Our recent getaway to 109-acre  Carter Estate Winery and Resort  began when we checked into a luxurious bungalow overlooking rows of beautiful vineyards and rolling hills. Designed to complement the natural surroundings, all 60 of the spacious rooms at the resort are open and airy, with classy furnishings and a colorful decor.

Our vineyard bungalow featured a marble and granite bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower, an electric fireplace, large TV, comfy king bed, sofa bed, and a kitchenette area with mini-fridge, microwave, sink and Keurig coffee maker. There was also an elegant dining table with chairs.

My favorite aspect of the room was the private patio, looking out to the Temescal Mountains and the Santa Ana Mountains in the distance, and vineyards teeming with grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer a few feet away. From the patio we could have breakfast or dinner with an incredible view or we could stroll through the vineyards and immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of the estate and the Temescal Valley.

Known for its year-round temperate climate, Temecula Valley has become Southern California’s premier wine capitol. Winemaking in this region dates back more than 50 years, and today you can find nearly every varietal – from chardonnay to syrah. And when it comes to making great local wine, Carter Estate is one of the best. In fact, the winery has become one of California’s preeminent méthode champenoise sparkling wine producers, and is also known for acclaimed still wines and other varietals including viognier, malbec, chardonnay, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and merlot.

We got a great sampling of some of the estate’s grapes with a wine tasting of reds and whites featuring Brut, Viognier, Penrose, Malbec, and Daybreak. Each wine is produced from the best varietals and aged to perfection in European oak barrels to ensure enjoyment.

After the wine tasting, I took a free shuttle from the winery across the street to its sister property, South Coast Winery, where I worked out at a state-of-the-art fitness center at the property’s elegant spa. Back at Carter Estate, we had dinner on our private patio and watched a horse and carriage roll past us. It was a stunning sight as giant clydesdales – a powerful breed of carthorse, originally from Scotland – clip-clopped along pulling a white buggy through the vineyards, as the sun fell behind the mountains.

The next morning the sights and sounds continued to amaze. While enjoying a delicious complimentary continental breakfast on our patio, we heard what sounded like a fire-breathing dragon in the sky. Looking up from my breakfast burrito, I saw a giant hot air balloon hovering over the vineyards with a basketful of sightseers. A few minutes later, a couple more appeared above the vineyards. It was a memorable sight and a wonderful way to begin a day.

After breakfast we lounged by the resort’s gorgeous pool, overlooking vineyards and the Temecula valley. While here we relaxed in a big cabana, swam in the crystal-clear water, and had lunch at the Vineyard Grill.

For those interested in taking a hot air balloon ride over wine country, while staying at the Carter Estate, the resort is offering the Hot Air Balloon Package. This special offer, which starts at $489, includes one night stay for two, complimentary continental breakfast, shared hot air balloon ride for two with (California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures with #1 Temecula Hot Air Balloon Ride – California Dreamin’), and a bottle of Carter Estate Wine.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort and its sister winery, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, are the recipients of over 3,000 awards and medals for outstanding wines over the years, and The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort has been cited as a Best by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice awards.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort boasts 60 beautifully designed private bungalows and suites, a luxurious swimming pool with cabanas, a poolside restaurant, a working winery, a private tasting room and in-room spa services. Additionally, guests at Carter Estate have access to all spa services and other amenities at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, located across the street.

Carter Estate Winery and Resort is located at 34450 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California. For more information, call (844) 851-2138 or visit: www.carterestatewinery.com

The post Carter Estate Winery and Resort: Hot Air Balloons, Horse Carriages, Great Wine & Food appeared first on Traveling Archive.

In the cold war of the 70s the U.S. and Russia pointed nuclear missiles at each other. Fortunately, there was a sober FEAR that  no one would survive after a single launch. A healthy respect for each other’s strength held them at bay.

I was in a breakfast meeting last Tuesday and someone reminded me of a destructive epidemic in society today. I too had been noticing this phenomenon but I didn’t realize how fast it is spreading. I felt I needed to address this. Disagreements and debates have always been the hallmark of a free society but today the respectful  exchange of ideas has been replaced by a juvenile shouting match. This modern warfare may not have a nuclear payload but it is just as destructive and should be prevented from spreading.

Where did all this hostility come from? I blame the Puppet Masters of hate. They’re in the news media who gives us a daily dose of new reasons to hate and be angry … and they rarely admit their mistakes because scandals sell advertising. They’re among our leaders who model the way to bratty behavior. Many live on THEORIES and faulty stereotypes rather than HISTORY. They’re in the schools that do not prepare their students to respect other opinions. The students were taught to question but they were never taught to provide concrete answers. What good is complaining without a solution? They’re in the courtrooms that emphasize subjective justice over kindness and common sense. Puppet Masters walk among the greedy tech giants who experiment with people’s lifestyles. Remember, not everything NEW is good and not everything OLD is bad. And Puppet Masters are the hypocrites who only see things from their side of the telescope. News flash! We ALL can play the victim. That’s why I admire those who just work harder with the challenges they are given.

Have you ever seen male animals battle for their females? First come the beating of the chest, or the display of colorful feathers, or the resonating arias. Then come the heckling. Then the push … the interlocking of horns. The macho contest crescendo until one of the males wakes up from the spell and looks at the giggling Female Puppet Master in the sideline and realizes how she has been manipulating the confrontation. What’s really  interesting is animal fights rarely lead to death. Only man, with his huge dangerous ego, does this. Think of Helen of Troy and the 1000 ships launched to satisfy one Puppet Master’s testosterone.

The pride of man (and woman) mixed with immaturity prevents common courtesy. Are we blinded by hate? Is it hard for us to listen to other opinions? Let’s snap out of it! Let’s listen to the other side. Look up and see the giggling Puppet Manipulator above us!

Of course, this is just me.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourself.” 
— Philippians 2:3

TGIF people!

One Day at the Nunnery

Shared by Tom of Pasadena, CA

Oops! There Goes the Ball Boy
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

I admit I found it funny at first but then I realized it could have been a serious accident. I love how he composed himself and pretended that nothing happened. Glad he’s okay.

WATCH VIDEO

They May Be Seniors But Boy They Can Still Boogie
Sent by Debbie of Moreno Valley, CA

I can only guess how many parties over the decades these two have danced with each other. They put the young dancers to shame. No arthritis here.

WATCH VIDEO

Just When You Thought Your Day Was Going So Well
Sent by Don of Kelowna. B.C.

Some days you should have just stayed in bed. Better still, don’t go to a bull ring.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA who shared this photo

The post Tired of Chardonnay appeared first on Traveling Archive.