Nestled in the heart of Temecula, where sun-kissed vineyards paint a canvas of flavors just waiting to be explored, you’ll find Avensole Winery. Imagine a place where history meets innovation, and every sip of wine tells a tale of passion and craftsmanship.
During my trip to Temecula, I visited numerous wineries and found that there’s a whole range of places just waiting to be explored! Although I didn’t get to Avensole on my trip, I’ve since sampled their wines and learned more about their story and experiences – and I have to say, they’re top of my list for my next trip down to the Temecula wine region! Here’s why you should give them a visit.
A Glimpse into Avensole’s Storied Past
Avensole is a combination of the words “avventura” (Italian for adventure) and “sole” (for “one of a kind” or “matchless”). Their philosophy is that discovery and adventure make life more meaningful.
Avensole Winery was born into a family deeply rooted in tradition. Founding siblings Sheldon and Maribeth worked tirelessly to follow in their parent’s footsteps. Inspired by their parents, Sylvia and William “Bill” Lytton’s love for music and wine, Avensole’s roots trace back to family vacations in Vienna, Austria. Here, the fragrant vineyards and centuries-old winemaking traditions left an indelible mark.
In the Temecula Valley, California the siblings found a remarkably similar geography and climate that they experienced in Austria and decided to pay homage to their childhood memories by establishing their winery here. The vineyard was even home to Sylvia’s favorite variety – Gewurztraminer!
Today, Avensole is a tribute to the Lytton family’s vision, blending tradition, artistry, and vineyard heritage. Each sip carries the melody of their labor, inviting you to a time of elegance, adventure, and the everlasting magic of music and wine.
Temecula’s Terroir
In the sun-drenched embrace of Temecula Valley, the terroir dances with character, shaping wines of distinction.
Here, the unique combination of warm days and cool nights, courtesy of Pacific Ocean breezes, creates an ideal climate for grape cultivation. The well-drained, granite-laden soils lend a mineral nuance to the wines, while the ample sunlight coaxes rich flavors to fruition.
The Temecula terroir, framed by rolling hills and embraced by a Mediterranean climate, imparts a touch of California’s golden essence to each grape.
This combination of warmth, coolness, and a dash of coastal influence results in wines that boast both depth and vibrancy, embodying the essence of Temecula’s terroir in every sip. It’s a landscape where vines thrive, capturing the essence of the valley and transforming it into a liquid poetry of sun-soaked indulgence.
A Symphony of Flavors: Avensole’s Wine Collection
Avensole makes a range of wines with something for everyone. They sent over three of their most popular bottles for me to review, and I couldn’t help but fall in love, glass after glass. Here’s the breakdown!
Avensole Rendevous Brut Sparkling
Crafted using the Charmat Method, Avensole’s sparkling brut wine is a beautiful classic.
As I savored the effervescent charm in the glass, my palate was greeted by a lively dance of vibrant aromas. The enticing blend of peach and apricot unfolded with each sip, creating a symphony that felt like a personal rendezvous with indulgence. Subtle notes of citrus graced my palate, adding a refreshing twist that I found truly invigorating.
The crisp acidity became my companion, leaving a lasting impression on the journey through each bubble.
This sparkling gem concluded with a lingering finish, and I couldn’t help but toast to the joyous moments this wine brought – a personal celebration to the sparkling perfection in my glass!
Avensole Aventura Red Blend
Delving into the Avensole 2019 Aventura, a delightful blend of 60% Zinfandel and 40% Tempranillo, the journey begins with enticing aromas of ripe blackberry intertwined with subtle spice and a hint of eucalyptus.
As the wine caresses the palate, it unfolds as a lush and jammy experience, with smoked cherry taking center stage. The expressive sweet tobacco and mint finish add a captivating final touch to this Avensole favorite.
In every sip, the Aventura tells a tale of bold flavors and nuanced elegance, making it a must-try for those seeking a delightful symphony of Zinfandel and Tempranillo.
Avensole Retaggio Red Blend
Having had the pleasure of savoring the Avensole 2020 Retaggio, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Awarded a well-deserved 99 points at the 2023 CA State Fair, this estate blend of 75% Zinfandel and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon left an indelible mark.
The nose was a captivating dance of red plum and lavish burnt caramel, setting the stage for an extravagance that continued on the palate. Notes of smoky blackberry, ripe strawberry, and a hint of pepper unfolded, culminating in a graceful finish dusted with fine cinnamon.
A true masterpiece, the Retaggio is a testament to Avensole’s commitment to crafting wines of unparalleled quality and distinction.
The Avensole Experience
Wine Tasting
Avensole Winery serves up unique experiences perfect for any wine lover. Not only do they have a typical winery tasting room, but they also have an incredible restaurant on-premise.
If you’re interested in wine tasting at Avensole, you can opt for a standard or premier tasting at their tasting bar, or elevate your experience with a seated tasting. They also offer charcuterie boards, Sangria, and live music.
For a more curated experience, consider their winery tours and learn about how wine is made from grape to glass. They also offer a chocolate & wine pairing experience, as well as a “Cork to Fork” tour that explores the vineyard with a glass of sparkling wine in hand before heading to a seated tasting that pairs 5 wines with food pairings from their restaurant team.
Learn more about their tasting experiences here
Restaurant
Overlook the tranquil Avensole vineyards and pond, the view from the Restaurant at Avensole is where food and wine are shared and celebrated.
With delightfully evolving menus and award-winning wine, guests can indulge in a unique dining adventure each time they visit. Also offering craft beers and cocktails, the restaurant at Avensole has thirst quenching options for every guest.
Learn more about their restaurant here
Conclusion
As the curtain falls on this exploration of Avensole Winery, it’s clear that every bottle holds not just wine but a narrative woven with passion, tradition, and a touch of the extraordinary. From the sun-kissed vineyards to the aromatic cellars, Avensole invites wine enthusiasts on a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary.
Be sure to add them to your next Temecula Winery itinerary! I know I will. Cheers!
