Peltzer Family Cellars tasting room is located at 40275 Calle Contento in Temecula Valley Wine Country. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo
Rob CrisellSpecial to Valley NewsIt was quite a disquietingly quiet July in wine country. It should have been a recovery summer, with millions of Southern Californians flocking to Temecula to shake off their COVID-19 blues. Yet while Saturdays have been busy at the larger places, most wineries have seen a drop off in customers. Why?There are a few likely suspects. With Wall Street and the job market declining, and interest rates, gas prices, taxes and inflation spiking, would-be tourists are simply staying home. We’re also confronting the appearance of a more contagious, but far less lethal, strain of COVID. A humble suggestion: wineries should adapt quickly by encouraging locals – perhaps through well-aimed promotions and discounted tastings – to make a few extra trips t
