Temecula and the surrounding valley is all about food and wine.  On our most recent visit one of the places we wanted to revisit was Thornton Winery's Cafe Champagne.   Through decades it has been a consistent award winning restaurant.  We knew that the restaurant had been redecorated and was showing a new menu as well.
When we arrived we were greeted by Tonya Wake, an old acquaintance, and when we stepped inside we were delighted with the bright color theme, a new arrangement of the seating and how it has all added to the ambiance.  Still intact are the picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards from the many windows.  Joining us for lunch was David Vergari, Thornton's winemaker and we had many questions for him as to the new vintages that have recently been added to the winery's portfolio.  Also joining us was Executive Chef  , who has been with Thornton twelve years but confesses to been in a kitchen for most of his 41 years.  This life long occupation also extends to David who spent years first in college and then in Napa and  vineyards in Northern California.
This presented the perfect opportunity to view and discuss the new menu as well as the matching of food and wine which has always been a hallmark at Cafe Champagne which has been a delight for locals and visitors since 1988.. 
At Thornton David produces a remarkable number of wines including several sparkling vintages.  Now he has a new Chardonnay as well as  Tempranillo and Syrah.  Also new is the French Malbec as well as two Italian varietals,  Sangoivese and Nebbiolo.
Chef  Ceasar Solarzano shows a menu this is large with many entrees showing his personal talents such as his salmon, filet mignon and chicken flatbreads or side dishes like warm duck confet.
Our luncheon opened with another of his specials, Brie en croute, then a salad with raisins, cashews with a special dressing.  Our Flat Bread steak proved to be a colorful display with both fruit and veggies.  From a long list of tempting desserts we chose the white and dark chocolate smoothed in cream and sliced strawberries.
Our wines were a sparkling rose, then a Syrah.
Cafe Champagne is at Thornton Winery located at 32575 Rancho California Road and the start of the wine trail.  It is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Telephone 951 699-0099, web www.thorntonwinery.com.