Two years ago this November, Wilmer Yabar opened Masía de Yabar on De Portola Road in Temecula. He and his partners Waleed Jouzy and Carlos Riva have now opened a tasting room in Old Town and last night they offered a sneak peek to members of the press and trade. Located on 5th Street between Delaney’s 100 Mile Market and Palumbo’s Ristoranté, the new tasting room is colorful, comfortable and a Read more »

When John Thornton launched his Champagne Jazz concert series, little did he realize what a runaway success it would become. On the other hand, having spent some time with John, he probably had no doubt. This past Sunday Laura and I were guests of the Thorntons for the David Sanborn concert. We arrived at the winery at the same time as the Thorntons, and Steve took care to make sure we were seated and taken care of. We had a table for two, a bottle of champagne and a delicious dinner prepared by Executive Chef Steve Pickell.

Guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. (leader of the American Idol band) and his band opened the show and he is a remarkable guitarist. He acknowledged Earl Klugh and you could hear the influence in his playing. David Sanborn came out and played a tremendous set, featuring several tunes from his most recent CD, Here & Gone. Steve Thornton was gracious enough to personally escort me backstage after the show to meet David Sanborn. The Champagne Jazz concert series continues through October 11th, with notables like Candy Dulfer, Spyro Gyra and Peter White still to come.

Paul Jackson, Jr.

Steve Pickell

John Thornton

Steve Thornton

David Sanborn

Ricky Peterson

This past Saturday evening, music and the smells of barbeque filled the air at South Coast Winery. 1200 folks gathered for Rhythm on the Vine, a fund-raiser for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Rhythm on the Vine was started last year and at least five concerts are on the agenda for this year. Last year’s efforts raised more than $515,000 for Shriners Hospital in Los Angeles. 100% of the proceeds go toward helping the Shriners provide health care at no charge to children up to age 18.

A silent auction featured some amazing pieces of sports memorabilia: signed baseball bats by Willie Mays, Alex Rodriguez and others, a signed Muhammad Ali robe, signed Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan jerseys, a signed Jerry Rice helmet and more. I wound up with the winning bid on an autographed Ken Norton boxing glove.

Food and South Coast’s award winning wines were plentiful. Music was blissful, with Sax For Stax featuring Kirk Whalum and Gerald Albright opening for Jeffrey Osborne. Kirk and Gerald played tribute to Michael Jackson by performing Albright’s composition Never Can Say Goodbye.

While the stage was being set for Jeffrey Osborne, South Coast owner Jim Carter offered a couple of incredible packages from the Winery and Spa to raise more money during the live auction. There were some notables in the crowd including ventriloquist Ronn Lucas and Leave It To Beaver’s Jerry Mathers.

Aside from helping raise money for the Shriners, the crowd was there to hear Jeffrey Osborne. Let me tell you, he delivered. After a sweltering day, the evening breezes were refreshing and the music was incredible. Next up for Rhythm on the Vine at South Coast Winery is Kenny G, September 12. Tickets will undoubtedly go quickly.