Pioneering winemaking facility opens in Temecula

TEMECULA — This month, Temecula Valley Winery Management (TVWM) will open a pioneering Virtual Vineyard to Vendor winemaking facility that makes it easier for anyone to make, bottle and sell their own wine.

The Temecula-based winery management company also is making plans to open a two-story, 2,800-square-foot co-op tasting room in Old Town Temecula early next year where wine lovers can taste and buy wine made by its client.

Both concepts are unique in the wine business and represent the first time that a single company is helping clients grow grapes; produce wine; get state, federal and county permits needed to open a winery; and sell the wine.

“We’ve made it easier and affordable for everyone to get into the wine business and produce their own labels,” said Patrick Bartlett, executive director of TVWM. “Nearly a dozen clients have signed up for our unique winery management services so far and we have fielded inquiries from as far away as Florida.”

TVWM’s Virtual Vineyard to Vendor facility on Diaz Road will allow small winemakers and growers to create and market their own boutique wines.

The 33,000-square-foot facility will operate as a fully bonded winery host facility and provide a secured space for multiple winemakers to process their own grapes and produce their own wines under the guidance of award-winning consulting winemaker Tim Kramer.

TVWM assists winemakers who do not have the money to buy production equipment or the time to wait for county approval to build a winery as well as proposed wineries that want to jumpstart the process by selling wine before their production facilities are built.

It is able to do this by operating an “alternating proprietorship,” an arrangement that allows a fledgling winemaker to work with a licensed winery to produce and sell wine directly to consumers.

The sprawling facility also marks the first time that wine will be produced in the City of Temecula. Nearly three dozen wineries currently operate in the rolling hills just east of the city.

“Temecula Valley Winery Management’s facility and services will make it possible for developing wineries to create and market their own wines and the tasting room planned for Old Town Temecula will provide a venue for visitors to sample those wines,” said Maryann Edwards, Temecula City Council member. “It’s a win for the city, a win for the wineries and a win for visitors.”

TVWM was created in June 2007 in response to the growing need for professional services from developing wineries in Southern California.