TEMECULA, CALIF. — You don't have to love wine to enjoy an annual event held at Skinner Lake a few miles from Temecula. But for those who want to sample the region's bounty of great tastes, dozens of wineries now are represented and pour their wines at an event that launched in 1984 with some hot air balloons and only six Temecula Valley wineries. The first Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival was such a hit, it now heads toward its 30th year and just keeps getting better (like a fine wine.)

Last year's entertainment with gate admission included Kenny Loggins and other recognized names appearing on two stages. The festival appeals to all ages and not strictly wine drinkers, as the entertainment is world class. This year's bands haven't been announced but they will be soon, and that's when many will decide to go.

Temecula, Southern California's only wine country region, is located in Riverside County approx. 30 minutes from the beaches of San Diego County. Summer days are hot & dry (average around 90s - 100) but when the ocean breezes slip through the mountains in the afternoon, the cooling effect does something special to the grapes to make them ideal for wines. Temecula Valley wines recently won gold medals at the California State Fair and the competition was fierce with Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, Mendocino, Paso Robles and Santa Maria Valley providing stiff competition.

Our favorite time to visit is fall, winter and spring, though many prefer going in the summer when it is hot. The Balloon & Wine Festival weather in early June has temperatures usually in the 80s and quite pleasant.

Several great golf courses include Temecula Creek Inn and Pechanga Casino & Resort's Journey course. Golfers and sun worshippers don't care about the weather quite as much, and you'll see them golfing any time it isn't raining. For information on the prices at the Balloon & Wine Festival, to buy tickets, and to see the acts they've booked, the website where it will be posted within the next few months is: tvbwf.com