Sitting regally at the gateway of Wine Country is Thornton Winery. Nestled above Rancho California Road on 20 sprawling acres is the elegant French-style chateau that is one of the most impressive and noticeable structures in the valley.

Marking its 20-year anniversary, Thornton Winery has seen the booming changes in the valley and has had a few of their own. Once known as Culbertsons Winery, the winery was the joint venture of the Thornton and Culbertson families. San Diego resident John Thornton had several other investments when the offer to be involved in the winery was presented.

"We have always been interested in good food and excellent wine," says owner John Thornton. "For years we had traveled throughout Europe experiencing fine cuisine and premier wines. When the opportunity was presented to invest in the winery we thought that was an excellent idea. Several years later we dissolved the partnership and changed the name to Thornton Winery."

Even though the family resides in La Jolla, Thornton, along with son Steve and wife Sally, are actively involved and thoroughly immersed in the thriving family business. Always gracious with their guests, they will take the time to stop and visit, making sure their guests receive the highest level of customer service.

Whether accommodating special needs such as tailoring a menu or fitting in a last-minute wedding, steps are taken to ensure every detail is addressed.

Thornton Winery prides itself in choosing professional staff members to represent the quality and ambiance of the winery.

"We have some employees who have been with us for 18 years," says Steve, who serves as president.

"We feel the staff is an extension of our family," adds Sally.

In 2003, Winemaker Don Reha joined the winery to work closely with local wine growers to produce and offer guests the highest quality in fine varietal wines and champagnes.

Reha’s philosophy on producing fine wines is that every step of production needs to be tailor made to achieve premier quality wines.

At Café Champagne, Executive Chef Steve Pickell prepares delectable gourmet meals to compliment and enhance the flavors of Thornton Winery’s signature wines and champagnes.

The California Restaurant Writers Association and Southern California Restaurant Writers Association have twice voted Pickell Chef of the Advertisement

PHR Management Year.

Together, Pickell and Reha have made Café Champagne a consistent award-winner year after year.

In addition to wine tasting, tours and gourmet food, the winery is known for their spectacular grounds that overlook the vineyards, the Old World charm of the Fountain Terrace, fragrant herb gardens, gift shop and Champagne Lounge.

Over the last two decades the winery has been the site of many weddings, parties and jazz concerts.

"Our jazz concerts start in April and continue through October," says Steve. "We schedule 20 concerts a year with fabulous smooth jazz musicians. Over the years we have gathered a collection of entertaining, wonderful musicians who perform and embrace our guests."

Because of ample parking, food, intimate setting and an area that features the size and amplification of an amphitheatre, the concerts have been an overwhelming success.

Before every concert the Thornton family welcomes and interacts with guests, often sharing a glass of wine, a smile and even taking a photo or two.

Reserve Club members often consider the jazz concerts their own private club to share and relax with friends.

"We have even had a few marriage proposals," adds Steve with a smile. "This is a great night out; the concerts are affordable and there is even a gourmet buffet or a supper package."

In honor of the winery’s anniversary special pricing and gift shop discounts are being offered throughout the year.

In 2007, more than 125,000 bottles of wine were sold. Eighty percent were sold through the winery and the remaining 20 percent in the gift shop, restaurant and at concerts.

When asked what changes are expected for the coming years, all three Thorntons agree that attaining the best quality and highest standards in winemaking, food and music is at the top of their list.

"We are not trying to be the largest winery in the valley; we are focusing on improving and refining what we already have," says Sally. "There are lots of wineries in the Valley, many more than 20 years ago. We want to offer our guest the continuity of quality. Our guests make Thornton Winery a destination in Temecula Valley."

For more information on Thornton Winery and jazz concerts call (951) 699-0099 or visit www.thorntonwine.com.