Temecula Becoming Wine & Music Center

by Frank Mangio

This year is shaping up to be a landmark one for Temecula Wine Country in its quest to not only be a recognized destination for excellent wines, but for big time music venues.  Concerts on the green have been stepped up, as well as happy hour entertainment and clubby small groups on the weekends and in the afterhours.

The granddaddy of the music movement has to be Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Concerts, now in its 25th year of the top smooth jazz entertainment on the planet, through October 20th.  John, Sally and Steve Thornton have set the standard when they recently brought four sax greats in for a two day show that was a complete sell-out both nights. Now seating 800, the audience can order a table-side supper with lots of Thornton wine choices.

Frank Mangio with sax queen Mindi Abair at Thornton Winery in Temecula.

The beat continues at Thornton when crooner Bobby Caldwell performs on Sat. Aug. 3 at 7pm.  Tickets start at $65. for general admission.  For ticket and other concert information, contact is www.thorntonwine.com.

Thornton has released a 2011 Nebbiolo, the famous Italian style varietal, found in  Barolo and Barbaresco wines in Italys’ Piedmont district for far higher prices. Winery price is $46.

Over at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, a festival of Country music wowed the crowds recently.  It turned out to be a celebration as news came that South Coast was named the California Winery of the Year at this year’s California State Fair, the 3rd time it has taken the award! Owners Jim and Dawn Carter accepted the award on the capital steps in Sacramento.  The winery is also commemorating its 10 year Anniversary with a limited release Cuvee wine from winemaster Jon McPherson ($30.)
Call the online store at 951-587-9463 x7234.

Monte De Oro Winery is bringing in their biggest act in rock-pop star Macy Gray, in concert Saturday September 7.  Prices start at $48.95. See more at www.montedeoro.com.

Wiens Family Cellars has been giving us some great oldies music for some time now and the winery is about to open the curtain on the English band that in the late 70’s was a hot as can be.  The Fixx lit up the charts with “One Thing Leads To Another” and they will be performing Sat. July  20.  Doors open at 6pm with pricing starting at $45.  Friday August 23, Wiens has Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.  Ticket information at 800-316-8559.

On the De Portola Trail, some eight or so wineries are constantly improving, none more so than Leoness Cellars.  Their entertainment and hospitality is handled by Joel Reese, himself a seasoned musician. This year, he brings in a group of Jazz greats in the maiden year for big-time shows at Leoness.  The last of the concerts will be a solo performance by Ronnie Laws, a saxman who was an original member of Earth Wind and Fire, on Sat. July 20 at 7pm.

Prices start at $49. For ticket information, call 951-302-7601 x150.

Joel Reese of Leoness pours a Syrah for TASTE OF WINE columnist Frank Mangio at a recent Temecula CRUSH event.

For the weekend night life, try Miramonte Winery with live blues and rock music from 7 to 10pm.  Cane Vanderhoof has upscaled his winery into a winery/nightclub with huge success. Try Missy Anderson, Queen of the Blues on Sat. July 20.  Details at 951-506-5500.

Finally, to get a look and a taste of all the 35 member wineries of Temecula in one location, get a “CRUSH” on Saturday September 14th at Callaway Winery, from 6:30 to 9:30pm.  Join the winery owners and winemakers at this 4th annual CRUSH event on the outdoor patio.  Enjoy culinary creations of the wineries and nearby restaurants of Temecula.  Pre-sale discount tickets for $65. on sale now through August 16. Go to www.temeculawines.org.

Wine Bytes
The Taste of Rancho Santa Fe is Sat. July 20 from 4:30 to 7:40pm at the RSF Golf Club. It’s produced by the RSF Rotary as a benefit for several non-profits.  This is a fine wine-fine tasting experience including over 100 tastings, many from Napa Valley.  Cost is $75. pp.  Call 858-449-5173 for tix info.

San Diego Wine Company ‘s weekly tasting Sat. July 20 is Washington State Wines.  Times are 11 to 4pm.  Cost is $10.  Details at 858-586-WINE.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents a Napa Valley Cakebread Cellars Seminar Thurs. July 25.  $20. ea.  Check with Meritage for time:  760-479-2500.

San Diego State University announces an Open House for its Business of Wine Opportunities classes, Thurs. July 25 from 6 to 7:30pm, in the Extended Studies Gateway Centers.  Call 619-594-1138 for an RSVP, directions and a parking permit. Learn about fall courses in the wine industry.

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.