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History of Temecula Valley Wine Making with Mick Wilson, AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise Host: During his interview with Paul Lasley, on the syndicated On Travel Radio Show, Mick Wilson talks about the short history of winemaking in the Temecula Valley, just south of Los Angeles and 20 miles inland from the coast. Mick Wilson, co-owner of the Wilson Creek Winery, hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise in Europe and was pleased at being able to introduce the Temecula Valley wines to passengers who had never heard of this relatively new region of wine making. Similar to the South Rhone Valley in France, the Mediterranean climate has a nice ocean breeze, hot days and cool nights that is ideal for growing wine grapes. Forty years ago there was virtually no development in the region, thirty years ago Eli Callaway, famous golf club designer, began a winery and now there are 40 wineries in the area with ten more about to built in next few years. AmaWaterways will have Mick Wilson and his family host another wine river cruise in November 2015. Each wine river cruise host conducts a series of wine seminars, with food pairings, on board ship and at local European vineyards, assist in conducting tours of those same vineyards and mingle with the passengers. The wine river cruise program is a huge hit with AmaWaterways clients and they often sign up for another wine cruise immediately, often with the same hosts and years in advance. About Mick Wilson: Mick has been a co-owner and employee at Wilson Creek since its founding in the late nineties. Mick has received the coveted Sommelier certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as the Certified Specialist of Wine accreditation from the Society of Wine Educators. "My desire is to know as much as I can about wine. The more one knows about wine, the more fun it is. I also want to continue to learn so that I may help empower our guests and staff on their wine knowledge and wine experience." About Wilson Creek Winery: Nestled at the end of Rancho California Road in Temecula Valley lies our family estate vineyard and winery. When the Wilson family acquired a 20-acre winery in 1996, our intentions were simple. We wanted to run a fun, family business producing great wines from the conducive climate and soil of the Temecula Valley. In fact, the only previous winemaking experience in our family was Gerry and Rosie Wilson's attempts to make dandelion and rhubarb wine in their basement in Minnesota! We've come quite a long way.... Home of the famous Almond Sparkling Wine, the winery has garnered numerous prestigious international wine awards and Gerry is proud that Wilson Creek is unofficially the official winery of many Navy ships, including eight aircraft carriers. The entire family is still involved. You can feel the energy and personal touch when you visit the large tasting room, and visit with the family members that are always on the property. The ambience of Wilson Creek continues to be very warm and welcoming. Among the many guests favorites, the award winning Decadencia® Chocolate Dessert Wine is served in an edible chocolate shot glass for an extra special touch. If you have visited the winery, then you have seen the fabulous pavilion and gazebo and jazz stage. Weddings are our specialty, and we have had hundreds of amazing weddings. Plan your next private event with us or to attend an upcoming winery event. Be sure to join our Wine Club to begin enjoying the special privileges of being part of our extended family.