Wine has the Scent of a Woman at Keyways
It hardly seems possible that 2½ years ago Terri Pebley, then a commercial real estate executive, instead of representing the seller Karl Keys on a sale of the winery, decided to purchase and own Keyways herself. Terri had always been one to take a chance on the future, believing in herself and her ability to re-invent her life’s work. She has been a CPA, attended law school and made a living twice in real estate.
I had an opportunity to interview Terri recently and the mild-mannered, relaxed Renaissance woman reflected on her whirlwind rise to prominence in the fast-moving Temecula Wine Country. “At first, it was a tough business to learn, but it was one of those opportunities when I saw a door opening and something told me to go through it. The first challenge was to find a new winemaker and it turned out he was the only male in an otherwise all-woman owned operation.
We were very fortunate to obtain the services of Michael Tingley, a 28 year veteran. He has fit in beautifully and really does great in this environment.” Entertainment is a high priority at the low-key Keyways Winery and Tasting Room. The Friday night I experienced the wines and the easy-going atmosphere, the weekly piano bar fun was going strong with Dennis Tormey doing his best Elton John while a full house of guests enjoyed a casual dinner and a selection of paired wines.
These included a lovely ’07 Sauvignon Blanc and my favorite of the night: the Keyways 2006 Tempranillo with a wine club price of $24.80. It is Spain’s signature red grape with a lightly dusted pepper and tobacco taste coating the cherry accents. It recently made gold in the latest competition in Riverside. That same event brought Keyways the Gold “Chairman’s Award” for their Sauvignon Blanc. Keyways ’07 Chenin Blanca($28) won Gold and Best of Class at the recent prestigious Long Beach Grand Cru awards that draws over 1,900 wine entries.
Terri has brought in a beautiful new concept events tent for special occasions like weddings. “We can accommodate up to 300 people, and plan to do concerts with female talent,” she said. “This will emphasize our series of four wines for women, Femina Vita (a woman’s life), that we created. They are highlighted by our Rhone Blend of white grapes called Contentment.”
Terri and her nearby winery neighbors are on DePortola Road, a more rustic route, which they have named the DePortola Trail, south of the main route of wineries. Special maps and signage signal that this is more rural horse country, where you are likely to see the owners pouring in the tasting rooms. Next time, discover Keyways, the only woman-owned winery in Southern California. For more, call 951-302-7888 or search www.keywayswine.com.
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Wine Spectator Names Best Restaurants The latest issue of this worldwide wine magazine has awarded a number of area restaurants the Award of Excellence. Of the restaurants we have covered in this column, they include: The Barrel Room in Rancho Bernardo, Firefly Grill and Wine Bar and Firenze in Encinitas, Vigilucci’s in La Jolla, Encinitas and Carlsbad, Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe, Il Fornaio and Paradise Grill in Del Mar, Azul in La Jolla, Addison and Humphreys in San Diego and a Grand Award of Excellence to Winesellar & Brasserie in San Diego.
In Palm Desert, both of our feature restaurants won: The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente and Tuscany in the Marriott Desert Springs. All these restaurants scored best for their superior wine menu and their pairings with the food menu.
The Local Sip
- Our featured winery, Keyways of Temcula, has a BBQ and 60’s music concert among the vines on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 5:30 to 9:30pm with 4 talented acts. Cost is $40/ticket. Call 877-539-9297 for details.
- Wine Street in Carlsbad has an Aussie adventure in wine tasting on Friday, Aug. 22 from 4 to 7:30pm. Owner Tanya Kinberg just returned with some exciting releases. $15 pp. Call 760-431-8455.
- Grape Stomp returns to Orfila Vineyards and Winery in Escondido, Saturday, Aug. 23 from 4 to 8pm. You get wine tasting, dancing to a live Sicilian band, grape stomping, a dinner buffet and tours for $75 each. Reservations call 877-727-9463 x 22.
- Falkner Winery in Temecula has its New Release Wine Dinner on Saturday, Aug 23. Wine tasting starts at 6pm. $99. pp. Call now for reservations at 951-676-8231 x 104.
- The AAA five diamond Lodge at Torrey Pines hosts a Nickel and Nickel Wine Dinner at their A.R. Valentien Restaurant Thursday, Aug. 21. $95 each. Call 858-777-6635 for this intimate dinner.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the top five wine commentators on the web. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410
