History

The Legacy of Mount Palomar Winery

Established in 1969 by John Poole, Mount Palomar Winery has been a pillar of Temecula Valley’s wine country for over five decades. Officially bonded and licensed in 1974, it became the second winery in the region, following Callaway Vineyard & Winery.

John Poole, also the founder of KBIG radio station in 1952, first purchased 300 acres off Calle Contento and Rancho California Road, planting Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Early on, Mount Palomar set itself apart by pioneering Sherry production in 1974 using the traditional outdoor Solera aging method. This technique, still in use today, creates a uniquely rich, sweet, and fortified dessert wine, making our Solera one of the oldest continuously operating Soleras in North America.

Pioneering Italian Varietals

In the early 1990s, Mount Palomar became the first winery in Temecula Valley to plant the Brunello clone of Sangiovese, influencing the region’s shift toward Italian varietals. The Castelletto label, named in honor of John Poole’s wife, Olivia De Reya Poole, was introduced to highlight estate-grown Italian varietals like Dolcetto, Cortese, Sangiovese, and Primitivo.

Meanwhile, the Mount Palomar label encompasses other estate-grown varietals, all cellared and bottled on-site. Among its most beloved wines is Bistro Red—originally Shorty’s Bistro Red, named after Peter Poole’s loyal Husky/Malamute/Wolf dog, Shorty, a constant presence at the winery until his passing in 2007.

Evolution & Innovation

Ownership of the winery changed hands in 2006, when Louis and Maha Darwish purchased the estate. Their tenure saw major property enhancements, including the addition of the Piazza, a large open-air square offering breathtaking vineyard views.

In 2014, a propane explosion led to the condemnation of the original tasting room. A small restaurant, Annatta, was later built near the site, which today houses the bar and restaurant at Mount Palomar Winery.

A Vision for the Future

In 2019, Dr. Kali P. Chaudhuri, a retired orthopedic surgeon and founder of the KPC Group, acquired Mount Palomar Winery. His vision extends beyond winemaking—he aims to transform the estate into a destination for fine wine, exceptional dining, live music, private events, and even a future hotel.

Under his leadership, 55 new acres of vineyard have been planted, featuring Chardonnay, Vermentino, Fiano, Aglianico, Nero d’Avola, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery currently farms 18 acres of estate-grown varietals, including: Sangiovese, Carménère, Cabernet Franc, Cinsaut, Viognier, Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, and Riesling.

With 6.2 acres dedicated to Riesling and 4.8 acres to Sangiovese, Mount Palomar remains a pioneer in Italian varietals, staying true to the legacy that John Poole began in 1969.

Stay tuned—our story is still being written!