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June 5 - 7, 2009 Location: Lake Skinner, CA

TEMECULA, CA - If you look at the pictures of Temecula above, you can see what draws people to the annual celebration of wine and hot air balloon rides. The two capture the dry semi-desert area where vineyards thrive and some fabulous wines are produced, to the delight of millions of visitors. Wine, Balloons, Music, Casinos...what more could you want? How about a festival to celebrate the wonderful things that Temecula has to offer? Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival may be the answer.

More than colorful balloons and premium wines will tantalize the crowds at the 25th annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival  Sunday's entertainment headliners will appeal to wine connoisseurs and food lovers in one area, Jazz fans in another, and families and x-game fans in another.

While the jazzy-rock sounds play in the Wine Gardens, four Slow Foods chef teams may prepare a unique food and wine pairing for a select few Festival guests in the Viva Vino & Cocina bistro area. Limited to the first 100 tickets sold, this foodie event offers four courses of tastes paired with premium area boutique wines. Slow Food chefs utilizing local seasonal produce and meat products from self-sustainable farms will demonstrate and prepare the cuisine.

Smooth jazz concerts are part of the entertainment enjoyment at this special, annual event that has folks driving for miles to come hear the sounds of top recording artists.

Last year: Turning 180s in the air and on the ground the Festival's Main Stage, sponsored by Pechanga Resort and Casino will feature "Xtremely Amped," a high-flying Super Moto "X" Rider stunt show.

Situated at the pristine Lake Skinner recreation area and surrounded by the Shipley Nature Preserve the Festival infuses brilliantly colored dawn hot air balloon ascensions and wine tasting from more than 20 area wineries. Wine tasting begins at 11 a.m. and is additional.

Concerts and Xtremely Amped are included in the Sunday general admission.

Mass dawn balloon launches are fleeting, so spectators are encouraged to arrive by 6 a.m. to witness the spectacle. Free tethered rides are available after the massive launch while weather permits. Hot Air Balloon Flights are $200 and reservations are required. For more information visit www.tvbwf.com or call (951) 676-6713.


Additional info at:

· Lake Skinner information: www.riversidecountyparks.org/

· Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival: www.tvbwf.com

· Collective Soul: www.collectivesoul.com

· Temecula Wine Country: www.temeculawines.org