July’s a great month to explore Temecula Wine Country because Mother Nature hasn’t tuned the furnace on full blast yet.  You’re good to go to explore the wine, food, fun, shopping and music of it all.  And hey…make sure you check out the vineyards.  They’re in full bloom now, heading toward varaison and an August harvest. Joe or Jim Hart (Hart Winery) or Don Reha (Thornton Winery) are my top three picks to ask for a private vineyard “stroll and learn.”

Let’s start off with a big Wine Country bang. Monte De Oro Winery brings us its version of the

“Pops” on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at 7:00 pm.  Looks like a fun evening of American classics, songs and wine under the stars featuring the Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra & Choir. Seating Options: Conductors Tables @ $600 each, VIP Seats @ 75.00 each, and General Admission @ $35.00 per person. Doors open at 6:00pm, concert begins at 7:00pm. For tickets, call 951-491-6551.

Lorimar Winery is featuring the art of David Musser all month long and the music of John Vester on Saturday, July 3^rd & Diego Mondragon, Saturday, July 17, 6-9 pm. No cover charge. Add in their July 4-31st "Red, White & Blue" wine promotion of the 2005 Medley Meritage, 2009 Duetto and the 2009 Muscat Canelli (subject to change) and you have one heck of a celebration.  The local buzz is this Old Town tasting room under the direction of co-owner Mark Manfield is hopping! Check it out, call 951-240-5177 for info.

Need to get your shopping groove on?  Maurice Carrie Winery is back under the direction of Bud and Maurice Van Roekel. Check out their charming arts and craft fair held every Saturday and Sunday on the picnic grounds in front of the Winery.  The fair features an array of handcrafted merchandise and you can order their famous baked brie sourdough bread, buy a bottle of wine, and enjoy a perfect July weekend!

Thinking you need a little 411 on wine tasting technique?  Check out Falkner Winery’s Wine Appreciation Class on Saturday,  July 10^th from 10:30 am – 3 pm. Call for space and price.  Or maybe you love cooking?  Watch a number of free videos featuring Chef Mike of "MAC & ME" and Chef Gianni of the Pinnacle giving tips about how to cook some very yummy dishes. More info can be obtained on www.falknerwinery.com.

And finally, what would a Temecula Wine Country summer be without a Thornton Winery Smooth Jazz Concert?  Guess who’s coming to dinner? Brian Culbertson (with a surprise special guest) on Sunday, July 25^th at 5 PM.  Seriously folks, besides Dave Koz, it doesn’t get much better than this.  General admission is $65.  The full ride Gourmet Supper Package is $130.  Order tickets at (951) 699-0099 x 3129.   See ya there!