South Coast Winery’s Blessing of the Vines

The bountiful feast after the vine blessing. (Courtesy photo)

 

Press Release provided by Crystal Magon, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.

In a tradition that dates back centuries to European vineyards, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa will host its annual blessing of the vines celebration on April 10 between the hours of 4 PM to 7 PM. Blessing of the vines’ ceremonies were imported from Europe and date back to 1598, wherein workers and vineyards were traditionally blessed each year to ensure a good harvest. A blessing was then preceded by a parade through the vineyard, followed by a wine tasting and entertainment.

Affirming its commitment to remain authentic to winemaking traditions, South Coast Winery’s Blessing of the Vines Ceremonies are steeped in tradition and celebration, a fun-filled celebration that has been shared with its Southern California neighbors for the past eight years. This year’s celebration will make no exception as guests enjoy a processional tour through South Coast Vineyards with the vine blessing officiated by Pastor Phil Hottsenpillar of the Yorba Linda Friends Church, followed by a delectable, hot-off-the grill barbecue, live music, dancing and, of course, wine.

South Coast is the only winery in the Temecula Valley to ask for divine assistance during the growing season, a tradition that is not lost on master winemaker Jon McPherson. “It’s just a blessing to bring about a bountiful harvest especially when working with so much fruit,” he explained. Not surprising then to believers and perhaps skeptics is the discovery that, to date, South Coast Winery has been the first and only Southern California winery to claim the California State Winery of the Year title, a title earned in 2008 and followed up with a back-to-back win in 2009.

South Coast Winery grows and produces 95% of the fruit that goes into its wines from its four premium Southern California vineyards:

Rolling Hills Vineyard –26 acres planted
Carter Estate Vineyard — 109 acres (70 acres planted)
South Coast Vineyard –39 acres (22 acres planted)
Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyard –400 acres (200 acres planted)

The menu for South Coast Winery’s 8th Annual Blessing of the Vines includes: BBQ chicken and burgers, corn on the cob, baked beans, salad bar, corn bread with jalapeno honey butter and fresh baked cobbler. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (951) 587-9463 Ext. 7210.