There is nothing more emblematic of the Temecula Valley than the sight of colorful hot air balloons soaring peacefully over the beautiful, rolling hills of wine country. And the popular event that combines the Valley's love of both is the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. In its 41st year, this multi-day event highlighting balloons and local food/drink paired with internationally known bands and live music, continuously draws crowds from Temecula and all around Southern California and beyond.
The origins of the festival date back to 1983 (then called the Rancho California Balloon and Wine Festival) and was the brainchild of commercial airline pilot and avid balloonist Walt Darran and Evelyn Harker, a veteran event organizer and fundraiser.
Darran's interest was in showcasing the balloon, while Harker wanted to add more appeal by highlighting some of the area’s other natural attractions such as wine tasting and entertainment. At the time of the first festival in 1984, there were only six wineries in the region and the event launched 35 balloons. Of the 9,000 residents in the area, more than 4,000 people were in attendance and it was considered a monumental success.
In subsequent years, the festival continued to be one of the biggest and most popular events in the Valley. Originally held at Rancho California Plaza, the festival was relocated several times as it grew in size and popularity. It has found a more permanent home at Lake Skinner since 1989, as the location allows attendees ample parking space and the ability to camp for the weekend.
In 1991, the Temecula Chamber of Commerce turned over production of the event to the newly formed Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival Association. The mission statement of this new nonprofit organization was, and still is, to enhance the charitable, cultural, educational and economic development of the region.
As a way to give back, the Festival Association returns proceeds to community organizations including the 4-H Club, Boy Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Riverside County, Rotary Club, Temecula Valley Art League and Temecula Valley Wine Society, as well as to many local sports teams.
While the theme of hot air balloons and wine has always been the mainstays of the event, each year new attractions and vendors are introduced to an ever-growing crowd.
This year, the three-day event was headlined by rock legends Stone Temple Pilots, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Casino Pauma sponsoring the main stage. While the balloons and wine certainly continue to draw crowds, for many, the music has become the key attraction to the festival. Over the years, big name acts such as The Beach Boys, Blake Shelton, Daughtery, Kenny Loggins and Third Eye Blind have been headlined. For many, the music aspect of the festival has become a favorite and the announcement of each next festival's lineup is always hotly anticipated.
Food trucks and tents lined the festival area. Attendees were able to visit vendor booths from local area businesses selling everything from trucker hats to jewelry. For the foodies, there was no shortage of delicious offerings from local staples like Famous Pudn and Unforgettable Cravings. True to the “wine” aspect of the event title, many of Temecula’s wineries such as Akash, Altisima, Vitagliano, Halter Ranch and Peltzer Winery were on site pouring tastings of their best vintages. Several local breweries, including 8 Bit Brewing, served their suds in the Beer Garden.
According to Visit Temecula Valley, "the heartbeat of the festival lies in the majestic ascension of hot air balloons against the canvas of the Temecula sky" which took place at sunrise each day. Not so early risers could enjoy the festival's popular Balloon Glow on Friday and Saturday nights. For those slightly less thrill seeking, the festival also offered a tethered balloon launch on the same mornings.
Over the years, the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival has become an immersive, experiential celebration of the lifestyle, flavor and community that thrives in this area. Temecula Mayor James "Stew" Stewart, who attended this year, had glowing reviews. "The bands this year were really great. If you look at the price of admission as a concert ticket that includes multiple bands, it is a great value. I really think it should be renamed the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Music Festival!", he raved.