Southwest Riverside County business briefs

By The Californian | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 3:14 PM PDT ∞

Lane Furnishings names new sales manager

TEMECULA ---- Lane Home Furnishings, the world's largest maker of motion furniture, announced that Tony LaPlante, an 18-year company veteran, has been named Western Sales Manager.

LaPlante succeeds Jack Briggs, who is retiring after more than 20 years with the company. Based in Temecula, LaPlante has won Lane's Rookie of the Year and Salesman of the Year awards.

Lane is a subsidiary of Furniture Brands International and is the world's second-largest manufacturer of recliners in the world.

New Wine Country restaurant opens

WINE COUNTRY ---- Callaway Vineyard and Winery opened its new 5,000-square-foot restaurant, Meritage at Callaway, on April 29.

Meritage is a combination of the words merit and heritage, and Meritage at Callaway applies this concept by pairing wine and food to create the best combinations. The menu, created by executive chef, Michael Henry, is based on the "small plate" concept and menu selections are paired with Callaway wines.The menu also features tapas with a Mediterranean flare.

The restaurant is open for lunch, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Sunday brunch is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tapas are priced from $6 to $10 and dinner entrees range from $22 to $32.

Callaway Wines has been in the Temecula Valley for nearly 40 years.

Call (951) 676-4001, or visit www.callawaywinery.com.

Lake Elsinore building company joins ABC

LAKE ELSINORE ---- Western Equities Construction Group Inc., has joined the American Buildings Company, an international manufacturer and marketer of metal building systems. ABC serves industrial, commercial and institutional markets.

As an authorized ABC builder, Western Equities will have access to ABC's engineering and design experts and technology and its metal building products. ABC companies also receive marketing support and extensive training.

ABC is owned by Nucor, a Fortune 200 company that operates facilities in the U.S. and Canada.

Murrieta photographer wins award

MURRIETA ---- Carol Pisciotta, of Joseph Carroll Photography, was named Children's Portrait Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographers of California.

Her print "Lost in the Moment" was selected by a panel of master photographers as best in its class at the 2008 annual Western States Pro expo for photographers. She also received The Kodak Gallery Award for the same photograph.

Joseph Carroll Photography is at 25958 Madison Ave., Murrieta.

Call (951) 461-8170 or e-mail josephcarroll@verizon.net.

New winery opens

WINE COUNTRY ---- Robert Renzoni Vineyards and Winery recently opened its tasting room.

The Renzoni family have been in the winemaking business for more than 100 years, according to a news release.

The winery sits on a 12-acre estate and includes a 4,000-square-foot tasting room and production facility and about 9 acres of vineyards.

Owners plan to begin construction this fall on a 5,000-square-foot Tuscan villa that would include a 3,000-square-foot tasting room and facilities for special events.

The tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards and Winery is at 37350 De Portola Road.

Call (951) 302-8466 or visit www.robertrenzonivineyards.com.

Old gym, new name

MURRIETA ---- Affordable Fitness, formerly Murrieta Fitness, has opened as an alternative to pricier gyms in the area.

The new owners are offering a membership plan that includes no fee to join, no advance fees and costs $15 per month.

Affordable Fitness is at 40385 Murrieta Hot Springs Road.

Call (951) 696-5677.

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