Tomatillo Salsa. Photo by Patrick Maue.

Our trip to the Old Town Temecula Farmer’s Market each week is always a highlight. The air is savory, the energy is festive, and the local produce abounds.  Our first stop is the Sage Mountain Farms booth to pick up the Inland Empire CSA box and see what treasures are in store for us.  The box was heavy this week: overflowing with melons, greens, zucchini, citrus and more.  Nestled in with the gorgeous greens, we found our gems: perfect green tomatillos.

The tomatillo is a small green tomato with a papery husk and a tart flavor that is responsible for the bright notes in most Mexican sauces and salsas.  While tomatillos are native to Mexico, they are widely available in California markets as well.

My partner in all things culinary, Chef Andrea from Ava James Catering, suggested we grab some jalapenos and limes in addition to the tomatillos, garlic, onions and cilantro already available in the CSA box.  With those base ingredients, she knew a Roasted Tomatillo Salsa would be the perfect compliment to any summer menu.

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

• 18-20 tomatillos
• 2-3 jalapenos
• 1 large yellow onion
• 4-5 cloves of garlic
• 1 large handful of cilantro
• 1 corn tortilla
• 2 cups chicken (or veggie) stock
• Tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp pepper (I use ground white)
• Juice of 1 lime

Soak the tomatillos in cold water so they’ll easily slip out of their husks. Peel and quarter the onion. Place peeled tomatillos and onion with whole jalapeños in a preheated, dry cast iron skillet and toss until a nice char is achieved and the tomatillos just start to break down. Roasting the tomatillos will impart them with a smokey flavor which balances out their natural tartness.  Toss garlic cloves in the pan for the last few minutes of roasting.

Place roasted tomatillo mixture in a blender or food processor with tortilla, cilantro, lime juice salt and pepper, cumin and 1 cup of the stock. Blend until smooth adding the additional cup of stock as needed for desired consistency.  Add additional salt and pepper to taste.

We served this salsa over grilled fish and rounded out our meal with a cherry tomato and onion salad.  It would also taste great over chicken enchiladas or straight out of the bowl with tortilla chips.

The Inland Empire CSA is a wonderful way to support local farmers while eating fresh, locally grown, organic produce.  We have found that the quality and flavor of the produce far surpasses anything we could find in a traditional grocery store.  For more information on the program, please visit their website www.inlandempirecsa.com.

Doffo Winery's 2008 Malbec. (photo by Tom Plant)

Doffo Winery is perhaps the best-kept secret in the Temecula Wine Country. Owner Marcello Doffo and his family (wife Zulma and their children Damian and Brigitte) produce some of the most flavorful, full-bodied and fruit-forward wines in the area – if not all of California. Following the philosophy that great winemaking begins in the vineyard, their attention to detail – extra pruning of the vines, thinning the grape clusters, restriction of water – helps to insure that their grapes are some of the richest and intense-tasting in the area. They even play classical music in their vineyard to help soothe the vines and grapes (Syrah & Cabernet, please meet Beethoven). Such meticulous cultivation pays off with the end result – bold, complex, world-class wines that are not to be missed.

With so many of their current amazing wines to chose from, it was difficult to narrow the field down and select one for this week’s “Wine Pick.” Their 2009 Sauvignon Blanc’s nose is full of pineapple and mango, yet once it hits the palate, honey & butter take over. I love their 2008 Mistura – a medium-bodied 60/40 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah that will pair with just about any dish. Are you looking for a jammy Zinfandel full of spice and ripe plum? Then try their 2008 vintage – amazing! I could go on and on as each of their unfiltered wines deserve their own article, but for years now I’ve loved Malbecs, and Doffo is one of the few Temecula-area wineries to grow and produce this grape. Hence, my Wine Pick of the Week is Doffo’s 2008 Malbec.

Though it originated in France (it’s a Bordeaux varietal mostly used for blending), within the last 15 years, Malbec has become one of the leading exports of the South American wine world, including Chile and especially Argentina. But please don’t think that this grape is new to South America – in fact, it was first planted in Argentina back around 1850. With such history, it’s no surprise that Marcello Doffo, with his Argentinean heritage, decided to grow this lush, texturally soft, dark purple varietal on his estate. What a wise choice.

(photo by Tom Plant)

Oak aged just over 10 months, Doffo’s ’08 vintage has all of the stunning characteristics one would expect to find in an outstanding Malbec. Its vivid violet-purple color grabs your eye immediately and its delicate aromas of wild cherry, red berries, nutmeg, and a little vanilla make it difficult to remove your nose from the glass – I can smell this wine all evening. Of course, its true payoff comes with the taste & mouthfeel – a complex yet smooth experience dictated by soft & sweet tannins and rich, intense fruit (damson plum & raisin). Pair this lovely wine with authentic Argentine BBQ or slow-cooked beef stew, and you’ll have treated yourself to a memorable meal experience.

Because of their limited tasting room hours (Fri-Sun only, 10am-5pm), Marcello has been kind enough to offer you – our loyal Taste of Temecula readers – $10 off their “red wine” tasting list for the next TWO weekends: Sept. 3-5 & 10-12. Simply mention this article to cash in on the deal. For those of you who prefer to do your wine tasting during the week, simply call the Doffo @ 714-715-6610 to set up an appointment. Just tell them Chris from Taste of Temecula sent you and be prepared to taste some of the finest wines Temecula has yet to produce.

Doffo Winery – 36083 Summitville, Temecula, CA 92592. 714/715-6610.

Photo by Dan Viescas

From the moment you walk into Sweet Cheeks, you feel at home. This is no overwrought Zen garden spa; it is simply a relaxing space. Owners, Stephen and Cheryl Rhodes, planned it that way. They want each client to feel like family, and they are committed to a philosophy of complete attention to their client’s individual needs in a comfortable environment.

After years as a Director of two Youth Opportunity Centers for high-risk youth in Riverside County and more recently a YWCA Director, Cheryl realized that she needed to make a positive change in her life. She wanted to continue to help people, but in a more relaxing environment. After consulting with her daughter, Summer, who has been a licensed medical esthetician for many years, she went back to school and completed her studies as well. Stephen, who is an experienced designer with a fine arts degree, designed the space and later came on board as a Certified Permanent Cosmetic Artist. With Cheryl’s daughter Brooke managing the studio, and Summer and Cheryl providing services, a true family business was born. The passion and commitment of this family are evident in their relationship with their clients, as well as in the results they achieve.

Cheryl Rhodes works the Brow Bar - Photo by Dan Viescas

When you enter Sweet Cheeks, you are met by one of Stephen’s many works of art that adorn the space: a “cheeky” painting of Cheryl, Summer and Brooke. Deeper into the studio, you begin to see the depth of his talent. A painting of Koi fish in one of the treatment rooms showcases his artistry. The good news for Sweet Cheeks’ patrons is that Stephen is also a Certified Permanent Cosmetics Professional Artist. He utilizes his 30 years of experience and a fine arts degree, along with state-of-the-art digital equipment and MRI-safe pigments, to transform his clients. He offers a free consultation, a conservative approach to achieve a natural look, and a follow up appointment 3 -4 weeks later to add more color if the client wants a more dramatic look.

While Stephen is highly sought after for his talents as a permanent cosmetics artist, Sweet Cheeks focuses heavily on advanced and corrective skin care. They offer a wide variety of facials to suit every skin type and challenge. Although your facial will make you feel great, it will also achieve substantial positive results. Treatments include traditional rejuvenating facials, acne or hyperpigmentation relief, microdermabrasion, facial peels and dermal planing. Although relaxing, these are no “fluffy facials!”

In addition to extensive skin care treatments, Sweet Cheeks offers airbrush spray tanning, body wraps, eyelash extensions, and a complete menu of hair removal options. After 11 years in the industry, Summer is the expert in hair removal and specializes in Brazilian and bikini waxing. The goal is to provide the ultimate service and comfort, and Sweet Cheeks encourages clients to call ahead for waxing tips to ensure a positive experience.

The Rhodes team is proud to serve clients of of all ages. Their current client roster ranges in age from 16 (eyebrow wax) to 89 (facial), and they consider each client a member of the family. Further to the theme of family, Sweet Cheeks offers a specialty service for expectant mothers called “Baby Bump.” They schedule women to come in 2 -3 weeks before their due date and cast a sweet, perfect replica of their pregnant belly. The cast can be left in its simplest form or embellished with flowers, tulle, etc. to create a signature look. They include a special pocket so clients can attach a sweetheart message for their baby to cherish in years to come.

Baby Bump - Photo by Dan Viescas

Sweet Cheeks Studio offers its clients a free eyebrow wax with all facials. As an added bonus for Taste of Temecula fans, they will be extending a 10% discount on facial and body treatments from Thursday, September 2nd – Thursday, September 9th. Now is the time for healthier, younger looking skin and a beautiful body! The team will take the time to tailor your experience to your needs. They embrace the fact that every face, every body, every person is different and they make it “all about you.”

Sweet Cheeks Studio:

Bel Villagio Shopping Center: 41493 Margarita Road Ste. 108, Temecula, CA 92591
951-695-0826 www.SweetCheeksStudio.com

Murrieta now has a Raviolis! (Photo by Juanita Juarez)

Chef Giuseppe di Gristina, one of the Temecula Valley’s most beloved & respected food “artists,” and his family, have just opened their second restaurant – Raviolis! Osteria. Located on Murrieta Hot Springs Road in Murrieta (right between the 15 and 215 freeways), the Osteria compliments their original restaurant in Lake Elsinore – Raviolis! Italian Bistro. If you’re seeking amazingly fresh, unique, and delicious Italian dishes, Chef Giuseppe has created the perfect, irresistible menu.

Chef Giuseppe. (photo by Juanita Juarez)

The Osteria (Italian for “a place where the owner hosts people”) had their grand opening two weeks ago on August 16th. The same night was also the 4th year anniversary of the opening of the original Raviolis!, so Chef Giuseppe and his family had much to celebrate. And celebrate they did – what a madhouse! The line to get in to sample their buffet style dishes stretched into the parking lot 50 people deep. The party was open to the public – not “invite only” – so all of Murrieta came out to join the fun. The crush to get in was such that many, after being handed a glass of wine, cruised next door to Spelly’s Pub & Grille to have an appetizer and let the mad rush die down before re-entering the party. To say that Joe Spellman – Spelly’s owner – was pleased at the overflow is an understatement. I have a feeling Chef Giuseppe and Joe are going to be very friendly neighbors. I also have the feeling that both new Murrieta restaurants are going to be spectacular successes.

While the menu at the new locale is slightly different from that in Lake Elsinore, it’s still all about fantastic pasta (a wide variety of signature Ravioli dishes), seafood (Linguine alla Calabrese with its shrimp and light garlic white wine sauce is magnificent), and veal (choose from Al Limone to Saltibocca). Their salads are second to none (perhaps the best Mozzarella Caprese I’ve yet to taste), and Chef Giuseppe always has an amazing Zuppa del Giorno. Bon appetit!

Serving amazing Italian cuisine at the Grand Opening. (photo by Juanita Juarez)

Besides his cant-miss, authentic Italian faire, Chef Giuseppe also put thought into his dining room’s design – his Osteria is quaint, warm, and quite inviting. Yes, the two rooms are fairly small (one includes their charming bar), but the close proximity of the tables adds to the informal, family feel. Each time I’ve been to Raviolis!, I swear all of the patrons knew each other – as if Chef Giuseppe’s restaurants were the only establishments in town. A place where everyone knows your name and the chef is your personal friend? You bet.

Seems to be the perfect place to have our next Taste of Temecula Lunch Meet-Up, doesn’t it? Indeed it does, so make plans to join the ToT extended family for lunch here at Raviolis! Osteria this coming Wednesday, September 1st @ noon.

Raviolis! Osteria is located at 40711 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Murrieta, CA 92562. To make a reservation or for further information, call 951-461-7998.

La Serenissima Cab Franc - Photo by Trasier Schuyler

I first met Tony Tiso at The Wine Co. in Temecula where he was doing a private tasting for the owner.  In my usual style, I looked pathetic enough to score a small taste of Tony’s family wine.  It was just enough to get me jonzing for more.

Over the past year I have met up with Tony (or his father Dr. John Tiso) at various restaurants or local private estates.  I have become increasingly fond of the wine from this small, old world boutique winery and finally got my chance to visit Tony at his home/winery in Warner Springs. It’s a beautiful estate just 15 minutes past Vail Lake – well, at least the way I drive. When you’re still a little ways away, you can see La Serenissima perched on a hillside surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. You almost feel as if you are in the “old country” as you start to ascend the driveway, and are greeted by Tony’s winery hounds.

As I walked up to the patio past a beautiful fountain, I saw Tony and a few of his fellow farmers from the area sharing a carafe of his wine and talking about the grapes and this year’s harvest. After an exchange of introductions and a small glass of wine, Tony took my friend Ian and I into the winery and gave us the full tour. What was especially nice was that my friend is a newbie to the wine world, yet Tony explained every part of the process and the differences between a production winery and his small family winery that only uses the fruit they grow themselves.

Tony Tiso - Photo by Trasier Schuyler

We descended into the barrel room and Tony allowed us to try each of his varietals – everything was fantastic! The one wine that stood above the rest was the first wine of Tony’s that I had tried almost a year ago – the 2007 Cabernet Franc. Many wineries only use Cab Franc as a blending grape, but when it stands alone as its own varietal, I simply can’t resist it.

The La Serenissima 2007 Cab Franc is a “big red” and is not for those who are looking for a simple table wine. I recommend decanting it, which will open up the flavors and aromas. Be prepared for a mind-bending nose, a ton of fruit, and a long, dry finish. Although most Italian wines are made to be enjoyed with food, this wine is perfect for either just that – an authentic Italian meal (pasta, veal, seafood) – or simply by itself, sans paring. My advice: spend an upcoming evening drinking an exceptional red wine, and let it be the La Serenissima Cabernet Franc.

This fine wine can be purchased at local wine shops, markets like Baron’s and Whole Foods or directly from the winery. Pricing is very reasonable as right now Tony is making room in his cellar for his latest wines. Come down to take advantage of his lack of space and get your favorite La Serenissima wines at a fantastic price.

La Serenissima Vineyard - Photo by Trasier Schuyler

You can visit the winery everyday, but you must call ahead to make an appointment.

Ciao for now,
Traz

La Serenissima is located at:
35168 Route 79 – Warner Springs, CA. 92086
951-326-0205 www.vinotiso.com

Temecula Valley Players production of "Fiddler on the Roof" playing at the Old Town Community Theater. Photo by: Ashley Edmonds

If you love great theater and have been longing to escape into a classic musical, make plans now to head down to the Old Town Temecula Community Theater to catch Fiddler on the Roof presented by the Temecula Valley Players and directed by J Scott Lapp.

The gorgeous set design and live orchestra set the tone immediately. The story is set in Tsarist Russia in 1905, and the viewer is immediately transported to Anatevka where Tevye, the father of five daughters, attempts to maintain his family and religious and cultural traditions while outside influences bear down upon their lives. He must cope with both the strong-willed actions of his three daughters—each one’s choice of husband moves further away from the customs of the family faith—and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their village. The Fiddler is a metaphor for maintaining balance, through tradition and humor, in uncertain and precarious times.

The cast members are consummate professionals: each note soars, each line draws the viewer further into the lives of the townspeople and the dance numbers are a delight. The lead role of Tevye is deftly portrayed by the talented Sean Tamburrino. He began his career at the Moonlight Theater and has performed in musicals all throughout the country. His commanding stage presence and beautiful baritone are captivating. Tysa Curry delivers a strong performance as Golde, Tevye’s wife. Her tone of voice and delivery are perfect as the Jewish Mama holding the family together with tough love and humor. Tysa’s many years with the Theater in Temecula are evident in her portrayal. Joshua Cavanaugh as Perchik is a particular favorite as well. His six years of classical vocal training and pending degree in Vocal Performance make him an asset to any stage and he is an equally talented actor and dancer – a true triple threat. Kayla Parker is a revelation as Chava, the third daughter. Although she is 17 years of age, Kayla offers a very mature and impressive performance. Her beautiful voice fills the theater and her commitment to her role is spellbinding.

Sean Tamburrino as Tevye in Temecula Valley Players production of "Fiddler on the Roof" playing at the Old Town Community Theater. Photo by: Steve Allen.

Do not let the fact that Temecula is a relatively small town dissuade you from experiencing the Theater. This is an exceptionally professional production expertly directed by J. Scott Lapp and choreographed by the talented Gary Iversen. Lapp’s selected directing credits include RENT, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Music Man, Oliver, Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast and the list goes on. His upcoming projects include Limelight and the pre-Broadway run of Bonnie & Clyde in Florida. Iversen has choreographed for numerous theatrical venues throughout Southern California, including Disney and the Crystal Cathedral. He was recently honored with an ITL Founder’s Award for Choreography in TVP’s production of 7 Brides for 7 Brothers.

The Old Town Temecula Community Theater is a perfectly intimate venue for this story to play out, and you will be entranced. Please visit: www.temeculatheater.org to purchase tickets.

Showtimes are: Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. The show closes on September 5th.

Ticket Prices:

Friday and Saturday evenings:
$28 Orchestra
$23 Parterre/Balcony

Thursday nights and Saturday/Sunday matinees:
$25 Orchestra
$20 Parterre/Balcony

Here’s a sneak peak for you:

Photo by Mike Chava

Tucked in a narrow slice in a smallish shopping center is a Thai restaurant that should not be missed. At Thai BBQ is an authentic family owned eatery. Jason Sithichai and his sister, Trisha Alvarado have followed in the footsteps of their parents, who have owned Thai Original BBQ in Cerritos since 1986. Jason saw a need in the burgeoning Temecula Valley for quality ethnic restaurants. The restaurant is truly family owned and operated. Jason, 29, describes himself as the “chef, busboy and janitor.” His 31-year-old sister still teaches full-time, as does his fiancé, Christine. They both still finds time to serve nearly full-time at the restaurant after school.

At Thai BBQ focuses on healthy and delicious grilled entrees. Customers will find their favorites like Pad Thai, made with the freshest possible rice noodles. “The noodles are still hot when they are delivered in the morning,” Jason says, explaining the unusually flavorful taste and texture of the Pad Thai. The combination of high-quality ingredients and deft preparation make the classic dish something special.

The soups, served hot-pot style, are flavorful and complex. The Tom Kha Gai, a coconut milk based hot and sour soup came packed with straw mushrooms and chicken. The lemongrass offset the slight richness of the soup, while the whole Serrano chili gave it just enough heat.

The Beef Sate is tender, marinated beef, skewered and grilled, and served with a savory, and just sweet peanut butter sauce and fresh cucumber salad. A chili tray with red chili sauce, sliced Serrano chilies and chili powder allow diners to customize the heat of their dishes. The unusual Thai Iced Tea, creamy and sweet, cools things off very effectively if one gets too enthusiastic with the spices.

The long narrow interior is modern and attractive. There is none of the kitsch one may associate with Thai Restaurants, instead it is decorated in soothing tones, the only nod to its origin the lovely photographs of Thailand, taken by Jason himself. There is also a “local artists wall” where a variety of artists display painting and artwork for sale.

At Thai BBQ offers catering and the entire menu to go. It is located in the Fresh and Easy shopping center on Margarita and Murrieta Hot Springs. It is a perfect neighborhood restaurant, but the fresh flavors and warm proprietors make it worth going out of your way for.

Have you read What to Expect When You’re Expecting with a highlighter and post-its in hand, or are you the kind of parent who thinks Dr. Spock is a Star Trek character? Whatever your level of parenting expertise, no matter how much you look to others to teach you how to keep from screwing up your kid, RAISING THE PERFECT CHILD THROUGH GUILT AND MANIPULATION is sure to give you something to think about.

As the title suggests, this isn’t your standard parenting book, in fact, it’s really not a parenting book at all. Instead, comedian and mother Elizabeth Beckwith takes a twisted look at the traditional parenting guides— spoofing them while simultaneously covering some child-rearing truths that typical parenting guides miss. Each chapter covers a different component of the Guilt and Manipulation approach. Such topics include:

•Creating a Team: “Us” Vs. “Them”
•How to Scare the Crap Out of Your Child (In a Positive Way)
•Don’t Be Afraid to Raise a Nerd
•Mind Control: Why It’s a Good Thing

To supplement these pearls of wisdom, Elizabeth puts her own upbringing under the microscope. In personal asides she shares stories of growing up in Las Vegas with an extended family perfectly-suited for the Guilt and Manipulation philosophy: with so many examples of how not to turn out, it was easy for Elizabeth’s parents to teach her how to become the kind of woman she should be (i.e., not a floozy).

This non-parenting book is racy reading for parents, as well as perfectly appropriate if you have or had any parents yourself.  Beckwith provides laughs for all.

About the Author

Elizabeth Beckwith. Courtesy Photo.

Stand-up comedian and actress Elizabeth Beckwith was one of the seven comics featured in a TIME magazine article entitled, “Funny: The Next Generation.” And in 2001 she was chosen as one of Variety’s “Ten Comics to Watch.” She’s made numerous stand-up appearances on The Late, Late Show, and, in addition to her stand up, she’s been on CBS’s Ladies’ Man and HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two children.

Elizabeth will be reading from “Raising the Perfect Child Through Guilt and Manipulation” at Eclectic Books in Murrieta this Saturday. August 21, 2010.

RAISING THE PERFECT CHILD THROUGH GUILT AND MANIPULATION

By Elizabeth Beckwith

Harper Paperbacks; Trade Paperback Original

On Sale October 6, 2009

256 pages / $14.99

ISBN: 9780061759574

www.elizabethbeckwith.com

I have always wanted to learn French, and thanks to Wine on a Dime, my education has begun. Each Wednesday, Wine on a Dime offers a wine or beer tasting from 5 – 7 pm for just $10 (or $12.50 at the door), and last week featured wines from France. Owner Michelle Campini greeted each thirsty “student” with a glass of Champagne, while Jeff Nelson from Henriot poured subsequent sips from a table nearby. I diligently practiced my pronunciation of Henriot (On-ree-o) while sipping and wandering the store. 

Champagne Henriot Brut Souvrain NV is a non-vintage Brut Champagne and must be identical no matter the year. To accomplish this, the Henriot family, who has been producing wine since 1808, has many reserve wines at its disposal and uses them to enrich the non-vintage brut. I found the Champagne delightfully effervescent, with flavors of citrus on the finish. 

Photo by Tom Plant

Jeff faithfully described each wine as he poured, educating the taster on these great wines: 

William Fevere Chablis Champ Royaux 2008. Made with 100% Chardonnay grapes, this is not your grandmother’s chablis. Fresh green apple and slight mineral notes made this a perfect summer sip. 

Bouchard Pere & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse 2006. Another wonderful Chardonnay with a completely different flavor profile. This wine has long been one of my favorites, and I was delighted to see it in the line-up. Ripe fruit and floral notes abound with a toasty finish. 

Bouchard Pere & Fils Reserve Bourgogne Chardonnay. Fresh, floral aroma with fine fruit flavors at the core. 

Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune du Chateau Premier Cru 2005. A very elegant Chardonnay with smooth fruit flavors and a slight hint of vanilla. 

Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune du Chateau Premier Rouge 2005. The sole red offered, this was the perfect finish to the tasting. It is a lighter red and offers bright cherry notes with a soft, smooth finish. 

Photo by Tom Plant

As this was my first time in Wine on a Dime, I wandered the store looking for favorite wines and irresistible deals and quickly found both. If you love great wine at a phenomenal price, this is the place for you! The price point on the majority of the inventory is better than most I have seen at two of the big box stores. Not only that, the service at Wine on a Dime cannot even be compared to a warehouse store. Michelle will walk the wine-lover through the aisles and ask about palate, preferences, food pairings and so on. She will deftly guide you towards wine that will suit any taste and budget. I will be returning soon and frequently to indulge in three of my favorite wine-related activities: tasting, talking and shopping. 

On Wednesday, August 18th, Wine on a Dime will be offering a Craft Beer Tasting for just $10 pre-sale (or $12:50 at the door). For your convenience, you may pre-purchase over the phone: 951-894-3463. Wine on a Dime is located at: 28061 Jefferson Avenue, Ste. 5, Temecula, between Rancho California and Via Montezuma.

Driving up the stately driveway to Thornton Winery is always a lovely, peaceful endeavor. Last Friday was no exception, as my husband Steve and I headed there to become reacquainted with some old friends. The weather was unusually cool for August, and we knew the outdoor patio and unique tasting procedure at Thornton would provide just the relaxing afternoon the four of us were craving.

Clara and Jess were already seated in the partial shade of the outdoor patio, just off the tasting room and gift shop at Thornton. They’d ordered a Warm Brie en Croute, drizzled with a silky honey sauce, but had not yet started wine tasting.

Photo by Loren Scott

Thornton has a completely different approach to wine tasting than most, maybe all, Temecula area wineries. Instead of standing at the bar and choosing a variety of one-ounce pours, tasting room customers at Thornton may choose from 10 different wine flights. The flights are coordinated by style and come with four generous tastes. They are served with fresh bread and wonderful herb garlic butter. There is also a large assortment of appetizers, small plates, and desserts to choose from. It is an arrangement that encourages lingering, and noticing the wine.

Thornton is a place where the wine should be noticed, and lingered over. In the area for many years, Thornton has long been known for high quality award-winning sparkling wines, but to overlook the other wines made there would be a mistake.

Photo by Loren Scott

I have long been a fan of Thornton’s dark chewy reds, while my husband loves the light crisp whites. Clara had only drunk the sparkling wines, while Jess preferred sweeter wines. We decided to all get different flights, in order to try the maximum number of wines. After some deliberation, we decided on a Sweet Sippers flight for Jess, a New Release flight for Clara, White Wine for Steve, and Champagne/Sparkling Wine for me. The dappled sunlight and the flowing conversation was a great pairing with the delicious wine.

After trying so many different wonderful wines, like the crisp 2004 Brut Champagne, with its tiny bubbles and refreshing feel, and the barely sweet, very light Riesling, it came down to the rich full Nebbiolo, and the fruity but dry 2007 Rosé. The two wines were completely delicious, and completely different. The 2007 Nebbiolo was full and gorgeous, with a lush mouth feel, firm tannins, with notes of caramel, plum, and leather. The Rosé was dark, almost as dark as a light bodied red, with light floral fruit at the front, but absolutely no lingering sweetness. The finish was dry and tight, with evidence of a bit of tannins, unusual, but welcome.

I looked at Clara, who would not consider herself a lover of Rosés and raised my eyebrows at her, “What do you think?”

“I love it!” she said, surprise and delight evident on her face.

We decided that the 2007 Rosé was the perfect summer wine, for Red wine lovers in particular. The structure, and light body is perfect for the long days, and it can be drunk cooler than most Red wines, making it so drinkable when the weather is warm.

Photo by Loren Scott

If you want a slowed down version of wine tasting in Temecula Wine Country, or a light meal with your wine, try Thornton Winery. From the lush culinary garden, to the tall fountain in the courtyard, to the superb wines, it is everything that is great about Temecula Wine Country.

Thornton Winery is located at 32575 Rancho California Rd. Temecula CA 92591

Phone: 951-699-0099