Briar Rose Winery, known as Temecula’s premier boutique winery, celebrated its 3rd anniversary in style this past Saturday night with a reservation-only BBQ dinner, great friends, and of course, fantastic award-winning Briar Rose wine.
About 50 wine club members and guests filled Briar Rose’s back courtyard on what turned out to be a gorgeous, warm summer evening. The Disney-esque setting (their main building was built to replicate Snow White’s cottage) added to the intimacy and quaintness as devotees of owner and winemaker Les Linkogle’s vintages enjoyed his 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Estate Viognier (my wine “Pick of the Week” back in May of this year), and 2004 CabernetFranc. There are very few things more pleasurable than sitting in the warm Temecula sun, chatting with friends, and sipping such exquisite wine. A special and private affair.
Guests also enjoyed a scrumptious traditional BBQ dinner – pulled pork, tri-tip beef, and chicken topped the menu. The main course was enhanced by red onion poppy seed salad, scalloped potatoes, fruit salad, beans, and rolls. The Cab Franc paired especially well with the pulled pork.Before the dinner bell rang, Les and his lovely wife Dorian took a few minutes to stand up on stage and welcome their guests to this family reunion-like occasion. They thanked everyone in attendance – not only for joining them on their 3rd anniversary – but for their loyalty. A typical Briar Rose wine club member is a selective wine enthusiast – someone who recognizes great wine and is all too willing to spend top dollar for such premium, small lot, handcrafted varietals.
Enjoying the sunshine, the BBQ, and of course, the wine. Photo by Michael Chava.
Abrakadabra supplied the sounds. Photo by Michael Chava.
