Tag: Thornton Winery

Roasted Chicken Breast with Yukon Gold Potato Cakes and Infused Rosemary Oil Sauce

Tender chicken breast with a delicate, rosemary-scented cream sauce served alongside a golden-toasted potato cake with Parmesan. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Chardonnay.

Ingredients:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

3 (3-inch) sprigs fresh rosemary

5 medium-sized Yukon Gold, or other waxy potatoes (about 1 ½ pounds), peeled and cut in half

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/3 cup half and half or light cream

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions, white and light green parts

2 eggs slightly beaten, divided

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

4 (6-ounce) boneless half chicken breasts, skin on

For the sauce:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

½ cup half and half or light cream

½ cup chicken stock

1 cup loosely packed flat leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped

½ teaspoon minced rosemary leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a small, heavy-bottomed skillet over low heat. Add the rosemary sprigs and cook for 10 minutes. Set the pan aside.

Put the potatoes in a large saucepan with enough water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender about 20 to 30 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan, off the heat. Add the half and half, butter, and the 1 teaspoon salt. Mix and mash the potatoes with a large whisk or potato masher to a stiff, slightly lumpy consistency.

When the potatoes are completely cool, mix in the scallions, and half of the beaten egg.

Heat the oven to 375° F.

Coat a large baking sheet with the vegetable oil. Form the potato mixture into 8 round cakes, 1-inch thick, and place them on the oiled sheet.

Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the potato cakes with the remaining egg and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Bake for 40 minutes or until the tops of the cakes are golden brown.

While the potato cakes are cooking, sprinkle both sides of the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the rosemary oil in a medium, heavy-bottomed, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chicken breasts skin side down and cook for 5 minutes. Turn the breasts over and cook 2 minutes. Spoon the fat in the pan over the chicken breasts.

Place the skillet in the oven (with the potato cakes) and roast the chicken for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let rest, for at least 5 minutes.

In the meantime, make the sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of the rosemary oil with the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the flour, and bring to a sizzle over medium heat stirring frequently.

Add the chicken stock and half and half. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to thicken the sauce. Add the parsley and minced rosemary and simmer for 2 more minutes, stirring frequently. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, cut each half breast crosswise into 8 slices. Arrange the chicken slices and 2 potato cakes on each plate. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.  Serves 4.

Suggested Pairings:

Bel Vino Winery ~ 2013 Chardonnay – Classic aromas of white peach and pear complemented by toasted almond aromas.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery ~ 2012 Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay – Silky and fresh on the palate, reminiscent of tropical pineapples, zesty kumquats, creamy caramel and apples.

Falkner Winery ~ 2014 Chardonnay -Delicious ripe apple and apricot flavors in a medium bodied, creamy textured wine.

Thornton Winery ~ 2014 Chardonnay  – Green apples and barrel spices with a mineral note.

 Recipe courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

Wine & The Super Bowl? You Bet!

Sure, wine may not be the first image that comes to mind when planning your Super Bowl celebration, but we’d bet that we can convince you that it should be!  Of course, when it comes to wine, we sure have a hard time imagining any celebration without it.

Here are some game day staples and some of our wine pairing recommendations:

Hot Wings ~ Riesling makes a good choice here….it will temper some of the heat of the wings!
We’d suggest: Baily Winery 2011 Riesling,  Danza del Sol Winery 2014 Riesling or Mount Palomar Winery’s 2013 Riesling

Pizza ~ Mmmm….pizza!  How about trying a Barbera with that?
We’d suggest: Europa Village 2013 Estate Barbera, Hart Winery 2012 Barbera or Ponte Family Estate Winery’s 2013 Barbera.

7 Layer Dip ~ Our favorite pairing for foods with Mexican flavors?  Malbec!
We’d suggest: Carter Estate 2011 Malbec, Doffo Winery 2013 Malbec or Foot Path Winery’s 2012 Malbec,

Burgers ~ Those of us in Southern California are lucky enough to be able to grill on most Super Bowl Sundays.  If you get that lucky, why not grill up a burger and enjoy with a hearty glass of Chardonnay?
We’d suggest: Oak Mountain Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Thornton Winery 2013 Chardonnay or Wilson Creek Winery’s  2014 “Yes Dear” Chardonnay

So, as you can see, wine and Super Bowl fare really are a match made in football heaven!

September Winery Events

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Shakespeare in the Vines – Twelfth Night ~ A Romantic Comedy /Sept. 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 27 / Oct. 1, 2 & 3 / Showtime 7:30p / Price $22, Seniors, Military and Students $17 / For tickets visit www.ShakespeareInTheVines.org or call 951.402.7488

Celebrate California Wine Month ~ 2012 Vintage Preview Tasting / Preview tasting available Thursday thru Sunday for the Month of / 11am – 4pm / $25 per person / Taste 5 unreleased 2012 red wines accompanied with La Brea flatbread, Brie & Dry Cured Salami / Tank sample of fermented unfinished wine included. Call for reservations 951.972.9768

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays in August / 11:30a-2:30p / Live music on patio / Half price Sangiovese, Sangiovese Sangria and special menu items.

Dog Day Sundays
Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch, doggie treats and special menu items / Live acoustic music on the patio.

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting
Thursday-Sunday / 11:00a-2:30p / Tours and vertical tasting of library wines. Sit down with bread and cheese plate; $30 (Reservations required 24 hours in advance) / Bar Tasting; $20. Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Bel Vino Winery

Live Music / Saturday 12pm – 4pm / Sunday 11am-3pm / Sept. 5 Shoot 4 Tuesday / Sept. 6 The Sweedes / Sept. 12 All In / Sept. 13 Red Wave / Sept. 19 JD Priest / Sept. 20 DOSE / Sept. 26 Kenny Hale / Sept. 27 Kings of Rhythm

Briar Rose

Sip Into the Sunset / First Friday of each month/ Open until 10pm / Music and wine under the stars in our enchanted garden or tasting room / Reservations required; call 951.308.1098

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Happiest Hours
Grab your friends and join us for a marvelous time! Friday’s from 3:00p-6:00p in the lounge at Meritage at Callaway. 20% all tapas, $2 off wine by the glass, 20% off bottles of Callaway wines and available domestic, import and craft beers.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Sunday at Meritage at Callaway from 4pm-8pm in the main dining room. Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria while soaking in the sunset vineyard views. Live music from local musicians begins at 6pm. No cover charge. Reservations for parties of 5 or more are required.

Entertainment / 9/4 Dustin Lake / 9/5 Vini Contreas / 9/6 Tim Moyer / 9/11 Midnight Satellites / 9/12 Micke Arnett / 9/13 Robin Adler, Dave Blackburn, John Quint / 9/18 Al & Brad / 9/19 Vini Contreas / 9/20 R.O.C Duo / 9/25 Buzz Campbell / 9/26 Vini Contreas / 9/27 Harmony Road

Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Friday Night Live Music / 5pm-8pm / Wine by the glass or bottle purchase available / 9/4 Vini Contreas, Rock, Folk, Christian / 9/11 Frankie and the Invisibles, Instrumental Rock & Roll / 9/18 Kenny Hale, Rock & Blues / 9/25 Vini Contreas.

Sunday Afternoon Live Music / 2pm- 5pm / 9/6 Don Brennan, Acoustic Guitarist, / 9/13 Will Sumner, Smooth Jazz / 9/20 Shaula Walko, Steel drum island vibe / 9/27 TBA

Doffo Winery

Live Music on the Patio / Saturday, Sept. 5 / 1pm-4pm / Carlos Naranjo – Classic Rock /

Free Yoga on the Hill / Saturday, Sept. 19 / 9:30are / $12 per person / All levels are welcome

Everyday Essentials –Wellness for the Mind, Body and Soul / Saturday, Sept. 19 / 11am – 1pm / $35 public; $30 wine club members / includes a glass of wine and appetizers / Simple tricks and ideas to enhance your daily routine with natural and homemade products / Sign-up at www.doffowines.com

Europa Village

Classic Oldies – FAN Fundraiser / Sunday, Sept. 6 / 6pm / $20 Gen. Adm. / $18 Students, seniors, military / For more information and tickets visit temeculatheatre.org

Movies in the Vines – “Bottle Shock” / Thursday, Sept. 10 / 7:30pm / $5 admission / For more information visit www.europavillage.com

Elvis & Friends – FAN Fundraiser / Friday, Sept 18 / 7pm / $20 Gen. Adm. / $18 Students, seniors, military / For more information and tickets visit temeculatheatre.org

Live Music / Fridays from 6:00p-9:00p and Sundays from 1:00p-4:00p / Free / 9/4 Mrs. Jones Revenge / 9/6 Jimmy Patton / 9/11 Cougarz Rock / 9/13 Jimmy Patton / 9/18 Buzz Campbell / 9/20 Kelly Moore / 9/27 Joe Baldino

Falkner Winery

Labor Day Celebration / 12pm – 3pm / Saturday – Monday / Sept. 5-7 / Case sales, Free Concerts / Saturday, Harmony Road, Sunday, Danielle Taylor / Restaurant special $55 per couple / 50% off carafes / BBQ in yard garden with hot wings special!

Wine Appreciation Class / Saturday, Sept. 19 / 10:00am-12:30pm / Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45pp; $40pp Connoisseur; $20pp VIP; $70pp with lunch / Reservations required 951.676.8231 x.109

FREE Concert / Sundays 12:00p-3:00p / /Dancing, Sangria, Beer, BBQ in the yard garden / Sept. 13, 20, 27 Guilty Conscience Band

Leoness Cellars

Live Music at The Restaurant at Leoness / Every Friday 5pm-8pm / Every Sunday 1pm-4pm / Free to the public / 9/4 Michael SG / 9/6 Inbar Horowitz / 9/11 Astra Kelly / 9/13 Tim Cash / 9/18 Dustin Jake / 9/20 Sam & Stacy / 9/25 Vince Mendoza / 9/27 Michael LeClerc

Live Music in the Barrel Room / Every Sunday / 1:00p-4:00p / Free to the public / 9/5 Malissa Lauren Miller and Jerod Dulaney / 9/12 Adler, Blackburn and Quint / 9/19 Dustin Jake / 9/26 Joel Reese

Lorimar Winery

Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival / Saturday, Sept. 26 / 4pm-8pm / $65; $60 wine club / Grab your partner and join us at the Barrel Room for an afternoon of foot stompin’ fun! Live music, hayrides, dinner and more! / Tickets available online, at the winery or by phone 951.694.6699. www.lorimarwinery.com

Movies in the Vines – Clueless / Monday, Sept. 28 / 6pm / Film starts at sunset / No fee

Mount Palomar Winery

Bridal Showplace Bridal Show / Sunday, Sept. 13 / 11am-3pm / Tickets $7 pre-sale; $10 at the door / Contact Sophia M. Benfil 562.381.2865 or Sophia@bridalshowplace.net

STRANGE LOVE a tribute to Depeche Mode / Friday, Sept. 25 / Tickets $25 pre-sale, $30 at the door / Contact Robert Walker 760.716.6295 or heyday@heyday.com

Ponte Family Estate Winery

Grape Stomp / Sunday, Sept. 27 / 4pm-9pm / $95 Reg. Adult / $86 Wine Club Adult / $55 Reg. Child / $50 Wine Club Child / Join us for the 13th annual Grape Stomp, where teams of two compete to see who can stomp enough grape juice to fill a wine bottle! Great prizes, gourmet food stations, wine, live music and stompin’ good fun! / Purchase tickets www.pontewinery.com

Team Ponte Training Runs/Walks through the Vineyard
August – November 11 / Wednesday nights at 5:45p / This is a great way to get in shape, walk or run. Learn about Team Ponte and meet new people. Join us! Meet in front of the Ponte Winery Tasting Room. Run or walk a 3-mile route through our beautiful vineyard; feeling good? Do it twice! / Free to attend

First Sundays – Live Music in the Reserve Room*
Sunday, Sept. 6 / 12:00p-4:00p / Indie / Blues Americana / The Reserve Room will host a variety of live musical artists the first Sunday of each month in 2015. *The Reserve Room is a tasting room for wine club members only. Join the Wine Club and enjoy complimentary tastings in our exclusive venue.

Oak Mountain Winery

Live Music in the Pavilion
Every Saturday and Sunday in / 1:00p-5:00p

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Blessing of the Wines Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival
20, 2015 / 4pm to 7pm / Reserve your tickets today for this year’s Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival. This is a fun-for-the-entire family “blessing” you don’t want to miss! Dance to live musical entertainment provided by Latin Jazz extraordinaire, Diego Mondragon & his band Savio. Games, competitions, face painting, tractor rides through the vineyards and Grape Stomp competitions. Fun family memories that last a lifetime. Tickets include entrance to the festival, all you can eat buffet, complimentary toast with the blessing, live musical entertainment, unlimited game play, plus a chance to win exciting prizes and everybody’s favorite – stomp those grapes! All ages welcome. / Adults $55 pp inclusive: $50 pp Club. Kids 4-12 $15 (3 under are free)

Happy Hours at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Monday-Friday 3:00p-5:30p / Join us in the Vineyard Rose Lounge for reduced priced selected appetizers, award winning select glasses of South Coast wines and local drafts. PLUS corkage fees are waived for any South Coast Winery wine bottles brought in to the Vineyard Rose Restaurant and consumed while dining on Wednesdays too! Visit www.WineResort.com to view menus and find out more.

Wine Wednesdays at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
6:00p-9:00p / Wednesday nights just got even better at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant as award winning pianist, Blessie Isaac-Hopkins, takes the helm behind our elegant grand piano. This world traveler and life-long student of music has performed internationally over the course of her career at many high-end hotels and resorts, including the Peninsula, Regent, Westin, Hilton and Shangri-la Hotel and now you can enjoy her music at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Reserve today for an unforgettable Wednesday evening with fine wines, delicious food and live music between the hours of 6:30p to 9:00p. Call 951.587.9463

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu
Monday-Thursday 11:30a -3:00p / Specially priced $9.99 lunches at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant for those aged 55 and over. Call 951-587-9463 x 2 for more information or reservations.

Behind the Scenes Wine Tours
Tours are held daily at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3PM, Monday through Sunday. $40pp / $35pp Wine Club Member. Get up close and personal as you learn more about our spectacular Southern California winery with a behind-the-scenes tour. From vineyards to crush pad, each tour concludes with a specially prepared wine and food pairing. Due to the limited sizes of each tour, advance reservations are required with prepayment, and are non-refundable. Must be over 21 years of age to attend. Call 800-539-1375 Ext. 350 to reserve your spot today.

Summer Wine Series
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, 6p-8p / Join us for extended hours in the Tasting Room Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights this summer! $30 ticket gives you access after hours from 6:00p-8:00p and includes a bottle of South Coast wine to take home. Call 951.587.9463 ext. 7261 for more information.

Yoga Classes at Grapeseed Spa
Sunday 9a-10a, Monday 10:30a-11:30a / $12 per class / Yoga mat, towels and water provided. Call 951.587.9463 ext. 3513 to reserve your session.

Thornton Winery

Friday Live Music
Wine Specials, Live Music, Food Specials, and Dinner Menu / 6:00p-9:00p / Sept. 4- Crimson Crow / Sept. 11- Missy Anderson / Sept.12 – Ry Bradley (Country Western) / Sept. 18- The Kepi Payne Project / Sept. 25- Mor Sol / No Cover Charge. Seating Available at Courtyard, Covered Patio & Café / Reservations suggested, call 951.699.0099

Champagne Jazz Concert Series

Saturday, 20 – George Benson / 7:00p / General Admission tickets – $95 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $170 SOLD OUT (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table)
Saturday, 26 – Boz Scaggs / 7:00p / General Admission tickets – $95 Open seating / Gourmet Supper tickets – $170 SOLD OUT (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table) n this growing digital age, where people are spending their whole day on the screens, it is essential to be aware of different monitoring services. FlexiSPY is a software that can be installed easily on your mobile phone for comprehensive tracking of its working. The app will let you keep track of all the activities on your phone, laptop, or tablet. Once you install flexispy on your device, it will make note of all your movements and transactions and stores it on a web portal. You can easily access this web portal flexispy at a convenient time of your choice and retrieve the information. #flexispy

Wilson Creek Winery

Live Entertainment / Saturdays & Sundays in

5 Fun Things to do in Temecula Valley wine country this weekend!

It’s Father’s Day weekend, so treat him right with a day in wine country.  There’s lots going on, from music to food, entertainment to education.  You pick!  The only rule is – you MUST have fun!

Crawfish Boil
When: Fri, June 19, 6p
Where: Wilson Creek Winery
It’s back! Join us for a traditional Louisiana-style Crawfish Boil. Savor some fabulous wines and feast on crawfish with all the fixin’s while enjoying the sounds of “Shades of J” rockin blues. / $49.95 per person / $39.95 per person, wine club

Wine Appreciation Class
When: Sat, June 20, 10a
Where: Falkner Winery
Designated for all levels of wine knowledge / $45 per person / $70 per person with lunch. / Reservations required by calling 951-676-8231 xt. 109

Moto Barrel Room Tours
When: Sun, June 21, 11a – 2p
Where: Doffo Winery
Showcasing over 100 vintage motorcycles and scooters from classic manufacturers like Ducati, Honda, CZ, Vespa and more, the Moto Barrel Room is open for free tours on Thursdays and Sundays

Father’s Day “Bacon and Syrah” Dinner
When: Sun, June 21, 6p
Where: Wiens Family Cellars
$85 per person / $68 per person, wine club / Celebrate Father’s day in style with a vertical tasting of four past Syrahs along with perfectly paired bacon dishes.

Champagne Jazz Concert Series ~ Spyro Gyra & Acoustic Alchemy
When: Sun, June 21, 4p
Where: Thornton Winery
General Admission tickets – $65 / Gourmet Supper tickets – $140 (3 course meal, concert ticket & assigned table

 

Dream Big ~ John Thornton, Thornton Winery

Check in every month where we feature a new interview with a Temecula Valley winery owner. You’ll learn where they came from before settling in Temecula, CA – and what keeps them passionate about the sometimes not-so-glamorous life of a winery owner.

Our ongoing series this month features John Thornton, of Thornton Winery, one of the valley’s “first”, which opened for business way back in 1988.  Learn why, after almost 30 years, “Mr. T”, as he’s lovingly known to us, still lives and breathes wine.

Why – or how on earth! – did you get into the wine business? And why was Temecula your chosen region?
Well, Sally and I used to travel extensively on business and everywhere we’d visit, we’d try to eat and drink local.  We loved the social aspect of food and wine together.  We thought, “Hey, we can start our own place and offer food and wine and it’ll be easy.” Boy, were we WRONG!  At the time, Ely Callaway was marketing Temecula as the perfect place to make wine and although the area had a small wine industry, we did some research and it did appear to be a “natural” fit for a wine country and poised for growth.

Running a small family winery – even one that’s been around for awhile like Thornton has – must present a unique set of challenges. What keeps you up at night? And what gets you up in the morning?
I think some of the same things that keep most business owners up at night; but for us it’s how to sell our wine, what wines to make, how to keep our customers happy, cash flow….but Steve works this part of the business, so I sleep pretty darn good!  What gets me up in the morning?  I get excited about the challenges in the business actually.  Challenges can be opportunities and we can take a challenge and turn it into something positive.

What do you MOST love about the wine industry?
What I love most about the wine industry is the people.  There are some of the nicest and most genuine people in this industry.  Another thing about this industry that is so great is sharing food and wine with friends;  it’s a wonderful thing.  You add music to that, and you’ve got the perfect combination.

Speaking of music, Champagne Jazz has been a staple in the music industry – and at Thornton – for almost 30 (!) years. Are you proud with its effect on our little wine country?
When we started Champagne Jazz, we never expected it to be what it is today.  It’s had a long life and it’s taken years and a lot of hard work to formulate.  It’s a continuous challenge to combine a food, wine and musical experience that will appeal to a broad audience.  We’re really proud that we’re bringing in some of the best jazz performers in the world. cheapigfollowers.com

Cafe Champagne was THE first restaurant in wine country. That must present its own unique opportunities and challenges?
Our biggest challenge was learning the food business.  It’s a tough business.  You’ve got to do a lot of research and make sure that you’ve got what people want.  You’ve got to come up with menus that appeal to customers and you’ve got to make the prices competitive in order to bring the people in.  The restaurant was originally “high-end”, but it’s now more casual.  Steve’s been teaching me that it isn’t always about what I want!  The customer is always right.  We’ve got to listen to them, try to pair the food and wine well, and make them happy.  We’ve got a lot more competition with our neighbors now, and while this is inevitable, it just keeps us planning and adapting.  We’re watching the valley get better and better and it’s exciting to watch!

July Winery Events

 

Ahhh….summer!   4th of July events, barbecues, luaus and outdoor concerts are just a few of the summertime offerings in Temecula Valley’s wine country. Whatever day you choose to visit, you’ll be sure to find something fun to do!

Baily Vineyard & Winery

“Red, White & Bleu Cheese” at the Estate Club
Every Saturday in July / 11:00a-4:00p / $30 per person.
A patriot’s venture into aged wines.  Start with a mini tour of the winery and then enjoy a sit down tasting in the winery.
Reservations are required with a credit card by calling 951-972-9768.

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays, July 12, 19 & 26 / 11:30a-3:00p
Live music, 1/2 price bottles of Baily Sangiovese, food pairing with Sangiovese featuring their new “Sangiovese Burger”.   Buy a “Sangiovese Saturday” t-shirt, wear it when you come back and get a free glass of Sangiovese.

Dog Day Sundays
Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p
Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch!
Live acoustic entertainment.

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting
Thursday-Sunday / 11:00a-2:30p
Tours and vertical tasting of library Boudreaux reds.
Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Bel Vino Winery

Live Music
July 5 – 2p-6p- Bad Chemistry
July 6 – 12p-4p – Michael LeClerc
July 12 – 11a-3p – Counterfeits
July 13 – 12p-4p – Jason Weber
July 19 – 1p-5p – JD Priest
July 20 – 12p-4p – Dominic Rocha
July 26 – 2p-6p – Nitro Express
July 27 – 12p-4p – Entourage

Briar Rose Winery

Sip Into Sunset

Friday, July 4 / 5:30p-9:00
Experience amazing sunsets and live music by Buzz Campbell.
Food items available for purchase.
Call 951-308-1098 to make reservations.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Celebrating 45 Years with 45 Days of Specials
Beginning July 1 and continuing through August 15th, Callaway will be celebrating their 45th anniversary with 45 days of wine specials, contests, special menus and events.  Make sure to check the calendar to see which special takes place each week!
Monday – Wine of the Week.  Buy 1 bottle at the regular retail price of the Anniversary wines and get the next bottle at 45% off.
Tuesday – “Trivia Tuesdays on Facebook” – We will post a trivia question each Tuesday and will pull a winner from all of the correct answers to receive a gift certificate to use at the winery.
Wednesday – “Wine Club Wednesday!”  Club members: purchase any bottle of wine and get the second bottle at 45% off!
Thursday -” Dollar for Dollar Thursdays” at Meritage at Callaway – Enjoy lunch at Meritage and bring your receipt to the tasting room to receive a dollar for dollar discount (up to $70) off any case of wine (mixed cases too!)
Friday – “45% off Friday” – Enjoy 45% off the case of the wine of the week in the tasting room.
Saturday – “Selfie Saturdays” on Facebook.  Post a selfie while visiting Callaway and be entered to win a gift certificate to Callaway!  Winners posted every Sunday.
Sunday – “Serve Yourself Sunday” – Every Sunday the Wine Station Tasting Cards will be on special for two for the price of one!

Tastes n’ Tapas
Every day in Meritage guests can enjoy 5 wine tastes, 5 tapas for $45.  This special wine and tapas pairing will be available during lunch hours Monday-Friday and during dinner hours Saturday and Sunday only.

Prime Rib Fridays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Friday at Meritage from 5pm-8:00pm
Enjoy a three-course Prime Rib dinner with pre-selected 3 oz wine pairings for $45 per person!
Reservations are not required.  No cover.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Showcases a local musician every evening beginning at 6:00pm.  Enjoy our watermelon sangria and great tapas specials while soaking in the sunset views from our newly renovated lower lounge.

Doffo Winery

Doffo Winery Polo Team
Friday, July 18 / 5:00p-9:00p
Bring your family and friends to encourage Team Doffo Winery.
Free tickets available at the winery

Winemaker Dinner
Saturday, July 19 / $150 per person
Special Argentinean style barbecue and buffet
Live entertainment provided by Tango dancers.

Falkner Winery

Sunday Concerts & BBQ
Every Sunday in July from 12:00p-3:00p.
No reservations necessary.

14th Anniversary Event
Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 6
A lively weekend that includes concert performances Saturday and Sunday, winery tours, huge sales, hourly raffles, outdoor barbecue, lunch specials in their Pinnacle Restaurant, and other fun events.

Lorimar Winery

Live Music
Fridays & Saturdays 6p-9p / Sundays 2p-5p
July 4  – Shultz & Hamilton
July 5 – Mrs. Jones Revenge
July 6 – Buzz Campbell
July 11 – Master Splinter and the Shredders
July 12 – Kanan Road Band
July 18 – Kanan Road Band
July 19 – Annette Da Bomb
July 20 – Mark Renk
July 25 – Oceans of Sand
July 26 – Mrs. Jones Revenge
July 27- Michael LeClerc

Wine Blending Party – Bordeaux Blends
Wednesday, July 2 / 4:00p-6:00p
$25 (+tax) per person / Wine Club Members – $20 (+tax) per person
Join us for a hands-on wine blending experience! You get to be a winemaker for a day !
Purchase tickets in the tasting room, email events@lorimarwinery.com, or call 951-694-6699 x4

Happy 4th of July!
Friday, July 4
Join us for Sorbet Sparklers and hot dogs!

Lorimar Luau
Saturday, July 19 / 6:00p
$70 (+tax) per person / $60 (+tax) Wine Club
Join us for a Lei’d back luau and say Aloha!
Purchase tickets in the tasting room, email events@lorimarwinery.com, or call 951-694-6699 x4

Winemaker’s Dinner
Friday, July 25 / 6:00p-9:00p
$55 (+tax) per person / $50 (+tax) Wine Club
Barrel Tasting with Appetizer Pairing & 3 Course Meal with Wine Pairing. Purchase tickets in the tasting room, email events@lorimarwinery.com, or call 951-694-6699 x4

Movie in the Vines
Monday, July 28 / FEATURING : Pretty Woman
$1 Admission – Includes small bag of popcorn!
Wine Bar and Concession stand will open at 6 pm
Film begins at Sunset on the Barrel Room Lawn!

Mount Palomar Winery

Live Music
1:00p-4:00p
July 5 – Harmony Road
July 6 – Entouraj
July 12 – Jonnie Fox
July 13 – Vivien Gaines Duo
July 19 – Rum Soaked Raisins
July 20 – The Alkis
July 26 – Mike Sullivan
July 27 – Journey Man Band

Bottles “n” Brushes (Painting Class with Wine!)
Thursday, July 10 & Thursday, July 24 / 1:00p-4:00p
2 tickets for $80
Contact Dorothy Hawthorne at 951-302-3088 for more information.

Oak Mountain Winery

Live Music in the Pavilion
Every Saturday and Sunday in July / 1:00p-5:00p

Sizzlin’ Saturday
Saturday, July 19 / 6p-9p
$1.00 cover charge
Live music by Entourage and a food truck.

Oak Mountain Winery University
2014 Spring Semester Classes / $15 per student; $12 for wine club members.  Classes run for one hour.  To sign up, call or text 951-880-8840

Bubbles 101
Sparkling Wine class
You will be served 3 sparkling wines paired with artisanal cheeses.
Learn fun facts about sparkling wines and champagne.

Blending Reds
Create, bottle and label your very own blend.
In our Blending Class, you get to be the Winemaker!
Option to bottle your custom blend of wine for an additional $29.

Wine Tasting for Dummies 101
Beginners class for wine tasters.
Basics of wine tasting.
Sample eight of our infused Avocado Oils and Balsamic Vinegars.

Rhone Wine Class 201
Learn how these grapes are grown here in the valley and how wine is made.
Taste varietals from different areas in the Rhone region of France.
3 wine tastings and 8 tastings of Avocado Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.

Bordeaux Wine Class 201
Learn how these grapes are grown, harvested and processed
3 wine tastings and 8 tastings of Avocado Oil and Balsamic Vinegars.
We recommend that you have taken our Wine Tasting 101 class prior to this course.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Wine & Dine Chef’s Table at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Custom five-course menu just for you.
Winemakers then pair each course with wines.
For 2  – 8 guests , $135 per person.
Call 951-491-8077 to reserve your table today.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Divas in D’Vines
Every Sunday during football season from 12p to 3p.
Enjoy half priced mimosas, sangria and Spumante Diamante.
Reservations Recommended. Call 951-587-9463 x 2

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu
Monday-Thursday 11:30a -3:00p
$9.99 lunches – Vineyard Rose Restaurant, 55 and over.
Call 951-587-9463 x 2 for more information or reservations.

Marvelous Mondays
5:30p – 9p each week
Half-priced bottles of select wines with the purchase of 2 entrees.
Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here.

Wine Down Wednesdays
5:30p-9:00p through July 31st.
Enjoy live music & half-priced select appetizers w/ purchase of 2 entrees.
Enjoy with our Winemakers Reserve bottles of South Coast Wines.
Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here.

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour
Daily / 11:00a and 1:00p / $40pp / Members $35pp
Stroll the vineyards and the winery.
Private, plated wine & cheese pairing with a Wine Concierge.
Reservations strongly suggested:  Call 951.587.9463 x7219.

Thornton Winery

Live Music
Master Splinter and the Shredders
Sunday, July 6 / 1:00p-4:00p

LTR
Friday, July 11  / 6:00p-9:00p

Summer Concert Series
Boz Scaggs
Thursday, July 3 / 7:30p
General Admission $95 per person / Gourmet Supper $170 per person

Kenny G
Saturday, July 5 / 7:00p
General Admission $95 / Gourmet Supper $170

Chris Botti
Sunday, July 13 / 5:00p
General Admission $95 / Gourmet Supper SOLD OUT

Pat Metheny United Group and Bruce Hornsby with Sonny Emory Saturday, July 19 / 7:00p
General Admission $95 / Gourmet Supper SOLD OUT

Jesse Cook
Sunday, July 20 / 5:00p
General Admission $65 / Gourmet Supper $140

Love & Soul, featuring Norman Brown and Jonathan Butler
Saturday, July 26 / 7:00p
General Admission $70 / Gourmet Supper $145

Wilson Creek Winery

2nd Annual Luau
Friday, July 11 / 7:00p-10:00p
$49.95 per person / $39.95 per person, Wine Club
Authentic Polynesian show and Hawaiian Buffet.
For reservations, click here

Phil Vassar Country Concert
Sunday, July 27 / 7:00p-10:00p
General Admission: $50, Wine Club: $45 / Reserve Seating: $75, Wine Club: $67.50 / Orchestra Seating: $95, Wine Club: $85.50.
For reservations, click here.

 

 

Wine Country Recipe: Penne with Butternut Squash, Spinach and Pancetta

Recipe provided by Thornton Winery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

1-12 oz. package penne pasta, cooked in boiling salt water
1 medium sized butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced into 1/2 – 3/4″ cubes
2 – 3 cups cleaned baby spinach leaves, loosely packed
6 oz. pancetta, cooked crisp and drained
1/4 – 1/2 cup chicken stock
1 1/2 tsp garlic, minced
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
4 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp. fresh sage
Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

In a large sauté pan, gently sauté the butternut squash and garlic in the butter and olive oil, being careful not to scorch or burn, about five minutes. Add the chicken stock, parsley and sage and cook an additional five minutes. Add spinach and cooked penne pasta and toss gently until spinach has wilted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among six plates or bowls. Garnish with optional red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese. Serves 6.

Serve with Thornton 2011 Estate Syrah

 

January Winery Events in Temecula Valley

 

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Dog Day Sundays

• Every Sunday 11:30a-2:30p
• Bring your to lunch!  Live acoustic entertainment.

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting

• Thursday-Sunday 11:00a-2:30p
• Library Boudreaux reds
• Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

 

Europa Village

Friday Night Entertainment

• 5:30p-8:30p Free

Cooking Demonstration Event

• Saturday, January 11 / 11:30a-1:30p
• $45 per person / Click here for more details.

 

“Trouble at the Tropicabana” Murder Mystery Dinner

• Saturday January 25  6:30p-9:00p
• $70.80 pp / 3-course dinner and performance
• Click here for more details.

• Sunday January 26 6:30p-9:00p
• $58.80 per person / 3-course dinner and performance
• Click here for more details.

 

Keyways Vineyard & Winery

2 1/2 Hour Winemaking Tasting Tour

• Every Monday & Friday 12:00p
• Saturdays & Sundays at 10:00a & 1:00p
• $29 pp / Reservations required: at 951-302-7888

 

Oak Mountain Winery

Live Music

• Saturday, January 18 / 6:00p-9:00p

 

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s WINOS (Women In Need of Serenity)

• Monday-Thursday / 11:30a-2:30p
• Half price Mimosas, Sangria and wines
• $2 off all appetizers / Call for Reservations 951-587-9463 x 2

 

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Divas in D’Vines

• Every Sunday during football season12p to 3p
• Half priced mimosas, sangria & signature Spumante Diamante.
• Call 951-587-9463 x 2

 

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu

• Monday-Thursday 11:30a -3:00p
• Specially priced $9.99 lunches at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
• Ages 55 and over
• Call 951-587-9463 x 2

 

Marvelous Mondays

• Mondays 5:30p to 9p each week.
• Half-priced bottles of select wines with any 2 entrees
• Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here.

 

Wine Down Wednesdays

• At Vineyard Rose Restaurant
• Live music half-priced appetizers with any 2 entrees
• Enjoy with our Winemakers Reserve bottles
• Call 951.587.9463 today or visit here.

 

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour

• Daily / 11:00a and 1:00p
• $40 pp / $35 members
• Call 951.587.9463 x7219.

 

Relaxing Winter Retreat

• 8a to 6p Monday – Thursday  / 8a to 7p Friday – Sunday
• Seasonal warm stone back massage
• ‘Cashmere heat sugar scrub,’ with a glass of wine.
• Regular price $155 – special price $99
• Call:  951.587.9463 or click here.
• Available Mondays thru Sundays thru January 31, 2014.

 

Bridal Open House

• Sunday, January 19 / 10:00a-4:00p / Free
• Tour of resort in full wedding décor
• Call 866.994.6379 X7214 for details or click here.

 

Tasteful Break to that New Year’s Resolution at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

• Monday, January 20 10:00a-6:00p
• Taste the premier wines with this one-day only offer.
• All Tastings: Buy One Get One Free!

 

Vintage Wine and Cheese Soiree

• Friday, January 24
• Private Reserve Wine Flight Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon
• With cheese pairings
• $60 for two.  Call 866.994.6379

 

Sip / Save / Shop

• Saturday, January 25 / 10:00a-6:00p
• Shop at Gift Shoppe and get complimentary Sparkling Wine
• 15% discount on your purchases.
• Call 866.994.6379 for details or click here.

 

Thornton Winery

Chef’s Counter Dinner

• Friday, January 17 / 7:00p
• Dine one-on-one as the chef prepares five-course meal
• Seating is limited to 10 people
• $125 pp + tax/tip
• Call 951-699-0099 for reservations.

 

Super Bowl Munchies Cooking Class

• Saturday, January 25 / 2:30p
• $70 pp, inclusive
• Learn to make appetizers for your Super Bowl Party!
• Call 951-699-0099 for reservations.