Press Release: Callaway Vineyard & Winery, one of Temecula's historic wineries, opened their newly renovated Visitor’s Center on Saturday, July 7, 2012. The new building expansion sits high atop the Temecula Valley and offers guests a wine tasting experience unlike any other in the Temecula Valley.

“The mission of the new building is to provide our growing number of visitors a more spacious and attractive environment, and take advantage of the amazing views we have to offer here at Callaway” said Patricia Lin, owner.

The Visitor’s Center includes a beautifully appointed gift shop, large tasting bar, automated wine stations, private wine tasting/dining room, and a patio with seating for flight tastings and tapas. It also has a dedicated upper level wine bar that houses a “member’s only” tasting area called Vu, which boasts a 180 degree view of the Temecula wine country.

The 5,400 square-foot building expansion and renovation was designed by Frank Ternasky, AIA LEED AP of Delawie Wilkes Rodrigues Barker in San Diego. The new design incorporates the industrial look of the original buildings at Callaway with a modernistic feel that features exposed steel structures, wood beams, concrete floors and Prodema wood cladding. The Tasting room has a long tasting bar situated so that patrons can view the vineyards and surrounding valley as they do their tasting. The bar and fixtures are constructed to have detailing similar to winery barrels with exposed fasteners, steel strapping and solid wood planking. The Roof Top Deck has a steel structure and Lexan patio cover with glass railings. Also includes a vineyard photo glass wall that can be backlit along with the bar front for night time functions.

“We’re excited to see the end of the construction and guests enjoying the new area,” said Denise Sutterfield, marketing and events manager. “We are looking forward to hosting events that showcase everything that Callaway has to offer; great wine, wonderful food and amazing views.”

“Guests can now enjoy ‘wine their way’. We will continue to pour tastings at the tasting counter, but now offer wine flights on the new patio and automated wine stations in the tasting room.” said Kathy Williamson, retail and tasting room manager. “The new facility creates a very easy, relaxed atmosphere that we hope everyone will enjoy.”

A Grand Opening Celebration is planned for August 25-26, 2012 with festivities that include specially priced wine tastings, tapas from their award-winning restaurant, Meritage at Callaway, live music on the courtyard and patio and complimentary tours of the wine production facilities.

Attendees will also get a sneak peak at the newly renovated Chardonnay Room, perfect for intimate weddings and private parties of up to 50 guests. In addition, guests may tour the romantic Barrel Room, ideal for larger wedding celebrations, private dinner parties and special events.

The Visitor’s Center and Tasting Room is open to the public for wine tasting daily from 10am to 5pm. Vu, the wine club member’s only area, is open weekends from 10am to 5pm.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery, privately owned by the Lin family of San Diego, was originally founded by Ely Callaway in 1969. The time honored Callaway tradition of creating wines that retain their natural fruit flavors and aromas continues with winemaker, Craig Larson. Their award-winning wines are fruit forward and food friendly. Since its opening in 1974, Callaway Vineyard & Winery has welcomed over two million visitors to its Temecula facility. Callaway Vineyard & Winery wines are sold at the winery, through Wine Club Memberships and online at www.callawaywinery.com.