Grape crush 2019 is underway in sunny Southern California including nearby Temecula Valley where growers are gathering their ripe and flavorful clusters!

Friend of the vine and longtime grower Cheo Serrano reports a bountiful harvest.

Serrano first came to Temecula in 1967 and is encouraged with what he sees among his vines.

“The crop looks great here in the valley, it hasn’t been as hot as last year, but the good rains that we had earlier, drain the salts from soil and our vines look excellent.”

Serrano farms approximately 100 acres including Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Syrah, Malbec, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Gris, Viogner, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling. He also assists other growers and wineries including Churon and Twisted Tendril.

Gino’s Wine of Month Perfect for Summer is Côte des Roses Languedoc from French vintner Gérard Bertrand. I discovered this beautiful off-dry, fresh rosé at Padua Pasta Makers and Italian Deli in Upland courtesy of Maria Rogers, co-owner.

Produced from Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault varieties, color offers soft brilliant pink with bluish tints and orangey nuances. Bouquet of summer fruits, cassis and red currant - notes of rose along with hints of grapefruit. Fresh and full on the palate with great aromatic balance.

Ideal chilled as an aperitif or salads, shellfish and subtly spiced dishes. The bottle is original with its base in the shape of a rose - making it a terrific gift. Available at most wine shops from $11.99 to $17.99 per bottle.

Grape Stomp Event South Coast Winery’sAnnual Grape Stomp, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15. Tickets are $85 per adult. Includes glass of red/white, Sparkling Wine Toast Harvest Blessing, Dinner Buffet, Live Music by Endeavor.

Grape stomp is a two-person competition with a set of two winners each round. The winners will compete in a stomp off with chance to win ultimate stay package at South Coast Winery. Visit www.southcoastwinery. com/winery/grape-stomp or call (866) 204-5896 for tickets.

Gino L. Filippi is a fourth-generation Cucamonga vintner. Send wine questions or comments to ginoffvine@aol.com.