What to Buy
'08 Special Selection Sauvignon Blanc Soft apple, honeydew melon, vanilla, mango, Spartan apple $18
'05 Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Franc Fruity, herbal, bell pepper, cedar, smoky raspberry, violet $38
'05 Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet Merlot Black cherry, plum, currant, smoky, toasted oak, bell pepper $38
'08 Special Selection Nebbiolo Bello Raspberry, red rose, sweet cherry, red currant, strawberry, candy apple $18
Getting There
From I 15, take the Rancho California Rd. Exit east (about four miles). Winery is on the left.
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Marking its fortieth anniversary this year, Callaway Vineyard & Winery has much to celebrate. The winery, the first to open to the public in the Temecula Valley, was founded in 1969 by Ely Callaway who later started Callaway Golf. After two decades of ownership by Hiram Walker, and nearly another decade by Allied Domecq, a liquor conglomerate, the winery had seen a great deal of growth in production and distribution. But Pierce's Disease struck the vineyard in 2000 and the winery lost half of its crops. Five years later, Callaway was purchased by the Lin family, who are dedicated to limited production and higher quality wines.
Winemaker Craig Larson, who came on board last June, warmly embraces the winery's new direction. "We're not concerned about the high production we used to achieve," Craig says. "We're working at about 25,000 cases per year. Making quality wines is what we're really about. Being a purist, I don't use a lot of additives. And I think about how our wines pair with foods."
The winery's new restaurant, Meritage at Callaway, features cuisine served tapas-style along with wine pairing suggestions for each dish. Executive Chef Michael Henry is guided by Callaway's diverse wine portfolio as he concocts memorable salads, sandwiches, soups, entrées, and exotic desserts including several versions of baklava.
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