After many coronavirus restrictions have eased, Thornton Winery in Temecula Valley Wine Country will bring back the long-running concert series. On Saturday, August 28, the winery will launch its Champagne Concert Series featuring jazz musicians Peter White and Eugegroove. This will be the first show of six for the season.Champagne Concert Series was established at the winery in the late 1980s. According to Tonya Wake, General Manager, the series runs typically from April through May through October. There are usually 21 shows. The shows have attracted more than 800 viewers in recent years.
COVID Restrictions Have Eased and Concerts to Start
The winery was unable to perform the concert series last year due to California’s ban on such gatherings during the pandemic. However, as California restrictions have eased and officials now look to June 15, when some of the mask restrictions will be lifted, the winery decided to bring the series back to life using the last part of the summer.
White and Groove will not only be there, but many long-standing series favorites like Boney James, Chris Botti, and Dave Koz Friends.
Wake stated, “All those artists have been with our for twenty years.”
Wake stated that the artists had been booked one year in advance. “We assumed, just like the artists were assuming,” she said.
How will the concerts be organized?
Wake stated that the winery will comply with state regulations but anticipates a return back to normal. This would mean no capacity restrictions or masks, and the concerts would continue as before the pandemic.
Wake also expects many of the same faces as previous years. She said that she is excited to see people she hasn’t seen in a year. She said, “Our phones have been ringing off-the-hook.” “They are so excited that it’s returning.”
General admission costs $95-$105 for the series, while gourmet supper packages featuring food prepared by the winery’s executive chef cost $185-$195. Thorntonwine.com can be used to purchase tickets.
Updated Information
Boney James performed on Oct. 23rd
Rick Braun & Richard Elliot performed as RnR at Thornton Winery in Temecula, Saturday, Oct. 2
Chris Botti & his band performed at Thornton Winery’s Champagne Concert Series to a sold-out crowd in Temecula, California on Sept 19th.
Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2021 Tour featuring Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair & Vincent Ingala performed at Thornton Winery’s Champagne Concert Series in Temecula, California. And, surprise guest Richard Elliot show up, and joined the jam! Sept. 12
Brian Jean Thompson attended Peter White and Huge Groove on Aug 29th.
