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Start of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Valley, South of L.A., Now Exploding with Wine Production: In the last 20 years the Temecula Valley, south of Los Angeles and just inland, has seen an explosion of vineyards from nothing. The ocean breeze comes through the Rainbow Gap 20 miles away and with hot days and cool nights it a perfect Mediterranean climate, similar to the south Rhone Valley, for growing wine grapes. Mick Wilson, who hosted an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise with his parents and wife, is part of the large Wilson family that founded the Wilson Creek Winery in 1996 and they have found success after starting from scratch. They were a socialite family in South Pasadena brought their Midwestern hospitality to the Temecula Valley and their facility hosts upwards of 1,200 people a day every weekend at their picnic grounds with live music and their massive wine tasting room. The Wilson Creek Winery has flagship wine in the Almond flavored sparkling along with a line that includes Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonay and more. Mick Wilson is being interviewed on this podcast by Paul Lasley on the On Travel Radio show about hosting an AmaWaterways Luxury Wine River Cruise in Europe. He thoroughly enjoyed hosting the cruise and educating the passengers on wines from the Temecula Valley, with many unaware of the place, and pleased at what they tasted along with five star food pairings on board the first class AmaWaterways river cruise ship. 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.