TEMECULAN TRADITION: With the arrival of April comes an array of come-one-come-all blessings. Perhaps you're prepping your Fido for the annual Blessing of the Animals at Olvera Street, which will again happen the Saturday before Easter, or one of the other benediction-filled ceremonies happening around Southern California. A Temecula-based vineyard also observes the tradition with its own blessing, in this case the Blessing of the Vines, which is happening on Sunday, April 10.
BLESSING, THEN BBQ: South Coast Winery will lead visitors out into the vineyards before a few solemn words are said. It's a treat, of course; it isn't often you get to ramble among the brambles during a winery visit. A barbecue meal will follow the blessing; grilled brats, mojo potatoes, and warm pineapple cake are all on the menu. You can purchase tickets for the meal (and the blessing), or you can investigate the winery's Blessing of the Vines stay-over package. An adult ticket is $40, and the overnight package is $209.
