Celebrate California Wine Month at South Coast Winery

In September, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, recently recognized as a Top 10 Wine Country Hotel in the U.S. by USA Today readers and a consistent winner in national and international competitions, including a five-time recipient of the Golden State Winery of the Year Award, celebrates California Wine Month. This month is ideal for experiencing the state's annual harvest peak season, offering guests and locals a chance to explore California's diverse soils and unique flavor profiles.

South Coast Winery's celebratory events feature special Wednesday Blending Classes led by oenophile experts; Two-Person Grape Stomp Sessions from September 20 through September 22 in the resort's vineyards with local vendor sales and live music in the Vintner's Garden; and a Six Bottle Room Package that provides Villa and Suite guests with half a dozen bottles of curated wines to enjoy at home.

Wine Blending Classes Every Wednesday in September
Every Wednesday in September, from 5 to 7 p.m., South Coast Winery hosts wine blending classes where experts share their passion and knowledge. This fun activity includes a friendly wine competition at the end of each class. The classes rotate styles and types of wine, with Whites Blending on September 11, Sweets Blending on September 18, and Reds Blending again on September 25.
Cost: $85 per person per class, exclusive of tax and gratuity ($107.92 with tax and gratuity). Wine Club Members receive 35% off wines purchased.

South Coast Winery’s Annual Grape Stomps in the Vineyards
Friday, September 20, at 2, 4, and 6 p.m.; Saturday, September 21, at 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5, and 7 p.m.; Sunday, September 22, at 11 a.m., 1, 3, and 5 p.m.
These exhilarating grape stomps offer a unique way to celebrate the harvest of the estate-grown grapes, allowing participants to stomp grapes in a charming winery location. In the Vintner’s Garden, guests can shop from local vendors, enjoy live music, and savor award-winning wines.
Cost: $50, which includes grape stomping for two, tasting for two, and a deposit per couple to be applied toward case purchases on the day of the event.

Six Bottle Room Package at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Offer valid until December 31, 2024.
This package is perfect for wine lovers wanting to take a piece of Temecula Valley wine country home. It includes a deluxe stay in a Villa or Suite and a curated half-case of fine wines selected by South Coast winemakers. The special wines include one bottle each of Merlot Rosé, 20th Anniversary Wine Red Blend, Spumante Diamante, Grenache, Merlot, and Romanza. The package also includes two tasting tickets for sampling award-winning wines during the stay.
Package price starts at $390. No substitutions are offered on the specified wine selections for the package, and blackout dates may apply.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is at 34843 Rancho California Road in Temecula. (844) 428-6292

Darkroom: OC’s Newest Everyday Fine Dining Destination with a Vinyl Twist

Zach Scherer and Drew Adams are introducing a new concept to Orange County: everyday fine dining, with a side of vinyl. darkroom will open for dinner service on Thursday, September 12, at its location on S. Harbor near SOCO & The OC Mix.

The menu focuses on smaller shared plates, large-format mains, and desserts, with a wine list featuring small-batch artisanal wines. “We want to feature winemakers who are as passionate about their craft as we are about food,” said Chef Drew.

Music is a key part of the experience. “Music is incredibly important to me,” said Scherer. “We’ll have vinyl playing, a great sound system, and a live DJ on weekends.”

darkroom’s menu highlights seasonal ingredients with a global flair. “For us, everything starts with the ingredients,” said Chef Drew. “If I get a perfect tomato, I’m not limited to a tomato tart or caprese. I can use techniques from around the world to showcase it in the best way possible.”

“We’re lucky to have access to such diverse, high-quality ingredients,” said Scherer. “It’s our job to turn those into something truly memorable.”

The menu will change with the seasons, featuring dishes like soft shell shrimp from Transparentsea Farms with hystrix lime leaf dukkah, and a whole duck, slow-cooked for 24 hours, smoked, and served with cured stone fruit and olive caramel.

The wine program, like the food, is an adventure. “Yes, we’ll have Napa Cabs and chardonnays, but they’ll be better made, more affordable, and from smaller producers,” said Zach. “We also want to introduce guests to wines they’ve never tried.”

The curated list includes a Champagne-style rosé from South Africa, dry German rieslings, and wines from Bordeaux, the Rhone, and beyond. “The nice thing about lesser-known wines is the better value for the money,” said Adams. “We have over 25 wines rated 95+ points, offering world-class quality without breaking the bank.”

The bar menu, designed by Scherer and Adams, takes the same creative approach as the kitchen. “I used to think some elements would be great in a cocktail,” said Chef Adams. “Now we can bring that creativity into the bar and make it world-class.”

Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.  

darkroom is located at 3751 South Harbor in Santa Ana.

information about the restaurant menu, hours, and reservations, please visit wearedarkroom.com

Stonefire Grill Supports Hunger Action Day on September 10

Stonefire Grill is committed to raising awareness about the growing issue of food insecurity during Hunger Awareness Month this September. As part of this effort, all 12 Stonefire Grill locations will participate in a special initiative on Hunger Action Day, September 10, donating $5 from every "Meal for 2" purchased. 

Guests can choose to dine in, take out, or place their order using the local food bank’s online portal. The "Meals for 2," priced at $34.99, offer two options: a half tri-tip with a shareable garden or Caesar salad and a personal side dish, or a half-grilled chicken paired with a 10-ounce tri-tip and a barbecue chopped salad. Both meals include four freshly baked breadsticks and are designed to feed two people. 

By enjoying a delicious meal at Stonefire Grill, guests are also supporting those struggling with food insecurity. While many recognize the increasing issue of hunger, few are aware of the stark statistics: Over 35 million people in the U.S. face hunger daily, affecting individuals across all demographics. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 10.2% of households experienced food insecurity last year, ranging from reduced food intake to disrupted eating patterns. Economic hardship is closely tied to food insecurity, with 26.6% of households below the poverty line being the most affected. Southern and Western states typically see higher rates of food insecurity compared to other regions. 

Hunger Awareness Month and Hunger Action Day were established to inform the public, drive policy change, and encourage community involvement in the fight against hunger. Stonefire Grill's Los Angeles locations will support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, while Orange County locations will partner with Second Harvest Food Bank. 

The Ventura County restaurants will contribute to Food Share, and the Rancho Cucamonga location will raise funds for Feeding America Riverside/San Bernardino. With 12 locations across Southern California—including Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties—Stonefire Grill is making it easy for everyone to take part in this important cause. For more information, visit stonefiregrill.com.