Concert Season Begins in Temecula Wine Country

A vineyard setting, beautifully crafted wine and food creations, outdoor vineyard setting and some of the coolest jazz and pop music, awaits you this season in Temecula Wine Country. The major winery players in the concert scene this year is venerable favorite Thornton Winery and its 21st annual Champagne Jazz series, Wiens with its pop music, and South Coast Winery Resort and Spa and its Rhythm on the Vine Jazz headliner.

Mindi Abair kicks off the Temecula Winery concert scene at Thornton Winery Sunday April 26.

Thornton’s season includes 22 dates, from Sunday April 26 at 4pm with marquee attractions Mindi Abair and David Benoit, all the way to Sunday October 11 from 4pm with guitarist Jesse Cook.

If you haven’t taken in Mindi Abair’ s concerts, she is like a vintage, velvety bottle of rare wine. Teaming up with “Snoopy” theme song originator Benoit, this concert promises to be memorable.

Mindi started up in 2003 with her own sax version of a Snoopy-linked hit called “Lucy,” part of a CD that hit the top 5 on the Jazz charts. She sings, plays a mean alto sax and has a nationwide radio show. Her new CD just out is called “Stars,” a contemporary jazz and pop collection of love songs. Thornton has a Gourmet Supper Package with a complete selection of their award-winning sparkling and premium varietal wines. For tickets and a full calendar of acts, call 951-699-3021.

Wiens Family Cellars offers the English Beat with Richard Blade on Friday May 8 at 5:30pm, and The Knack on Friday June 19. The 80’s sounds are back, with special tiered pricing. Call 951-694-9892.

South Coast and its Rhythm on the Vine event happens Saturday June 27 beginning at 6:30pm with Sax for Stax, then Jeffrey Osborne at 9pm. It benefits Shriners Hospital for Children. For further news, call 951-587-9463.

Half Bottle-Half Price Wine Menu at Savory
A tip of the cork to Savory Casual Fare of Encinitas, G.M. John Boily and Chef Pascal Vignau for a bold move to increase dining value. On Tuesdays and Wednesday, a new, exciting half wine bottle inventory is being offered along with a half price menu. “This should give our guests a greater opportunity to try new wines from around the world,” said Vignau. Dinner hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 5pm to 9:30pm. Menu selections can be viewed on the website at www.savorycasualfare.com.


Wine Bytes
 Wine Street Carlsbad toasts their Chile/Argentina tasting Fri. Apr. 24 with a guest pourer, from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Cost is $15. ea. Call 760-431-8455.
 Bacchus in the San Diego Gaslamp District presents wines from South Africa Fri. Apr. 24 from 4pm to 8:30pm for $15. pp. Sample Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. 619-236-0005.
 Tastes, downtown Encinitas, has an evening with winemaker Patty Green of Patricia Green Cellars, Sun. Apr. 26 at 6pm. Five course Pinot Noir dinner for $120. ea. RSVP at 760-942-9549.
 The Westgate Hotel downtown San Diego offers a Wine, Dine and Design evening on Thurs. Apr. 30 from 5 to 7pm, for a fee of $40. It’s an interactive class with delightful appetizers paired with lovely wines. A floral class adds to the attraction. For more, call 619-557-3655, ext 3619.
 A blind tasting adds to the fun at the Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, Mon. Apr. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Just $5. admission. Five Merlots will be offered. Call 760-745-1200.