May 2018 Online

THE VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
28 www.TheValleyBusinessJournal.com
May 2018
THORNTON WINERY CONCERT SERIES
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
When this year’s Champagne Summer
Concert Series gets underway
at Thornton Winery, it will mark a
milestone. 30 years of great music at
Temecula’s landmark winery. The full
schedule was recently released, and you
can find it in this month’s entertainment
section. Director of Operations, Tonya
Wake, told me most artists have already
been confirmed. Jeffrey Osborne, Dave
Koz, Kenny G, Michael McDonald,
Chris Botti, Brian Culbertson and
Chris Isaak will all be returning to the
Thornton Champagne stage. “Most of
the best ones will be here along with a
few new people.”
Formerly known as the Champagne
Jazz series, Wake felt it was important to
recognize it’s not just jazz, noting artists
including Boz Scaggs, Melissa Etheridge
and America have all performed
at Thornton. Winery Chairman, John
Thornton, says he’s delighted to reach
the 30-year mark, but pledges “31 will
be even better!” Thornton also offers
Friday night concerts, with a tribute
band scheduled the last Friday of the
month through the end of October.
Executive Chef, Ceasar Solarzano,
will continue the popular Gourmet Supper
Package, but he “wants to change
them up a bit.” After having lunch with
both John and Steve Thornton and
Tonya at Café Champagne, I can attest
diners will be in for a real treat.
The venue has a capacity of about
650 people who come not just from the
Temecula Valley, but from far and wide,
too. Guests regularly visit from both Nevada
and Arizona and many come year
after year. The intimate setting allows
concertgoers to feel like they’re part of
something extraordinary.
Winemaker, David Vergari, has
been racking up awards left and right.
Thornton’s sparkling wines have recently
received six gold medals. The Brut
Reserve picked up platinum. “We’re
winning just one after another,” John
Thornton said. “Compared to the others
in the competitions, they’re just the
best.” You can enjoy these award-winning
wines while attending any of the
concerts this summer.
Thornton Winery is located at 32575
Rancho California Road in Temecula.
You can check out this year’s lineup at
thorntonwine.com.
thorntonwine.com.