WHAT GOES UP? It's a question with many possible, completely accurate answers. A wine of glass can go up, at least several inches, if you're raising the goblet high to toast a guest of honor. A pumped fist can go up, if a concert goer is particularly feeling the rockin' vibe of the live tunes. And when a colorful envelope fills with heated air, a hot air balloon can go up, too, high above camera-wielding admirers on the ground. To find all of those rising elements in the same lovely spot, and to find a lot of history, hubbub, and flavorful vittles, too, you only need to look upon Lake Skinner Recreation Area, and the annual Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival, which will soon gain lift off, again, for its 34th annual go-around. The dates spread out over the first weekend in June — Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 4 — and while the balloons are the impressively large, fly-fantastic centerpieces of the festivity, there are a number of goings-on. Including...
THE CONCERTS: A number of acts, from The Motels to Dramarama to Bush to The Gin Blossoms, will provide the raise-your-hands-'n-clap entertainment during the three-dayer. And over in the wine garden, vino-ists will come across 18 wineries setting out some of their greatest, most classic libations. A wine-tasting package starts at $20 — that'll nab you six tastes — but consider that there are food & wine pairing opportunities, too, if noshing alongside your chard is your preference. It's one of the biggest balloon soirees in the state, and quite the scenic, snap-a-pic party, too. Details, prices, hotels? Turn your gondola in this direction for the info-filled site.
