SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER

Megan McGuire
Sep 2
3 min read

HARVEST FOR THE SEASON OF GRATITUDE

The open doors to Oleificio Prestifilippo, the olive oil tasting boutique in Temecula Wine Country.

As the sun ripens the rolling hills of De Luz, Temecula, harvest season begins

across our 30+ acres of estate-grown vineyards. At Poggio Leano, we take immense pride

in cultivating our own grapes (with the sole exception of The Outsider Chardonnay, of course) —ensuring unparalleled quality from vine to glass, guided by generations of Italian viticulture expertise. This year, to no surprise, the early ripening Pinot Grigio was the first to come in from the vineyard, closely followed by the delicate Pinot Noir, and fragrant Muscat. The 2025 harvest promises exceptional quality, with fruit showing remarkable balance, depth, and character that reflect both an outstanding growing season, and the year-round meticulous vineyard care and planning.

This fall also marks an exciting milestone: the very first harvest of our Sicilian vines on the Poggio Leano Beach Resort property. Five acres of Grillo and Syrah grapes are now being carefully hand-harvested just steps from the Mediterranean. Soon, guests—including our Passport Club members—will not only be steps from the sea, but also moments from a new Poggio Leano Tasting Room.

PAIRINGS FOR FALL GATHERINGS

Pinot Noir | Delicate, elegant, bright red fruit

Pair with roast turkey, herb stuffing, cranberry sauce.

Aglianico | Rustic depth, earthy tannins

Pair with braised short ribs, roasted vegetables, meat lasagna or rigatoni with slow-simmered ragu.

Syrah | Spice and dark fruit with smoky character

Pair with smoked ham, roasted lamb, sweet potato casserole.

Chardonnay | creamy with a hint of citrus

Pair with butternut squash soup, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted chicken.

SHOP WINE

Wine is the thread that ties together the flavors of the season—and the people we share them with.

YOU MADE OUR VISION COME TO LIFE

We’re filled with gratitude as we reflect on the warm and enthusiastic welcome you’ve given newly reimagined Alex by Poggio Leano in Temecula’s Wine Country. Your support made our soft reopening not only a success—but a celebration of everything Poggio Leano stands for.

All things Poggio Leano in Sicily, Italy

From thoughtful new offerings to scenic corners adorned with touches of Sicily, every detail was designed to transport you to the place we proudly call home. As our owner, Alessandro “Alex” Prestifilippo, beautifully says: “There are places in this world that never leave you—where the sun warms more than just your skin, and every meal feels like a celebration of life itself. For me, that place is Sicily.”

We’re thrilled to now offer enhanced Wine Club memberships with added benefits like dining discounts at our local restaurants, customizable releases, luxurious extras to make your Sicily vacation even better, and more.

And yes—the beloved extra virgin olive oil tasting counter and fruit stand have returned, bringing with them the joy and flavors we’ve all missed.

If you haven’t stopped by yet, we hope you will soon—you’re likely to run into one of us from the family, ready to welcome you with open arms.

PRESTIFILIPPO FAMILY UPDATE

We’re currently in Sicily, celebrating some very special moments—our youngest grandchild Alessandro’s first birthday

and baptism; plus, the first-ever harvest from our Poggio Leano vineyards at Donnalucata Beach.

It’s a truly meaningful time for our family!

When we return, we’ll be reunited with our youngest son, Logan, who has spent several months in Milan learning the art of Italian hospitality during an internship with Giorgio Armani. His dedication and warmth made such an impression that they’ve already invited him back after the holidays—a proud moment for all of us.

Though our paths take us between Sicily, Milan, and home, we look forward to being together again for the holidays.

Family is at the heart of everything we do, and having us all together makes this time even more meaningful.