Smooth Notes & News

In this edition, we continue our journey along the path to a healthier lifestyle by exploring the benefits of therapeutic massage, shed light on the trace mineral magnesium, address seasonal allergies-- what you can do to help alleviate the symptoms, and put the protective light on summer skin care- from the lips to the hips (and beyond)!

We’ll sound the alarm for Auditory Hygiene – learn what the organization H.E.A.R. has to say about tuning in to it. Musicians, Artists, Air Personalities, Engineers, Audiophiles, casual listener, parents, teens – this is one topic you really want to take to ‘HEAR’t.

Want to infuse new life into that same old party talk? How about trying “Lingo Lango”? We’ve got something for you to ponder with our Conversational Expressions…try it at your next cocktail party or gathering and enjoy the chatter it invokes!

Our resident gourmet shares some luscious recipes that will help set the stage for enjoying cool jazz on hot summer nights! Be creative with them… try them in your picnic basket… at your next outdoor concert, festival or getaway for two.

New to the Smooth Jazz and Winery scene? Ever wondered what bouquet to serve at an impromptu gathering or formal occasion? Just met someone special and want to make a lasting impression? Check out the offerings from one of Southern California’s most renown vintners. Try them at your next event and create your own perfect moment.

All a part of this month’s segment of In Our Lives…

The Most Important Mineral: Magnesium

(Reprinted with permission of the Association of Applied Kinesiology and the Gilliam Health Series)

DID YOU KNOW-

Very few people are aware of the enormous role Magnesium plays in our bodies? After oxygen, water and basic food, Magnesium may be the most important element needed by our bodies. So vitally important, yet hardly known. Magnesium is by far the most important mineral in the body, activating over 300 different biochemical reactions in the body-- all necessary for the body to function properly.

Among these functions are digestion, energy production, muscle function, bone formation, creation of new cells, activation of B vitamins, relaxation of muscles, the functioning of the heart, kidneys, adrenals, brain and the nervous system. Magnesium deficiency, to any extent, will interfere with any of these factors. Once deficient, dozens of processes are disturbed and many minerals and nutrients cannot function, causing the body to go out of balance.

Specifically, when not enough Magnesium is available, energy production is inhibited, causing fatigue and weakness. It is essential in regulating Potassium levels and functioning of the adrenal gland and its deficiency can cause insomnia, nervousness, muscle cramps, jerks, spasms and tics. Most of these will disappear upon drinking magnesium (a drinkable, water soluble form is far superior to tablets!). It is not calcium that handles these difficulties; it is magnesium. It is calcium that is causing them.

Magnesium and calcium work together to control muscle action. Calcium tenses (tightens) the muscles; magnesium relaxes the muscles. With insufficient magnesium, the muscles stay tense, causing a cramp in the muscle. This could happen when you have too much calcium and too little magnesium. The same thing happens in the heart, which is a muscle. The heart goes into a spasm and can’t relax. This is called a heart attack. Introduce some magnesium into the body and the heart will begin beating again.

WHAT DEPLETES IT?

These factors dramatically speed up the depletion of your body’s magnesium storage and make it necessary for much more magnesium to be consumed: emotional stress, coffee, sugar, high sodium diets, alcohol, cola-type sodas, tobacco, high perspiration, medicines of all type, low thyroid, diabetes, chronic pain, diuretics, high carbohydrate diets and high calcium diets. Yes, Calcium! Too much calcium in your diet can cause more trouble than you can know.

CALCIUM ADVISORY – As the use of Magnesium today is often incorrect, the consequences are frequent failures to improve common conditions and complaints. One reason is this: Calcium needs Magnesium in order to assimilate into the body. However, when too much Calcium is consumed, it will pull Magnesium out of the body parts in order to assimilate. This creates a Magnesium deficiency and the person will get worse and feel accordingly. This occurs with people who drink pasteurized milk. Milk is approximately 8 parts Calcium to 1 part Magnesium and will create a deficiency in Magnesium.

Excess calcium depletes magnesium from the body resulting in magnesium deficiency. Remember: Calcium and Magnesium need to be in the correct proportions for your own needs, else the calcium turns from a nutrient into a pollutant, causing heart disease, arthritis (calcium deposits on joints), hardening of the arteries, senility, osteoporosis and calcification of organs (gallstones, kidney stones) and tissue that eventually completely degenerate.

Magnesium is more important than Calcium, Potassium or Sodium and regulates all three of them. When we get too low on oxygen, water or food, the consequences are serious. Yet, we often don’t realize the consequences of magnesium deficiency.

The improper use of Magnesium among health professionals and the population in general, is deeply responsible for many of the failures encountered daily in treating chronic health conditions nationwide.

90-95% of the population is deficient, including many who already supplement it. Why? Due to the misleading information presented in common magnesium texts. As a result, magnesium remains largely misunderstood, largely misused and the problem goes on undetected.

WHAT’S THE SOLUTION???

As always, our first recommendation is to consult with your health care professional or your alternative medicine practitioner.

Many health care professionals advise the introduction of water soluble magnesium into the diet. In this form, the magnesium assimilates quickly into the body producing expedient relief.

Disclaimer: The information presented here are suggestions to help improve the well being of the reader and SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR EVALUATION AND/OR TREATMENT BY YOUR PHYSICIAN OR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. It is not intended to provide or confirm a diagnosis nor is it any claim made as to therapeutic efficacy, as this can vary from person to person. It is based on published scientific studies, personal experience and/or traditional usage. Always read and heed the warnings given on any ointments or preparations that are inhaled or used topically. When in doubt… leave it out!

Has Life’s Everyday Grind Got You Feeling Stressed?…
Stomach Tied Up in Knots???
Relax… …Breathe Deeply…
…It’s Time to Try The Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

So… What Is Therapeutic Massage?

Therapeutic massage is a relaxation technique that involves the specific manual manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body for therapeutic effect: to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasms, tension and stress, at times with the introduction of hot or cold hydrotherapy and is used to promote health and wellness. Massage Therapy is an holistic procedure that affects all systems of the body: the digestive, elimination, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous systems.

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) defines massage therapy as a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.

In plain language, what does this mean? The purposes and usefulness of Therapeutic Massage affect the spirit, mind and body by providing:

Deep relaxation and stress reduction
Relief of muscle tension and stiffness
Reduced muscle spasm and tension
Greater joint flexibility and range of motion
Increased ease and efficiency of movement
Promotes deeper and easier breathing
Better circulation of both blood and lymph fluids
Reduced blood pressure
Healthier, better-nourished skin
Improved posture
Faster healing time from pulled muscles and strained ligaments:
Reduced spasm, pain and swelling
Reduced formation of scar tissue
Strengthened immune system and disease prevention
Relaxed state of alertness
Reduced mental stress; a calmer mind
Greater ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
Increased capacity for clearer thinking
Satisfying the need for caring and nurturing touch
Feeling of well being
Greater ease of emotional expression
Enhanced self-image
Reduced level of anxiety
Increased awareness of the mind-body connection
A sense of being unified and in harmony
Taking this a step further, massage therapy improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness. Massage involves holding, causing movement of soft tissue, and/or applying pressure to the body. It comes in many forms, including:

• Swedish a gentle, relaxing massage;
• Pressure point therapy for certain conditions or injuries; and
• Sports massage which focuses on muscle groups relevant to the particular sport.
Medical, Orthopedic and Chiropractic patients and their doctors have found that therapeutic massage can help with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
• allergies
• anxiety
• arthritis (both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
• asthma and bronchitis
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• chronic and temporary pain
• circulatory problems
• depression
• digestive disorders, including spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea
• headache, especially when due to muscle tension
• insomnia
• myofascial pain (a condition of the tissue connecting the muscles)
• limited range of motion
• sinusitis
• sports injuries, including pulled or strained muscles and sprained ligaments
• stress
• TemporoMandibular Joint dysfunction (TMJ)
I
t should be noted here that massage therapy does not increase muscle strength, rather, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and afford remarkable relief from the weak and painful muscles, due to inactivity and the lack of exercise, which occurs when one is injured or sick. Another known benefit is that massage therapy can help expedite a more complete recovery from sports injury.
Massage can benefit people of all ages and conditions - babies, children, pregnant women, the elderly, those in chronic care and those who need palliative consideration, however, before you partake of this or any other type of manipulation, or exercise regiment, consult your healthcare professional. In certain medical cases, for patients with the following conditions, massage can be inappropriate, for example:

• Phlebitis/Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins –phlebitis, a circulatory problem that develops when a blood clot slows the circulation in a vein, either right under the skin or deeper in the leg.)
• infectious diseases
• certain forms of cancer
• some skin conditions
• some cardiac problems
Among research findings so far:
• Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged.
• Massage therapy decreased the effects of anxiety, tension, depression, pain, and itching in burn patients.
• Abdominal surgery patients recovered more quickly after massage.
• Premature infants who were massaged gained more weight and fared better than those who weren't.
• Autistic children showed less erratic behavior after massage therapy.

Okay, so… what can I expect on my first visit?

The first appointment generally begins with an assessment: the massage therapist will ask “what prompted you to get a massage”, determine, based upon your response to questions asked (be honest!) your current physical condition, ask your medical history, lifestyle, help you identify your stress level and painful areas. The massage therapist may ask you about your health goals and what you hope the massage will do to help you achieve those goals.

There are several ways to perform massage:
Some massages, such as those on-site at your place of business (some lucky employees now have this benefit and in many cities, you can phone for a massage therapist to come to your office), are done while you are fully clothed.

What is the full-body massage I’ve heard about? Will my privacy and modesty be protected?

For a full-body massage you will be asked to remove clothing to your level of comfort. Undressing takes place in private, and a sheet, towel or gown is provided for draping. The therapist will undrape only the part of your body being massaged, insuring that modesty is respected at all times. Your massage will take place in a comfortable atmosphere and on a padded table. You should expect a peaceful, relaxing experience.

So far, so good… now, what are the physical and mental benefits of Therapeutic Massage?

• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances athletic performance
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
• Reduces blood pressure
• ; Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
• Improves posture
• Strengthens the immune system
• Fosters peace of mind
• Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
• Helps relieve mental stress
• Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
• ; Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
• Emotional Benefits
• Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
• Fosters a feeling of well-being
• Reduces levels of anxiety
• Increases awareness of mind-body connection

Let’s go back to last month – we talked about Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. How do they fit into Massage Therapy?

Essential oils stimulate the powerful sense of smell. It is known that the aromas we encounter play a significant role in how we feel.

When one loses his or her sense of smell, practitioners have identified higher incidences of psychiatric problems. In many instances, their patients experience increased levels of anxiety and depression.

Did you know that humans have the capacity to distinguish in excess of 10,000 different smells? Conventional wisdom holds the belief that aroma permeates the cilia (those fine hairs that decorate our nostrils), and navigates it way to the limbic system (the repository of our brain that controls what we feel, how we learn, our memories and our moods).

One of the essential oils we mentioned previously was Lavender. Did you know there have been scientific studies that have shown inhaling the scent of lavender increases alpha waves (associated with calm and relaxation) in the back of the head and increases beta waves (associated with alertness) in the front of the head?

Oils such as lemon and lavender are called "adaptogenic", because they adapt to what the body needs, and adapt to the situations in which they are introduced. Although the mechanism in which these essential oils act on us is not very well understood, the fact that they have a definite affect our mind and emotions is.

Essential Oils leave no harmful residues as they enter into the body either by absorption or inhalation.

How can I find this passport to ecstasy?

Begin by contacting a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) – in Canada, a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). A good friend may surprise you and provide a referral or check with your health care provider, physician or chiropractor for a referral. You might be surprised to learn there is a practitioner working in your Chiropractor’s office. If not, look in the telephone directory, contact one of the licensed, registered schools of massage therapy for an alumni referral or your local natural foods and alternative medicine shop. Often, you will find referral cards posted or listings in alternative medicine magazines.

In these times of high-level stress and depletion of energy, think about an alternative to the usual vacation. Instead of a vacation that finds you stressed before you arrive (packing, timetables, tour buses, missed connections, lost luggage—you know the drill) think about taking time to replenish the spirit, mind and body with a relaxing, nurturing spa vacation. There are spas to accommodate every budget, with many offering special vacation packages. Go to Spa Finders - http://www.spafinder.com for a spa vacation, with the works- that will work for you!

Editor’s note:
As a busy editor, publisher and writer, you can imagine how hectic my life and stress levels becomes. A telephone call from a friend on her birthday brought me to an invitation for a spa package at Charlotte’s Day Spa Salon in Shaker Heights, Ohio, where I was treated to Whirlpool, Swedish Massage, Spa Manicure and light lunch with health drink. The staff at Charlotte’s was friendly, warm and most accommodating and my massage therapist, Darrell, was heaven-sent. He truly has the healing touch – Thanks, Darrell! http://www.charlottesdayspa.com

Disclaimer: The information presented here are suggestions to help improve the well being of the reader and SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR EVALUATION AND/OR TREATMENT BY YOUR PHYSICIAN OR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. It is not intended to provide or confirm a diagnosis nor is it any claim made as to therapeutic efficacy, as this can vary from person to person. It is based on published scientific studies, personal experience and/or traditional usage. Always read and heed the warnings given on any ointments or preparations that are inhaled or used topically. When in doubt… leave it out!

Seasonal Allergies and Your Health

Sleepy, Dopey, Grumpy, Sneezy… “Hey, Doc!

You haven’t been trying to name the 7 Dwarfs: you’ve been experiencing the symptoms of seasonal allergies – also called hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis. But don’t despair because you’re not alone in your suffering. Did you know that this health concern affects more than 35 million people in the United States?

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by an adverse reaction to pollens and mold spores. Disruptive sneezing is often accompanied by congestion, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes-- in general, a feeling of malaise. Of course there are other signs and the symptoms can vary from patient to patient.

Another predator to those who are allergic is tree pollen. Migrating in spring and summer breezes, it can bring on asthma attacks that can have serious consequences. What to do…what to do?!?

Here are a few things that you can do that may prove beneficial in helping alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies:

• Close your windows – those gentle night breezes can be devastating and be sure to invest in air conditioning for home, work and personal transportation.
• Remember to change your in-home air filters every 60 days. A few dollars expended today will spare costly visits to the doctor and pharmacy tomorrow.
• Hire a college student or lawn service to tend to the mowing, trimming and raking.
• Make the Maytag man happy again. For that “April-Fresh” smell of clean laundry– use fragrance-free fabric softener in the dryer! For your respiratory health, the only thing safe hanging on the clothesline outdoors are the sparrows.
• When the pollen count and/or the humidity is high – relax with a soothing collection of Smooth Jazz CDs or a good book indoors. When the winds are high, peek out the window from inside and laughingly tell it to lift a kite!
• If the spirit of Paul Bunyon has beckoned you to the great outdoors too long anyway, come in from the elements, take an invigorating shower and introduce your dirty duds ‘n shoes to the same!

Summer Skin Care Tips to Protect the Skin You Are In:

• Remember to block the harmful rays of the sun with a good broad-spectrum sunscreen - UVA or UVB blocking with an SPF 15 (or higher for sensitive skin or on the advice of your dermatologist).

• Avoid the most harmful hours of exposure between 10am and 2pm.
• Apply sunscreen liberally at least within one-half hour before going out into the sun.
• Know your medications. Certain drugs can cause skin sensitivity to the sun. Read all prescription inserts and exercise good judgment. When in doubt, discuss it with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Maintain a Healthy Diet:

• A healthy diet containing Vitamins A, C and E (antioxidants) will help fight premature aging, wrinkles and certain types of cancer.

Work It, Girls (and Boys)! :

• Daily activity, such as: walking, gardening and 30 minutes of exercise can keep you healthy, help you look younger and maintain that youthful glow

Get Off Your Butt! :

• Cigarettes damage more than your lungs. They cause skin damage that makes more wrinkles (and enormous damage to the bank account if the damage sends you to the Cosmetic Surgeon).

Navigate Your Bod:

• The saying goes: familiarity breeds contempt, and although some mirrors “exaggerate the truth”, some signs must be heeded:

- Make a habit of routinely examining your skin for changes that
can signal real trouble – melanoma, including sores of an
unknown origin that appear, heal then reappear;

- Moles or spots that itch or bleed
- New moles
- Changes in the size, texture, color, shape or size of moles.

If you notice any of these changes, see your doctor immediately.

Kiss Me, Baby!

Well, the summer sun is beckoning you for a day of soaking up some rays.

We have heard about sun block for the bod but what about those luscious lips? Permanently affixed to the rest of your face, when the face gets sun exposure, so to are the lips and if left unprotected, they can dry out, burn and be subjected to damage that will be with you for a long time.

When the body ages, collagen – one of the body’s proteins, depletes. Overexposure and unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful rays causes accelerated aging of the skin – in this case, the lips and those “kissable” lips lose their resilience. No longer pouty or full, they become wrinkled, drawn and the dreaded fine lines form around the mouth, which cannot be masked by a smile.

Here’s another area where it is wise to put your “money where your mouth is”. Apply a good lip balm with at least an SPF 15 sunscreen to the lips 15 –30 minutes prior to going into the sun.

If you’re biking, hiking, doing water sports, playing tennis, working in the yard or garden, or in general, spending prolonged periods in the sun, remember to reapply it, at least every 2 hours and stay hydrated—drink plenty of water. It’s the source of life and a partner to keeping that beautiful smile.

It's Not Cool When You Can't Hear!

The alarm goes off at 5:30am… baby crying… starting the car engine or pulling away from the curb on public transportation…emergency vehicle sirens blaring… pagers, cellphones, dial-up modems… copy machines… speakerphones… noisy restaurants… concert halls… WAIT ONE MINUTE!!! Q-U-I-E-T!!!

What you’ve just “heard” are the sounds of everyday living… the rhythm of LIFE, if you will, and it’s a ‘no-brainer’ that living in today’s world exposes us to a plethora of noise.

Realistically speaking, in many instances there is no avoiding it, however; there are some things each of us can do to prevent damage to our ears. Recent studies have shown an increased incidence of hearing loss among grade school students and musicians. At work and home we can be subjected to levels of noise that threaten our hearing. Power tools, factory noises, fireworks, and of course loud music, are all potential sources of noise that can cause irreversible inner ear damage.

Initially, loss of hearing may be temporary, with hearing restored to normal after several hours or days. However, if the ears are repeatedly assaulted, the ears’ ability to bounce back may be permanently effected, eventually leading to hearing degeneration. So, let’s talk about it!

Practice Safe Sound

One way to reduce hearing damage is by paying attention to noise levels and realizing when they are too high. According to the United States Safety and Health Standards, workers should not be exposed to more than 90 dB over a period of eight hours. Most audiologists would like to see that standard modified to 85 dB.

So, if you work in a noisy environment:

• check out the decibel level you are being exposed to and take the proper precautions.
• have your hearing evaluated at least once a year by a hearing health professional.
• “pump down the volume”, or remove yourself from the noise area when possible.
• give your ears a rest for 24 hours after exposure to dangerous levels of noise, and
• get yourself some hearing protection.* There's some type of ear protection for everyone. Just decide what you want, what's best for you, and go get it.
• Finally, cotton and tissue are useless. They only reduce sound by less than 7 dB.

Many people don't think twice about getting their eyes examined on a regular basis, readily purchasing glasses or contact lenses if necessary, and yet neglect taking care of their ears.

While hearing loss might not be as noticeable as sight degeneration in the earliest stages, the long-term damage can be more severe if left unchecked. What's more, many people don't realize that their increasing communication problems are caused by their own inability to clearly understand others, leading to misdirected irritability, anger and frustration.

*A variety of ear protection devices are available today. Over-the-counter earplugs can be purchased at most drugstores, many record and bookstores and some concert venues. They range from foam variety to rubber, silicone, and wax. They're all affordable, comfortable, disposable, and provide important help in reducing the dangers of exposure to excessive levels of noise. For more information about hearing health and tinnitus and protecting your hearing, log on to: http://www.hearnet.com.

YOU SHOULD HEAR WHAT YOU MAY BE MISSING!

Expressions…
In Our Lives

Did you ever wonder about an expression or phrase you may have heard in conversation? Where did that come from? What does that mean?

We’ve gone on a lingo expedition and here are a few that we’ve dug up which can make for interesting chatter during your next cocktail party or gathering:

In George Washington's days, there were no cameras. One's image was either sculpted or painted.

Some paintings of George Washington showed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back while others showed both legs and both arms.

Prices charged by painters were not based on how many people were to be painted, but by how many limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are "limbs;" therefore, painting them would cost the buyer more. Hence, the expression, "Okay, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Without a doubt, personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood.

The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their
complexions.

When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told, "mind your own bee's wax." Should the woman smile, the wax would crack, hence the term "crack a smile."

Also, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt, and therefore, the expression "losing face."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Self-Expression… In Our Lives

Becoming a Wine Enthusiast

Ever wondered what bouquet to serve during brunch, for the impromptu gathering or that formal dinner party? Just met someone special and want to make a lasting first impression?

Forget about what you might have heard or thought you knew: let’s de-bunk some of the myths. The truth is, wine is best enjoyed when accompanied by food and the best wine for the occasion is the wine your guests and you like!

Quite simply, it’s a matter of taste and what is appropriate for the occasion at hand. Still the question remains, which is the correct wine to be served with the foods being served? Since its’ tastes vary, the fascination with wine is far reaching and its audience spans the globe.

Here are a few common sense tips for selecting wines that will compliment your epicurean delights:

The Best Wine is the Wine You Like Best

What a concept! Sound too obvious? Not only is it true, but one of the golden rules of wine tasting and consuming. Whether sweet or dry, red, white or blu- er, blush… wine appeals to the senses and sensibilities of a diverse group of people with equal diversity in taste.

Granted, there are some very expensive wines on the market, in private cellars and at auction, but, the bottom line is this—it really doesn’t matter what’s fashionable, although each vintner will attest his or her wine is the best. The best is what you enjoy… and whether enjoyed solo in front of a roaring fire or in the company of good friends… it’s a good thing.

Balance and Harmony
Another important principle is that your food and wine should be in balance, complementing each other rather than competing for the attention of your taste buds. Strongly flavored dishes should be accompanied by robust wines, and delicate foods by more subtle wines. Food and wine should be in harmony, not competition.

In this edition, we are pleased to feature offerings from the award-winning Thornton Winery. Thornton Winery’s Old World charm and grace are most apparent when visiting the winery in Temecula, California. An elegant, French-style Chateau, overlooking the graceful vineyards of the Temecula Valley, highlights Café Champagne, a breathtaking Fountain Terrace which has proved to be the perfect intimate, outdoor setting for their very popular Champagne Jazz Series, featuring renowned Smooth Jazz Artists (Gerald Albright, Marc Antoine, Keiko Matsui, Paul Taylor and Peter White, to name a few) who perform and meet fans from April through October each year.

There are delightful, aromatic Herb Gardens- from which Executive Chef Steve Pickell extracts fresh herbs for the preparation and presentation of Four-Star, Award-Winning, Gourmet “Contemporary Fusion Cuisine”, a Gift Shop for visitors, guests and wine enthusiasts alike and the ever popular Champagne Lounge.

Nestled in the heart of the Temecula Valley Wine Country, Thornton Winery opened in 1988. The winery combines old world style with new world taste to create award-winning and premium varietal wine. The Méthode Champenoise* process is used because it has proven to be the best for producing fine quality Sparkling Wine/Champagne.

*What is the Méthode Champenoise?

In this process, the chosen grape varieties are pressed and then fermented. Often after fermentation, the cuvees are blended, and then bottled. A sugar and yeast mixture is added to the wine in the bottle. This creates a secondary fermentation in the bottle, resulting in the bubbles that make sparkling wine such a pleasure to drink! When on the racks, pupitre (the exact turning of the bottles), ensures that all the yeast deposits are moved to the neck of the bottle.

Once the sediment moves to the neck, the bottleneck is frozen, the temporary cork is removed, and internal pressure forces the 'plug' out of the bottle.

Sugar and wine are added and the bottle is corked and wired. After aging for the correct length of time in the cellars, the bottle is cleaned and dressed with its label and foil. And then we drink!

From the beginning, talented winemaker, Jon McPherson used the skills he perfected in blending Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Wine/Champagne, then applied them to the new premium varietal still wine in 1993. The result: more awards and medals!

Over the years, some very unique premium varietal wines have been added to their product line, which emulate the classic wine styles of the Mediterranean and Rhône regions.

McPherson favors producing wines that are exciting for its freshness, bursting with flavor and showcasing the distinct characteristics of the varietals included in the blend, using whole cluster pressing, extensive blending, barrel aging and different vinification techniques.

Recommended Aperitifs:

Thornton Winery produces the European-style sparkling wines: Brut, Cuvée Rouge, Blanc de Noir, and Cuvée de Frontignan, that have received some of the highest of praise and ratings for California Méthode ChampenoiseSparkling Wine/Champagne. Its’ varietals are excellent Rhône and Italian- from wine grapes perfectly suited to California’s South Coast appellation.

Chose from the numerous offerings available at the Winery:

2000 Pinot Blanc 1999 Côte Red 1999 Sangiovese
2000 Muscato 1999 Syrah
2000 Viognier 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
2000 Grenache Rosé 1999 Aleatico

To learn more about these and the entire family of Thornton wines, logon to: http://www.thorntonwine.com, and for the best in live smooth jazz: http://www.jazzconcerts.com.

Our thanks to the Jan Schneider, Kristin, Tonya, Vintner Jon McPherson and the staff at Thornton Winery, for their warm hospitality and invaluable assistance with this piece.

Stay tuned for the next edition of “In Our Lives”, more recipes and wine pairings; remember: “At Smooth Notes and News, we’re …getting beyond the questions!

Luscious Recipes for the Spirit, Mind and Body

Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

9oz fresh or refrigerated fettuccine
1tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1tbsp red wine vinegar
1/3 c freshly grated Parmesan and Asiago Cheeses
1/4 c fresh basil (finely chopped)
1lb fresh tomato (chopped into smaller edible pieces)

Sea Salt
Freshly ground white or black pepper
Minced garlic
Fresh baked bread (we liked rosemary and red onion Focaccia and Asiago breads)

Add pasta to boiling water, cook Al Dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine olive oil and vinegar and gently add cheeses. Toss mixture with pasta, adding basil and tomato. Season to taste with sea salt, pepper and garlic.

This salad is a touch of the hand and a hug with that special someone - a summer meal in itself or when accompanied with fresh melons. Sparkling White or Blush Wine or chilled Chardonnay added imparts this festive meal to the memory. Yum!

Recommend: Thornton Cuvée de Frontignan. A lighter style of Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Wine, which closely resembles an Asti-Spumante. A demi-sec or extra-dry sparkling wine, made from Muscat Canelli and Muscato Alexandria, the combination of rich fruit aromas, lush fruit flavors and crisp acidity make for an exciting glass of bubbles and strikes the perfect balance!

Pear and Walnut Salad

1 medium pear (red or yellow Bartlett)
2 1/2 - 3 cups fresh salad greens (endive, romaine, wild greens, baby spinach)
1/4 c chopped walnuts
2 tbsp crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
raspberry vinaigrette
Fresh baked bread (we liked basil pesto Focaccia, Sourdough and 9-Grain breads)

raspberry vinaigrette:
1/4 c extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 c raspberries
1/2 c raspberry wine vinegar
1/4 c sugar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
a pinch to ? tsp rosemary (adjust to preferred taste and aroma)
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper (white or black)

in a bowl, combine wet ingredients and whip with a wire whisk. Slowly add sugar and pepper, then rosemary, whip gently and set aside briefly. Puree raspberries then combine with ingredients in bowl until nicely blended.

Pour into cruet and let guests dress their own salads.

This salad is enhanced by the introduction of fruit and cheese- a pairing of summer’s harvest, no longer the everyday weight management staple. With fresh raspberries or strawberries and chilled Moscato or Sparkling Blush Wine… this meal is inspiration for a more than delightful afternoon!

Recommend: Thornton South Coast Moscato 2000. Combining Old Vine Muscat of Alexandria for aromatic richness and Muscat Canelli for honeysuckle and spice, these two varieties create a wine with spicy, tangerine and tropical fruit aromas which leap from the glass. Finished just off-dry and balanced with a crisp acidity, this Muscat demonstrates wonderful varietal character and superb drinkability. Enjoy by itself, with fruit or spicy Asian cuisine.

© August 2002 Smooth Notes