Temecula - Wine Country

We drove along a busy Interstate 15 around 60 miles north to Temecula, a populous but spread-out city in Temecula Valley Wine Country (it has 41 wineries alone). 

We arrived at Marriott Springhill Suites for 2 nights, located just outside Old Town Temecula (founded 1859) and a 10 minute walk for Chris to Metrea and antique shops and real cafes for me! 

The area was originally colonised by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, and they now have a Reservation to the south of the City with the usual Casino and resort; US states have limited legal ability to forbid gambling as the Indians have tribal sovereignty and use the funds for their economy and services (John Grisham is a great source of information!!).

After work for Chris and my first real Chocolate Milkshake and a bit of mooching - the cowboy boots and alligator jerky were not for me - I arranged to dine at Lorimar Winery (recommended) as there was live music. Lovely atmosphere, great food and nice Sauvignon Blanc but i'll not forget the spontaneous line dancing (uncool) to T Rex's 'Get It On' (very cool); Marc Bolan would have turned in his grave! Surrounded by vines with an amazing sunset, this was one to remember. 

Oh and we saw our first Trump mini-demo on the way there; lots of frenzied whooping and hollering. No democrat one seen to date!

I also visited the Temecula Valley Museum and learned about native Indians, Missions, pioneers, ranches and railroads and the shocking fact (to me and my poor knowledge of that bit of US history) that California was in Mexico until 1848, when the Treaty ending the Mexican-American War ceded 55% of Mexican territory including Nevada, Utah and Colorado amongst others. Explains partly why Spanish names/language, food and hispanic-looking people proliferate (oh and the Mexican border is close to San Diego and maybe Trump's wall or fence is still a little porous?).

On saturday morning we visited Old Temecula's Farmers' Market; I now realise they are very popular in California and are an important part of the farming economy. Great for consumers too, but only if they have deep pockets...a small sourdough loaf cost $10 (about £7.50/8) but the oranges and avocados were great. In fact, the whole area is known as the Avocado Capital of the US as they grow so many. As it's a Mediterranean climate here, and about 35 degrees at the moment, there were lots of exotic flowers too including Proteas ($5 a stem), which I just assumed grew in South Africa.

Time to head to Oceanside...