Churon Winery
by
Terry Sullivan
Summary: Churon Winery is located in the heart of Temecula wine country.The Inn at Churon Winery can be a perfect base for exploring the wineries in Temecula Valley.
Churon Winery is located in a chateau-styled inn in the heart of Temecula wine country. The winery opened two weeks prior to the November 2001 opening of the inn. During those two weeks, visitors to the winery tasting room were given a tour of the inn rooms. The name Churon is derived from a combination of Chuck and Ron, representing the original partnership. Churon is now owned by Ron and Judy Thomas.
The winery and inn sit atop nine acres of vineyards. Plantings include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Barbera and Ruby Cabernet. The Ruby Cabernet grape is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan. The setting is ideal for scenic events including weddings and anniversaries as well as getaways. Churon Winery produces between 4,000 and 6,000 cases of wine. Some grapes are also sourced from growers in Temecula.
The inn is a bed and breakfast. The five suites and nineteen rooms are well furnished with French-styled furnishings. Bathrooms are very large with marble floors and countertops. Each room has an easy to operate fireplace that adds to the romantic setting of this bed and breakfast. The landscaping around the inn is beautiful even during our late February visit. Several terraced areas are available for sitting and enjoying a glass of wine. Vineyard vistas below the winery and in the distance abound focusing on the rolling hills. Snowcapped mountains, unusual at this time of year, paint the horizon.
The tasting room is accessed by a curved stairway from the lobby. Framed paintings on each side of the stairway lend ambience to the walk down. A large retail area affords visitors with an assortment of gifts including wine related gifts. Spend time browsing the assortment of gifts. Items available include “chef” wine bottle holders, MusicCooks (recipes with music cds), iced egg tray servers, and wine related books. Food available includes jars of humongous green olives, baby corn, asparagus and pickled garlic. The tasting counter is made of two connected u-shaped sections. This helps visitors converse with each other. The marble top of the tasting counter contrasts with the dark wood of the tasting bar and background. A fireplace is located on the right of the tasting counter.
Adjacent to the tasting room, the winery houses tanks and oak barrels for aging wine. Bottling equipment is also in this area. The winery does not rush their wines and release them early. Rather they are given time to age. Benny Rodriguez, the winemaker, crafts several wines. His wife bottles the wine.
On the day of our visit we tasted several wines. The 2006 Viognier had a grapefruit aroma. The taste was grapefruit and tropical fruit. The crisp finish was fruity. The wine was refreshing. The 2007 White Merlot was a light red color that had a strawberry aroma. The taste had strawberry and melon nuances. It had a light crisp finish. The 2005 Petit Syrah had a jam nose and plum and blackberry taste. The jam-like finish had tannins. The 2005 Malbec had a very fruity aroma. The raspberry taste had soft tannins on the finish and a long fruit aftertaste. The non-vintage Port had the typical port aroma and taste. With the smooth mouth feel and a little heat on the finish, it leaves one wanting to sip more.
The Inn at Churon Winery offers a base for visiting the many wineries in the Temecula area. Guests who stay at the inn can attend a free wine tasting with appetizers from 5:00 to 6:00. You can have dinner at the inn, and then enjoy a comfortable room. Breakfast is a great way to start a day of wine tasting.
Churon Winery
33233 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA. 92591
GPS: N 33° 31.251' W 117° 04.734'
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