About

Raw Start of Wilson Winery in Temecula Valley, South Of L.A., Mick Wilson on James Lowe Radio Show: A new area, between Los Angeles and San Diego about 20 miles inland, has just begun producing award winning wines and a number of new vineyards are in the planning stages. They heard about a winery for sale in the Temecula Valley, but when they inquired the owner decided not to sell, but the family was set on becoming vintners in the valley. They were originally from Minnesota and brought that Midwest hospitality to South Pasadena and then, after they purchased 20 acres of raw land, to Temecula Valley. At first it was a touch and go as the eight Wilson's plowed all money back into the business and lived in trailers on the property. But now they are one of the biggest in the area and have a huge facility for weddings, corporate events, weekend concerts with big picnic area and a tasting room that seats 300 people, many at massive bar to promote a more intimate environment. Now wineries in the area, which is similar to the South Rhone Valley in France, are winning awards and getting recognized for producing good wines. The Wilson Family is well established and hosted an AmaWaterways Wine River Cruise in 2014 and will host another in 2015. About AmaWaterways: In 2015 AmaWaterways will continue to set the pace in all aspects of the river cruise industry throughout the world. Always look to expand their horizons, AmaWaterways began offering river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, formerly Burma, to compliment the extremely popular Mekong River Cruise vacations that include Vietnam and Cambodia. Europe is the mainstay of AmaWaterways river cruise itineraries and a number of creative themed cruises, such as Art Illuminations Cruises, Beer Cruises and Jazz Cruises, join the Wine River Cruise and Jewish Heritage Cruises lineup. No other river cruise line can match AmaWaterways on-board quality of service, first rate amenities, comfortable staterooms and the fact all the meat, fish, produce and baked goods are delivered from local vendors during the cruises. Top-notch chefs prepare meals to match the locality in which the ship is cruising while also giving patrons anything their hearts and stomachs may desire along the way. When long ships were starting to get built in Europe, AmaWaterways added the fewest number of new cabins in an effort to keep the product up to the standards set when the company was formed in 2002. Those standards, set by founders Jimmy Murphy, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, have never been compromise and continue to be improved every day. The AmaReina, which set debuted in 2014, is a sister ship to the AmaCerto and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Our exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 300 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and Infotainment; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours. AmaPrima, inspired by classic-ocean going yachts, provides the most distinctive river cruise experience with a magnificent glass elevator and unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 sq. ft. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar; enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in five dining venues. The ship also features a Fitness Center, Massage, Hair and Beauty salon; complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies; plus a fleet of bicycles to enhance your river cruise experience.