In this episode of Pour Temecula: A Local Wine, Beer, and Beverage Podcast, your hosts Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole are shining a light on the heart of what makes Temecula’s tasting rooms, restaurants, and gathering spaces so memorable: hospitality. Inspired by the recent Xenia Hospitality Awards, we’re celebrating the people who don’t just serve—they connect, care, and create moments that bring guests back again and again.

You’ll hear from a few of this year’s Xenia winners and nominees, including Walter Carter and Heather Rankin from Danza del Sol, Chef Chris Gimeno, Bobby Castro, and Regan Schneider of Corbeaux Wine & Tea House, and Nate Rivera of Goat and Vine, Two Travelers, and Little Goat. Also joining us is Vito LaFata, founder of LaFata Cellars. Each shares their philosophy on hospitality, meaningful guest interactions, and how they approach creating experiences that feel personal, warm, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re in the industry or simply someone who appreciates a well-poured glass and a genuine smile, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and heart. So pour yourself something good, and join us as we explore the soul of service—Temecula style.

We’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s your favorite winery, a memorable story, a question, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover — leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or send us a message (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

In this stylish and insightful episode of Pour Temecula, Shannon is joined by two fabulous guests to explore the intersection of wine etiquette and personal style. Paige Comrie—certified wine expert and founder of Wine with Paige—shares her passion for storytelling, photography, and helping others feel confident in the wine world. With her approachable tips on tasting room behavior and navigating wine spaces with grace, Paige breaks down barriers for both newcomers and seasoned sippers. John Galfano of 40 Over Fashion joins the conversation to talk about how dressing well can elevate the wine tasting experience, especially for men who want to feel more comfortable and confident in upscale settings.

To round out the episode, Rick and Shannon welcome Danza del Sol wine educator Heather Rankin for a fun and unexpected blind tasting challenge. Whether you're curious about what to wear to a winery, how to order wine without intimidation, or just want to feel more at home in tasting rooms, this episode is full of tips, laughs, and inspiration to help you sip—and show up—in style. Cheers!

For more information about Paige Comrie, visit https://www.winewithpaige.com/ and visit John Galfano's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@40OverFashion

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ask questions, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover on Pour Temecula. Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or send us a message (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

In this episode of Pour Temecula, we sit down with Devin Parr, WSET Diploma holder, wine writer, and longtime marketing partner for Temecula Valley wines, to dive into the evolution of this unique AVA. From its ideal growing conditions to the challenges of distribution and pricing, Devin offers expert insights into what makes Temecula both exciting and complex. We discuss the region’s reliance on direct-to-consumer sales, the rise of hospitality-driven wineries, and what the future holds for local producers. Plus, we explore why Temecula wines aren’t more widely covered in the media and what can be done to expand their reach.

Before diving into the discussion, Shannon, Devin, and Rick share their thoughts on what they’ve been drinking lately, including a somewhat skeptical take on the Espresso Martini revival—is it overhyped, or does it deserve a place in our glass? To wrap things up, we reflect on the broader themes shaping Temecula’s wine scene, incorporating insights from our recent conversation with historian Rob Crisell. Whether you're a longtime fan of Temecula wines or just discovering the region, this episode is packed with perspectives on where it's been and where it’s headed.

To connect with Devin, visit: https://www.devinparr.com

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ask questions, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover on Pour Temecula. Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or send us a message (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

In this episode of Pour Temecula, we sit down with Dirk and Michelle Uys, the husband-and-wife team behind Temecula Wine Country E-Bikes and Uys Winery, to discuss their journey from South Africa to building a business that blends adventure with wine appreciation. They share how they planted their vineyard in 2010 and embraced a garagiste approach to winemaking, crafting small-batch, minimal-intervention wines that showcase Temecula’s terroir.

We also dive into their e-bike tour business, exploring how they curate routes to offer guests an immersive experience of Temecula’s wine country. Plus, Rick and Shannon chat about what they’ve been drinking lately, including Guinness Zero, and Shannon breaks down the basics of natural wine, pet-nat, and orange wine. Rick finishes the episode reviewing the red grapes of the Bordeaux region, with special emphasis on Cabernet Franc. Whether you're passionate about winemaking, wine tourism, or just love a great wine story, this episode is packed with insights into craft winemaking, entrepreneurship, and the evolving Temecula wine scene.

For more information on Uys Winery, visit: https://uyswines.com, and for information on how you can book an e-bike adventure, visit https://uyswines.com/ebikes/

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ask questions, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover on Pour Temecula. Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or send us a message (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

In this episode of Pour Temecula, we sit down with Vito La Fata, founder of La Fata Cellars, to discuss his journey from planting his first vineyard in 2017 to building a boutique winery focused on storytelling and hospitality. Vito shares his experiences navigating the challenges of launching a winery, from branding and marketing to creating memorable wine experiences.

We also explore how Vito helps aspiring winery owners through his work at Winery Academy, where he and his business partner, Jason, provide expert guidance for those looking to break into the wine industry. Plus, Rick and Shannon chat about what they’ve been drinking lately, including Windy Ridge Hard Cider, Pliny the Elder, and Beaujolais. Whether you're an aspiring vintner or love a great wine story, this episode is packed with insights on winemaking, entrepreneurship, and the evolving Temecula wine scene.

For La Fata Cellars information, visit: https://www.lafatacellars.com, and for information on how you can create your own wine brand, visit https://www.wineryacademy.com/

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ask questions, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover on Pour Temecula. Contact us on social media (@pourtemecula on Instagram) or send us a message (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

In this episode of Pour Temecula, we finish our discussion with writer, historian, and winegrower Rob Crisell as we continue exploring the rich history of Temecula’s wine industry and his book, Temecula Valley Wineries. Rob shares how the devastation of Pierce’s Disease unexpectedly paved the way for new viticultural opportunities, leading to the region’s expansion and an influx of larger wineries. We discuss the shift away from smaller, family-run operations, how the industry has adapted post-COVID, and the continuous improvements in wine quality. Rob also introduces his latest book, The History of California Avocados, connecting agriculture and storytelling. To wrap up, we tested Rob’s palate in “The Pour,” a fun blind tasting challenge. If you haven’t yet, check out Part 1 for the entire conversation!

For more information about both of Rob's books, visit https://robcrisell.com/.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ask questions, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover on Pour Temecula. Contact us on social media (@pourtemecula on Instagram) or send us a message (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

In this episode of Pour Temecula, we sit down with writer, historian, and winegrower Rob Crisell to explore the rich history of Temecula’s wine industry and his book, Temecula Valley Wineries. Rob shares what inspired him to document the region’s transformation from a pioneering cattle ranch to a thriving wine destination, highlighting key figures like the Pechanga Indian Tribe, Dick Break, Ely Callaway, the Cilurzo family, and Joe Hart. We discuss the early days of Temecula winemaking, its growth through the 60s, 70s, and beyond, and how the region’s wine story continues to unfold.

Rob talks about his passion for local history, his personal experiences growing up in Temecula, and the extensive research that went into writing his book. He shares behind-the-scenes insights into the writing process, including the surprising discoveries he made along the way and the stories that shaped his narrative. His book, Temecula Valley Wineries, serves as both a historical record and a celebration of the hardworking pioneers who built the region into what it is today.

Before diving into the history, Rick and Shannon kick off the episode with a discussion on what they’ve been drinking lately, including a bottle of Lost Ranch Mission—a wine made from California’s historic Mission grape, known for its connection to the earliest vineyards planted by Spanish missionaries. They share their impressions of the wine’s flavor profile and how it ties into Temecula’s deep-rooted past.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore Temecula’s modern evolution, its growing reputation, and what the future holds for this exciting wine region!

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ask questions, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover on Pour Temecula. Reach out to us on social media (@pourtemecula on Instagram) or send us a message (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine and beer lovers!

In this introductory episode, hosts Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole welcome listeners to Pour Temecula: A Local Wine, Beer, and Beverage Podcast! They share their backgrounds, their passion for Temecula’s vibrant wine and beer scene, and what inspired them to create the show. Listeners will get a sneak peek at future topics, including interviews with winemakers, brewers, and industry experts, as well as unique segments like blind tastings and deep dives into local history.

Rick and Shannon also invite listener participation—whether it’s sharing favorite local spots, asking wine and beer-related questions, or suggesting topics for future episodes. This episode sets the stage for an engaging, educational, and entertaining journey through Temecula’s evolving beverage culture. Cheers!

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ask questions, or let us know what topics you’d like us to cover on Pour Temecula. Reach out to us on social media (@pourtemecula on Instagram) or send us a message (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine and beer lovers!