Carmen Micheli

Guest Wine Chix Carmen Micheli is a freelance wine, food and music writer living in Temecula Valley Wine Country. An amazing home chef, mother of two and wine aficionado she writes about those in-the-know and on-the-go. With a pulse on the latest in dining, entertainment, events and more, Carmen delivers the latest news and happenings around the city, showcasing the best that Temecula Wine Country and the SoCal area has to offer.

Orange Coast Winery

Sometimes we need to unwind with a healthy dose of salty sea air and some good wine or beer. Orange Coast Winery located in Newport Beach, California is just a short distance from the gorgeous Southern California shoreline. The charming beach-town winery is celebrating its 1st Anniversary with the release of their craft micro-brew beer service and Fall Celebration coming Friday through Sunday, October 12-14, 2012.

Doug & Debbie Wiens

Orange Coast Winery has already earned a reputation for award-winning premium wine. But what makes this winery special is the husband/wife team, Doug and Debbie Wiens who purchased the winery 1 year ago from a local Newport Beach resident. It is a very romantic story of a couple following their dream of opening an intimate winery to call their own, and to continue and share their true love and passion for wine. The warm staff, cozy atmosphere, and premium wines reflect the dedication and joy which radiate from the charismatic pair.

Contributing to and supporting local charities and organizations is something else Doug and Debbie are passionate about. During the anniversary weekend celebration, Orange Coast Winery will be donating a portion of all full-priced bottle sales to the International Princess Project (IPP). IPP advocates, empowers, and restores the lives of women who have been victims of human trafficking. Elegant, handmade Punjammies will be for sale at the event to raise funds for the organization. Learn more about IPP and the story of Punjammies here: http://www.intlprincess.org/index.php/ipp/section/C2/.

Orange Coast Winery Sauv Blanc

Wine and beer tasting can sure make you hungry. Luckily, there are a few wine and beer-friendly snacks available for purchase at the winery such as cheese, flatbread, chocolate and more. There are also several local restaurants in the area that have partnered with Orange Coast Winery to offer a no corkage fee. Ask the winery staff for a list of restaurant partners, or view it here: http://www.orangecoastwinery.com/scripts/cpg.cfm/2. The tasting room is open Thursday and Friday from 4-9pm, or Saturday and Sunday from 12-8pm.

Orange Coast Winery’s 1 year Anniversary and Fall Celebration is Friday-Sunday, October 12-14, 2012 and will offer 30% off specials on just about everything. In traditional Oktoberfest fashion there will be homemade pretzels with spicy mustard to compliment the beer and wine all weekend long. Don’t miss Sunday October 14th from 4-8pm for an authentic German Meal with Brauts & Crusty Buns, Sauerkraut, Beer, Potato Cakes topped with sour cream and applesauce, and Drunken Apple Cupcakes with Cream Cheese, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts. The $35 per person fee includes dinner and 2 beverage tickets. Please RSVP at: http://www.orangecoastwinery.com/scripts/eventPg.cfm .