Balloons to Sail, Wine to Pour for Festival

The Temecula Valley Baloon and Wine Festival launched Friday and will be held all weekend, organizers said.

The festival runs from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Lake Skinner, 37701 Warren Road, Winchester,

“This is a great opportunity to get a taste of the entire Wine Country,” director of marketing Melody Brunsting said.

Reservations were being taken for baloon rides over Wine Country but there will also be music, food and -- of course, wine -- back on earth, organizers said.

Among the offerings will be gourmet food and wine or beer pairings, according to Melody Brunsting, spokesperson for the festival.

The headliner for this event is Lifehouse, the 2001 Billboard Music Award-winning band, according to The Press Enterprise.

The band will perform Saturday, Brunsting said.

Also on tap for Saturday will be Grammy Award-winning band Soul Asylum, and Ed Kowalczyk, the former lead singer of the multiplatinum album selling band LIVE, according to The Press Enterprise.

Friday's event will feature Country music artists Phil Vassar, Chris Cagle, and Gloriana, organizers said.

On Sunday, the Wine Garden stage will present solo artist John Waite, according to the P-E.

Metal Mulisha and other famous motocross riders will perform as well.

Those who do not wish to soar above Temecula Valley in a skybound balloon may take free rides in tethered balloons Saturday and Sunday.

There will also be arts and crafts, food trucks, and other sorts of vendors.

Friday and Saturday evening, a sunset balloon glow -- a number of balloons lighting their burners at the same time -- will be held.

“I think the festival has really grown in quality over the last five years,” Brunsting said. “The entertainment, food, and sights make for an enjoyable weekend for all.”

Tickets for Friday will be $5-$22, depending on which activities are chosen; Saturday, $5-$25 and Sunday, $5-$17.

A weekend combination admission package is available for $50.