Thornton Winery, Temecula Travel Guide

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Experience award-winning sparkling wines and gourmet cuisine at Temecula Valley's elegant French-style chateau, Thornton Winery. Live music and events await!

Thornton Winery, established in 1988, blends old-world charm with new-world tastes in Temecula Valley. Known for its award-winning sparkling wines made using the Méthode Champenoise, it offers a French-style chateau experience with gourmet cuisine, live music, and picturesque vineyards.

A brief summary to Thornton Winery

32575 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, California, 92591, US
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Monday 11 am-7 pm
Tuesday 11 am-7 pm
Wednesday 11 am-7 pm
Thursday 11 am-7 pm
Friday 11 am-9 pm
Saturday 11 am-9 pm
Sunday 11 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Thornton Winery.

Check the event calendar for live music, especially the Champagne Jazz Series, for a unique winery experience.
Make reservations for Café Champagne, the winery's restaurant, to enjoy contemporary California cuisine with vineyard views.
Consider visiting during the week for a less crowded tasting experience.

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Explore Thornton Winery on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Thornton Winery, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From central Temecula, head east on Rancho California Road. Thornton Winery is located at 32575 Rancho California Rd. Parking is available on-site. Note that during popular events, parking may be limited.
Taxi/Rideshare

From most locations in Temecula, a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is a convenient option. Expect to pay around $12 for a 5km ride. Several transportation services also offer wine tour packages. Using a rideshare to attend an event eliminates the stress of finding parking.

Discover more about Thornton Winery

Thornton Winery, a cornerstone of Temecula Valley's wine scene since 1988, offers an unforgettable experience for wine lovers and casual visitors alike. Founded by John and Steve Thornton, the winery has become renowned for its exceptional wines, gourmet cuisine, and captivating ambiance. The winery's 20-acre property features an elegant French-style chateau that overlooks the picturesque Temecula Valley vineyards. Visitors can enjoy Café Champagne, serving Contemporary California Cuisine, the annual Champagne Jazz Concert Series, herb gardens, and a well-stocked gift shop. The inviting Champagne Lounge provides a relaxing space to savor the winery's offerings.Thornton Winery has garnered more medals than any other sparkling winery in major U.S. competitions. The winery's journey began with the adoption of the Méthode Champenoise process, resulting in seven distinct sparkling wine varietals. In 1993, they expanded their offerings to include premium varietal wines inspired by classic Mediterranean and Rhône styles. Under the guidance of winemaker Tom Stolzer, Thornton Winery produces wines that showcase freshness and distinct varietal characteristics. Stolzer employs various techniques, including whole cluster pressing, extensive blending, and barrel aging, to create unique signature notes and aromas for each wine.Beyond wine tasting, Thornton Winery offers live music events, including the popular Champagne Jazz Series, and facilities for weddings and other events.