New Exhibit Uncorks Temecula's Wine Making History

The is set to present a new exhibit, called "Wine Country: From the Missions to Modern Day."

The exhibit is scheduled to open next Saturday and run until June 17.

The growing of grapes for winemaking has been a part of the Temecula Valley’s history since the days of the early Spanish missions.

Missionaries brought with them vine cuttings from Spain to use for the production of wine for sacramental and table use. 

The climate along the coast near Mission San Luis Rey proved too cool and foggy to allow the grapes to mature enough for winemaking, but the Temecula Valley had the ideal climate and soil conditions and so the history of winemaking in our valley began. 

Today, Temecula’s Wine Country is a multimillion dollar industry, producing award winning wines and bringing tourists to our lovely valley. 

Take a look at the development of this local industry from the missions to modern day and discover how it has turned Temecula into a charming destination.

-- by Susan Blanch of the Temecula Valley Museum