TEMECULA, Calif. – South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, an iconic winery resort in the heart of Temecula Valley wine country, has announced culinary professional Jonathan Alcala as its new executive chef.

Alcala oversees daily culinary operations of the resort’s dining program including the resort’s signature Wine Spectator award-winning all-day The Vineyard Rose Restaurant, in-room dining and customized on-site catering for meetings, weddings and special occasions. He also oversees the dining at the poolside Vineyard Grill at South Coast’s sister property Carter Estate Winery and Resort.

“We are pleased to welcome Jon to lead our culinary team. He was raised in Chula Vista and has over 10 years of distinguished cooking experience in Southern California,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, owner and operator of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort. “He is enthusiastic about sustainability, field to table and foraging for fresh herbs and greens to highlight his California-focused cuisine.”

Alcala’s culinary journey includes five years working alongside renowned chef Trey Foshee at George’s at the Cove in La Jolla and culinary roles at Mount Palomar Winery, Temecula, Casa del las Campanas in San Diego and at La Jolla Country Club. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of American, Greystone, Calif., with an associate’s degree.