooking the Temecula Valley so we have a great place to host.
We can have it in Temecula and depending on the date we have up two 2 spare rooms. I could try to set up a tasting at another winery as well. We are also willing to travel if that works best.
January and march are full up, but any weekend in February can work with the following caveats.
Feb 1 weekend - wide open
Feb 8 weekend - only one spare bedroom and would have to be in Temecula
Feb 15 weekend - wide open
Feb 22nd weekend - Lisa will be gone
Feb 29 weekend - Lisa will be gone
Let me know who is interested and what your availability is
- 46 comments, 83 replies
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Picked a bunch of tags from the SoCal Roll Call just to give people who might be interested a heads up since these forums aren’t always watched by most people. If I missed anyone, sorry.
@cortot
@davirom
@i8dacat
@PLsemenza
@scottrob30
@ScottW58
@merrybill
@funnywontons
@klezman
@rjquillin
@losthighwayz
@AnnaB
@PapaPerry
@time2testit
@MarkDaSpark
@swizzel
@SWMBOTott
@dbarrym
@jawlz
@cmerino
@TimothyB
@eppppy
@noxxrox
@VogonPoet
@shanebird
@hershelk Thank you! I am definitely interested! my February weekend
calendar is open
@radiolysis Sorry I forgot to include you in the should out about another event possibly in Temecula in Feb.
@hershelk thanks for the mention. 8th and 29th are no-go, but other dates are good.
Feb 1st is taken up for me but all other dates we’re open.
Feb 22 is definitely out. Otherwise it’ll depend on the status of the kids.
The 15th is looking like the best choice.
@merrybill plus it’s a long weekend (for those who get Presidents’ Day)!
@hershelk 22nd is a definite no-go for me, and I’ll have to check with the social coordinator w/r/t the others. Thanks for making the effort to set this up!
Oh, new Casemates Gathering graphic!
Ok, we have the infamous … err, famous @jenludwig visiting down south with her hubby and mom the weekend of the 1st.
I know @i8dacat is out then, but would there be any interest in having the gathering on the 1st, since they can make it that day?
@MarkDaSpark We could do a separate thing regardless. Always nice to see Jen! It’d be easier closer to home - with two kiddos now it’s hard to figure out whether it will be feasible for us to come to the gathering in Temecula.
@klezman She’ll be down in SD, so 1 hour vs 2 hour drive. But maybe.
Sorry I very rarely check the boards lately, but definitely interested in meeting up sometime 2/1-7. Too bad it wasn’t the next weekend so we could make the gathering!
Would be interested in the 15th…have a couple of bottles from 2018 to deliver to @klezman and @rjquillin if they attend as well. let’s confirm as I have a couple of dates for the SDSC I need to confirm as well!
Barry
Looks like February 15th is turning out to be the best date for a Temecula gathering. I will try to set up a tasting at a local winery at 4:00pm or so and anyone who wants to skip and convene at my place can aim for around 6:00pm. If anyone would like to stay for the night, let me know, we have a couple of spare rooms.
Please let me know if you plan on coming and if you want to join in on the tasting. I can whisper the addresses. When I have an idea of numbers I can talk to the wineries and let you know which one.
We will have some stuff to grill let me know what you would like to contribute for dinner. My first thought for wine theme is favorite house wine to have on hand, but I am open to suggestions.
Hershel
@cortot @davirom @i8dacat @PLsemenza @scottrob30 @ScottW58 @merrybill @funnywontons @klezman @rjquillin @losthighwayz @AnnaB @PapaPerry @time2testit @MarkDaSpark @swizzel @SWMBOTott @dbarrym @jawlz @cmerino @TimothyB @eppppy @noxxrox @VogonPoet @shanebird @dbarrym @radiolysis
I am a casual KCBS and SCA competitor (Team TBD Que), and can do some BBQ - pulled pork, ribs, whatever - if that helps.
@dbarrym That helps always…yum.
@dbarrym That sounds fantastic. After talking with the wife we thought we might pick up some tamales and make posole (a thick soup). You can handle the BBQ.
Sounds good, I’ll need a final count 4 days before to pick up and prep the meat. Pork ribs, pulled pork, and cowboy beans (always a crowd favorite) from me, if you or someone else can pick up sides (plus some King’s Hawaiian buns and cole slaw for pulled pork sliders), that would be great. Oh, and a nice spicy Central Coast or Lodi zin goes great with my spicy/sweet rub profile.
@dbarrym For that, if we can make it, I’ll try to bring a Turley or something else like that. Middle-aged Petite Sirah also goes well with that sort of thing.
@klezman Great, I was also thinking of a Syrah/Shiraz but wanted to keep it simple…
@dbarrym
I can pickup the buns, and bring macaroni salad as well as fruit salad.
As well as some Zins from the last RPM Tour. And dessert wines.
This may be a good opportunity to divest of bottles I can locate.
Call me tentative for now.
Wife and I are in for the tasting and gathering. I’m thinking we can bring some sort of fruit platter.
@i8dacat Great. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Just trying to confirm who is likely to attend. So far I have:
@i8dcat +1 - Tasting and gathering
@MarkDaSpark - Tasting and Gathering
@Klezman +1 (+2 kids) - Gathering (Tasting?) overnight
@rjquillin - Gathering (Tasting?) overnight
@dbarrym - Gathering (Tasting?)
@merrybill +1 ?
@radiolysis +1 ?
Please confirm if you are coming and how many. Also confirm whether you would like to attend a tasting at a local winery. It will probably be scheduled for about 4:30pm.
If anyone else would like to join us in Temecula on February 15th, please let me know. Looks like there will be some great BBQ as well courtesy of @dbarrym. I’ll whisper the address to everyone when we get closer.
@hershelk If we can come we’ll come for the tasting.
@hershelk it’ll be me +3 adults including the tasting if it’s not too full.
@hershelk what time does the tasting start? Good BBQ takes about 12 hours so I need to do the sleep vs. cook time tradeoff calculation
before committing…
@dbarrym Don’t have a definitive yet as I was hoping to have more of a count to go on first. Wineries generally close at 5 or 6, so I was planning to aim for 4:30pm
@i8dacat Not too full. Happy to have them.
@hershelk I haven’t forgotten – i’m still trying to see my updated availability. We got back from two trips, so i might need to stick around the house to appease the family. I’ll message again once i know for sure.
@hershelk confirming just me for tasting and dinner (if tasting spots are still open). My usual +1 is out of town, and my family would rather stay at home. I usually bring some sort of veggie/fruit side dish but I’d be happy to bring whatever needs bringing.
@radiolysis Sure there will be room.
@dbarrym Tasting will start at 4, gathering at 6.
Wife and I are tentative yes. We’re Temecula local, but plans are in the making with friends from out of town.
@VogonPoet If you can’t make this, maybe we can meet up sometime for a glass.
@hershelk spoke with the fun coordinator last night; we’re in! Just the two of us, our friends don’t arrive till Sunday.
@VogonPoet wonderful, see you then. Are you in for Bottaia as well? Probably starting around 4.
@hershelk in for a penny, in for a pound. We’d love to come to the tasting.
I’ve been following along here and am still planning/hoping to attend.
Has there been any discussion as to what wines to bring?
Any theme at all?
I saw the Seattle group where @aces219 mentioned
Blind tastings are brutal; but educational. Could be a lot of fun.
Do we bring stems, decanters, other?
Following from afar, as I’ll be in Temecula in early March. Your winery recommendations are much appreciated!
Lost+1 a high probability. I’ll confirm by tomorrow. Is staying overnight still an option?
@losthighwayz At this moment it still is.
Its looking good for the 2 of us to make both the tasting and the party. We usually bring dessert items. I’ll have to check my bottle swap status, but I don’t think I have too many outstanding.
@merrybill Sounds great.
This is awesome! Fond memories of our very first Woot gathering in the area. Or possibly selective memory loss with a hint of denial. In any case, glad there seems to be a good group getting together. One of these days, @coffeemate and I will be back in the mix. Unfortunately not just yet. Have fun all!
We are set at Bottaia for Feb 15th at 4:00pm for a tasting with Charcuterie plates. It is a newer winery, but one my wife and I hang out at a lot. I will need a hard confirmation for the tasting by Wednesday, but you can always come to the gathering after. Gathering after the tasting starts at 6:00pm. So far I have the following, I will whisper locations to everyone individually. Please let me know for sure even if I have you as confirmed
This is who I have coming to the tasting at this point:
@merrybill +1 ?
@radiolysis
@i8dacat +3
@VogonPoet +1
@hershelk +1
The following expressed interest, but I have not seen a confirmation. We currently have 5 more spaces at the tasting but I can probably expand that. Regardless I need a final count for the tasting by Wednesday.
@MarkDaSpark
@Klezman +1 (+2 kids)
@rjquillin
@dbarrym
@rjquillin
@losthighwayz +1
I still have 3 guest rooms available at the house for any takers. I have seen interest, but not from anyone who has confirmed yet. Also we discovered that Bottaia is a 21+ only winery. However, we still plan to check if toddlers and babies are OK.
@hershelk We are as confirmed as possible given that two kids can cause last minute changes. We plan to get to the tasting as well. See you all next Saturday!
@hershelk I’ll be bringing my sister along with SWMBO, so “+2”
@merrybill Great.
@klezman Sorry, but we checked with the Bottaia and they do not allow kids or infants. If you don’t have baby sitting support, one of you could join for the tasting and the other can hang out by our pool overlooking the Temecula Valley with the kids. Just let us know what you would like to do.
@hershelk will know by tonight if we will have childcare. Thanks
@hershelk. Count me in
@hershelk i’m in as well! i’ll email direct, but wanted to publicly confirm as well.
@MarkDaSpark great. Good to see you again.
@losthighwayz Are you in?
@hershelk are one of the rooms available? I would like to take you up on the offer if so. Thanks
@i8dacat Yes, is that just for the two of you.
@klezman Just to make sure I have you down for one of the rooms at the house and one tasting. Bottaia is only about 10 minutes away form the house, and there are other wineries down the road with grounds to walk through. Ponte in particular as well as South Coast. If you want to switch off in the middle.
@hershelk yes, me + wife.
@hershelk Yes, that’s the plan!
@klezman Great. See you Saturday.
We never really set a theme for the event in terms of what wines people might want to bring to the gathering. @rjquillin suggested a blind tasting, but I thought it might be a bit too much when paired with the winery tasting. Some thoughts I had were
I am open to other suggestions as well.
@hershelk I like when these gatherings are more about opening the wines you’d open for those who appreciate it rather than the “cellar defenders” (as I read the suggestion). So maybe not full on “expensive wine” or “black tie buys”, but bring your good stuff!
@hershelk @klezman Agreed.
I’ve got enough plonk to dispense with without foisting it upon other 'mates.
Keep the house wines at home.
Unless @ScottW58 will be there, then bring white zin.
@klezman @rjquillin That sounds like a decent plan. Bring your good stuff.
@hershelk @klezman @rjquillin
Heh yeah nothing like traveling 50 miles to Lost’s house only to be greeted with Ron’s brown zin or a wine in a Pomegranate bottle. You know I love you guys but never again
@hershelk
I think i have just the ticket…
#dbarrym Just confirming that you are coming with BBQ. Also wanted to know if you plan to make the tasting.
@markdaspark @klezman @losthighwayz I have wine some splits I plan on bringing. @klezman I believe there is a Rosé split you have for me? @rjquillin do we have any pending splits?
@i8dacat I’ve got a bunch of splits hanging out. I’ll check later and cross-reference with the attendees!
I’ve got wine for:
@rjquillin (are you coming Ron? I’ll bring the case of Pavi from the locker here)
@i8dacat
@merrybill
@PLSemenza
@CorTot
Looks like I don’t bring the last two, but I’ll bring the rest.
@i8dacat cool what do you have for me? How much do I owe you?
@losthighwayz I have (3) bottles of Halcon Vineyards Pinot Noir for you and @Klezman $60 each.
@Markdaspark I have (4) bottles of J Dusi Tres Cajones Red Blend $57
@i8dacat @klezman @losthighwayz
Ok. Lost, you haz whisper on the Zeppelin wines.
@i8dacat @rjquillin If Ron’s coming, I have 4 very nice bottles to hand over. Ron, I believe you have these for me, if you can find them: Wellington Grenache, 14 St Supery Rutherford Merlot, 2 Cooper Barbera’s (one for my sis), and probably some 2016 Buena Vistas - Grenache, Carignane, Lagrien, & Valdigue. Honestly, I’m not picky about the vintages. If you’re not coming, let me/us know so I can keep your bottles resting peacefully.
@i8dacat @merrybill currently in negotiations with swmbo…
Proximity to V-day is a hindering factor.
@i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark sounds good
We are coming down to the wire, so figured I would update what I know.
The theme is “The Good Stuff”. Bring something you want to open for those who appreciate it.
Tasting starting at Bottaia at 4:00 with gathering starting at 6:00. If you want to stop by the house first feel free. We will probably leave around 3:45. If you are going to be late, please text. I included my phone number on the whisper.
These are the players
@merrybill (3) for tasting - Dessert Items
@radiolysis (1) for tasting - Spicy Orange Salad
@i8dacat (4) for tasting plus one guest room
@VogonPoet (2) for tasting - A salad of some kind.
@hershelk (2) for tasting - Posole, empanadas and tamales if needed.
@MarkDaSpark (1) for tasting
@Klezman (1) tasting plus a guest room with wife and kids
Not sure about
@dbarrym - bringing BBQ, hope he is still on board
@rjquillin
@losthighwayz +1
I have two more tasting spots available (though I can probably extend) but I need to know by early tomorrow. Also let me know if you do not plan to make it. I also have one room left, for the first to claim and confirm it.
See what people are bringing and fill in on food to bring. There will be a lot of leftover cheese and charcuterie from the the Bottaia tasting as well.
See you on Saturday.
@hershelk sorry for the delay. lost +1 will be there but cannot make the tasting ETA 530ish. Guest room would be appreciated.
@losthighwayz I expect we might not be back from the tasting till closer to 6. If you arrive before we do, I whispered the gate code with the address so you can hang out by the pool in back till we get back. If you need a bathroom, there is one in the large outbuilding that is unlocked. Go through the side door of the RV garage through the doorway into the bigger building and it is in the little alcove area.
Guest rooms are now all taken.
@hershelk. Hmm, guess you missed my post on bringing a macaroni salad and fruit salad (brought that 2 years ago to the concert at the LA Arboretum).
In addition to the theme wine, will probably bring some dessert wines.
@MarkDaSpark Noted now.
Barry here…not going to make the tasting but still planning on attending the dinner. I will prep and do the ribs/pulled pork and cowboy beans in the AM and plan to arrive around 6 PM. I may bring a visiting coworker who will be in town, will confirm by Saturday but he would be for dinner only. Apologies for the delay in replying but have been recovering from recent surgery and wanted to be sure I’d be OK to go before replying. I may bring wine but with the food cost I’ll probably just mooch on what everyone else brings!
@dbarrym Sounds like a plan. Looking forward to trying the world class BBQ. Bring who you want and don’t worry about the wine there is always too much to go around and i have plenty extra on hand. I hope you are feeling well after your surgery.
@hershelk Thanks, will be my first big outing in a while! Looking forward to it.
OK, we are set for 14 for the Bottaia tasting with Charcuterie. At the check in just let them know you are part of the group of 14. It is scheduled to start at 4:00. if you are running late, please text.
Back at the house we will have ribs, pulled pork, cowboy beans, Posole and other yummy foods along with all the wines.
There is a hot tub with a beautiful view at the house, so feel free to bring suites. We have a pool as well but it won’t be heated and is pretty cold this time of the year. There is a beautiful view of the sunset from our back patio.
@hershelk I took this when we were at your “down the road” neighbors’ on Super Bowl Sunday.
@VogonPoet Looks like our sunset every night.
Just picked up supplies for the cook, was only able to find 5 good looking racks of spare ribs but that will be enough for about 15-18 people assuming some also have the pulled pork. I’d like to ask that someone bring a crockpot or slow cooker to keep the pulled pork warm as I only have one at the moment (needed for the beans). Also I believe that someone had offered to bring some Kings Hawaiian rolls for making pork sliders - please confirm. I’ll also bring BBQ sauce, coleslaw and some pickled onions for condiments for those who like to dress 'em up.
Confirming I will also be bringing a guest (John B ) with me.
@dbarrym We have a crock pot.
@dbarrym I’ll bring the Hawaiian buns.
@MarkDaSpark Awesome, thanks.
POPSOCKETS! SPA KITS! POLLY POCKETS! AWESOME!
@hershelk Great!
So far I show I need to bring:
@klezman - 2 bottles 2007 Moran Manor Anagram Red Blend
@merrybill - 2 bottles each of Scott Harvey Reserve and Mountain Selection Barbera (4 total)
@losthighwayz - Stillman Brown offer (see whisper).
As for Ron, he might need to rent an 18 wheeler.
@losthighwayz
Plus 3 or 4 Bernardus PN for lost.
@MarkDaSpark 3 bottles. Thanks
@losthighwayz
Okay, once it arrives … still processing.
What about the whisper about Stillman Brown? Just the 2 Tempranillo or plus the other 3?
For next time, that is! Won’t have time to check back.
What should we bring besides wine? I’m also bringing a couple of party games
@losthighwayz how about a dessert or a vegetable.
@hershelk @losthighwayz I would recommend a vegetable based dessert!
Looks like I’m out. Slept 12+ and feeling like I’m a victim of our lab plague I’m not going to share.
SWMBO even agreed. Really did want to make this one as it’s close and I want to clear out cases.
Enjoy all!
@rjquillin
Sorry to hear it! Get well soon!
Looks like traffic is hosed and I’ll be a bit delayed. Trying to get moving asap!
@klezman Thanks for the heads up.
Running late, but still heading toward the winery.
@merrybill ok. We are inside but haven’t started yet. Ask for the Hershel group.
@merrybill any estimate on timing.
We arrived
Reminds me of our SoCal gathering at the Madwines Vineyard in Paso!
Nice meeting everybody tonight and thanks for bringing the wine! Glad you all enjoyed the BBQ, next time grilled tri-tip or prime rib?? Special thanks to our gracious hosts Hershel and Lisa.
Klez, I hope you remembered to pick up your 3 bottles of the Kendrick PN… : )
Thanks to @hershelk and Lisa for hosting! Great gathering for all. All the food brought or made was fantastic.
Nothing like going to an internet meeting on a dark and lonely road! Nope, no ominous music playing in the background either!
(Ran late and missed the winery tasting, and they weren’t back yet. So hardly any cars by the house. Luckily, Lisa was there to greet @losthighwayz and @dbarrym, before my arrival.) 
Will post wine pics later this afternoon/evening.
What MarkdaSpark said. Thank you for your hospitality. We had an awesome time. Great meeting you both (and your black feline friend)!
WOTN 2005 Wellington Victory with Klez’ 1999 Chinon CF a close second
Great to see everybody! Thank you again to our lovely hosts!
(And apologies again to those whose wine I forgot to bring.)
Wines opened:
2018 Demetria Rosè (Santa Ynez Valley)
2017 Vinos Martlot Tempranillo (Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico)
(unk) Champagne Deutz Brut Classic (France) (awk! Forgot to take pic of back label! @klezman will know!)
2012/2013/2014 Switchback Ridge Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
2017 Huntington Merlot (Napa Valley)
2014? LXV Secret Cravings (missed back label,)
2013 Woot Cellars Revelry
2013 Ghost wines Flora Springs red wine
2005 Wellington Victory (Sonoma County)
1999 Clos de Danzay Chinon (Cab Franc)
NV Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Port
2012 Bogle PS Port
2017 Vincent Arroyo PS Port
Unopened bottles:
2014 Wilson Creek Zinfandel (Temecula Valley)
2011 Rubisso Syrah (Mt. Veeder)
2011 Two Jakes Cab Franc (Lake County)
2005 Marqués del Puerto Rioja Gran Reserva
And 2 labrat bottles.
Well, 1 of the labrat bottles has now been revealed.
Unopened
The Champagne was NV
@MarkDaSpark It was great seeing you again. I’m glad you were able to make it out despite the spooky arrival. Thanks for the pix too.
@hershelk
Thanks again for hosting! It was fun seeing all the changes to Temecula. Last time I was there was around 10 years (or more) ago.
Another great gathering. Very special thanks to @hershelk and Lisa for hosting.
@i8dacat It was great to spend time with you and your wife and your friends made a nice addition. Until next time.
Chiming in to say thank you to @Hershelk and Lisa. It was great to finally put some faces to names. Sorry we had to bail early-ish, Laurie was exhausted after our day Friday with some old friends visiting from the east coast.
After seeing the cork falling apart, I’m glad the Victory had held up!
@VogonPoet Glad to get a chance to meet. We will have to connect some evening for a glass while we are still out here. Get a chance to talk in a smaller group.
Second labrat bottle is now up.