5 Best Temecula Wines To Pair With Fall Flavors In 2023

TEMECULA, CA — With the days getting more crisp and the nights edging toward cold, we got to thinking: what are Temecula's winemakers pairing with their favorite wines this year?

We've amassed the top five food and wine pairings from some of the most well-known local wineries in Temecula Valley to add to your family gatherings and simple wine nights. For the menu, think creamy dishes such as quiche Lorraine and seafood to more hearty braised shortribs and stews. If cooking is not your thing, each wine should do well with a charcuterie board for finger food. And, of course, look for wines below that will pair well with your leftover Halloween chocolate candies.

So now is the time to visit your local wineries to stock up on the perfect pairing for fall gatherings.

Wilson Creek Winery 2022 “Yes Dear” Chardonnay - $30 @ Wilson Creek Winery

This classic California Chardonnay offers a warm golden color with oak-influenced flavors reminiscent of fall spices, according to the winery.

"Notes of green apple and French oak on the nose, off-dry with baked apple, spice, and vanilla on the palate, delicate acidity, and a soft finish," they said. The wine is the perfect bridge between a lighter white and a more robust red, which offers a bit more body and complexity compared to summer whites but not as heavy as many reds.

• Pair with mild or creamy foods. Think a charcuterie board topped with soft cheeses such as triple cream brie, with toasted nuts. If you need more of a meal than a snack, consider pairing with lobster or bacon-wrapped scallops, quiche Lorraine, or even apple pie for dessert.

Carter Estate Winery 2022 Les Nobles - $33 @ Carter Estate Winery

According to the winery, this blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris "leaps from the glass with powerful and exotic aromatics like stone fruit, lychee, pear, jasmine, and ginger. The sweetness of this wine is offset by a backbone of juicy acidity, with notes of crisp peach."

• Consider this sweet wine perfect to serve with dessert or starters. Pair with holiday treats like pumpkin pie or tarte tatin. If you are doing finger foods, it is ideal along with a classic charcuterie board for hosting.

South Coast Winery 2019 Wild Horse Peak Il Temporale - $39 @ South Coast Winery

Winemakers describe the Wild Horse Peak Il as "a brooding Sangiovese-dominant blend with a touch of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It is aged for over 18 months in French oak barrels. The warm and inviting oak aromas provide the perfect tone of spicy vanilla, cinnamon and clove, giving this wine a noticeable lift of woodsy deliciousness that mingles well with fruit notes of black cherry and strawberry."

• Pair this hearty red with grilled meats and rich pasta dishes, as the tannins are velvety and super soft with a pleasant grip.

Peltzer Winery 2019 Aged Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel - $65 @ Peltzer Winery

That's right. Bourbon barrel Zinfandel. Peltzer's winemaker has created what they call a "velvety wine woos as a winery fan-favorite." This Zinfandel is locally recognized as the perfect “fireplace wine," they say. Each sip offers notes of cherry preserves, maple syrup, and vanilla.

• Pair with Thanksgiving turkey, shortribs, and stews. Then, if there's some left, finish off your hearty meal with a dark chocolate truffle or leftover Halloween chocolates. You can thank us later.

Wiens Cellars 2019 San Ignacio Unforgiving - $125 @ Weins Cellars

This blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Carmenere, 9% Merlot, and 5% Malbec took Gold at this year’s Toast of the Coast Wine Competition as well as Gold and 94 Points at the 2023 Los Angeles Invitational Wine Challenge, according to the winery. The bottle itself offers notes of strawberry rhubarb and white pepper, with a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel and firm tannins, winemakers say.

• Pair this red blend with rich, hearty fall dishes like grilled steaks, braised short ribs, beef stew. This wine is also well-served, along with strong cheeses or even chicken dishes seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme.

What is your favorite local wine for fall? Let us know and share what you pair it with! Happy Fall!