Temecula Fine & Wine Dining Cafe at Thornton Winery Excites the Tastebuds

Temecula, Calif. --Thornton Winery's Cafe Champagne unveiled their new spring menu,  created around fresh local ingredients, according to Chef Steve Pickell. Located in a beautiful winery in Southern California's wine country, expect to be excited about the newest menu items such as a  Warm Blue Cheese & Fig Crostini  ($15) finished with Petite Herb Salad, Toasted Walnuts, Cuveé Rouge Reduction.  Paired with Thornton's  NV Cuveé Rouge, your day in the country will be one to relish, and healthy, too!  

Seafood lovers can sink their teeth into the cool Jumbo Shrimp and Asparagus Salad with Hearts of Romaine, Sweet Red Bell peppers, Shiitake Mushroom and Miso Vinaigrette ($18). Paired with Thornton's 2007 Riesling, it's another option for lighter faire, and a delicious way to fit into your summer swimsuit.  Grilled Swordfish Club Sandwich is offered on daily specials  priced at about $12 – 20.

The restaurant has its own culinary garden which provides pesticide-free herbs and fresh seasonings to dishes such as  Grilled Salmon with Thai Curry Sauce, House Smoked Salmon Salad, Pan Seared Maine Scallops, Grilled Colorado Lamb T Bones or Grilled Filet Mignon.

Winemaker Don Reha provides recommendations for pairing of  your menu items with Thornton's award-winning wines. Non-alcoholic beverages are also served, and a nice coffee blend goes well with the special confections and desserts at this  five –star awarding winning restaurant.

Hours: Daily: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch;  dinner daily 5  to 9 p.m.; Sunday Brunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  thorntonwine.com

Location: 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: (951) 699-0099,