Stop and Smell the Roses at Briar Rose Winery in Temecula’s Wine Country and Let Your Wine Breathe

Sometimes you just can’t be in a hurry. When enjoying a glass of fine wine, patience has its rewards. The wine needs time to breathe and aerate. This means air needs to come in contact with the wine. Just allowing an uncorked bottle of wine to sit a while is not sufficient. The benefit of stopping to smell the roses before enjoying your glass of wine is the additional time and contact with the air will allow for the opening of the aromas and the flavor will soften and the flavor will improve.

Red wines generally benefit most from breathing before serving. However, there are select whites that will also improve with a few minutes of air exposure. Most wines will improve with as little as 15-20 minutes of air time. However, the higher the tannin level, the more aeration is needed. Tannins are found in grape skins, seeds, and stems that are an excellent antioxidant and natural preservative. Tannins give wine a needed structure and texture.

Two options to allow the wine to aerate is to pour the wine into a decanter, if several glasses will be enjoyed, or into a single glass. Wine experts also suggest that wine is poured into the center of the decanter or glass with at least 6 inches of "fall" from bottle to glass allowing additional aeration during the actual pour.

A decanter can be any large liquid container that has a wide opening at the top. The increased surface area is the key to allowing more air to make contact with your wine.
 
For additional information ask one of your knowledgeable servers while enjoying a tasting at our Briar Rose Winery tasting room. We love to discuss our wines and how to enjoy them. Make a reservation today for your next visit to our Temecula Valley Wine Country location.

Briar Rose Winery Gets Celebrated Visit From Southern California Wine Country

As Michael and Karon Cartwright, MUST's editors, entered the enchanting grounds of Briar Rose Winery, their first vision was that of the replica of Snow White's cottage built by Beldon Fields. Mr. Fields was one of the gifted artisans that originally built Disneyland's famed Fantasyland. This replica of Snow White's Cottage is now home to Briar Rose's wine tasting room, where each wine tasting is hosted and seated.

The Cartwrights were then graciously greeted by owner and Winemaker Les Linkogle. They all took contented seats under the glorious olive tree that adorns the property where Les explained the rich and captivating history behind Temecula's premier boutique reservation only winery. Mr. Linkogle explained how Beldon Fields, the Disney Imagineer literally built the house with his own hands, and his finger prints can still be seen in the plaster he molded to become this magical cottage, as well as many other hidden secrets of this gem of a winery.

Les then escorted Michael and Karon to the unseen VIP tasting room, which has been host to countless celebrities and worldwide dignitaries. As they walked by the magnificent outdoor tasting area, Dorian Linkogle, Les's wife and owner was giving a private wine tasting to six adoring guests.

As the Cartwright's entered this extraordinary room, nostalgia was everywhere. From the classic Disney memorabilia in the vintage showcases to the original piece of Disney artwork hanging above the impressive stone fireplace. Then, at that very moment coming through the concealed speakers was the "Anthem" that Les wrote called "We Remember" that pays tribute to the men and woman who defend our country and the sacrifices they make every day. This extremely touching and moving song is eloquently sung by Temecula's legendary Sherry Williams.

As for the Cartwright's experiencing Briar Rose's award winning wines... Michael stated, "I don't know that we've ever tasted that many exceptional wines in one sitting."

Briar Rose Winery's "We Remember" Gets A Voice

Briar Rose Owner and Winemaker, Les Linkogle wanted to give something special, something meaningful, and something significant to honor the great men and woman who defend our country everyday and every minute without rest.

Les, being a Winemaker, crafted the proprietary red wine called "We Remember." Ten percent of the proceeds from "We Remember" wine goes to the Veterans Research Corporation, whose mission is to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who serve.  Proceeds will fund world class medical research for veterans of all generations. Although, Les did not stop there…

To further honor the brave men and woman of our Armed Forces, Mr. Linkogle penned the touching and inspiring words to what is now the "We Remember" anthem, sung by Temecula's celebrated and renowned Sherry Williams.

Sherry co-wrote the music with acclaimed LA musical composer and arranger John Rodby. When asked, if it hard to write the music for "We Remember" based on Mr. Linkogle’s moving words, Ms. Williams replied, "It was challenging, yet very rewarding." Sherry continued, "It was my task to take these powerful words and put them to a melody in such a way, that the listener would be inspired to personalize their memories…to think of their own family members and loved ones who have served and to remember the tremendous sacrifices all of our men and woman of service make every day to keep the rest of us safe and secure."

The first public appearance of Ms. Williams singing "We Remember" will be at the American Hero Wine & Food Benefit honoring triple amputee United States Marine Cpl. Juan Dominguez. This benefit is sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Run Organization. It will be held at Monte De Oro Winery in Temecula, California on Friday, May 25th, 2012 at 6pm.

Briar Rose Winery Rewards its Wine Club Members

We love to reward our wine club members with discounts on all your favorite Briar Rose wines. Our members receive a 20% discount on any bottle of wine and a 25% discount on same case or mix wines. The savings add up fast. How would you like invitations to exclusive events at Briar Rose? We have special Members-only events and previews several times a year. Do you have a special event coming up and need a venue? We offer a 10% discount on any member held private event. We love birthdays and want you to celebrate yours with us so we are offering our members a 30% discount on wine during the primary member’s birthday month. Make a reservation and bring along a friend for an afternoon a wine tasting because members get 2 complimentary wine tastings per visit. We have also partnered with the Inn at Churon Winery  to offer our members 20% Monday – Thursday.

So what does it cost to be a wine club member at Briar Rose Winery? NOTHING! There are no annual membership fees!

Wine members receive 2 bottles of wine every other month for a total of 6 shipments per year. The cost averages between $80 and $120. The wines are chosen by our wine maker and they are usually one wine from the Standard Menu and one wine from the Premium Menu. Members can always specify in advance if they want a particular wine instead. February’s selection was 2 Bottles of Pinot Noir, 2009 from our Premium Collection.

Stop by and join the Wine Club today and enjoy some terrific discounts and benefits as well as some delicious wines!

Briar Rose Winery Celebrates World of Wine with New and Old Friends

Thanks to everyone who came out for the 21st annual World of Wine (WOW) Barrel Tasting held on March 3-4.  It was a great success.  We, along with many of our winery friends in Temecula’s Wine Country, offered preview tastings of our future vintages in addition to sampling our current wines.  Well-chosen food pairings enhanced the experience for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The southern California weather for the weekend was perfect…of course!

We were delighted to see many old friends during the two day event.  We had fun catching up on stories with everyone and sharing some of our favorites also.  We also got to meet many people who were visiting Briar Rose Winery and the Temecula Valley Wine Country for the first time. Our Snow White inspired cottage was a popular stop on the tour of our winery.  Our new wines were a hit and we are looking forward to introducing them to the public soon. 

What a great occasion to share a glass of wine or two with some terrific people!  The numbers for the World of Wine event grew again this year.  Our beautiful valley is really gaining in popularity as a destination for great wine!  Everyone promised to come back again soon and visit us at Briar Rose.  We know next year’s event will be even better!  But don’t wait till next year to visit us – we are taking reservations for tastings Tuesday through Sunday and we would love to see everyone again soon! 

Briar Rose Winery - The Winery To The Celebrities

When worldwide Celebrities and Dignitaries make the decision to enjoy the irresistible charm of Temecula wineries, there is a reason why they choose to visit Briar Rose Winery first, the premiere boutique Winery of Southern California...

As well as Briar Rose being the hidden jewel of the Temecula wineries, one of the additional reasons these people of notoriety make the wise choice of Briar Rose, is because of the winery's willingness to give completely private and total confidential tastings to these high profile individuals. It is Briar Rose's strict policy of the utmost confidentiality that brings these luminaries here for the ability to enjoy the Briar Rose wine tasting experience with their personal friends and family in an enchanting and what most call "magical setting."

On many occasions, Briar Rose Winery closes its doors for the day to accommodate public figures to relax in total privacy with their own guests. While here they cherish hours of extraordinary award winning wine tasting, unwind and just simply being themselves. Here at Briar Rose Winery these household named figures leave the pressures of fame and their high profile demands behind them for a few precious hours. A recent star-studded personality said as they were leaving, "This has been one of my best days in a long time. Thank you so much Dorian and Les (The owners of Briar Rose Winery)."

One of the greatest accolades of Briar Rose Winery is that whoever you are, celebrity or not, you will be treated as though you are. You will taste, discover and savor a wide array of varietals, including world class Cabernet Sauvignons, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Francs, a Super Tuscan Blend, Sangiovese, Viognier, and Fume Blanc. As well as their recently released deliciously sweet and bubbly wine lager called "Talking Frog". You will also take pleasure in Briar Rose’s Proprietary Red Wine “We Remember”, which a portion of the proceeds benefits The Veterans Research Corporation, whose mission is to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who serve.

Gary Sinise "Lt. Dan Benefit Concert" March 1 in Temecula CA

WE REMEMBER WINE TO BE SHOWCASED 

AT GARY SINISE “LT. DAN BENEFIT CONCERT” MARCH 1

Monies Raised Will Go To Help Construct a “Smart Home” In Temecula for Cpl. 

Juan Dominguez, Who’s a Triple-Amputee From Injuries Endured In Afghanistan

January 12, 2012. Temecula, California. Les Linkogle, owner and winemaker of Briar Rose Winery crafted the recently released proprietary red wine “We Remember” specifically to give back to the men and woman who stand ready twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty five days a year to defend our country. Les being a Vietnam Veteran himself knows firsthand the huge sacrifices these courageous and selfless individuals make.

10% of the proceeds from We Remember wine sales go directly to the Veterans Research Corporation. Their mission is to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who serve. These proceeds support world class medical research for veterans of all generations.Medical research is vital in addressing the wounds of war, seen and unseen.

The "Lt. Dan Benefit Concert" will take place on Thursday, March 1 at the Town Square Park in Old Town. Tickets are available at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater box office, 42051 Main St., Old Town Temecula. They are also available at www.TemeculaTheater.org, by calling the theater at (866)653-8696 or www.TemeculaNightOut.com . Ticket prices are between $35 and range up to $150 for VIP seating. We Remember wine will be served in the VIP room during this exceptional benefit concert.

Money raised from ticket purchases will go to building a "Smart Home" for 27-year-old Cpl. Juan Dominguez, who became a triple amputee as a result of injuries sustained in Afghanistan. After a visit to Temecula is when chose it as the city where he wants to live with his 9-year-old daughter Victoria. Juan’s state of the art "Smart Home" will be specifically designed to allow him to live independently.

Briar Rose’s Talking Frog is a Prince!

Talking Frog

Our winery owners, Les and Dorian Linkogle remind us that "Sometimes you really do have to kiss a lot of frogs 'til you find your prince".  This may be true in many areas of life but when it comes to delicious wines you will find a prince every time you visit our premier Temecula boutique winery which opened its enchanting doors in 2007.

This saying became the inspiration for our "Talking Frog" label.  This label offers a budget-friendly introduction to our table wines to appeal to a price conscious consumer. Talking Frog is our unique bubbly wine lager that is light, sweet and fruity.  As this label is less expensive than Briar Rose’s other wines, taste is not spared in any way. We are proud of our awards for Talking Frog Wine Lager that includes; a bronze in the Valley Wine Society 2010 and the Inland Empire Award in 2010.

This recently released wine has the distinction of using 100% Viognier grapes and a lager Hefeweizen.   Pronounced Vee-own-yay, the Viognier grapes were once only found in the northern Rhone region of France but were brought to California in the 1990’s where they adapted well to the climate.  The Viognier grapes can now be found in many places around the world. This wine lager is unique and offers a true appreciation of the Viognier grape.