Europa Village Unveils Lucia at the Cave, a New Wine Cave Cocktail Lounge

Europa Village Wineries & Resort in Temecula Valley has opened Lucia at the Cave, a new cocktail bar and lounge tucked inside the resort's Vienza Cave. The concept is the newest addition to Europa Village's food and beverage lineup, bringing a polished cocktail destination to the winery's underground setting.

Named for the Latin word for "light," Lucia balances elevated design with an inviting atmosphere. Custom furnishings, a central chandelier and a grand bar anchor the space, giving the subterranean cave a refined, moody feel suited to intimate dates or small gatherings. Guests can order specialty cocktails alongside Italian small plates.

Standout cocktails include the Golden Hour, made with reposado tequila, lychee cordial, sherry, elderflower and lime juice, topped with edible flower petals. The Lucia mixes mezcal, Chambord, watermelon juice, basil and jalapeño bitters, garnished with basil and cucumber. The Ember Reserve blends rye, simple syrup and walnut bitters, finished with an orange peel, rosemary and a Luxardo cherry. Other options include the Afterglow, a gin and mezcal cocktail with lavender syrup and salt spray, and the Jade Negroni, made with gin, vermouth, Midori, Luxardo Bitter Bianco and Green Chartreuse.

On the food side, the menu features gnocchi bruschetta, burrata caprese, truffle arancini, filet mignon arrosticini and a fig and hazelnut flatbread.

Lucia at the Cave is open Thursday and Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 9 p.m., at 41150 Via Europa in Temecula. 

For more information, call 951-506-1818.

Mercado González Brings Mexican Marketplace Experience to La Habra

Northgate González Market is bringing its acclaimed Mercado González experience to La Habra, transforming one of the company's longest-standing neighborhood stores into a culinary and cultural destination inspired by the mercados found throughout Mexico.

Building on the success of the flagship Mercado González in Costa Mesa, the reimagined La Habra location will blend the everyday convenience of grocery shopping with authentic Mexican food, artisan goods, live entertainment and gathering spaces that celebrate the richness of Mexican culture.

"For decades, our La Habra store has proudly served generations of families while supporting community partners like Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, The Gary Center, La Habra and Sonora high schools, and the Boys & Girls Club of La Habra," said Oscar González, co-president of Northgate González Market. "Now we're creating something even more special, a place where people can gather, discover regional flavors, celebrate our traditions, and experience the warmth and hospitality that define Mexico. Mercado González is more than a grocery store; it's where the table comes to life."

The transformation will introduce a new guest experience while continuing to offer the fresh groceries, quality meats, produce and authentic ingredients customers have come to expect from Northgate Market.

Guests will find a lively marketplace filled with handcrafted details, colorful murals, authentic Mexican architecture and culinary destinations designed to transport visitors to the heart of Mexico.

Highlights of the new Mercado González in La Habra include:

Authentic puestos (food stalls): Regional Mexican specialties throughout the market, including Taquería Los Mesquites, Carnitas Don Miguel, Guisados Las Cazuelas, Rosticería Los 13 Pollos, Cevichería El Pariente, Tamalería, Aguas Frescas, Paletería La Nena, Pastelería La González, Tortillería La González and Carnicería La Preferida.

El Moro Churrería: The iconic Mexico City churrería returns to Mercado González, serving its world-famous churros and signature hot chocolate.

Entre Nos Bar: An indoor gathering space where guests can enjoy Mexican beers, craft cocktails, mezcal and tequila, along with live entertainment with friends and family.

Entertainment stage and outdoor patio: A new stage and expanded patio will host live music and community programming, creating a festive atmosphere that brings people together beyond the shopping experience.

Artesanías and dulcería: Authentic Mexican artisan crafts, gifts and traditional sweets that celebrate Mexico's rich artistic heritage.

Additional details, including the grand opening celebration and opening date, will be announced in the coming months.

Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns to Newport Beach in September

One of Southern California's most beloved culinary events is back, and it's stepping into an exciting new chapter. The Pacific Wine & Food Classic returns Saturday, Sept. 12, to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach.

This year's festival is produced under the leadership of Tricia Cook, a longtime member of the event team who has helped shape it since day one and has now taken the reins. Cook brings a deep understanding of the event's legacy along with a fresh vision for where it's headed, and she's committed to keeping the elevated food, wine and hospitality experience that has made this festival a true signature of Orange County's culinary scene.

Set against the coastal backdrop of Newport Beach, this year's lineup brings together more than 35 top restaurants, over 100 wines, premium craft cocktails, a live DJ and silent disco, and immersive culinary activations celebrating the best of Southern California's food and beverage culture.

New this year is The Bubble Garden, a waterfront experience built around sparkling and bubbly beverages that adds an extra dose of festivity to the day. Also debuting is the Paso Robles Grand Wine Experience, featuring pours from some of the most celebrated wineries in one of California's premier wine regions.

Tickets and Details

Pacific Wine & Food Classic takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.

Early Bird VIP tickets start at $179 per guest and include entry at 2 p.m. (the event wraps at 5 p.m. for all guests).

Early Bird VIP Early Entrance tickets start at $259 per guest and include entry at 1 p.m., with access to select premium wines and specialty tastings available only during that first hour.

A limited number of Diamond VIP Private Lounge tickets are available for $500 and include private lounge access, express entry, exclusive wine tastings, premium culinary offerings and dedicated waterfront seating.

Use code GREER25 at checkout at pacific-wine-food-classic to save $25 on your tickets.