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Health & Fitness

Shop Local for Christmas

It's not too late to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list... Right here in Temecula

With Christmas just a few days away, some of us have our holiday shopping  all wrapped up and under the tree or flying to loved ones faster than Santa's sleigh thanks to the magic of the Internet.

For the rest of us, we have yet to begin. No worries, there is still time to get some really great local gifts right here in Temecula. Yes, it's chic and green to shop locally, so here are some of the best ideas in Temecula.

The is nestled in our rustic Old Town and filled with tasty choices for practically everyone on your list. The best part is the olives are grown on their farm in Anza, then worked into some of the most flavorful olive oils you will find.

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I have been buying gifts for friends and family here for years, yet I'm still running into Temeculans who have never heard of this jewel of a store. Before you buy you can sample any one of their many flavor-infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Their friendly staff will assist in your selection and then wrap your gifts for free. Try their Meyer lemon olive oil with their vanilla fig balsamic vinegar on your salads or for dipping crusty French bread. They ship all over the world.

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And speaking of bread, have you tried the ? This another favorite place if you like rustic, fresh artisan breads. They bake a few different flavors daily, which you can sample before you buy.

I always pick up a round loaf of the Popeye bread, baked with spinach, feta and garlic. Their best seller is probably the honey whole wheat, but their scones are scrumptious as well.

My daughters and I stop in often for their cinnamon rolls smeared generously with cream cheese frosting. They're every bit as good as they sound.

Take the scenic drive out to our Wine Country, which now boasts more than 34 wineries. I had a chance to taste their best this season at the in November. I enjoyed Vogue Rouge, a sparkling red champagne made of Pinot Noir grapes, recommended by chef Steve Pickerell. He also recommended the Barbara -- say it bar-BERA -- Italian varietal, which complements Mediterranean menus.

Cooking classes are offered monthly by chef Steve, and you can get more info at Thornton's website.

Located just off of De Portola Road is Foot Path Winery, where I discovered winemaker Deane Foote's passion for unfiltered and organic  wine.

Back in 2002, Deane planted a vineyard and took a 12-hour course in winemaking class at UCR with the intent of making red wine for himself and his wife, Christine. He decided to try his hand at making unfiltered wine, which he does the old fashioned way, adding no tannins or sulfites.

His passion for wine making spilled over to a career of making award-winning wines, and he has the distinction of making the only CCOF organic wine in the Temecula Valley. Because there are are no sulfites added, the organic wines have to be filtered.

Says Deane, "I make wine that I enjoy drinking. I think my wine is easily drinkable and fruit forward," which truly describes is unique flavor.

is offering evening carriage rides through their vineyard lit by thousands of lights, making a romantic and memorable night with those you love.

Looking for something unique? Hot Air Balloon rides make a great gift, and with our mild weather, you see them rising out of wine country all year long.

The Winchester Cheese Co. is another Temecula favorite. Located right off of Winchester Road is a full scale cheese factory, producing some truly delicious Gouda Cheeses. They have mild, medium, smoked and sharp as well as flavors such as jalapeño, cumin and garden herb. T

he is another source for unique, local gifts. Located in Old Town every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., this sprawling, outdoor market is chocked full of local artisans, fresh, local produce, flowers, jewelry, pottery and so much more, all made here.

Take a spin on the ice at the outdoor Ice Rink in front of the , December 16-Jan 8. Take a stroll through Old Town, especially at night when the trees sparkle with holiday lights. Oh, what fun -- and how green -- it is to shop locally. Happy holidays, Temecula!

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