TEMECULA, Calif., May 12, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leonesse Cellars, known for its high quality wines, elegant tasting room, friendly staff and stunning vineyard and mountain views, has partnered with Leah DiBernardo, executive chef and owner of Delyte's Fine Foods, to create the perfect Temecula Wine Country experience.
Starting this weekend, the winery will begin offering Small Bytes, a selection of gourmet appetizers that have been carefully selected and prepared with seasonal foods that will enhance the tasting experience of Leonesse Cellars selection of fine wines.
"We are excited to feature top organic producers from our region, along with seasonal and fresh dynamic dishes that pair perfectly with Leonesse wines," said DiBernardo, who is president of Slow Food Temecula and is well known throughout the region for her gourmet cuisine prepared with local, seasonal foods.
Visitors to the winery's tasting room and barrel room will be able to order seasonally prepared artisan food from a self-service menu with most of the items priced less than $20.
The menu will feature such items as lamb burgers and prawns poached in Chardonnay with a blood orange infused cocktail sauce or a charcuterie platter and homemade country pate.
Guests may enjoy the food and wine while relaxing on the expansive tasting room patio, in the picnic area with its spectacular vistas of Wine Country or in Leonesse's barrel room. Small Bytes will be served Friday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Delyte's Green Gourmet To Go, boxed gourmet food items from organic local food producers, also will be available for sale at Leonesse Monday through Thursday.
Leonesse Cellars is an award-winning winery in Temecula's Wine Country. Its tasting room at 38311 DePortola Road has breath-taking views of the southern part of Temecula's Wine Country and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call (951) 302-7601 or go to: www.leonessecellars.com.
Delyte's Fine Foods is an award-winning "green" event and catering company dedicated to preparing gourmet foods using only the freshest, local ingredients and supporting a sustainable lifestyle. For more information about Delyte's Fine Foods, visit www.delytes.com.