Temecula Vineyards
The Bella Vista: One Of The First Temecula Vineyards
 The Temecula Vineyards has more than two dozen wineries in operation today, and vast acres of vineyards attracting tourists each year.
The Bella Vista Winery however, is the vineyard that began it all.
Sit back and enjoy, as we take you back in history to the beginning of the Temecula Wineries and the Bella Vista.
The Bella Vista is the oldest of the Temecula vineyards.
Take a moment to pay homage to this historical marker of a turn in wine making history.
Print A (PDF) Full Sized Map Of The Temecula Winery
The Birth Of The Bella Vista
Temecula began to come into its own in the mid-1960s.
Horticulturists began evaluating the land and determining which agricultural products it was suited to grow.
They determined that the valley was perfect for vineyards, thanks to its mild, moderated climate, which would support grape growing.
Vines were first planted on Bella Vista’s soil in 1968, and Temecula’s first commercial winery was built ten years later. It was then called the Cilurzo Winery although it has been sold since.
Winemaking has been a part of Bella Vista’s owner Imre Cziraki’s life since age 7, when he made wine with his grandfather in Hungary. He purchased Bella Vista Vineyard in 1998 and made renovations to its storage rooms and cask room.
The Busy Bella
 Today Bella Vista retains its same vitality in wine production.
80% of the grapes used in its wines are estate grown. The Winery’s crush capacity is 280 tons, and Bella Vista proudly boasts a production of around 15,000 cases of wine.
It is open seven days a week and hosts wine tastings for the public, at only $8 a piece.
This price includes five tastes and a Bella Vista souvenir glass.
There is a certain appeal in seeing the very first Temecula commercial vineyard, and it draws visitors every year. This something entirely unique to Bella Vista, giving it a one-of-a-kind history.
Bella Vista has a non-commercial atmosphere, unlike some of the other Temecula vineyards. It is run by a close-knit Hungarian family of employees who will quickly prove themselves welcoming and knowledgeable.
Bell's Unique Appeal
 Many tourists enjoy the Bella Vista because of its homey, rustic authenticity. It has appropriately kept its old-fashioned charm, reminding visitors of how long it has been established in Temecula.
Bella Vista hosts an annual Harvest Festival in the fall, which attracts tourists and local families for its fun, traditional events.
There is a grape stomping contest and live entertainment. Young and old enjoy this day each September, which reinforces the value of tradition.
There are many other wineries in Temecula with modern facilities and grandiose architecture, but the Bella Vista will always be the original. With its richly flavorful wines and champagnes, the Bella Vista Winery serves as a standing reminder of where Temecula Wine Country’s success began.
Make sure to check out all the great links on the bottom of the Temecula Wineries Home Page and learn more about all great things to see and do in the Temecula Wineries. Learn about Etiquette, Wine-Tasting Tours and even get a Free Map of the wineries. Learn about Temecula’s very first winery, “The Bella Vista.”
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