Temecula, CA – There is no better combination in Southern California than dozens of colorful hot air balloons gracing the dawn skies, and warm afternoons of sampling fine wines while watching your favorite band in concert. The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival lights up its 35th Anniversary June 1-3, 2018 in the pristine setting of the Lake Skinner Recreation Area.
With cell phone in hand, a vista of emerald green rolling hills, and crystal clear cerulean blue skies, guests have marveled at the hot air balloon sights whether their feet are firmly planted on the ground or they are gliding in the air aboard one of the magical orbs. The view is so breathtaking that many forget to snap a selfie.
It is this beauty that the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival has shared annually with 40,000 guests. Lake Skinner is situated within the Shipley Multi-Species Reserve – a 2500-acre home for native flora and fauna wildlife. The reserve links Lake Skinner and Diamond Valley Lake in the massive Western Riverside 11,000-acre reserve. Camping at the Festival is so popular that the campsites sell out within an hour after they open for reservations.
While hot air balloons are the dawn highlights, Temecula’s wine industry shines all weekend with up to 18 wineries represented in the wine gardens. The Festival offers guests a variety of ways to discover their favorite. Wine tasting is $2 per taste. Winemaker reserve packages include a larger wine glass, plus eight 1-ounce tastes. There are only 1,000 of these packages sold. Cost is $50.
For those who want to pair local wines with local cuisines, the Festival offers food pairing sessions. In a private tent, chefs prepare meals on stage while sharing their recipes and secrets. The four courses are paired with four different Southern California wines chosen for the cuisine.
Afternoons and evenings feature concerts on two stages. The wine stage offers local and Indie artists Friday through Sunday. The Main Stage provides Festival headliners. All concerts are included in the ticket price. Reserved seats are available for the headliners. Previous concerts have included Chris Young, Third Eye Blind, 3 Doors Down, Lifehouse, Kenny Loggins, Collective Soul, Scotty McCreery, Blake Shelton and Peter Frampton. Bands are announced in the spring.
The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival also offers beer and food pairing, a full international food court, arts and crafts, and a kids faire. Friday and Saturday evenings hot air balloons shine while grounded in the evening balloon glow (weather permitting.) Electronic deejays close out Friday and Saturday evenings with a dance party.
Check www.tvbwf.com for scheduled times and activities or call (951) 676-6713. Hot air balloon flights, tethers and evening glows are subject to last-minute cancellations due to weather.
