The 3rd of September 2008 was a perfect day, like we only experience in Southern California. The slightly overcast and crisp morning turned into a sunny afternoon with a deep blue sky and not a single cloud in sight. It was just the day to visit some wineries in Temecula.
Few wineries offer a more picturesque location than Briar Rose Winery.
In the 70’s, Beldon Fields, well known for his contribution to the creation of Fantasyland and Tune Town in Disneyland, purchased land in Temecula and built for his wife a cottage modeled after snow white’s cottage.
Les and Dorian Linkogle, owners of Briar Rose winery purchased the beautiful estate of Beldon Fields in the early 1990’s. The estate location was perfect for growing grapes. In the late 1990’s Viognier grapes were planted along with Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet sauvignon and Riesling. Local wineries purchased the grapes until, in 2002, Carl Key, owner of the Keyways Winery convinced Les Linkogle to open a winery. Les Linkogle did not only become a winery owner. He became a winemaker and a very innovative one. Les is involved in each step of the process. The method of production is artisanal and very labor intensive.
Briar Rose winery caters to discriminating wine connoisseur with premium estate wines ranging from $ 65.00 to $350.00. Les Linkogle explains, “ Our ultra premium wine is very expensive for several reasons, beginning with stressing the vines during growing season for more fruit and maximum flavor. The greenest and plush looking vines do not always produce the finest grapes.” Briar Rose specializes in small lot, limited production. In a short period of time, the reputation of Briar Rose exceptional wines has already reached numerous celebrities, the White House, the Playboy mansion and even Buckingham palace. Supply and demand dictates the selling prices.
The fairyland style cottage restored, the charming boutique style estate winery opened its door to the public in June 2007. “At Briar Rose, it’s not just a wine tasting, it’s a wine experience. "Because this is a reservation only winery, we are able to provide visitors with an intimate tasting experience,” says Dorian Linkogle, winery owner. Each guest is given a tour of the vineyard, a wine introduction by French staff sommelier Gabriel Martino and meets with winemaker and owner Les Linkogle.
Briar Rose is particularly well known domestically and internationally for producing award winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Viognier and Merlot. It is located at 41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula, Ca 92592 Tel (951) 308-1098, Hours Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm, Daily Sit Down Wine Tasting. Saturday and Sunday offers wine education with staff sommelier. Reservations required
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