Savoring wine in Temecula, Southern California (www.wiiners)

NAPA Valley is considered one of the top wine regions in the United States and the world, with a history dating back to the nineteenth century.

The combination of Mediterranean climate, geography and geology of the valley are conducive to growing quality wine grapes. Napa Valley is situated in Northern California.

Click here for stories and updates on the Sinulog 2010 Festival.

The answer of Southern California to viticultural culture is Temecula Valley.

Home to wine grapes since Father Junipero Serra planted them at mission San Diego almost 250 years ago, the Temecula Valley has influenced a rebirth of the wine industry in Southern California.

One of the 107 federally recognized American Viliculture Areas, the Valley is comprised of 33,000 acres of which 1300 are currently planted in commercial vineyards.

It is also home to 5000 acres designated by the Riverside County as "protected" land known as the Citrus/Vineyard Zone. The zone encourages agriculture and preservation of the rural lifestyle and winemaking atmosphere.

The Temecula Valley is 90 miles Southeast of Los Angeles, and just 22 miles from the California coast where Carmen and I were coming from. Named "Temeku" which translates "where the sun shines through the mist" by a band of native American Indians, Temecula is now home to more than 30 wineries whose premium wines are world renowned with hundreds of award-winning wines.

Wineries are open daily for wine tasting, wine tours and private groups.

My friend Carmen Angodung, a lights engineer, was once stationed in Palo Alto and frequented Napa Valley before being assigned in Orange County.

A wine connoisseur, she wanted to do something different one weekend and try the fine wines of Southern California. Being on a holiday with an open agenda, I was game to try what was new and different from my normal routine back home. So upon the suggestion of her officemate who does photography and events on the side, we headed for Ponte in Temecula Valley!!!

It took us about an hour's drive to reach our destination. Temecula is a remarkably beautiful region of rolling hills with a backdrop of mountains reaching as high as 11,500 feet with daytime temperatures modified by cooling ocean breezes flowing over the coastal range to the west.

Finally, reaching Ponte, we were ushered into the tasting room where wines ranging from cool climate grapes like Reisling, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay, through the moderate climate Bordeaux varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc to the warmer climate Mediterranean varieties like Viognier, Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese and Tempranillo. The place was already crowded with many already on the third or fourth glass of wine tasting.

It was a Sunday and the California sun was exhibiting its glory with clear blue skies and the fall temperature just right to make us decide to dine al fresco.

Carmen and I first toasted on champagne for this great gift of experiencing nature, good food and wine. The buffet table was spread in a barn, which contained barrels and barrels of wine!!! I thought that was super cool!!! This was a first for me and I was truly grateful and the food was great!!!

Ponte in Temecula is a perfect spot for a wine country wedding or girls' getaway or corporate retreats. No wonder we saw some ladies who were celebrating an engagement, many couples and families.

Nationalities from different parts of the globe too were also very visible. After many trips to the buffet table, we toured Ponte where function rooms were abundant and most occupied by families having reunions and some corporate outings. There was a large tent too for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

A lesson in Wine Eiquette 101.

If you have been tasting wine, then you know the motto: if you like it then its good wine regardless of price. The rules of wine tasting is swirling, twirling, graffing are completely optional elements to enjoying a glass of wine. If you think it tastes great to you, then you've found a great wine be it white, red, pink, dry or cloying sweet. Concentrating on your senses, tasting, smelling makes up an enjoyable tasting experience.

When visiting a winery certain rules are to be kept in mind.

1. Remember to return your stemless wine tasting glasses before leaving the winery.

2. Wine tasting must be done in the Tasting Room.

3. Never ask for double pours. Wine tasting is designed to sample the wines to discover which one you like. If you love, then purchase a bottle after sampling.

4. Wine tasting is not unlimited. Usually it is from 8-12 brands.

As I said, this was a first for me and I truly enjoyed the trip to Temecula Valley. The meandering mountains, the rows and rows of grape vines, the beautiful day made prettier by the fabulous landscape, the great food and the fine wine, and most importantly the great company absolutely was another addition to my bucket list. THANK YOU LORD!!!