Behind the Lens: Vendor Spotlight

Wilson Creek Winery - Jenae Keys

Tell us a little bit about Wilson Creek Winery. How long has it been around?

Wilson Creek Winery is a family-owned and operated winery, vineyard, and event venue in Temecula, CA. We are most famous for our Almond Sparkling Wine, and we are also well known for our other award winning still wines, incredible Sunday brunch, weddings/events, concerts, and our amazing hospitality that we take so much pride in. Our venue has a little bit of everything to appeal to the masses!  

Tell us a little bit about you. How long have you been working in the industry?  How long have you worked at Wilson Creek?

My name is Jenae, and I am the Assistant Director of Sales & Catering. I have been in the hospitality industry since I was 15 years old, so 13 years. I have been with Wilson Creek Winery for 4 years and couldn’t be happier!

What is your favorite part of your daily activities at your workplace?

My favorite part is interacting with our amazing team. We are definitely a family here, and I am so thankful for each and every one of them. It is also amazing doing site tours and showing off the venue, our team, and of course the Wilsons when they are our wandering about with their dogs.

Yvonne + Nirav - Wilson Creek Winery, CA

What is your most memorable moment working at / with your workplace?

The most memorable moment working at Wilson Creek (and actually of all time) is when I got a call from a panicked bride who had just lost her venue the day prior to her wedding in the Malibu fire back in November 2018. We were able to secure staff, a full plated dinner, and of course the venue for 260 people in a day’s notice (on a holiday weekend) to make the wedding of their dreams happen. The majority of their guests flew in from Portugal, so it wasn’t like they had a chance to postpone it. We needed to make it happen, and it needed to be fast! It was truly incredible, and I still get emotional thinking about that day. It is something I will remember for the rest of my life and I am so thankful to have been a part of it.

Yvonne + Nirav - Wilson Creek Winery Ceremony Kiss

How is life with COVID as it pertains to your company / venue?

I’m not going to lie, it has been rough! We have lost a lot of business of course, but we are so lucky to have so many people who care and support us during these times. We are currently open for to-go food orders Wednesday-Sunday as well as curbside wine pickups. People can also still purchase our wines in major stores across the US, so that is definitely helping us to stay afloat during these unprecedented times. We can’t wait to welcome back our entire team once this is all over.

Yvonne + Nirav - Wilson Creek Reception

What hobbies are you into now with home-isolation?

Is drinking a good answer? Haha! Honestly, we are just soaking up all this extra time we get to spend with our almost 2-year-old, Liam. He is constantly bouncing off the walls, so we need to keep coming up with new ways to keep him entertained! We, of course, have been able to tackle some home projects as well!

Yvonne + Nirav - Wilson Creek Winery Inside Reception

What will the first outing be for you when the stay-at-home order is lifted?

Hmmmm, well we would first and foremost plan a large family get together! Liam misses his grandparents and the rest of the family so much. But besides that, I would probably have to say SeaWorld! We have season passes, and Liam has been asking to go since this whole thing started. He will be so happy to see the sharks and dolphins again!

Yvonne + Nirav - Wilson Creek Winery Wedding Dress

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