The sleepy little town of Temecula seemed the perfect place to buy some land for a future retirement home. So in 1967 Vincenzo Cilurzo, an ABC-TV Emmy Award winning Lighting Director, and his wife Audrey purchased a 100 acre parcel. A weather study indicated the same climate as the mid-Napa area. In 1968 the Cilurzos planted the first commercial vineyard in Temecula, 40 acres of premium Petite Sirah and Chenin Blanc.

Ten years later, the Cilurzo Winery was established, producing only premium red wines during the first three years. The Cilurzo's retired in April 2004 . The winery is now owned by Imre and Gizella Cziraki and is undergoing extensive rennovvations. The winery's new name is Bella Vista Cilurzo Vineyard & Winery.

2000 medals include double gold for the 1998 Petite Sirah Reserve and the 2000 Viognier at California State Fair Wine Competition both scoring 98/100 points. The 2000 Late Harvest Petite Sirah was awarded gold at the 2001 Jerry Mead International Wine Competition. Many other wines are also medal winners.

Visitors are welcomed daily from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to the Tasting Room and Gift Shop. There is a $6 tasting charge for 5 wines, which includes a souvenir glass. Group winery tours are available by calling 951-676-5250 for a reservation.

Other amenities include a shaded picnic area on a small lake at the top of the hill for winery guests with a spectacular view overlooking the Temecula Valley Wine Country and the surrounding mountains.

They have recently updated their website and can now accept online orders from their secure site. Lots of history and information is available as well as a complete listing with descriptions of their wines. Simply go to www.cilurzowine.com. You may also email your questions to them directly at cilurzowine@prodigy.net.

Bella Vista Cilurzo Winery is synonymous with good wine a friendly experience. Visitors will enjoy meeting and visiting with Imre and Gizella as well as their pleasant and helpful staff.

Winery Profile