Temeekunga

The place of the sun. Or sometimes translated as the "place of the sun and mist".


However you translate it, the area of southern California known as Temecula maintains it namesake. It is a place where the evening air brings in the moisture over the mountains into the valley below and when the morning sun hits it, the mist rises and slowly leads into sunshine filled days and clear skies.


People were settled in this area hundreds if not thousands of years ago and once you see the place you know why. In every direction the majesty of creation is all around. It seems that along with people, everything thrives here. Temecula has been known for decades as a leader in the production of produce such as avocados, oranges and other citrus fruits, and now it has earned a reputation for growing the fruit for some of the nations greatest wines.

Similar to the contrast between the sun and the mist, Temecula is divided within itself whether to become an attractive place for outsiders or maintain its integrity among the locals. This separation is most obvious once one enters wine country. When you turn off the freeway onto Rancho California, you don't feel like you are in a place of ancient tradition. There is the Target and the Embassy Suites next to the chains of parasite stores and restaurants that have become common place in those areas. You will feel like you are in every other small suburb trying to make a name for itself by looking like all the others. Until, that is, when you reach wine country.

Almost like taking a misstep down a small flight of stairs, you will feel a little shaken and confused when you reach it. It doesn't seem to belong. You take a second to check yourself; "didn't I just see a Starbucks two blocks back?" but it is no mirage. The busy suburb turns into a countryside complete with rows upon rows of grape vines intermingled with small flocks of livestock and sprinkled with the occasional chicken coop. It seems almost unspoiled.

Many of the wineries are ran by their founders and they are committed to the area, producing great wine, and preserving the land and traditions of Temecula. But there are also business owners that have purchased wineries as though they would be a fun way to pass the time in between vacations to Europe. The struggle occurs when the winemakers realize they need people through the doors in order to sell wine but not to the point of sacrificing quality. On the other hand if you are willing to let your customers do anything from foot stomp junk fruit to weddings, to yoga in the vines...doesn't that take away from the traditional? Doesn't that take away the integrity of the others in the valley trying to produce world class wine?

And so the battle rages on between sun and mist, tourist and tradition, integrity and money. It is an old story, you just have to decide which side you are on.