Family Fun at a Farmhouse in Temecula Valley Wine Country

Four heartwarming events and a culinary competition got the family going to a one-of-a-kind four-night reunion in Temecula, California. We had two birthdays, a photo shoot of four generations of women, and a Filipino tradition: asking for a hand in marriage.

The Wine Valley

The valley is in southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego. With nearly 50 wineries, its microclimate produces high-quality grapes and award-winning wines. Farmhouses, spas, and views abound, as well as dining places. My husband’s 80^th birthday dinner was at the Restaurant at the Ponte Winery. The Corbeaux Wine and Tea House was the site of the ladies' afternoon out for tea. My eldest celebrated her 50^th birthday at Bolero’s with three different kinds of paella and other Spanish dishes. This also became the venue for the asking of my Second Apo’s (grandchild) hand in marriage! 

One afternoon was spent wine tasting at the Masia de la Vinya Vineyard together with my daughter’s best-loved baked macaroni, Filipino-style. Another day we walked Temecula Old Town. The ladies took home shabby chic maternity and other dresses from Under the Willow. They were perfect for the photo shoot of four generations of women, including my great-grandbaby still in my First Apo’s womb. The boys shopped for wine and did their walkabouts.

The Farmhouse

My daughter found this great farmhouse in a vineyard atop a hill with a 360⁰ view of the wine valley. The 4br ranch-style white home was perfect for the grandparents, the parents, and the siblings and partners. There was a spacious open area for Karaoke nights with a large living room set and an 85-inch TV above the stone fireplace.  Every boisterous meal was celebrated at the eight-seater dining table after spirited meal preparations around the white kitchen’s large white island. Tucked in a corner was a round table with four chairs which became the scene for happy mahjong sessions.

Just below the house, beneath the orange trees, was a large pool/hot tub area perfect for other gatherings.  There were lounge chairs on the deck right outside the large open area looking out into the valley. Right after the outdoor parking area, there was a huge living/dining area for outdoor meals and gatherings.

The Culinary Competition

My daughter had this brilliant idea of a culinary competition for those meals when we were not dining out. She did not want any mediocre meal and gave away prizes of $50 for first place, 30 for second, and 20 for third.

The 1^st Prize went to the Corned Beef Kare-Kare dinner which my First Apo prepared for the first dinner as soon as everyone arrived late in the afternoon of our first night. Kare-kare is a Filipino classic stew with a thick savory peanut sauce usually prepared with beef oxtail.  Instead, they made corned beef patties served with the traditional veggies: eggplant, green beans, and bok choy.

2^nd Place went to a breakfast of Purple Yam Biscuits with Longganisa Gravy and Chia Pudding with Mango and Pomelo Bits, a healthy and delicious morning meal, made by my Second Apo. 3rd Prize went to Miso Bulalo courtesy of their younger brother who rehashed the Beef Bulalo (beef shank stew), by adding the Japanese thick paste, served with plenty of bokchoy and yellow corn. 4^th Place went to the father of the brood who fixed us “putosulot,” Filipino rice pudding with toppings: traditional, purple yam or pandan condensed milk, brown or white sugar, grated coconut, and optional salted eggs.

I came in last with a breakfast of hash brown casserole, scrambled eggs with cheese, sourdough bread, bacon and sausage, and store-bought “cowboy quiche.” I didn’t know there was a contest, and I had a Caucasian husband to please. Those are my excuses and I am sticking to them.

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