Look Inside Temecula's Newest Wine Tasting Room: Alex By Poggio Leano

TEMECULA, CA — If you've driven down Rancho California Road into Temecula Valley Wine Country lately, chances are you've seen the brightly strung umbrellas, field of sunflowers, and rows upon rows of newly planted Italian grapes.

Welcome to Alex by Poggio Leano Tasting Room, located at 41309 Avenida Biona, at the gateway to Temecula Valley Wine Country off Rancho California Road.

Local restaurateurs and winemakers, Alex and Charity Prestifilippo, have opened this gateway to wine country tasting room, where they pour Alex by Poggio Leano wine, and invite you to try a slice of Sicily.

The winery opened this summer and is already hitting its stride, thanks to a friendly staff and the consummate hostess that is Charity Prestifilippo, usually on hand to visit with guests.

Here, the colors are bright as the flavors of wine and olive oil, available for tasting either inside the stunning tasting room, at the chic quartz countered wine bar with gold accents, or on the many sofas or tables set up for guests and wine club members to enjoy.

Inside, there is a market stand, olive oil tastings, and of course, the wine.

Unlike other wineries in Temecula Valley, this one comes with something universally unexpected: This is the only wine club in the valley that offers a trip to Sicily, to the home village where Alex Prestifilippo's extended family still lives.

"We're the only wine club that takes you to Sicily for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime," she said.

You heard that correctly. The Alex by Poggio Leano wine club offers two different levels of membership, La Prima, a standard membership with expected wine tastings, pickups and special offers at the restaurants, and one that is called the "Passport to Sicily Wine Club."

When you enroll in the passport program, you'll enjoy all the typical wine club benefits, plus a journey to the old country, and the opportunity to stay at family resorts, including Poggio Leano Beach Resort in Donnalucata, Sicily. (Be sure to read all of the terms and conditions for that membership.)

They discussed a bit more about the resort town on their website:

"Along the Mediterranean Sea in Donnalucata, Sicily, the family cultivates 5 acres of Syrah and Grillo grapes, deepening their connection to the land that started it all. These special wines are served exclusively at their two boutique resort properties in Sicily, reserved for members of their Passport to Sicily Wine Club. This unique membership includes an unforgettable 7-night stay in Sicily—a true invitation to live la dolce vita."

Both wine clubs offer varying levels of discounts at the family's restaurants, including Gourmet Italia, Spuntino Pizzeria, The Bar Next Door, and Bottega Italia, as well as special events.

Inside the tasting room, the staff complements the tone of the relaxed and upscale tasting room.

"Our staff is the best of the best, cream of the crop, and perfect for us," Charity told Patch. "We are so proud of their hearts for our product, our customers, and our family. It's a blessing to have a team that loves and appreciates all that we have to offer."

Inside, you can taste either olive oil or wine, and have the opportunity to shop from their market stand.

Chances are, you'll meet Charity or another family member while visiting. Here, you'll find many places to sit and relax and soak in the scenery.

When you go, be sure to capture selfies from the many Instagram-worthy backdrops of the classic chic tasting room and the stunning patio off the Olive Oil and Boutique shop.

Learn more about the winery, the restaurants, and the Passport To Italy wine club at: www.poggioleano.com