Thornton Winery, Temecula

I have been visiting wineries in Temecula for about 20 years and no matter who I go with we always start at Thornton Winery.

John and Sally Thornton established the winery in 1988. John has had and continues to have a very successful business career. Sally is an accomplished author and holds memberships on countless committees and Boards throughout San Diego.

The Thornton Winery facility is quite lovely. It has a mansion or castle like feel to it. The grounds are endless and serves well for their summer events like the Jazz concert series and the Father's Day hot air ballon festival.

This winery is unique when it comes to tastings. It is a "sit down" affair. You sit down at a table and are presented with a menu of tasting flights. You choose the flight that interests you, they bring all four glasses of the wines to your table and place them on a placemat that lists the wines on your flight.

You can either sit in the tasting room where they have a limited food menu or enjoy your tasting with a full menu in the Cafe Champagne 5star restaurant. You can sit inside or out on the patio's of either venue.

Now, as a rule I like to be able to talk to someone about the wines as I taste, but I have to say that sitting quietly while enjoying the wines can be quite satisfying. I have also had quite a bit of fun sitting with a large group while tasting wines and discussing amongst ourselves.

I chose to taste in the restaurant and enjoyed a Roasted Tomato, Eggplant, and Garlic Pizza while Joanie poured the Reserve Flight:

2004 Brut Reserve - Thornton winery adhers to the "Methode Champenoise" to produce their wines. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pino Noir. Delicate apple and toasted yeast aromas.

2006 Estate Syrah - Dusty berry and black cherry aromas with a touch of white pepper. Plum and anise flavors with cocoa and berry fruit nuances.

2007 Nebbiolo - Black fruit and spice in the nose, rich fruit and mocha notes in the mouth, finishing with a burst of cherry, plum and fresh leather in the mouth.

2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel - Dessert style, berry aromas, coat the palate with blueberry pie and white chocolate flavors. Finishes with black fruit overtones and hints of toasty oak. A pefect match with chocolate or a fine cigar. I say why not both?

It was a lovely afternoon and I wish I could have stayed longer, but I know I will be back....

Orfila Vineyards and Winery, Escondido

Back in September while tasting and dining at the Hitching Post II in Buellton, I met the Beckers whom were traveling the area on their honeymoon. They were just married at the Orfila Vineyards in Escondido and hoped I would put the winery on my list to visit.

Well, here I am! I can see why they picked this particular winery for their wedding. Aside from the majestic view and picture perfect background, the property is large enough to accomodate such an event.

Alejandro Orfila is from Argentina where his father established Jose Orfila Limited Wines in 1905, which still exists today.

Ambassador Alejandro Orfila bought an existing vineyard in 1992 and changed the name to Orfila Vineyards in 1994. "Ambassador" is a real title! Please check out the website for his history.

In the tasting room is a large barrell where pictures are displayed of the Ambassador from his political career with people like; the Pope, President Carter, President Bush, Sr., President Nixon, President Reagan, Jackie "O", if that gives you any idea about the fabulous life this man has lead.

Tours are daily at noon, so I arrived at about 11:30 to take a quick look around, get my bearings, and then of course stepped up to the bar to get the tasting going!

Tania and Scott were pouring and I decided on the following:

2008 Sparkling Moscato Bianco - Muscat Canelli grapes which are also used to make Spumante in Italy. Harvested in French Camp Vineyard in San Luis Obispo. Aromas of peach and nectarine. Tania suggests pairing with a simple fruit and cheese plate, brunch, or custard type desserts.

2008 Estate Viognier, Lotus - Aromas of apricot, pear, apple and lemon zest with tropical flavors of mango and breadfruit. Scott says you have to have lobster with this one!

2008 Ambassador's Reserve Chardonnay - Ripe green apple in the nose, followed by luscious tropical fruit and pineapple on the palate, finish with toasted French Oak and vanilla flavors. Tania suggests grilled fish like a swordfish with fruit salsa or shrimp scampi.

2007 Estate Sangiovese - Ripe cherry and strawberry fruit with subtle cedar and spice notes on the palate, fragrant vanilla and maple on the finish. Pair with pizza!

2008 Estate Ambassador's Reserve Merlot - the flagship Merlot. Flavors of cherry, mocha and blueberry with hints of violet. Tania says to enjoy with lightly seasoned steak, or duck breast with cherry reduction.

2007 Estate Ambassador's Reserve Syrah - Wow. Enjoy with lamb, barbeque is best.

2008 Estate Ambassador's Reserve Syrah - Not available to the general public just yet. Ripe berry and plum followed by soft tannins. Aromas of white pepper and licorice. Pair with pot roast or lentil and sausage stew.

2007 Estate Petite Syrah - Rich plum color and subtle hints of cocoa. Overtones of blueberry and blackberry with underlying notes of juniper and sandalwood. Just give me some dark chocolate to go with it!

At noon Tania lead the tour. What I liked best about the tour other than Tania's obvious love for the vineyard as well as her knowledge of wine in general is the fact that she took us out to the vineyard. I've been on many tours over the years and never had any of them included a tour of the vineyard. Bravo! I mean it's the vines that gives us the giggles is it not?

While tasting and enjoying the company of other tasters I met the Allbrights who happen to be part owners of a winery in Temecula. So stay tuned for my visit with them later this month!

I want to thank Tania for her hospitality. I look forward to visiting Orfila Vineyards and Winery again in the future.