Wine Chix Carmen Micheli with Steve Thornton
Guest Wine Chix Carmen Micheli is a freelance wine, food and music writer living in Temecula Valley Wine Country. An amazing home chef, mother of two and wine aficionado she writes about those in-the-know and on-the-go. With a pulse on the latest in dining, entertainment, events and more, Carmen delivers the latest news and happenings around the city, showcasing the best that Temecula Wine Country and the SoCal area has to offer.’
Cherry and Caramel Kiss wine on Ice_
Thornton Winery is all decked out and ready to host guests for a relaxing and elegant wine country holiday experience. Festive lights, holly berries, and sparkling sugar plums spruce up the already inviting winery, Café Champagne restaurant, and newly remodeled gift shop. Whether you are looking for gifts, a holiday gathering venue, or Thanksgiving, or Christmas day or New Year’s meal, Thornton has it covered. Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner will never be the same after a menu makeover by Café Champagne’s rock star chef Steve Pickell. You don’t want to miss what’s on this holiday dinner menu!
BBQ Salmon with Orange Marmalade
Café Champagne Thanksgiving Day Buffet delivers enticing selections such as Honey Pear and Arugula Salad and BBQ Salmon with Orange Marmalade in addition to traditional favorites like Roasted Turkey, Smoked Ham, Old Fashioned Stuffing, and Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. Champagne and the Gourmet Dessert station are included. Try the Salted Caramel Butterscotch Bread Pudding with a glass of Thornton’s Caramel & Cherry Kiss and be amazed. A children’s buffet is also available for ages 5-12 with fun choices like Mini Pizza, Mac and Cheese, Chicken Fingers, Fries, and Fruit. Under age 5 is free. Please call (951) 699-0099 for reservations. Walk-in’s welcome.
Dungeness Crab Cake and 2011 Viognier
Café Champagne Christmas Day Menu features delicious items such as Butternut Squash Bisque, Lobster Cioppino, Duck Two Ways, Grilled Filet Mignon, and Holiday Smoked Ham. The Dungeness Crab Cakes with Meyer Lemon Aioli paired with Thornton’s 2011 Viognier is to die for. The light citrus notes and faintly sweet and smooth finish of the Viognier really brighten the crab cake to achieve a truly delightful pair. Free flowing Champagne is available for $10 a person. Reservations are recommended for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, but walk-ins are welcome. Space is limited; please call (951) 699-0099 to reserve your table.
Salted Caramel and Butterscotch Bread Pudding
The newly remodeled gift shop offers an impressive selection of wine gifts, champagne, and expertly crafted wines that will make any holiday special. While browsing, make sure to stop into the unique rolling bar tasting area located in the production room, through the doors at the back of the gift shop. The rolling bar tasting experience is available on weekends only as the production room is operational during the week. It is a nice alternative to the usual sit down tasting for those who enjoy to “stand and sip” their wine, or who don’t have a lot of time to spend. Hanging out next to the wine caves is a nice perk as well.
Can’t make it out for the holiday festivities? There is always something happening at Thornton Winery so be sure to check the event calendar year round. They are open 365 days a year and happy to host any gathering. Whether you are looking to book a wedding, private, corporate, or holiday event, the gracious staff will wow your group with the gorgeous setting and some of the best wine, food and service in the area. The tasting room and gift shop are open 10am-5pm to visitors daily and wine tours are available on weekends. Visit www.thorntonwine.com, call (951) 699-0099, or visit the winery for more information.
