Gaspar Restaurant is the latest culinary destination nestled in Temecula’s Wine Country. Located at the new Altísima Winery, this trendy restaurant combines delicious tapas-style cuisine with amazing vineyard views.
On our recent trip to Temecula to celebrate my fiancés birthday, we hired Best Coast Tours to take an awesome day trip through wine country. I’ve heard great things about the new Altísima Winery and couldn’t wait to visit. It exceeded all my expectations.
The Vibe
Altísima Winery is a beautiful bright and airy winery. They have a lovely area for tastings and an intimate restaurant space with trendy booths and marble tables. Their expansive covered patio is surrounded by misters and looks over acres of vineyards as far as the eye can see.
The Wine
Best known for its Spanish-influenced varietals, Altísima Winery has a vast selection of sparkling wines, rosé, whites, and bold reds. Visitors can enjoy wines by the glass or a tasting of 5 wines for $30.
In addition to their large collection of wines, they also offer a fun selection of refreshing brunch cocktails like wine slushies and sangria.
The Tapas
Gaspar Restaurant at Altísima Winery has a wide selection of popular tapas-style appetizers that are perfect for sharing. Here’s a look at what we enjoyed during our visit.
Seared Ahi Tuna
A personal favorite of mine was the seared ahi tuna which was fresh and delicate. It arrived with a vibrant summer salsa with sweet diced pineapple, peppers, and jicama. Served alongside were a few dollops of creamy avocado aioli for dipping.
Sticky Pork Belly
Their Sticky Pork Belly was perfectly seared, bite-sized pork belly slices drenched in a sweet and tangy sticky sauce. Accompanying the pork belly was a side of pickled vegetables and a delicious spiced apple puree.
Calamari Fritos
Seared Salmon
For my “plato principal” I enjoyed the seared pink salmon which was flaky, tender and perfectly cooked. It arrived served over a flavorful Asian slaw accented with a ginger-onion coulis and crisp seaweed garnish.
Chef John Murray
Chef John Murray has brought 25 years of three-star Michelin experience to Altísima Winery. His culinary journey has spanned the globe from France to Australia and he is also the founder of Orange County Private Chefs which provides Michelin-trained chefs for private events.
If you’re headed to Temecula, make sure you put Altísima Winery and Gaspar Restaurant on your list. Also be sure to check out their various events. In addition to their restaurant they also have a private members only lounge. I love this new addition to Temecula’s Wine Country and can’t wait to return.
Chef John also let me know they are bringing on a new pastry chef and will be adding some new additions to the menu so I will definitely be back!
Gaspar Restaurant Additional Information
Gaspar Restaurant, located at Altisima Winery in Temecula, is open 7-days a week and takes Walk-Ins. Reservations are reserved for members only. Last call at the restaurant is at 4:30pm.
Hours
Mon – Thurs – Tasting Room, Restaurant, & Members Lounge: 11 – 5pm
Fri -Sun – Tasting Room, Restaurant, & Members Lounge: 11 – 7pm
Address
37440 De Portola Road Temecula, CA 92592
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Sondra Barker
