Trail One · The Spine
Thornton Winery
Méthode-champenoise bubbles in a château courtyard, plus the long-running summer jazz series that fills the terrace at sunset.
Thornton makes sparkling wine by the traditional method and has built a whole evening around it. The chateau courtyard has hosted the valley’s long-running summer jazz series for years, and on a warm night with the terrace full it is the most reliably festive room in Temecula.
At a glance
What to expect
| Go for | methode-champenoise bubbles at golden hour. |
|---|---|
| Time it | the summer jazz series fills the terrace; book well ahead for those nights. |
| Suits | an anniversary, a birthday, or anyone who wants the day to end well. |
Before you drive
This page is an independent guide, not the winery. Hours, tasting fees and
reservation rules change season to season — and several rooms are
reservation-only on weekends. Check Thornton Winery’s own site or call before
building the day around it.
Nearby
More on this trail
The rest of Rancho California Road, in the order the road takes them.
- Callaway Vineyard & Winery
- Hart Winery
- Baily Winery
- Mount Palomar Winery
- Wilson Creek Winery
- South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
- Ponte Winery
- Bottaia Winery
- Bel Vino Winery
- Miramonte Winery
- Falkner Winery
- Wiens Family Cellars
- Lorimar Vineyards & Winery
- Avensole Winery
- Monte De Oro Winery
- Akash Winery
- Carter Estate Winery & Resort