Wiens Family Cellars, Temecula CA

September 24, 2011 Posted by Robin Renken Temecula, CA, Wine Makers, Wine Tasting, Wine Travel No Comments

The sign out front “Big Reds”, kinda caught our attention. So we swung a u-y and pulled in to the big red barn. Have to admit, the sign doesn’t lie! We really enjoyed the wines. It was the end of a day of tasting, so….we stopped again at the top of another day, to be sure we indeed were in love with these wines. And we were, so…yep, we joined the club, and have not regretted it! The artist series labels are beautiful and elegant with a sense of intense music, just like the wine inside. Favorites include the 2008 Reflections which is a blend of Sangiovese, Barbera, Merlot, Pertite Verdot and Viognier. Also the 2008 Syrah and 2007 Crowded, a blend of Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Dolcetto, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. and finally the 2008 Domestique. The winemaker says that “Domestique is a bicycle racing term for the member that gives up his/her own race finishing status for the good of the team.” This is their Rhone-style blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, with a little Sangiovese. This is a wonderful blend.

Doug Wiens started in 1996 planting a 7 acre vineyard with the help of family, southwest of Sacramento. In 2001 his 3 brothers joined him in opening Wiens Family Cellars. In 2003 they moved the whole organization to Temecula. The Tasting Room is warm and the glassed off barrel room for special events is beautiful. They also have a beautiful patio and you are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy a bottle of wine outside!