Temecula Wine Pioneer Carl L. Key turns 100, celebrated for a century of innovation

Carl L. Key, a World War II veteran, aviation enthusiast, serial entrepreneur, and visionary founder of one of Temecula Valley’s earliest wineries, celebrated his 100th birthday this week surrounded by loved ones and admirers.Born in Summerville, Pennsylvania, Key was educated in a two-room schoolhouse until the sixth grade. During World War II, it was such a depressing time, young Carl left school to help support his family, taking several jobs, including working at a machine shop, before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force.Key served four years between 1943 and 1947 and became a medical technician, demonstrating the same adaptability and compassion that would later define his business life. After the war, he continued flying by purchasing several aircraft of his own and remained ac