CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES: TRANSPORTATION TO TEMECULA FOR WINE TASTING TOURS

Blessed with gorgeous weather year-round, Temecula is home to nearly 40 wineries and a charming Old Town with unique dining and shopping experiences. Often overshadowed by the wonderful wineries, Temecula also offers artisan foods such as olive oil and cheeses.

Temecula produces some excellent wines. The region’s hot weather results in intense wines – dry whites, sweet dessert wines, fruity Sangiovese and jammy Zinfandels. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the stars among the whites as are Rhone varietals such as Roussanne and Viognier. The Cabernets and Merlots are wonderful however some of the most interesting reds come from the Rhone and Italian varietals such as Syrah, Grenache and Sangiovese. To sample all the region offers, here are a few suggested wineries to visit:

HART FAMILY WINERY

Sample their mouth-watering Sauvignon Blancs, fruity, balanced Sangiovese and the Cabernet Franc with its mild herbal notes. Also try “Three” which blends Grenache, Tempranillo and Syrah in a bright, drinkable wine

BAILY VINEYARD AND WINERY

Their reds are smooth, supple and balanced. Highlights include their Cabernet Franc (packed with silky fruit with a touch of herbs), a full-bodied Merlot and a lovely Meritage.

MOUNT PALOMAR WINERY

Known for producing a varietal Cortese – a white wine grape from the Piedmont region of Italy – this wine is gorgeous, infused with the aromas of flowers and apples with a hint of nutty bitterness in the finish. They offer two stunning dessert wines: the Reserve Port and the Solera Cream Sherry.

WILSON CREEK WINERY & VINEYARDS

Certainly one of the “favorites” for most wine tours of the area, their signature wine is an Almond Champagne, fermented in almond oil. Other offerings to try are their dry Grenache Rose and a peppery, French-style Syrah.

FALKNER WINERY

The Pinnacle Restaurant at the winery offers sweeping views of the valley and great menu. Known for producing semi-sweet red wines, among the favorites is “Luscious Lips” (blend of Syrah and Sangiovese) and an exotic, honeysuckle scented Viognier.

Plan a day with friends exploring all that Temecula offers. CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES offers wine tasting packages for groups of two to 30 people. With our fleet of executive town cars, luxury limousines and limousine buses we can accommodate any size group. Enjoy a relaxing day without worrying about how many glasses of wine you have had. We are an approved transportation provider for the TEMECULA VALLEY WINEGROWERS ASSOCIATION. Our knowledgeable chauffeurs and reservationist can help you plan the perfect day. For more information on rates, vehicles and places to visit, please give us a call at our office – 714.288.8853.

CLASSIQUE LIMOUSINES: TRANSPORTATION TO PETER PAN AT ORANGE COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS

SEPTEMBER 28 – NOVEMBER 21, 2010

PETER PAN - J.M Barrie’s classic tale of a mischievous boy who can fly and magically refuses to grow up is currently being staged at the ORANGE COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. The venue is an elaborate tent erected next to the CENTER which is suspended from a white metal exoskeleton that rises more than 100 feet, leaving the interior virtually pillar free. It provides a remarkable 360 degree experience that will delight children of all ages.

Veteran theater designer Bill Dudley, part of the THREE SIXTY ENTERTAINMENT LTD. team that created this production, describes it as follows: “What we have aimed for is a fusing of some very different theatre styles. This is still a theater production. We have live actors to tell the story and we also have puppetry of a charming and surreal style, aerobatics, singing and sword fighting. What we also have is this other very special element. We take the audience up in the air and give them the felling that they’re soaring through the sky with these very familiar characters. It’s a lovely feeling.”

Personally, I am excited to see this production. I have seen PETER PAN several times before in a traditional theater environment and it is always magic. However, this special staging will bring Barrie’s story alive, allowing each of us to “fly” with Peter. I definitely recommend attending. Plan a special outing for family and friends, with this delightful production the centerpiece of your day (or evening).  And  make it even more special by arranging limousine transportation for your group. Please mention my blog when booking to enjoy discounted pricing. For more information please give us a call at 714.288.8853.

TRANSPORTATION TO JIMMY BUFFETT AT VERIZON AMPHITHEATER

JIMMY BUFFETT AND THE CORAL REEFER BAND "LAST MAN STANDING 2010"

VERIZON AMPHITHEATER - IRVINE, CA

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2010 AT 8:00PM

“What I'm best at is two hours of escapism for people that have to go back and either live jobs that they don't like or whatever...it's that Mardi Gras mentality." ~Jimmy Buffett

That “Mardi Gras” mentality returns to Verizon Amphitheater this Thursday as Buffett and his band again provide an evening of music and merriment. Buffett’s songbook is extensive and he always performs all the fan favorites from “Come Sunday” to “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” to (my favorite) “A Pirate Turns Forty.” As his legion of fans (affectionately known as Parrot Heads) will tell you, his concerts are great fun. No gimmicks – instead an evening of music and camaraderie. And of course, it is an evening to party . . . for who cannot join in the fun when margaritas and beers are the beverages of choice!

It’s also an evening when local law enforcement traditionally sets up sobriety checkpoints. And for good reason for too many drinks do not mix with driving a vehicle. But this should not stop anyone from escaping from their everyday challenges and spending a few hours having fun. Classique Limousines is offering special transportation packages that evening. If you have a group of six or less we can offer transfer services to and from Verizon Amphitheater. For larger groups we have limousines and SUV limousines available at discounted prices.

The limousines are a great idea for Verizon is one of the few venues that allow tailgating in the parking lot. We provide complimentary bars with lots of ice and glasses and if there is something special you want just let us know. The driver will have it ready for you when he picks you up. Also, don’t forget your IPod. All the vehicles have IPod connectivity so you can listen to your special mix of Buffett favorites.

For more information on rates and availability please give us a call at 714.288.8853.



MOUNT PALOMAR WINERY OKTOBERFEST

Mount Palomar Winery in Temecula will host its fourth Oktoberfest, featuring authentic German music, food, beer and wine on Saturday, October 9th & Sunday, October 10th, 2010 from 11:00AM to 5:00PM. 

So break out your lederhosen or dirndl, bring your German beer stein to Mount Palomar Winery for a festive weekend of food, fun and live Oom Pah Pah music on their patio. German entertainers Karl and Fritz (in their lederhosen) will provide the music and the winery will provide the food and fun. They will be serving homemade German bratwurst and potato salad, apple and cherry strudel, hot pretzels, Mount Palomar Riesling wine, and Beck’s Oktoberfest beer on tap. Bring your German Stein and your first glass of beer is free! There will be dance contests, daily prizes for Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest (Best Costumes), Best Beer Stein and more.

Classique Limousines will be offering special transportation this weekend for the celebration.  For more information, give us a call at 714.288.8853.

TRANSPORTATION FOR OKTOBERFEST IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The year was 1810, the place was Bavaria, and life was hard.  It was the month of October and everyone worked long hours to complete the fall harvest and prepare for the onset of winter.  To reward his subjects, Prince Ludwig I invited them all to participate in the celebration of his wedding to Princess Theresa von Sachsen-Hilburghausen.  The wedding was a success and to honor the couple the anniversary became a yearly festival which we now know as Oktoberfest.  The festival is held from late September through early October in Munich with attendance over six million people.  German immigrants have spread this yearly festival to other cities across the world.

In Southern California there is a long tradition of celebrating Oktoberfest.  So grab some friends and enjoy a great evening of Bavarian brews, lively polka bands and the best German food.  Here are a few suggestions:

Alpine Village, Torrance California
September 10 - October 23, 2010

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
~Celebrating Oktoberfest for 43 Years~

Old World Village, Huntington Beach, California

September 5 - October 31, 2010

Wednesdays through Sundays
~Celebrating Oktoberfest for 33 Years~

Phoenix Club, Anaheim, CA

September 17 - October 31, 2010

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
~Celebrating Oktoberfest for 50 Years~

The Convention Center, Big Bear Lake, CA

September 18 - October 30, 2010

Saturdays and Sundays
~Celebrating Oktoberfest for 40 Years~

If not noted yet, beer and drinking is a large part of the Oktoberfest celebrations.  And it is difficult not to imbibe in such a raucous environment.  Plan ahead and take advantage of some special transportation packages Classique Limousines if offering through the end of October.  For sedans and SUV's we will provide transfer services and for the larger vehicles you can take advantage of one hour free with five hours of service.  For more information please give us a call at 714.288.8853.

LAGUNA BEACH - The Sawdust Festival and Pageant of the Masters

On Sunday, I went to Laguna Beach to attend two of my favorite summer events - the Sawdust Festival and Pageant of the Masters. If you have never attended either one I urge you to do so immediately!

The Sawdust Festival features great local talents and this year the pottery is exceptional. I bought several pieces which are inspired by the whimsy, the light and the colors that only Laguna Beach could afford. Admittedly, I have been attending this event for over twenty years and each year I discover new artists whose works are evocative and well worth the time to explore and appreciate.

After that we walked several blocks south on PCH to the Aegean Cafe. Under new ownership (which made me a little nervous) we entered the same beautiful surroundings with a more extensive menu. A must is the Loukaniko, arriving at your table sizzling (not on menu, but if you ask they have it!). The entrees are just as enticing with gyros and soulavki exceptional. For me, I was happy with several appetizers, starting with the kalamarakia (squid), then dolmandes (stuffed grape leaves) and finishing with their very delicate spankapopita (fresh spinach and feta baked in phyllo dough).

After such a feast we happily enjoyed the walk back to enjoy the Pageant of the Masters. A premiere event each summer, I have to say this year's presentation was truly great. For the past twenty years I have not missed it and although some years stand out as better than others, this year was a watershed. The costumes, the staging, the choices of works to exemplify made it a truly enchanting evening.

Yes, it was a Southern California day - filled with art, creativity, great food and a starlit sky. But the one drawback was the horrible traffic and lack of adequate parking. Yes, I should have arranged transportation (not too difficult, I am part of Classique Limousines). But I did not and we spent at least 30 minutes trying to find somewhere to park. It probably would have been longer but I have been hanging out in Laguna Beach since I was 16 years old.

So if you have plans to attend The Sawdust Festival or Pageant of the Masters please give me a call. It's summer - our slow season- and I will work with you – offering reasonable rates, great chauffeurs and immaculate vehicles. And if you are in Laguna Beach I definitely recommend the Aegean Cafe. Offering great views, incredible food and a relaxed atmosphere with live music, I could not think of a better way to enjoy Laguna Beach. For more details please call me at Classique Limousines -714.288.8853. OOMPAH!

Transportation for LA Lakers/Boston Celtics 2010 NBA Finals

The rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers involves the two most storied basketball franchises in the National Basketball Association history. The rivalry had been less intense after the retirement of Magic Johnson and Larry Byrd in the early 1990's but in 2008 it was renewed when they met in the finals for the first time since 1987. The Celtics currently lead in total championships with 17 to the Lakers' 15; together, the two teams 32 championships account for more than half of the 63 championships in NBA history.

The players' names have changed but the intensity is just as great. This year the Lakers have added the aggressive play of Ron Artest to an great roster led by Kobe Bryant and rounded out by players like Gasol, Odom, and Fisher. Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen lead the Celtics who are benefiting from the much improved Rajon Rondo. With the series tied at one each, the competition has returned to the fabled Boston Garden for the next three games. If all goes as the Lakers' fans hope, they will return to The Staples Center for Game 5 on Tuesday June 15th.

As every major sporting event seems to be, parking will be difficult, traffic heavy and security tight. Classique Limousines can offer the solution you need to make the event one that you enjoy from the moment you leave your residence to your return. Options include sedan and SUV services, and for larger groups, limousines and SUV limousines. For more information please give us a call at 714.288.8853 for rates and availability.