Mt. Palomar Winery

Valley News

Friday, November 30, 2007.
Issue 48, Volume 11.

Peter Surowski

Temecula winemakers pour glasses to benefit fire victims

Listening to people’s woes is part of a bartender’s job; it’s no exception for those who pour wine.

Winemakers have been listening to their clients’ horror stories every weekend since the Rice Canyon Fire ravaged Fallbrook. So they decided to give something back to those who have helped make their wine successful.

On Sunday, Nov. 18, Temecula wineries came together to help Fallbrook fire victims during the “Fallbrook After the Ashes” street fair, sponsored in part by the Village News, sister publication of the Valley News. The fair included three wine-tasting patios, separated from the rest of the crowd by stacked bales of hay and rope.

Local wineries poured cups of Temecula-grown wine for $5 per glass. All the wine was donated by the wineries, so all the money went to benefit the victims of the fire.

“It brings funds, but it also brings a sense of celebration out of the fire,” said Patrick J. Bartlett, the executive director of Temecula Valley Winery Management. He spent the day pouring wines donated by Leonesse Cellars, Stuart Cellars and Atwood Estate. “It’s awesome to see the spirit of resilience.”

“It’s a good thing. It’s good to see people enjoying themselves again,” Fallbrook resident Pete Heric said of the fair. “[The fair shows] people in this community care about each other.”

In addition to the wine patios, the fair included three stages for music and dozens of craft booths.

“We feel a kinship for Fallbrook. It’s a close connection. We see a lot of the surrounding communities all year round supporting the wine community,” said George Myers, an assistant winemaker for Falkner Winery. “If they have a need, we want to be there to support them.” By the end of the day, Falkner raised $500.

Bartlett was surprised to see how few Fallbrook residents were aware that Temecula is a major wine-producing region. “A lot of people said today, ‘Wow, I had no idea.’”

“The people here have been very grateful,” said Sally Ellis, the office manager at Mount Palomar Winery. “A lot of people say, ‘Where’s Temecula?’ I was surprised. I think a lot of people learned about Temecula today.”

The fair’s goal was to raise $100,000 which has been met and is continuing to grow. The money will go to help disparaged victims of the Rice fire that ravaged the city. Before the event, community members donated $30,000.

Donations are still being accepted. To donate, e-mail fallbrookfires@gmail.com or call the Village News office at (760) 723-7319.