Danza Del Sol Winery

This 35 acre estate on the De Portola Wine Trail was previously owned by the Filsingers who created exceptional wines in the Temecula Valley for almost 30 years.  In 2010 the new Danza del Sol tasting room opened under the ownership of Robert Olson.  The property is lovely and the tasting room large.  They also have a private tasting room at the top of the hill for members.  This tasting room has gorgeous views of the valley and vineyards.  On the weekend this winery is popular and packed!  We walked in and were surprised at how truly packed it was.  As we tend to like to a little personal attention so that we can ask lots of questions, it was a little too crowded for our taste.  So, we looked about a bit and then headed out and will return for a mid-week visit when they are not so busy so that we can do an uninhibited tasting with them.

They offer a two and a half hour Wine Experience for $75 per person where you are taken on a winery tour and then guided through an introduction to wine appreciation.  You taste 3 wines while on the tour and then 7 wines during the tasting class as well as enjoy a plate of cheese crackers fruits and chocolates.

In addition they have a lovely patio and you are welcome to pack a lunch and purchase a bottle of wine to enjoy.

This winery had been owned by William and Katherine Filsinger who purchase 35 acres of vineyard property on De Portola in 1978.  The vineyards had been planted with Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc in 1972.  Dr. Filsinger planted the first Gewurztraminer in southern California.

The Winemaker here is Mike Tingley, who was the winemaker at Cirluzo.  With 30 years experience in the Temecula Valley his goal is “To craft varietal wines and innovative blends that not only are delicious, but have identity”.

The winery is now owned by Robert Olson and the winery now produces wines with a Mediterranean influence.

As we tasted through the wines here, there was nothing we didn’t enjoy, some though were out of the park wonderful.  The 2011 Le Blanc SV, the Sinfonia, the Rousanne, the 2011 Vermentino, the 2010 Mourvedre, the Cab Franc, Merlot, Syrah were all wonderful and we didn’t taste half the menu! The Trilogy and the 2010 Grenache were amazing.  This Grenache is the perfect early summer wine, when it is warm and you want the flavors of a red without the heavy body.

Tommy was kind enough to fill us in on all the geeky wine stuff, talking about the vineyard blocks and where each of the grapes were grown on the property.

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Video of Danza Del Sol

Danza Del Sol Winery, Taste Temecula Wine Country from Crushed Grape Chronicles on Vimeo.
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Direction’s Via Google Maps

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