It’s funny, I’ve always been surrounded by Toyota vehicles. Growing up, my Dad’s work car was a Toyota Camry, my Grandpa a Toyota Tacoma, my Uncle a Toyota Prius, my fiancé drives a Toyota Corolla, his sister also a Corolla, her husband a Toyota RAV4, his Mom a Toyota Avalon, his Dad a Toyota Lexus.
I mean, you get the gist.
So of course, when I was invited to celebrate Toyota Corolla’s 50th Anniversary in Temecula, California, it almost felt like I was celebrating an inanimate friend’s birthday since Toyota kept and continues to keep my family safe on the road.
Day 1:
Toyota was generous enough to send us their gorgeous Black Cherry colored 50th Anniversary Corolla and off we went! The gift bag made my day!
We checked in at the South Coast Winery in Temecula, California. I’ve been to Temecula several times but not for their wineries. The South Coast Winery was gorgeous! We were guided to one of their Villas where we relaxed for a few hours before dinner.
The birthday dinner was on property at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant. I immediately fell in love with the high ceilings and vintage decor of the hotel. We had a private room beautifully set-up at the restaurant and everyone died over the birthday cake for Corolla!
The dinner and wine selections were delicious! I had some clam chowder, a prime rib steak, cheesecake plus the birthday cake – 2 desserts? No problem, it’s a freaking party! It was wonderful meeting other influencers (there were about 6 and their +1’s) and chatting about their niche!
Day 2:
Originally, a sunrise hot air balloon ride was planned but because of the storm coming through Southern California, it unfortunately got cancelled. I have to say though, I’m grateful that safety was their priority! Because of the schedule change, they treated us to massages at the Grapeseed Spa!
Since we had some time before lunch, we drove around the property and snapped some photos. The property is fairly large and has some beautiful spots to snap!
Fun fact:Did you know? 90% of Corollas purchased in the past 10 years are still on the road today! Whoa!
Lunch was served next-door at the Ponte Winery restaurant, which was also a spectacular venue. I enjoyed an open-faced roast beef sandwich and a decadent apple cobbler-type dessert.
To end the trip, we headed to the Grapeseed Spa for our massages. My fiancé got a massage and I got my first facial ever! My esthetician Debra was knowledgable, gentle and her hands were magic! My face was glowing and I can’t wait to go see her again in a few months!
After the most relaxing experience, we headed back home and thankfully beat traffic. I want to give Rebecca & Jessica a HUGE shout out and a virtual hug for organizing this incredible event and getaway. It was one of our first events and we were blown away! This definitely is one for the books!
♡♡♡
Toyota graciously rented us a 50th Anniversary Edition Corolla and hosted us at the 50th Anniversary Celebration at the South Coast Winery in Temecula, California. This post is voluntarily written and all opinions are my own.
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A birthday party just for a car??? LOL That's awesome! The cake is so cute! I didn't know Corolla was so old LOL! I have lots of family and friends that drive Toyotas too! Pretty photos of the winery!
Hi Rebecca! Haha, yes it was a birthday party for Corolla and it was FAB! 🙂 The winery was gorgeous! Thanks for stopping by! xo
奏ちゃん！トヨタのイベントか〜、いいね！かっこいい！ワイナリーなんてオシャレ！写真もいいね！
いやいや、格好良くないよ〜全然！ワイナリーも素敵だった！やっぱりナパがいいけどロスの近くならここでもいい感じかな！（＾＿＾）
Woah – the winery is stunning! I love the colour of the Corolla that you drove, such a unique shade that you don't see on the roads often. Looks like you had such a fun trip! #FlyAwayFriday
What a cool trip! That dinner looks amazing… 🙂 #flyawayfriday
It looks like a beautiful spot and fun trip. Also that food at the Ponte Winery restaurant looks so good I think my mouth started watering! #FlyAwayFriday
Yes!! This looks like so much fun! And that car is a beauty!
Looks like it was an fun party on a gorgeous property. Too bad the hot air balloon ride was cancelled, but it was quite a storm that passed through!
Sounds like a fabulous party! I would totally be on board to a canceled hot air balloon ride if it was replaced by facials. I've never had one but would love to. The resort looks so extravagant. #FlyAwayFriday
Well that looks like a cool trip! Happy birthday Toyota Corolla!!
Vineyards are always so beautiful and photogenic. Those vines covering the walls are so adorable. Toyota really put on a great event by the sounds of it. Glad you were able to enjoy all those desserts. Yum! #FlyAwayFriday
I know so many people with Corollas! haha
Looks like such a fun event in a lovely place. 🙂
Wow! Toyota sure knows how to party! That winery looks stunning, the food looked amazing and of course the car is spectacular! So lucky to have scored an invite to that party!
What a great experience! Everything looks gorgeous including the villa and the vineyards. I come from a Toyota family too. Between my parents and siblings, we used to have 6 Toyotas. I have had a Camry for many years and sadly, it was totaled by a drunk driver during the last days of December. We are in the process of acquiring a new car (and I am sure it is going to be a Toyota). #FlyAwayFriday
Wow that is awesome! We are also Toyota people so I love this – we just drive the BIG ONE a Sienna since we have 3 kids and a dog LOL ! Awesome party sounds like fun and it sounds like an amazing experience! How wonderful to be invited! Thank you for sharing your fun!
The winery is so pretty! and the spa/massage sounds amazing!
#flyawayfriday
When I was working in San Diego, I always meant to visit Temecula but never did. I wish I would have made it priority after reading your blog! It looks like a great getaway with such beautiful set-up and decor.
Any excuse for a trip sounds good to me and a party is as good as any! Winery looked incredible and the food delicious #flyawayfriday
What a great experience! I love the dinner menu. I would go for prime rib any day and the decor was beautiful. Wineries are such a lovely place with the lush vineyards and selection of wines made at the source. The purple car (colour of wine) was a nice touch. #flyawayfriday
Whoa- the food, the pics, oh boy! We are actually looking at Toyota wagons when we next get back to the USA! Thanks for the post. #flyawayfriday 🙂
While I've been to friends' pets birthdays, never been to one for a car! Temecula looks really nice and the wineries seem like a great weekend spot. Thanks as always for hosting #FlyAwayFriday!
Yeah definitely! Super pretty dark cherry color! Thanks for stopping by Flo! xo
The food was delicious! Thanks for stopping by! xo
Haha, I know it was so delicious!!!! Thanks for stopping by Kate ! xo
It waaaaas!!! I wanted to keep the car! Hahaha! xo
It was really fun! I know, I would have loved to experience a hot air balloon! Thanks for stopping by! xo
Haha agreed about the massage!!! Thanks for stopping by Allison! xo
Haha yesss! It was a fun birthday event! Thanks for stopping by Tracy! xo
Yeeesss I LOVE vineyards! So pretty! Thanks for stopping by Erin! xo
Hahaha me too! It's a good car 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Courtney! xo
Yes! Toyota knows how to party for sure! Thanks for stopping by Lynne! xo
It was a wonderful experience! Haha oh my gosh, 6 Toyotas! That's amazing! Ugh drunk drivers are the worst – hope you were ok!!! Thanks for stopping by Ruth! xo
Haha that's amazing! Love that you drive a Toyota too!!!! Thanks for stopping by Stacey! xo
It was absolutely gorgeous!! Thanks for stopping by Natalie! xo
Awww! Yeah it's a really pretty area! Where do you live now?! Thanks for stopping by Brooke! xo
Haha so true! Any party is a good party! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! xo
Haha yes – prime rib is the beeest! Thanks for stopping by! xo
Haha I know, the food was soooo good! That's awesome you're looking into a Toyota!! Thanks for stopping by Tiffany! xo
Hahaha that's hilarious! Temecula was really nice! Thanks for joining and stopping by David! We enjoy having you!
aww I absolutely love South Coast!! One of my favorite wineries and definitely one of the prettiest in So Cal!!