New Wines and Summer Concerts Uncorked in Temecula

by Frank Mangio
The sun shines brightly in Temecula this time of year.  My e mails are full of good news from the 35 + wineries, offering  big names, big bites and big vintage wines. It’s the new world version of the sound of music in the vines.

Nobody does it better than Thornton Winery producing 20 Champagne Jazz concerts from Saturday May 4 through Sunday October 20. It’s Thornton’s 25th season of presenting leading Jazz headliners that draw from all over to enjoy the brightest stars, like:  Peter White, Michael McDonald,

Thornton Winery is the Temecula venue for top drawer Jazz concerts as the season starts May 4th.

Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Kenny G, George Benson and many more.  One thing always stands out with Thornton concerts.  These events are well attended by concert-goers who love the music and appreciate that these musician who could be playing in large arenas commanding many more dollars, choose to return to Temecula year after year.  I have spoken to many who love playing this venue.  The sound system is flawless, Chairs for general seating are set up so that every seat is a good seat, and those who buy dinner tables have an intimate club atmosphere as they enjoy the music, sip their wine and savor a full menu of gourmet food.

For artist dates, times and Champagne Jazz tickets, go to www.thorntonwine.com.

Proving that there is always room for another great Jazz concert series for another great winery, Leonesse Cellars, in the DePortola Trail district of Temecula Wine Country, introduces its “Friends and Wine” lineup from May though August, hosted by Jazz and R& B great Ronnie Laws.  Kickoff concert on Mothers Day, May 12, is the “First Lady of Jazz,” two time Grammy winner , Diane Schuur with a performance at 4:30pm. The series of three concerts will benefit Our Nicholas Foundation, supporting music therapy for students with autism, and placement of musical instruments in local Temecula Valley schools.

Diane Schuur, two-time Grammy award winner and performer at the White House and Carnegie

Hall, will open the Leoness Cellars Jazz concert series.

Following the opening concert, Joe Sample, pioneer of contemporary Jazz piano and a Platinum selling recording artist, will play on Sunday, June 9th at 4:30pm.  Ronnie Laws, formerly with Earth, Wind and Fire, will play Saturday July 20th at 7pm.  The top tier VIP concert tickets include a winery tour, a meet and greet the artist, wine reception and prime seating.

Concert producer Joel Reese is encouraging guests to bring a musical instrument of any kind to donate to the Our Nicholas Foundation.

Leoness Cellars concerts are outdoors on the vineyard lawn.  It has an outdoor restaurant for food service.  For concert pricing and other information, call 951-302-7601, extension 150 or access www.leonesscellars.com.

Most Temecula Wine country wineries are making a concerted effort  to offer Jazz and other types of music on the weekend as a free accompaniment in the tasting rooms and outdoor lawn areas, so as you cruise around, enjoy the sound of wine.  It’s music for the palate.

Wine Bytes
The Junior League of San Diego has a Food and Wine Festival at La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, Sat. May 4 from 2 to 6pm.  Over 50 restaurants and beverage companies will participate. Cost is $75. with VIP perks for $125.  Ticket info at 858-869-5771.

A Night at the Mission Wine Tasting is happening at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, Fri. May 10 from 6 to 9pm.  Sample international wine selections from Schlossadler, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.

Tickets $30. in advance, $35. at the door.  Call 760-213-5622.

Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas is offering a Justin Wine Dinner Thurs. May 9 from 6:30 to 9pm.  Justin is a top wine selection from Paso Robles. Cost is $65.  Make an RSVP at 760-635-1066.

Speaking of Paso Robles, this wine country is presenting its annual Wine Festival, with 60+ wineries planning to pour in the downtown city park on Fri. May 17 thru Sun. May 19. Times and prices vary, so check out the web site at www.pasowine.com.

Once Around Temecula Wine Country

by Frank Mangio

Every so often, I like to get in my car, take the easy drive up to Temecula and knock on some doors in Wine Country. Strategically located within an hour of 5 heavily populated counties in Southern California, it is a serene 5, 000 acre protected agricultural preserve, with rolling hills covered with vineyards. It has a warm, inland climate with just enough cool-down at night for growing quality estate grown grapes. The number of wineries grows with each passing week, now up to 30+ in the marketing association designed to market the area. Many more backyard operations dot the landscape.

Sonoma winemaker native David Vergari is now making the wines at Temecula’s Thornton Winery

The Association is gearing up for California Wine Month in September, with two special events: purchase a month-long pass to 5 of the 30+ member wineries of your choice, to visit for full tastings at each winery. The cost is $40, a considerable discount and good any time in September.

The other event is CRUSH, a one day event held Saturday September 10 from 6:30 to 9:30pm at Monte de Oro Winery. All association wineries will participate and you can taste your way through over 100 latest release wines. Winery owners and chefs from the food booths of both wineries and local restaurants will be mingling with visitors. Cost is $65. per person. Get all the details on both events at 800-801-9463.

David Vergari is a well-traveled winemaker, landing recently at Thornton Winery. His resume includes the top names in Napa Valley and time in Europe, Chile and Australia. His worldly experience comes to bear in Thornton’s new lineup of 2010 releases which can be summed up as Mediterranean based varietals with a California style taste.

All grapes are grown in the Temecula Valley, which is a clear and encouraging trend for valley wineries. We evaluated some 15 new wines and I was very impressed with: 2010 Mourvedre ($22.), a Rhone Valley grape usually used in blending with a Syrah and Grenache. Finally unleashed, this earthy wine was truly delicious and nicely stood on its own legs.

Here is a drink-now red, perfect for Temecula terroir. Chef Steve Pickell of Thornton’s Café Champagne stopped by our table and we sampled new menu items that paired nicely with the new wine list.

Over at Wilson Creek Winery, 3 new releases caught my eye and palate: the 2008 Estate Reserve Zinfandel, 2008 Reserve Petite Sirah and the 2009 Estate Double Dog Blend (Prices N/A). All had enriched fruit from the hand of Etienne Cowper, Wilson Creek’s veteran winemaker.

More excitement coming from the winery is the appearance of top jazz man Jeff Golub Saturday September 17 at 7:30pm, to climax a successful concert season. Tickets start at $49. Buy them at 951-699-WINE.

Monte De Oro, the Classic Tuscan style

Winery on a bluff with spectacular views of Temecula, has released its new 2009 Chardonnay and reports that bottles are flying off the shelves. ( $21.) You’ll taste traditional toasty oak with notes of peach, pear and pineapple. Classic California.

The Monte De Oro Tasting Room in Temecula Wine Country.

The winery will host CRUSH, with 30 wineries pouring over 100 wines, on Saturday September 10. Its popular Happy Hour entertainment on Fridays has Brazilian Music, drink, food specials and a Cigar Lounge.

The Labor Day Weekend September 3 and 4 has Falkner Winery leading the special events with: lunch specials in the Pinnacle Restaurant, Free Jazz on the lawn both days from Noon to 3pm and new release wines with a BBQ both days. Try the 2008 Cabernet, the 2007 Merlot, the 2007 Amante and the 2009 Viognier.

Oak Mountain Winery with Steve and Valerie Andrews just presented a beautifully produced 2009 Cabernet. ($60.) Luscious black cherry and plum deepens the tasting experience. This, like the others, is an estate wine, something you need to look for in your wine decisions.

On the De Portola Trail, Leoness Cellars Restaurant at Leoness Winery has unveiled fresh Italian and French selections to their menu. World-wise chef Daragh Matheson promises seasonal, artisan style food, with most items under $20. Call 951-302-7601.

Temecula Valley’s 15 hotels saw double digit growth in occupancy for July so the word is spreading for Southern California’s Wine Country. See more at www.temeculawines.org.

Wine Bytes

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents Big, Bold Reds Fri. Sept. 2 from 6 to 8pm. $20. pp. Tasting notes and details at www.meritagewinemarket.com.

Viva Vino Spanish Tapas Wine Bar in Old Town Temecula has authentic Flemenco from DeRumba Sun. Sept. 4 from 8 to 11pm. Cover charge of $10. RSVP by calling 951-506-5953.

Wine, Women and Shoes benefiting Womens Health Services at Scripps Hospital Encinitas is planned for Thurs. Sept. 8 from 3 to 7pm at a private Rancho Santa Fe Estate. Sip, savor, shop and win. Men encouraged to come also. Details at 858-678-6349.

A Wine Dinner with Aurelio Montes of Chile’s Montes Wines is Fri. Sept. 9 from 6:30 to 9:30pm, at The Bay View Restaurant in San Diego. A special 5 course dinner has pairings of wine from the Montes Portfolio. Tickets are $60. ea. Reserve your table at 619-725-6388.

Niner Wines from Paso Robles is coming to Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, Sat. Sept. 10 from 2 to 4pm. $10. charge. RSVP at 760-745-1200.

In Napa Valley, the Mt. Veeder Appellation has its annual Wine Tasting Sat. Sept. 24 from 1-4pm at Hess Collection Winery. Two dozen wineries participate, with food pairings,live music and drawings. Visit www.mtveederwines.com for tickets.