One winery that certainly represents the diverse and multi-cultured world of wine is Masia de Yabar. Its owners represent a saga that begins in Peru, then Argentina, also the eastern Mediterranean in Lebanon and now joining together to grow grapes and produce wines in Temecula. Two partners, Wilmer Yabar and Carlos Rivas, are both originally from Peru and now practicing dentists in Riverside County while Waleed Jouzy is from Lebanon where wine heritage dates back to the Phoenicians.
It was after a move from Argentina to the U. S. that Wilmer Yabar was introduced to the wine world with a vineyard of Malbec. Then two years ago Masai de Yabar Winery was founded. This Writer was introduced to the winery and its owners at the opening of the Masia de Yabar Tasting Room in Old Town Temecula. This proved to be a gala occasion with the music of Diego de Jesus Mondragon to accompany the tasting of seven Yabar wines and food goodies from Rustico Ristorante & Pizzeria located in nearby Murrieta to give the event an even more international air. On hand for the event were the media as well as local business people and community leaders.
The name Masia, from 16th century Spanish, translates to Manor House. The wines presented that evening included several Spanish varietals including Monastrell, Tempranillo and Garacha. The wines we liked best included a 2009 Viognier, a varietal that does particularly well in the South Coast, as well as the 2005 Tempranillo and a 2005 Zinfandel..
The newly opened Masia de Yabar Tasting room is located at 41955 Fifth Street in Old Town Temecula.
Back to Table of Contents
Graphic Design by Impact Graphics