From Sicily to SoCal: Italian Whites in Temecula

Think you know Temecula wine? Beyond Cab and Almond Champagne, Italian whites like Falanghina and Pecorino are quietly thriving—and in this episode of Pour Temecula, we’re at Cougar Vineyard & Winery to uncover the crisp, surprising wines you’ll want to pour this weekend.

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Italy may have hundreds of native white grapes, but did you know many of them are thriving right here in Temecula Valley? In this episode of Pour Temecula, Rick DeLucio and Shannon Cole head to Cougar Vineyard & Winery, pioneers in introducing rare Italian varietals to the U.S., to explore how grapes like Falanghina, Vermentino, and Arneis are making their mark locally. From award-winning Pinot Grigio to exciting pours of Pecorino, these wines prove Temecula’s climate is more than a match for Italy’s classics.

Along the way, we’ll break down what makes each grape unique, share tasting impressions from Cougar’s lineup, and give a few shoutouts to other local producers working with Italian whites. Expect some candid takes (yes, we’re side-eyeing $40 Pinot Grigio), plenty of stories, and a few detours into legacy vineyards, volcanic rosés, and what Temecula can learn from Italy’s wine culture.

If you’ve ever wondered what Temecula should be known for beyond Cabernet and sparkling Almond Champagne, this deep dive into Italian white grapes might just change your perspective.

What we tasted in this episode:

• 2023 Cougar Vineyards & Winery Vermentino (https://cougarwinery.orderport.net/product-details/0534/2023-Estate-Vermentino)


• 2022 Cougar Vineyards & Winery Falanghina (https://cougarwinery.orderport.net/product-details/0533/2022-Estate-Falanghina)


• 2024 Cougar Vineyards & Winery Malvasia Bianca (https://cougarwinery.orderport.net/product-details/0579/2024-Estate-Malvasia-Bianca)

Have a favorite Italian white wine from Temecula? Leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or message us ([email protected])—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!