Marshall Stuart Wines

About Marshall Stuart

Marshall Stuart Wines opened its doors at the historic Vail Ranch Headquarters in 2024, and became an instant Temecula favorite. With live music on the weekends, easy-drinking wine, family and dog-friendly setting, and casual vibe it’s part tasting room and part local meeting place.

Marshall and Shannon Stuart may have only recently launched this new space, but Marshall established himself in wine country decades ago. He began his Temecula career in 1988 with an apprenticeship at Keyways Winery, one of the first Temecula wineries (now Somerset Winery). In 1993, he started Stuart Cellars and became the 13th licensed winery in Temecula in 1998. There are now almost 50 wineries in the area.

Marshall was part of the “Young Turks,” a group of younger winemakers, like Nick Palumbo, Bill Wilson, and Don Frangipani, who were starting wineries in Temecula in the early 90s. They “had a goal to bring new people to Temecula and hike up the prices.” They felt the wines were undervalued. They were also offering free wine tastings at the time, some were charging one dollar, and needed to create a more sustainable business model.

Marshall sold Stuart Cellars in 2010, and, three years later, he and Shannon started Marshall Stuart Wines, long before they had a tasting room. Specializing in mostly French varieties, Mr. Stuart has local vineyards, but also sources fruit from central and Northern California, like his Old Vine Zinfandel, made from ancient vines from Contra Costa County.

The tasting room has a big wine list, his current favorites are the 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, “with layers of blackberry, black cherry and cassis” and the 2021 Tatria, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Marshall’s love for Temecula is evident the moment he starts speaking about the valley. He recently told a group I was with that he didn’t think that he could ever retire, explaining “It’s very heartwarming to see people enjoying a product that you’ve created.”

Marshall also helped develop the wine programs at several popular wineries in Temecula, including Lorimar, Altisima Winery and Peltzer Winery.

Marshall and Shannon lovingly designed the tasting room using reclaimed materials of the old machine room from the Vail Ranch Headquarters. Marshall built the big barn doors at the back of the tasting room, and Shannon designed and curates the gift shop with logo items, vintage finds, and even some items she makes herself. Two of Marshall’s children are involved as well, one managing the tasting room, and the helping to manage the vineyards.

The tasting room has live music on the weekends on a newly built outdoor stage. There’s no restaurant at the tasting room, but guests are welcome to bring food and Vail HQ has plenty of food options to choose from.

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