LIBATION: Europa Village C’est La Vie 2007 En Vie/Bolero 2007 Tempranillo
LOCATION: Temecula Valley Wine Country, California
LEGACY: Take a whirlwind trip of Europe minus the jet lag. In Temecula Valley Wine Country, centrally located between Los Angeles and San Diego, Europa Village tasting room brings three European countries together in a one-stop wine tasting tour inspired by Spain, France and Italy.
Out of the nine wines we tasted, in the company of my gal pals and boyfriend, Europa Village’s Rhone Valley-inspired C’est La Vie 2007 En Vie or the Spanish-style Bolero 2007 Tempranillo were favorites for their surprisingly complex flavor profiles without being overstated as with many California wines.
We tried to convince Stefano Butto, our reserved but charming sommelier tasting guide direct from Piancenza, Italy, to give us a wine barrel squirt of their not-yet released Italian-style Vienza 2009 Sangiovese but much to my dismay, it was not ready. It would be worth becoming a Société Europa member to have first dibs on the Vienza 2009 Sangiovese.
LOWDOWN: Besides a stunning location for a wedding or a reunion, Europa Village offers tastings in a peculiar wine glass I affectionately nicknamed, “The Dude’s Wine Glass”. The Ravenscroft Amplifier Vintner’s Crystal Tasting Glass allows you to sniff, swirl, and swish fearlessly as the grip is reminiscent of a bowling ball grip! Available on Amazon.
Want to read more about wine? Each month, the Travel Blog Mob offers up a variety of insights on a given topic. If you’re interested in some other perspectives on this liquid delight, pop over to these other posts.
Wandering Educators – Austria for Wine Lovers
Ciao Bambino – Crushing the Reputation the California Wine Country Isn’t for Kids
BootsnAll – Our Favorite Drinks from Around the World
The Vacation Gals – Touring Wineries in Willamette Valley
Sharing Travel Experiences – Destinations Worth Visiting for the Drinks Alone