Thornton Winery, the gateway to Southern California's Temecula Valley Wine Country, understands the formula for creating a premier winery that satisfies wine enthusiasts who are looking for award-winning wine, gourmet cuisine, live music, and beautiful grounds for wedding and banquet facilities.  Owners, John M, Sally B. and Steve Thornton's philosophy has been recognized as Thornton Winery garners more medals than any other sparkling winery in major competitions throughout the United States. Thornton Winery's tradition began in 1988, utilizing the Methode Champenoise process to create seven complex and interesting sparkling wine varietals.  With the introduction of their premium varietal wines in 1993, these very unique wines emulate classic wine styles of the Mediterranean and Rhone regions, having won numerous awards including their recent Double Gold award for the 2000 Cote Red from the International Eastern Wine Competition. Thornton Winemaker Don Reha, favors producing wine that is exciting for its freshness, bursting with flavor and showcasing the distinct characteristics of the varietals included in the blend.  Reha achieves this by using whole cluster pressing, extensive blending, barrel aging and different vinification techniques.  His philosophy on producing premium varietal wines is centered n having a distinct varietal expression for each wine.  By producing no two varietals in the same manner or style, each wine is unique in signature notes and aromas.  At Thornton Winery, every step of production throughout the winemaking process is tailor made to exact the quality and uniqueness of the specific wine. "I am a very hands-on winemaker and let my senses make more decisions than numbers from the lab.  Winemaking shouldn't be a recipe book procedure, as each variety, vineyard and vintage are different.  I like people to enjoy and appreciate the wines for the characteristics of the variety, " said Reha.  Located on 20-acres, Thornton Winery's old world charm and grace are most apparent.  The winery, an elegant French-style chateau overlooking the graceful vineyards of the Temecula Valley, highlights Cafe Champagne, their annual Champagne Jazz Series, a breathtaking fountain terrace, herb gardens, gift shop, and the Champagne Lounge.  Thornton Winery's beautiful French Mediterranean style winery sets that special backdrop for any event.(Winery bio/text provided from Temeculawines.org)