How Akash Winery Accidentally Became our Favorite Harvest Host Stay

You haven’t celebrated a birthday until you’ve celebrated with the Nation’s finest. As far as months go November is one of my favorite. The second half revolves around a holiday dedicated to delicious food (and gratitude and family, blah blah blah). The first half, meanwhile, is dedicated to celebrating the birth of the United States Marine Corps, which just celebrated 245 years since its inception in none other than a drinking establishment – Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Each year, Marine Corps units across the globe celebrate its November 10, 1775 founding with a “Birthday Ball” marked with tradition and debauchery. This year, the beloved Ball was a victim of COVID-19 cancellations for many units, including mine. Since this would have been my last Ball on active duty, this is especially disappointing. Our consolation prize was three days off in the middle of the week to celebrate the birth of our Corps and Veterans Day.

Chris and I decided to take the RV out for a Harvest Host (HH) stay. With HH, for a yearly membership you can stay overnight in your RV for free at more than 1,800 participating host locations (wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, attractions, and for the upgraded membership golf courses too). Here’s our affiliate link to learn more!

I’m always surprised by the limited options in Southern California so I didn’t have a ton of choices but I picked out a place we hadn’t visited before. According to reviews on HH and Yelp, Akash Winery in Temecula, California is well known for its “Taco Tuesday.” Tap’s Taco caters fresh delicious street tacos and quesadillas to enjoy with your wine.

“Heaven really does exist,” I thought to myself, as I emailed them for a reservation. Unfortunately my excitement was short lived.

In my inbox four minutes later was the following message of rejection:

“Hi Demi,
Thanks for the message.
Unfortunately, we have an event on tomorrow afternoon / evening, so do not have the space for Harvest Host members.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
Kindest regards, Sharon”

Deflated, I tried to concoct a Plan B. After a few minutes of consternation I went back to my laptop. Mark my words – nothing stands between me and tacos.

“Hi Sharon,” I wrote back. “Is the event tomorrow different from Taco Tuesday? We were really hoping to participate in Taco Tuesday. We also drink a LOT of wine.”

Bingo. She relented.

“Yes, the event is different,” she responded, probably with a giant sigh and eye roll,

“The space we have is rented out to another business for the evening. The only other spot we have is at the top of our property. The walk down the hill is on gravel – there are no walking trails down, so its [sic] at your own risk. It is a distance from the tasting room. If that is suitable, you are more than welcome to stay.” This was followed by check in instructions.

When we finally arrived at the winery we were greeted by the Operations Manager, Fausto, and he pointed out what Sharon had meant by “the top of the property.” An inclining dirt road snaked its way up a steep hillside. I looked back and forth at the hill and the 36 foot motorhome monstrosity behind me. He offered to take us up on his golf cart to see if the RV would make it. “My husband will go with you,” I offered. “He’s the one who has to drive this thing.”

Chris joined Fausto in his golf cart and after a brief wait he returned to the driver’s seat of Holly. “Well you’re gonna love this!” I couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic and braced myself for more disappointment.

“He asked where we were from and I told him ‘Twentynine Palms – my wife is a Marine.’ He said they’re having a Marine Corps Birthday event tonight! We just have to sign up on Eventbrite.”

This was a happy coincidence, and to think that we almost weren’t allowed to stay. As a kid I never raised my hand in class and was afraid to ask anyone for anything, especially strangers. Twenty years later I’m learning that you have nothing to lose by asking, but you never know what you might miss out on if you don’t.

Akash Winery, owned and operated by the Patel Family,

is located in Southern California’s wine country. The sun was shining, the weather was beautiful – perfect conditions for some chilled wine. We usually opt for slightly sweeter wines but while Akash’s selection airs toward the dryer side of the spectrum, we purchased a bottle of their 2019 Riesling and polished it off probably faster than any wine is meant to be finished. We shared four tacos (pastor, carne asada, fish, shrimp) and I was so excited to eat them that the photos I took aren’t even worth sharing but I guarantee the tacos are!

All the staff at the bar were friendly and helpful. We also chatted with a couple who were both in the veterinary field and sadly they left before I could befriend them but hot vet couple, if you’re out there…can we be friends?

You have nothing to lose by asking, but you never know what you might miss out on if you don’t.

We didn’t know anyone at the event so we stood on the outskirts sipping our drinks and taking everything in. So far, besides Fausto we had gotten acquainted with a security guard and Air Force Veteran named Angel, and two videographers who were recording the event for Bastard’s Canteen. We chatted with the videographers for a while, and now I can’t remember their real names but affectionately refer to them as Hen and Buffalo, their nicknames for each other and the name of their podcast. I’ve looked on Google, Spotify, Facebook, and Twitter and can’t find them anywhere so now I’m questioning whether they were just a friendly, hilarious figment of my imagination. Although Chris confirms that we did indeed meet them and I clearly remember asking, “Wait, aren’t hens female?” and watching the realization on their faces. Oh well, if you’re out there, reach out!

An announcement was made for everyone to take their seats. We wandered between the tables, particularly the ones close to heaters. Now fueled with warm liquid courage I spotted an attractive young couple and pulled Chris toward them. “Is anyone sitting here?” We asked from the far end of the table. The girl answered, waving us to their seats, “Nope! Come sit closer to the heater!” The guy, Kyle, had served in Echo Company, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines (2/4) – subject of the keynote speaker’s book. He had lived it. A Sergeant at the time of the events in the book, he was now a police officer. I wish we had gotten to speak with him and other attendees in more depth, but they and many others scattered shortly after the ceremony portion.

During previous Balls I was part of the ceremony and therefore one of the only sober souls in the room. So although I feel bad that my memory gets fuzzy following the Commandant’s Birthday Message video, I suppose I got the experience most others get at a Marine Corps Ball – fond but spotty. In lieu of a cake, we each had a cupcake to enjoy after the ceremony.

Before leaving, Chris asked if I wanted to meet Scott. By this point I had polished off the equivalent of an entire bottle of Riesling by myself and didn’t think it would be a great idea to meet anyone, let alone a 24 year combat veteran.

Too late. I wobbled near my husband as he thanked Scott for his time and complimented the event. I thanked him too and introduced myself. We talked briefly and as the conversation wound down he offered me a signed copy of his book, “Echo in Ramadi: The Firsthand Story of US Marines in Iraq’s Deadliest City.” He has lost men and seen unimaginable horrors in combat but he listened to some of my petty woes and was extremely gracious and genuine.

The callsign for 2/4 is the “Magnificent Bastards” and is where Bastard’s American Canteen, which catered the event, got its name. Nick Velez is the owner of Bastard’s and Founder and President of Save the Brave (STB).

According to its website, STB is “devoted to provide camaraderie and stress management programs” through “diverse outreach programs and financial assistance.” I wasn’t familiar with this organization before, though I’ve always been an advocate for similar veterans organizations like Team Red, White, and Blue and Team Rubicon.

It’s hard to beat the year I got to be co-promoted with one of my best friends under a fake Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas but this was a birthday to remember, made all the more incredible by stumbling into it completely by serendipity.

The next day of course is Veterans Day, so we were hungover on both wine and motivation. I always love being able to pick out veterans in a crowd. Even if you can’t tell by their haircut, hat, or attire, they usually carry themselves differently. I give them a knowing glance or nod, and they glance back thinking, “Why is this officer’s wife looking at me weird…” Because of Chris’s haircut, air of confidence, and Y chromosome, it’s usually assumed that he’s the servicemember. I enjoy the anonymity with quiet amusement for a while until my inner feminist gets utterly indignant. That’s a story for another day. Until then, enjoy these photos from Birthday Balls past.

Semper fi y’all,

D