Visitors to the Temecula Valley have long felt that the verdant rolling hills and acres of vine-strewn vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see are reminiscent of the best wine regions of Europe. Businessman Dan Stephenson had just such a feeling when he first eyed a 300 acre parcel of land at the entrance of Temecula Wine Country.
After traveling to Europe for the first time in the 1970s, Stephenson fell in love with the magnificent culture, food, wine and countryside of the region and wanted to share it with his friends and family. After he and a business partner bought the parcel, he set about creating a multi-winery resort destination that would celebrate his love of Europe by offering residents and visitors an authentic taste of Spain, Italy and France – all in one location.
Stephenson’s vision included three winery resort destinations at Europa Village that each include a winery and tasting room, hotel accommodations, a restaurant and event spaces – the Spanish themed Bolero Winery, the newly opened Vienza Winery with an Italian theme, as well as C’est La Vie, a French themed winery slated to begin construction in late 2025.
And as every European well knows, what better way to enjoy fine wine than alongside fine food? Under the supervision and creative direction of Executive Chef Hany Ali, formerly Executive Chef at the Four Seasons in Newport Beach, Europa Village offers two bold and beautiful epicurean establishments – one Spanish, one Italian.
Bolero Restaurante was first out of the gate, and focuses on the distinct and varied wines, flavors and culture of Spain. The winery’s signature dining venue, Bolero is set in an architecturally exquisite atmosphere and takes diners on a culinary journey through the regions of sunny Spain. Offering an elevated Tapas menu of authentic Spanish shared plates including cheeses, meats, fish, vegetables and paellas along with their own fine wines and an expansive menu of wines from Spain, Bolero Restaurante brings the essence of Espana to Temecula Wine Country for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, including brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations can be made at EuropaVillage.com. Check the “Events” page for special chef-curated dinners and chef’s table events.
“The connection we make through food is the most important,” says Chef Hany. “Our goal is to take you on a tour of Spain without having to pack your suitcase or get your passport stamped. We use only fresh, local ingredients from local growers – we don’t just sell food, we sell an experience. And I am so proud when our guests say, ‘I’ve been to Spain and this is as good or better than what we had there,’” he says.
Also under the gastronomic gaze of Chef Hany is Europa Village’s second dining destination, Mercato di Vienza, a casual, grab and go Italian marketplace and deli at the newly opened Vienza Winery. Peckish picnickers can shop for authentic fare like gourmet charcuterie, freshly baked pizzas from the Mercato’s own wood fired oven, a choice of 6 different gelattos made from Chef Hany’s own recipes, Italian sodas, specialty oils, olives and culinary tools. Guests can enjoy Mercato’s offerings while strolling the gardens or to take home to family and friends. On weekends, the menu expands to offer housemade pastas and meat dishes. Mercato di Vienza is open daily from noon to 6 pm.
For those who wish to continue the epicurean experience long after they leave the winery, there is the Europa Table Culinary Club. An internationally inspired, curated collection of seasonal offerings, Europa Table promises to take members on a “guided tour of France, Italy and Spain,” via an assortment of culinary discoveries including “premium quality olive oils, culinary delicacies and unique handpicked utensils” shipped directly to their door. For more information, visit EuropaVillage.com and click “Join.”
With two thriving wineries and restaurants and another in the works, founder Stephenson is not content to rest on his laurels. “USA today voted Bolero #2 Best New Winery in the nation in 2022, but I want to be number one,” he says. A prodigious goal setter, Stephenson has big plans for Europa. “Chef Hany trained in France, worked at the Four Seasons – he’s the whole package. And he is committed to making us the best of the best. I want people to recognize that there can be great food here in Riverside County. Our goal is to have a Michelin Starred restaurant.” Chef Hany is equally optimistic. “Temecula Valley deserves to be on the map. We hope to be on top for our food one day soon.”
"I am proud when our guests say, ‘I’ve been to Spain and this is good or better than what we had there.'" - Chef Hany
"Chef Hany is committed to making us the best of the best. I want people to recognize that there can be great food here in Riverside County. Our goal is to have a Michelin Starred restaurant." - Dan Stephenson, Chairman & Founder, Europa Village