Have Some Smooth Jazz With Your Bubbly

When I think of California wine, I think of Napa Valley. Little did I know that the Temecula Valley, just east of I15 between San Diego and Los Angeles, is home to more than 20 wineries.

And, not only can you tour the wine country here, but you can enjoy an entire series of smooth jazz concerts, June through October, at Thornton Winery.

The first half of the series features today’s top smooth jazz greats including crowd favorites David Benoit & Spyro Gyra, Jeffery Osborne, Boney James, Dave Koz, and Wayman Tisdale. President Steve Thornton had this to say about the first-half line up, "we are celebrating our 20th anniversary, so we knew this particular jazz series had to be the best ever. It has to exemplify the best of the best to celebrate our notable past and our extraordinary future. We think we've done that."

With an elegant French style chateau as a backdrop, you can relax and enjoy picturesque vineyard views, amazing food, premium wines, and top flight smooth jazz from the intimate and acoustically superb Mediterranean Fountain Terrace. Offering a memorable and unique concert experience, this outdoor concert venue is the ideal spot for combining sensual music, stunning surroundings, and the opportunity to taste premium wines and award-winning cuisine.

Winemaker Don Reha offers a selection of Thornton sparkling and premium varietal wines. In addition, assorted beverages, bottled water and freshly prepared items from the outdoor Jazz Grill will also be available for purchase before and during the concerts. You can plan your visit with the schedule on Thornton Winery’s website.

thorntonwine.com | 32575 Rancho California Rd, Temecula CA, 92589 | 951-699-3021

Edited by Ellen Schofield