The state of California wine competition judges have spoken and the winner of the prestigious “Best Winery in the State” title goes to Southern California Wine Country’s very own South Coast Winery. With 41 of its wines earning 255 awards and medals from both regional and international wine competitions in 2008 alone, there is little doubt in anybody’s mind that South Coast Winery is committed to producing quality wines and adhering to quality production methods; yet little is known about this winery’s two award wining restaurants – one located in Temecula Wine County and the other located in Orange County.
South Coast Winery proprietor, Jim Carter shares this, “We’re sharpening our focus and commitment to providing each guest with a truly remarkable wine and food experience and, in the process, make the restaurants of South Coast Winery true culinary destinations.” So no matter what a person’s culinary persuasion, you can rest assured knowing South Coast Winery will be serving up both award-winning wines and perfectly paired foods from its two restaurants and tasting rooms this year that are designed to delight even the most refined palate. Specifically, the Vineyard Rose Restaurant, found at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s location in Temecula Wine Country, serves up award-winning breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casually elegant atmosphere overlooking the vineyards found on property, but the newest addition of the South Coast fine wine and dining establishments is cause for even the most discriminating foodie to stop and take note: introducing Orange County’s very own South Coast Winery Restaurant & Tasting Room.
Situated just north of the famed South Coast Plaza, South Coast Winery Restaurant opened its doors last summer and is already making a name for itself. With its terra cotta roof, lush-landscaped patios and fireplaces built from mountain vineyard stone, this dynamic restaurant and tasting room make it possible for Orange County residents to escape to the splendor of Southern California Wine Country without having to leave Orange County. An intimate wine bar offers up samples of the winery’s latest award winning releases daily, yet it’s in the restaurant’s dining rooms where both chefs and winemakers play an instrumental role in creating a unique, almost melodious dining experience. Chef’s expertly prepared dishes are paired with wines from around the world, while the tall beamed ceilings, rich wine country color palette and romantic booths allow those who enter its doors to feel worlds away from the every day. It is here that a new standard for wine country dining is expertly orchestrated by Executive Chef Enrique Acuna with contemporary renditions of old world Italian classics, along with steaks, seafood and globally inspired dishes.
For those not familiar with the wines, South Coast Winery produces a broad portfolio of premium wines that are 100% grown and produced with care under Carter’s tutelage in Southern California’s up and coming Southern California Wine Country. Over the course of the first five years of its wine production, the South Coast Winery itself has received over 600 awards and medals.

2008 Wine Competitions Summary
SOUTH COAST WINERY

1 Golden State Winery of the Year
1 Best of State
1 Best of Region
2 Best of Show
23 Best of Class Medals
46 Gold Medals
107 Silver Medals
74 Bronze Medals

Orange County’s South Coast Winery Restaurant is located at 3608 S. Bristol. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is situated in the heart of Temecula Wine Country. For additional information, please contact Crystal Magon at 951-587-9463, Ext. 7204.