Sip and snack through Europe without leaving Temecula at this September food festival

Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 20:08 GMT by Orange County Register
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Sip and Snack Through Europe Without Leaving Temecula at This September Food Festival

Temecula, CA – When the sun begins to dip behind the Temecula Valley’s rolling vineyards, a different kind of aroma starts to drift into the city’s historic downtown: the mouth‑watering scent of freshly baked bread, sizzling paella, and simmering gnocchi. From September 9th to 11th, the annual “Temecula European Food & Wine Festival” will turn the wine‑country capital into a bustling, trans‑Atlantic marketplace, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience the flavors, flavors, and festivities of some of Europe’s most beloved culinary traditions — all without ever leaving the county.

A Festival Designed for the Palate

The festival’s organizers, a partnership between the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and the regional tourism board, conceived the event as a celebration of the valley’s heritage and its growing reputation as a wine‑tasting destination. “We’re proud of the diversity we see in our community and in the food we produce, and this festival gives us a chance to showcase both local talent and international flair,” said Karen McKenzie, Chair of the Chamber’s Cultural Committee.

The three‑day event is slated to occupy the historic Old Town Square and the Temecula Valley Museum grounds. A sprawling open‑air plaza will be dotted with food stalls, pop‑up kitchens, and wine‑tasting counters. For those who want a more intimate experience, a “Wine & Cheese Lounge” will offer a curated selection of Temecula’s boutique wineries paired with artisanal cheeses imported from Italy, France, and Spain.

Europe‑in‑a‑Bite: Highlights from the Menu

While the festival’s culinary offerings span the breadth of the continent, a few standout dishes promise to become instant favorites:

Country	Dish	Key Ingredients	Price
Italy	Gnocchi alla Panna	Potato dumplings, cream, Parmigiano‑Reggiano	$14
Spain	Paella de Mariscos	Rice, saffron, shrimp, mussels	$18
France	Coq au Vin	Chicken, red wine, mushrooms	$16
Germany	Bratwurst & Sauerkraut	Pork sausage, fermented cabbage	$12
Portugal	Bacalhau à Brás	Cod, potatoes, eggs, olives	$15
Ireland	Irish Lamb Stew	Lamb, carrots, barley	$13

Each vendor has been selected not only for authenticity but also for their ability to source fresh, local ingredients. Many chefs have teamed up with nearby vineyards, allowing them to incorporate Temecula’s own varietals into signature dishes.

In addition to the food stalls, a Cooking Live‑Demo Pavilion will feature chefs from Rome, Barcelona, and Lisbon who will prepare their signature dishes on the spot. The pavilion will be open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day, with a 15‑minute Q&A following every demo.

A Toast to Temecula’s Wineries

Wine lovers will not be disappointed. The festival’s Wine Tasting Hall will showcase a selection of Temecula’s best—particularly its burgeoning Napa‑style Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon—paired with European delicacies. Guests can also sample Spanish Tempranillo, French Bordeaux blends, and German Rieslings sourced from partner vineyards across Europe.

“Wine is the perfect bridge between cultures,” explained Tomás Rojas, a Temecula vintner who is also a festival partner. “By pairing our local wines with European foods, we’re showing that the flavors of the world can be found here, and that our wines can stand proudly alongside them.”

Tickets for the tasting hall range from $25 for a standard two‑hour pass to $70 for a full‑day “Wine & Dine” experience, which includes unlimited tastings and priority seating at the cooking demos.

Cultural Activities Beyond the Plate

Beyond the culinary delights, the festival embraces the cultural vibrancy of Europe through a series of events:

Live Music & Dance: A line‑up of local and international musicians will perform daily. Highlights include a Spanish Flamenco troupe on Friday evening and a Celtic folk band on Saturday night.
Artisans & Handicrafts: Local artisans will showcase European‑inspired crafts, from Italian leather goods to French lace.
Family Fun Zone: Kids can enjoy a French pastry‑making workshop, a Spanish bull‑fighting costume photo booth, and an Irish storytelling circle.

Tickets to the festival itself are $30 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for children under 12. Families can also purchase a “Family Pack” that includes a meal voucher, a free kids’ activity pass, and a discount on wine tasting.

How to Get There and Where to Stay

The festival is conveniently located just a few minutes from Downtown Temecula. Parking will be available on a first‑come, first‑served basis in the Main Street Garage and the Historic Plaza Lot, with a nightly fee of $10 per vehicle. Ridesharing services are expected to be heavily utilized, so early arrivals are advised.

For those looking to stay overnight, the festival has partnered with several local accommodations:

The Heritage Inn – a boutique hotel with a European‑style garden terrace (discounts for festival ticket holders).
Bacchus Guest Suites – an eco‑friendly lodging option featuring a rooftop terrace with a view of the valley.
Vineyard Lodge – a rustic, wine‑themed retreat that includes a private wine tasting for guests staying more than one night.

Why It Matters

This year’s festival is the 10th anniversary of the Temecula European Food & Wine Festival. With more than 40 vendors and 10,000 attendees in the past decade, the event has become a fixture on the region’s cultural calendar. It also serves as a vital platform for local entrepreneurs: over 30 of the participating chefs and artisans are first‑generation immigrants who have made Temecula their home.

The Chamber’s chair emphasized that the festival’s success reflects the broader trend of cultural fusion. “Our community thrives on shared experiences,” she said. “When we bring people together over food, we’re also building bridges, creating jobs, and showcasing the very best of what Temecula has to offer.”

A Final Sip

For those who can’t attend in person, the festival’s organizers are live‑streaming select cooking demos and wine tastings on their website (link to https://www.temeculafestival.com). The site also offers a “Virtual Pastry Class” where viewers can learn how to bake authentic French croissants from home.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, a wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a weekend escape, the Temecula European Food & Wine Festival promises a sensory journey across continents, all under the canopy of a California sun. As the city’s historic streets buzz with the hum of conversation and the clink of glasses, you’ll find yourself tasting a slice of Europe without ever leaving the valley’s embrace. The festival’s motto captures it best: “Taste the World, Taste Temecula.”

Read the Full Orange County Register Article at:
[ https://www.ocregister.com/2025/08/15/sip-and-snack-through-europe-without-leaving-temecula-at-this-september-food-festival/ ]

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