Ponte Winery announces new winemaker

TEMECULA — Ponte Family Estate Winery in Temecula announces the addition of Michael Tingley, a brilliant independent consulting enologist and winemaker, to Ponte Winery. This self-taught winemaker has 25 years of winemaking experience, all in the Temecula Valley, making him a master of the region’s climate and weather patterns, both of which are vital to the quality of grapes and wines of the area.

Ponte Winery’s owner, Claudio Ponte, was delighted to bring Mike aboard. “Between his 25 years’ experience in the Temecula Valley and his excellent technical skills, Mike Tingley is a perfect addition to this company. He is approachable, outgoing and easy to work with.”

“I believe in giving our guests one cohesive pleasurable experience,” says Mike. “Everything must be great: the wine, the service, the Smokehouse Restaurant and the weddings we hold here.”

2006 promises to be an exciting year for Ponte Winery, who will be going back to their Italian roots with the release of three big reds, Barbera, Sangiovese and Super-Tuscan. Mike will oversee the production and release of these new wines.