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by Patricia Perratore-Anis
The city of
Temecula was once little known outside of Southern California. However,
over the past several years, it has grown tremendously thanks to its
thriving wineries, outstanding restaurants, beautiful lush landscapes,
and Temecula’s renowned festivals and events.
Thornton Winery, known as
the premiere food, wine,
and music experience in the Temecula Valley Wine Country,
stands out in the region. Family-owned, Thornton Winery has been making
award-winning wine for more than 21 years. Current President, Steve
Thornton, has successfully taken on the reigns of the business from his
parents, John and Sally Thornton. Steve is continuing the high quality
tradition that his father put into motion along with Executive
Winemaker, Don Reha and Executive Chef Steve
Pickell.
Luncheon in the Champagne Caves at Thornton Winery |
My visit this day was a special
luncheon invitation at Thornton Winery for friends and members
of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association.
Some of us were somewhat local to the area, but others came as
far away as Phoenix, Arizona (our President and Media Trip
Co-Chair Maralyn Hill and her husband Norm).
We were warmly greeted and magically escorted
to the Champagne Caves and welcomed with a glass of Thornton’s
signature champagne by President Steve Thornton and Executive
Winemaker Don Reha. Steve is very pleasant and personable; he
gave us some of the family history of the winery, which
“combines old world style with new world taste to create
award-winning and premium varietal wine.” |
Don Reha gave an enthusiastic presentation of
winemaking, from the grapes off the vine to fermentation to the final
bottling process. You can tell by his infectious enthusiasm that he
enjoys what he does and is happy to talk about it. He added, “The more
we have to offer to people, the better the destination. Spend a couple
of days here and get to know the wines.”
| For lunch, we were treated to a Roasted
Tomato, Artichoke, Prosciutto Tartine served on Grilled
Sourdough with Herbed Ricotta Cheese and a Baby Arugula Salad.
To complement the meal, we were served a glass of their 2006
Sangiovese, one of their signature red wines, and a 2006
Sauvignon Blanc, white wine “lightly kissed.” Lunch was
followed by a dessert that appeared too pretty to eat, but being
a dedicated culinary professional, I dove into it anyway.
(It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it, right?) We were
served a Ginger and Peach Tartlet, Moscato Sabayon, Blackberries
and a glass of 2008 Moscato. The entire experience was
delightful; the food was fresh, well prepared, and most
delicious. The wines were paired well, and each and every one
of them was superb. The service, company, and overall dining
experience were excellent. |
Ginger and Peach Tartlet,
Moscato Sabayon, Blackberries. |
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(l-r) Executive Chef Steve Pickell, President Steve Thornton
and Executive Winemaker Don Reha. |
After lunch, we were visited by
Executive Chef Steve Pickell, who was happy to share some of the
luscious details about his signature dishes and the special
preparations he and his team do for the patrons.
Let’s face it, fine wine is meant to be
experienced and enjoyed with good food and fine dining. So do
yourself a favor, while at the winery, plan to dine at the Café
Champagne; their Gold Medal-winning Contemporary cuisine boasts
a wide variety of delicious entrees that are exquisitely
prepared using their own garden-fresh vegetables and herbs as
well as those grown locally in the Temecula Valley.
Thornton Winery also offers extensive banquet
and wedding facilities and winery tours; “private functions can
be held in their elegant Vineyard View Room, the romantic
Champagne Caves, or al fresco on the Fountain Terrace,
overlooking the beautiful Temecula Valley vineyards.” |
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I and the rest of my group had a
lovely and memorable experience at the Thornton Winery, as I’m
sure you will. The sprawling estate is surrounded with
beautifully landscaped gardens, local flora and fauna and a
backdrop of magnificent rolling hills peppered with boulders,
outcroppings, fresh air and sunshine. The restaurants are
spacious and airy and there awaits great food and wine,
ambiance, and decor. The gift shop is smartly decorated and
unique. As you explore it, you will find an enticing assortment
of reasonably priced wines, champagnes and accompaniments
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Thornton Winery Gift Shop |
There is so much more to see and experience at
Thornton Winery that mere words aren’t enough; you must see for
yourself. Thornton Winery is located at 32575 Rancho California Road,
Temecula, CA 92591 (about 60 miles north east of San Diego and 90 miles
southeast from Los Angeles).
Phone 951-699-0099.
http://www.thorntonwine.com/index.html
Events:
Winery Tours and Tastings
http://www.thorntonwine.com/winery-tours.html
The 21st annual THORNTON WINERY Champagne Jazz Series
continues to provide a stellar lineup of nationally renowned
contemporary jazz artists. Visit their website for upcoming artists and
for Tickets or information, call 951-699-3021.
http://www.thorntonwine.com/jazz.html
Additional resources:
Temecula Olive Oil Company
http://www.temeculaoliveoil.com/shop/
Temecula Creek Inn
http://www.temeculacreekinn.com/
Temecula Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau
http://www.temeculacvb.com/
Kissam Consulting
http://www.kissam.net/
Media Relations / Management and Marketing
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About the Authors:
Patricia Anis is photographer and
writer covering a variety of subjects from travel to restaurants and
family recreation. You can reach Patty at
PattySein@aol.com.
Nick Anis is a food, wine, and travel
and technology writer with 24 books in print. Nick’s beats include snow
and water sports, and vacation destinations. Nick can be reached by email
at: nickanis@aol.com. |
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