Riverside County officials, community groups, and local leaders gathered today at Europa Village Winery to celebrate the opening of the new Temecula Valley Wine Country Archway, a landmark marking the official entrance to Wine Country.

The event was hosted by Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington and the Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA) to commemorate the project’s completion. A celebratory parade followed the ceremony, with guests boarding a cable car and shuttle for a ride through Wine Country and under the newly finished Archway.

“This Archway represents more than a physical entrance. It symbolizes the pride, identity, and welcoming spirit that define Temecula Valley Wine Country,” Washington said. “It stands as a reminder of what makes this region unique and why so many people cherish it.”

As part of the event, Washington highlighted several regional improvements that support Wine Country’s long‑term development, including new and planned traffic roundabouts, community trails supported by Temecula Valley Rural Lifestyles, sewer infrastructure completed by Eastern Municipal Water District, and the Lake Skinner boat launch repair done by Riverside County’s Regional Park and Open Space District.

The Archway highlights TLMA’s guiding vision for enhancing communities throughout Riverside County, said TLMA Agency Director Rania Odenbaugh.

“At TLMA, our vision is to deliver public infrastructure that strengthens our communities,” Odenbaugh said. “The Temecula Wine Country Archway is that vision brought to life, made possible through Supervisor Washington’s leadership and support. It reflects our shared commitment to creating a welcoming experience for everyone who visits the region.”

The Archway was designed with grape motifs and architectural elements inspired by Wine Country aesthetics, said Transportation Department Director Dennis Acuna.

“Every detail was designed to honor the identity of this region while creating a visually striking entry point for the community,” he said.