Monterey, CA — The holiday season has never looked brighter! Portola Hotel & Spa, the elegant Four-Diamond hotel situated along Central California’s Monterey Bay, is hosting magical events for the whole family to celebrate the holiday season including a throwback to the 80’s with a righteous New Year’s Eve event. Portola Hotel & Spa invites families to celebrate the holiday magic of Monterey and take part in the second annual Winter Wonderland from December 13-25, 2019. Portola’s Winter Wonderland will offer a variety of entertainment, activities, dining experiences and more. In the spirit of holiday giving, the hotel has partnered with The Salvation Army and will provide barrels for food donations in the lobby. In addition, complimentary champagne and themed treats inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas will be served in the lobby from 4:30pm to 6pm, courtesy of Portola’s Culinary Team! With caroling from children’s choirs, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating and face painting, these are just a few of the back-to-back festivities the hotel has in store.
Although winter in California might be full of sunshine and sandy beaches, winter is still in full swing all around the property, from classic winter activities to cozy culinary experiences. From November 23 through January 5, 2020, visitors can lace up their skates at the Custom House Plaza adjacent to the Portola Hotel for Ice Skating by the Bay! Back for another year of ice skating under the Monterey sun, this is a winter activity the whole family can enjoy. Sip your favorite holiday beverage and savor in the seasonal menu selections from Jacks Monterey, located inside the Portola Hotel. Jacks is the perfect place to cozy up with your loved ones on the newly renovated terrace among a blazing outdoor fire pit. At Monterey’s first craft brewery, Peter B’s Brewpub, pick up the coveted Annual Ugly Sweater and warm your soul with handcrafted seasonal ales and locally sourced eats. To ring in the new year, Portola Hotel & Spa is hosting a Totally 80s New Year’s Eve Party! Festivities start at 7pm on December 31, 2019 for 21+ and older. Enjoy live music, a buffet dinner and an open bar for a righteous time in downtown Monterey. Arrive in new wave style – loud colors, statement makeup and excessive hair gel are welcome. Dance to live music from The Money Band in the grand ballroom and countdown to 2020 with a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. Guests can even capture their evening at The Vintage PhotoBox photobooth. To round out the night, guests can stay in a well-appointed guest room at Portola Hotel & Spa for ultimate relaxation after dancing the night away. The New Year’s Eve Party Overnight Package is now available and includes admission for two for the 80s themed-party. Tickets are available for pre-sale at $160 per person until November 30, 2019 and will be available for purchase until December 31, 2019 for $175 per person. Tickets are $160 per military personnel with valid ID. Totally 80s New Years Eve will be an unforgettable night of revelry. For overnight accommodations or for more information, visit portolahotel.com. |
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About Portola Hotel & Spa For more information, please visit www.portolahotel.com. |
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Solvang Announces Plans for Annual ‘Solvang Julefest’ From November 30, 2019 through January 3, 2020
SOLVANG, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The City of Solvang has officially announced preliminary plans and dates for this year’s celebration of Solvang Julefest (http://www.SolvangJulefest.org; pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays”. The 2019 holiday season event, which will begin on Saturday, November 30, 2019 and run through Friday, January 3, 2020, will entail multiple holiday happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast destination of Solvang, most recently named by Country Living as one of the USA’s “Best Christmas Towns”.
“We can’t wait to share with our locals and visitors, all of the magic and history that this town holds. It’s always festive here, but even more so during the holiday season, and the Julefest events are an ideal way to explore all that Solvang has to offer – both the old, and the new,” said Solvang Mayor Ryan Toussaint.
The 2019 edition of Solvang Julefest will once again feature the event’s crowd-pleasing components, like the interactive Nisse Adventure experience, evening Candlelight Tours – with a VIP-level option – and free visits with Santa in Solvang Park, as well as the annual Tree Lighting event, Skål Wine and Stein Stroll, and Julefest Parade, all with deliberate enhancements to heighten holiday spirits.
“We are honored that the Solvang City Council has decided to place their faith in us to steward such a joyous event forward through 2019. We are working diligently to ensure the Danish culture, heritage, and traditions are maintained and cultivated, while elevating Julefest to new and exciting heights,” commented Scott Shuemake, President of IDK Events, producers of the 2019 Solvang Julefest.
New to this year’s Solvang Julefest is the celebration of Saint Lucia Day on December 13; a Christmas Drone Show on December 21, the only Southern California holiday drone show of its kind; a daytime countdown to the Danish New Year with a simulcast of the party happening in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, on December 31; and additions to Santa visits in Solvang Park. Accompanying the traditionally-free photos with Santa, will be a photo opportunity in the Solvang Park Gazebo: a photographic setting for capturing “holiday moments”. Also in Solvang Park, a new play area in the form of “Santa’s Lade” (Santa’s Barn), a children’s winter wonderland featuring snow and live animals.
Shuemake continued, “We’re taking this very festive opportunity to re-emphasize Solvang Julefest as a holiday event. We’re keeping the aspects that everyone looks forward to, just sprinkling in some added seasonal charm.”
Solvang, known for its Danish-American roots, architecture and design details, pastries, bakeries and plentiful wine tasting rooms, also boasts dozens upon dozens of unique boutiques, restaurants and gourmet food purveyors. Carefully-curated indie book stores, high-end stationers, children’s shops and spice merchants sit alongside foodie havens offering up everything from Persian cuisine to ramen noodles, Greek bites to Italian standbys, iconic Danish dishes to elevated new-Californian fare and Michelin-honored tasting menus, to heritage grain sourdough loaves or Spanish cheeses, to small-batch, locally-roasted coffee, to speakeasy tiki cocktails and craft beer dens, forming an indulgent holiday shopping – and playing – scene.
Dog-friendly and ideal for kids, Solvang Julefest promotes family fun and adventure through traditional holiday-favorite activities, with the addition of more-adult, wine country entertainment. Bolstering this year’s late-night appeal, are plans to keep the holiday gift shopping opportunities flowing into the evening with extended hours at Solvang merchants; sips and nibbles in some of the town’s most popular retail spots for added shopping and strolling cheer; and live music and entertainment in select bars and wine tasting venues.
Shuemake concluded, “We’re in the business of making memories through experiences. We take that job very seriously, and Solvang Julefest will be no different.”
The preliminary schedule of this year’s Solvang Julefest events is listed here; further updates to the 2019 Julefest schedule and event announcements will be made over the course of the next month.
The 2019 Solvang Julefest is produced by the City of Solvang (http://www.CityofSolvang.com) in partnership with Northern California-based IDK Events (http://www.idkevents.com). All Solvang Julefest events are open to the public with either free or paid admission. More information is available at http://www.SolvangJulefest.org, with direct links to ticketing for the paid portions of the holiday happenings. Event updates will also be posted to the Solvang Julefest Instagram and Facebook accounts: @SolvangJulefest and facebook.com/solvangjulefestival.
About the City of Solvang:
Known as the “Danish Capital of America”, the City of Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, California. Founded by a group of Danish-Americans in 1911 and later incorporated in 1985, Solvang is home to a number of bakeries, restaurants, and merchants offering a taste of Denmark in Southern California. Sleek, Scandinavian design meets Old World charm in Solvang’s numerous interior courtyards, cozy communal spaces and open-air venues, where vacation itineraries for all, unfold. The walkable town offers plentiful free parking options for locals and day-trippers, and nearly 20 lodging options for staycation-ers, weekenders and mid-week travelers, at all vacation budget levels. For more information, including lists of events and things to do, where to eat and drink, and places to stay, visit http://www.VisitSYV.com/discover-syv/Solvang.
Acme Hospitality Introduces Pearl Social, Santa Barbara’s Most Innovative Cocktail Lounge
Santa Barbara, California – Acme Hospitality introduces Pearl Social, an intimate cocktail and music bar opened to the public on November 1, 2019. The bar is located at 131 Anacapa Street in Santa Barbara in Suite B, located between The Lark and Helena Avenue Bakery.
Pearl Social is a nod to the celebrated first lady of Santa Barbara, Pearl Chase, a community activist who worked tirelessly on the historic preservation and beautification of the popular coastal city. Pearl Chase was an intelligent and courageous woman who deeply loved her adopted hometown of Santa Barbara and spent her life committed to bettering it. Pearl Social is intended to be a place of connection for the community to come together in a social and convivial atmosphere.
The cocktail program is led by Gavin Koehn, a Santa Barbara local and long-time Acme alumnus. Starting his career in hospitality as a server at The Lark, Gavin quickly established himself as a cocktail prodigy and moved on to lead the beverage program at sister restaurant Loquita. A participating U.S.A. finalist in the Mediterranean Inspirations global cocktail competition held in Ibiza, Spain, Gavin brings his passion for Old World cocktails with modern twists to Pearl Social. The eclectic cocktail menu has five cocktail classics; Not So Classic; Rule Breakers; Are they Martinis; Communal Consumption; and B. Anthony Approved non-alcoholic drinks. Samples include the Dry Appletini with Calvados, Pineau de Charentes, Dry French Vermouth and London Dry Gin; an absinthe-laced twist on the ever-popular espresso martini; The Unheard Melody features Blanche Armagnac, mezcal, blueberry-infused grappa, lemon, pineapple and basil. Communal Consumption selections offer librations served in vintage punchbowls to share, sure to please couples on a night out.
Enter Pearl Social’s intimate space, designed by Doug Washington and Kim Calabrigo of August Studio, located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s popular Funk Zone. Washington is an integral part of the Acme family, responsible for the design of all of its successful concepts. The design of Pearl Social is inspired by the 1930s-1950s transatlantic urban social clubs of the United States and Europe. Influenced by the Mediterranean climate, gorgeous Pacific coastline and lush flora of Santa Barbara, Pearl Social is illuminated by tranquil hues of deep blue, green and soft pink. The custom overhead chandeliers, originally designed by Washington, are reinterpretations of lights that hang in New York City’s Grand Central Station. Deep blue walls encapsulate the space creating a romantic and luxurious vibe. Emerald green tile provides the backdrop for the custom-built back bar built by Alan Lockwood, bordered in front with Calacatta Luccia quartz. Mid-century style leather sofas atop vintage Persian rugs, soft rose-colored velvet chairs and low-slung conversation areas create the perfect opportunity for connection. A nature-inspired mural saturates the space with intense color and energy while the intimate patio provides a cozy place to circle up. Pearl Social is designed for relaxing, settling in and connecting with friends.
Acme Wine Director Hayden Felice is credited for development of the wine program at Pearl Social. By-the-glass wine selections are small but focused, with an emphasis on sustainable farming practices and natural winemaking processes featuring both Old World and local winemakers that produce the finest wine worldwide. Similar to the by-the-glass list, the bottle list selections have substantial breadth. The numerous fans of Pearl Social’s previous incarnation, Les Marchands, can find selections from the extensive wine list from the beloved wine shop on Pearl Social’s list and at The Lark restaurant. All four of the Les Marchands Wine Clubs continue to be offered online.
The service team is led by Kacey House, also General Manager for The Lark, who is committed to delivering the warm and gracious hospitality that all Acme concepts are known for.
Award-winning Chef Jason Paluska from The Lark designed a complementary menu of snacks for Pearl Social. As the original chef for The Lark, Jason has garnered numerous awards and international recognition for his Central Coast inspired, seasonal, locally sourced, and scratch-made menu. His small bites menu at Pearl Social includes a choice of West Coast Oysters with Foraged Pink Peppercorn and Sea Bean Mignonette as well as Malt Vinegar Potato Chips with Smoked Trout Roe Dip. Some larger format dishes include a Golden Beet Tartine with French Butter Pear, Burrata, and Crispy Sage, as well as a Dry-Aged Beef Burger Paired with Green Peppercorn Aioli, Jasper Hill Aged Cheddar and Pickled Red Onion, served on a Helena Avenue Brioche Bun.
Live and recorded music is planned as a regular feature of Pearl Social featuring jazz, blues, folk, rock, acoustic instrumental and vocal performances as well as DJs spinning favorite tunes.
Pearl Social is open nightly from 5:00 p.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 5:00 p.m. – midnight on Friday and Saturday.
ABOUT ACME HOSPITALITY:
Acme Hospitality owns and operates an innovative collection of boutique food and beverage concepts in the heart of Santa Barbara, California’s Funk Zone. The group has earned numerous awards and accolades for its many concepts. Recognition includes “America’s Top 100 Wine Restaurants” from Wine Enthusiast for both The Lark and Les Marchands; “36 Hours in Santa Barbara” by the New York Times for Loquita; Travel + Leisure; “Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America” by OpenTable for The Lark; “10 Hottest Restaurants in Santa Barbara” by Zagat for Lucky Penny; and “10 Best New Restaurants by U.S.A.Today for Loquita, and Los Angeles magazine; Food & Wine for The Lark, Loquita, Santa Barbara Wine Collective, Tyger Tyger and Monkeyshine. Acme Hospitality is dedicated to delivering outstanding food, wine, cocktails, service and beautiful interiors to the Santa Barbara community and visitors to the American Riviera from around the globe.
PEARL SOCIAL
131 Anacapa Street, Ste. B, Santa Barbara, California 93101
(between The Lark and Helena Avenue Bakery)
805.284.0380
For more information, the public can visit: www.pearlsocialsb.com
Follow PEARL SOCIAL:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pearlsocialsb.com
Twitter & Instagram: @pearlsocialsb
For information on the ACME HOSPITALITY visit: www.acmehospitality.com
Presqu’ile Recruits Julie Simon As New Executive Chef
Santa Maria, California – Presqu’ile, the estate winery poised high in the hills of Santa Maria with stunning ocean and vineyard views, announces the addition of Julie Simon as their new executive chef. Simon will be creating the tasting room wine and food pairings, as well as developing special event menus and overseeing wine dinners, including those with guest chefs.
Julie recently headlined at one of the winery’s sell-out Guest Chef Dinners which brought her to the attention of the Murphys and invited her to come aboard. In her new position, she plans to rework the wine and food pairings to reflect both her style and to complement the library of wines at Presqu’ile. She is also designing an organic garden on the property.
Tim Wanner, Director of Hospitality and Sales for the winery welcomes Simon to the Presqu’ile family, stating, “We are very excited to have Julie join the team. Her commitment to local sourcing, organic farming, and clean, ingredient-focused cooking truly aligns with Presqu’ile’s philosophy, and will make for a very great partnership showcasing our wines in their best light.”
Julie Simon is enthusiastic about joining Presqu’ile, remarking, “I am thrilled to be joining such a strong and dedicated team, where I can be a part of propelling the Presqu’ile hospitality experience forward. And the addition of a permaculture garden not only shows our commitment to great food, it also nurtures the ‘sense of place’, mirroring our winemaking philosophy.”
ABOUT CHEF JULIE SIMON
Julie Simon is a San Luis Obispo based chef and farmer. Ten years ago, Simon was enrolled in university in her native France, ready to follow that path to a law career. Her restlessness and uncanny ability in the kitchen compelled her to move to Paso Robles where her aunt and uncle farmed an olive grove and pressed olive oil. Soon after, Simon landed kitchen jobs in some of the Central Coast’s finest restaurants and eventually became executive chef at the renowned Thomas Hill Organics Bistro when she was 23 years old. Julie served as opening chef at Foremost restaurant in San Luis Obispo. Her history in farming and pop-up dinners bring a worthy contribution to Presqu’ile’s vast array of services, further enriching the most sought after wine destination in the area.
PRESQU’ILE WINERY
5391 Presqu’ile Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Phone 805.937.8110
ABOUT PRESQU’ILE WINERY:
Located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile (pronounced press-KEEL) is a small, family-run winery dedicated to making exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Presqu’ile is a multigenerational collaboration between Madison and Suzanne Murphy, their three adult children, Matt, Anna and Jonathan, and their daughters-in-law, Amanda and Lindsey. No strangers to agriculture, four generations of the wine-loving Murphy family have been farming land in Louisiana for almost a century. Led by eldest son Matt Murphy, the family founded Presqu’ile—the Creole word for “almost an island”—both as a tribute to a beloved Gulf Coast family gathering place that was lost in Hurricane Katrina, and because they envisioned Presqu’ile as an island-like haven amid the vines. Also on the team is rising star winemaker Dieter Cronje.
The Santa Maria Valley is one of the most distinctive winegrowing appellations in the world. With one of the longest growing seasons in all of California. The Santa Maria Valley is a true cool-climate winegrowing region, yielding wines of extraordinary elegance and purity—qualities that define the world’s best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. To preserve the complexity of these grapes, the Murphys worked with acclaimed San Francisco-based Taylor Lombardo Architects to create a gravity-flow winery designed to Matt and Dieter’s specifications. And to ensure that each wine reflects its vineyard, Dieter practices a naturally minimalist approach to winemaking, with a focus on whole clusters, native yeasts and modest new oak. As a result, Presqu’ile’s wines are pure and purposeful, conveying the authentic charm, complexity and signature Santa Maria spice that have made the wines of the Santa Maria Valley famous among enthusiasts of elegant and balanced wines.
For further information on Presqu’ile Winery visit
Become a fan of Presqu’ile Winery:
on Facebook: www.facebook.com/presquilewine
on Twitter: @PresquileWine
on Instagram: @presquilewine
Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley to showcase the best of wine country
(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — The Santa Ynez Valley will celebrate the bounty of the region in a fresh, unique way with the inaugural Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, a four-day experiential event scheduled for Oct. 17-20. The event will be an immersive experience designed to serve as an introduction to the food, wine, and beer that have made the Santa Ynez Valley the wine country jewel of California’s Central Coast.
Over four days, more than 100 restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, and breweries will come together for nine main events and dozens of ancillary events set in and around the distinct communities that make up the Santa Ynez Valley — Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Solvang, and Santa Ynez. With so much to offer, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley promises to be the signature event on the region’s fall calendar for years to come.
“Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley is meant to be a celebration of everything that has made this region such a world-renowned wine country and foodie destination,” said Shelby Sim, President/CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, which is overseeing the event’s production. “With four days of events incorporating the diverse and unique aspects of all six of our communities, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will offer a little bit of something for everyone, both visitors and locals alike. And it will ultimately put on full display the many reasons the Santa Ynez Valley has earned its reputation as a must-visit wine region.”
Each day of the Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will focus on specific communities in the region, beginning on Thursday, Oct. 17, with a day in the charming Old West town of Los Alamos, and ending on Sunday, Oct. 20, with a celebration of the best of Buellton. The events will include wine tastings, special dinners, vineyard experiences, wine and cheese pairings, grape stomps, cooking classes hosted by local chefs, and much more.
Along the way, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will incorporate longtime favorite events — such as the Solvang Grape Stomp (Oct. 19) and the Los Olivos Day in the Country (Oct. 19) — with an all-new lineup of experiences.
It’s also during Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley that the region will be marking the 15th anniversary of the release of Sideways — the movie that helped put the Santa Ynez Valley wine region on the map — with Sideways Fest. The celebration of the film will include a screening of the movie under the stars at Solvang Festival Theatre and a Sideways-themed Wine Festival.
“One of the most appealing aspects of the The Santa Ynez Valley is that each community has its own culture, offering its unique food and wine experiences,” Sim said. “Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will give each attendee a feel for its diversity, while still enticing each to return for an even deeper exploration of the region.”
The event includes an array of single- and multi-day ticket packages to fit most any budget. For more information on ticket packages and a full list of Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley events, including dates and times, please visit www.tastesyv.com.
About the Santa Ynez Valley:
Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns each with their own culture, vibe and menu of experiences. Blanketed with fruitful farms and vineyards, the California Central Coast wine region’s temperate weather allows for year-round activities of all sorts, spread throughout the historical communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. Destination dining and world-class wines await, accompanied by lodging at every level, all painted into atmospheric backdrops which colorfully mesh Old World and Old West. Visit more than 100 wineries, feast on chef-driven cuisine, and enjoy festive events and design details from Victorian-era to mid-century to modern Danish. For more information, including a listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms and events, go to VisitSYV.com.
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TASTE OF THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY HIGHLIGHT EVENTS
Thursday, Oct. 17 – Los Alamos
- Los Alamos Tasting in Ferrini Park: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Bell Street Restaurant Dinner in Los Alamos: 5:30-9 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18 – Santa Ynez
- Morning Wine Seminar in Santa Ynez: 10:30 a.m.-noon.
- Grand Tasting of Santa Ynez and Happy Canyon Wines: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Cooking Class at The Baker’s Table with Chef Robin Goldstein: 2-4 p.m.
- Wine and Cheese Seminar: 2-4 p.m.
- FrancFest at Gainey Vineyards: 4-6 p.m.
- Sideways Movie Experience and Tasting at Solvang Festival Theater: 6-10 p.m.
- Grimm’s Bluff Vineyards & Winery Dinner at the Estate: 6:30-10 p.m.
- BBQ Dinner and Live Music at Maverick Saloon: 6:30-10 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19
- Solvang Events:
- Solvang Grape Stomp and Santa Ynez Valley Grand Wine Tasting: 2-5 p.m.
- Pence Vineyards & Winery Dinner at Root 246: 6:30-10 p.m.
- First & Oak Restaurant Winery Dinner: 6:30-10 p.m.
- Los Olivos events:
- Los Olivos Wine Roundup + VIP Tent at ‘Day in the Country’: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Day in the Country.
- Ballard events:
- Cooking Class with Chef Budi Kazali of The Ballard Inn and The Gathering Table: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Winery Dinner with Chef Budi Kazali of The Ballard Inn and The Gathering Table: 6:30-10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 2 – Buellton
- Cutting, Casing and Curing Cooking Class with Industrial Eats + Lunch: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m
- Sideways Wine Festival: Noon-4 p.m.
- Sta. Rita Hills vs Santa Maria Valley Wine Seminar at the Sideways Inn: 10:30 a.m.-noon
- Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Craft Beer Dinner: 6-9 p.m.
Vintage Eve Circa 9/2016: A Trio to Taste From Paso’s Oso Libre
After regrettably missing out on a wine luncheon orchestrated by Cori Solomon of the #LAWineWriters Cori reached out to the winery and connected me so that I could review a few samples from home. The winery: Oso Libre in Paso Robles.
A Teaser
Nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountains on the far western edge of Paso Robles’ acclaimed Adelaida district, Oso Libre Winery is fast gaining recognition for its rich, complex wines and for the unusual microclimate of the sustainably farmed vineyards that produce them. This small, family-owned estate lies just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean, which is consistently cooler than the rest of Paso Robles and is proving ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhone varieties and Primitivo.
Owners Chris and Linda Behr acquired the 90-acre property in 1996 when it was raw land and set about developing it into a sustainable working cattle ranch and vineyard. After more than 10 years of getting to know the region, understanding the property’s unique microclimates and learning how to grow grape vines and make wine, the couple was ready to embark on their next phase—a winery. Their son Jeff Freeland and his wife Elizabeth, with their twin daughters, moved north from Los Angeles in 2007 and two years later the family winery opened for business. (‘Oso Libre’ is Spanish for ‘free bear,’ a combination of their last names and a nod to Linda’s Hispanic heritage.)
Tasting – Aromas and flavors divided by ;
2012 Nativo (100% Estate Primitivo)
Dark browned plum in color. Spiced red apple, plums, dark cherry, mushroom, earth and dark cocoa; bright red fruit, cracked black pepper, dry and good tannins. 90 Eve pts.
2012 Carnal (Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah)
Blackberry in color. Smokey blue to black fruit including blueberry, blackberry, black plum, cigar, grilled mushrooms, grilled meat, spice rack; same dark and robust fruit, dust, black pepper, firm balanced tannins. Want another bottle. 92 Eve pts.
2012 Vino d’Oro (Chardonnay)
The color of pale yellow hay. Oak, Meyer lemon, cantaloupe melon unsalted butter; viscous, both cream and tang from the oak, lemon with a long finish. 89 Eve pts.
Visiting Oso Libre
With its distinctive Central Coast location, award-winning wines and picturesque working ranch and vineyards, a visit to Oso Libre Winery offers guests much more than wine. Just off Highway 46 towards Hearst Castle, the mountain setting boasts outdoor patio seating just steps from the vines. The SIP-certified (Sustainability in Progress) estate is powered by solar panels and a wind machine, and Oso Libre practices sustainability in all areas of the business. A spacious and welcoming tasting room is open every day except Tuesdays, and visitors are encouraged to take their time tasting and learning about Oso Libre’s limited production wines. An impressive display of 54 bottles on the tasting room wall, one from each of their neighboring wineries, emphasizes the close ties Oso Libre has to its fellow vintners and the community spirit they all enjoy. The winery is dog and kid-friendly and families can view the “working partners” grazing in the pastoral, mountainous ranch setting. Wine club members are treated to the locally raised dry-aged beef at member gatherings and special events at the winery.
Oso Libre’s wines not only offer a sense of terroir of this coveted Central Coast region, they also embody the winery’s blended beliefs of commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship and charity. Oso Libre prides itself in creating a sustainable and healthy ecosystem for every component of its working ranch.
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
WINERIES OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDAL RECOGNITIONS
MORGAN HILL — The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is pleased to announce medal winners in state and international competitions.
Santa Clara Wineries were recognized for their collection of quality wines in recent international and state competitions, participating in the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition, The Central Coast Wine Competition and the Sunset International Wine Competition.
The highlights for the recent competitions include Solis Winery, awarded Best of Show, Best White Wine, for their 2018 Fiano at the Central Coast Wine Competition. Church Creek Cellars received at Double Gold and a 92 point rating for their 2014 Merlot at the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition. La Vie Dansante took Best of Class Double Gold at the Sunset International Wine Competition with their 2015 Nocturne.
“With the bar set high for 2019 after a winning 2018 competition year, all of our 34 wineries, big or small, continue to prove to other wine regions statewide and internationally that the Santa Clara Valley is one to watch..” says Stacy Giannini, Director of Marketing for the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley. “Collectively, the wineries racked up 7 Double Gold Medal, 13 Gold Medals, 42 Silver Medals and 17 Bronze Medals as well as 2 Best in Class and 1 Best in Show. Many of these award-winning wines will be shared during our Fall Passport VIP Kick Off party on September 6t h.”
The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is an association representing member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California.
With the first plantings at the Santa Clara Mission in 1798, the region of Santa Clara Valley represents one of the oldest growing traditions in the country. The Santa Clara Valley is now home to over three dozen wineries, of every size and shape, from long-established family operations to relatively small newcomers. On March 28, 1989, the Santa Clara Valley received AVA status; prior to this the region’s wines were typically labeled ‘Central Coast’ or ‘Santa Clara County’.
Wineries of Santa Clara Valley
Vintage Eve circa 11/2015: Tasting into the Sunset…in the Vineyard 2015
Oh dear, the ladies stepped it up a notch this year! The ladies, those being the hardworking ladies for the Assistance League Santa Clarita, not only gathered a unique group of non-commercial Santa Clarita Valley-based winemakers (only a small handful are commercial), beer brewers, the DeRobertis Family Artisan cheese makers, the ultra-hidden Speakeasy Bakery and College of the Canyons Culinary Arts students – this year they added more space to the two-house-long event by moving a lively auction to the expansive front yard.
L to R: Eve Bushman, Marlee Lauffer, An Marie Bjorkman and Alesia Humphries
But that didn’t happen until 2 ½ hours into the event. Guests began by tasting with several winemakers, brewers and food artisans while experiencing one of the rarest sites of the Santa Clarita Valley: the local Compa Vineyard owned by Chris, Jeannie and Tim Carpenter.
Many of the wines we tasted came from grapes grown in and around the Santa Clarita Valley and are similar to the Carpenter’s vineyard; while others source grapes or juice from the Central Coast and beyond. The event, now in it’s 8th year, has motivated many wannabe winemakers to plant grapevines and become dedicated winemakers.
There were several wines that struck my fancy at the tasting, a benefit of having a designated driver perhaps (and I liked the musicians that serenaded us both in the front and in the back of the property too) while I enjoyed:
Mystic Hills Vineyard Unforgiven blend, Les Deux Chats Zinfandel, Compa Vineyard Rose, Whistling Vineyard Syrah, Hundred Red Vines Zinfandel/Petit Syrah blend, Golden Star Purple Haze and Viognier, Bellissimo Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Bouquet Vineyard 2014 Merlot (my fave of the day) and Cabernet Sauvignon, Due Nasi Mourvedre, Stephen Hemmert 2012 Zinfandel and 2014 Entwined white blend, Reyes Winery 2013 Quinn’s Zinfandel and many others offered by the Beer Garden, Browne Family, Capuano Winery, CP Iconic Wines, Pagter Brothers, Gagnon Cellars, One Vine Four Branches, Alonso Family Vineyards, Pulchella Winery, Two Hearts Vineyard and Nuggucciet Cellars.
I took a bazillion photos of the wines and the people tasting, and turned it into a YouTube slide show you can see here.
Sunset in the Vineyard Artisans
Alonso Family Vineyards, Bellissimo Cellars, Bobcat Red, Bouquet Vineyard, Browne Family, Capuano Winery, Compa Vineyard, Copper Hill Brewery, CP Iconic Wines, DeRobertis Family Artisan Cheeses, Due Nasi, Gagnon Cellars, Golden Star Vineyards, Les Deux Chats Cellars, VNYBC, Mystic Hills Vineyard, Nuggucciet Cellars, Oasis Vineyard, One Vine Four Branches, Pagter Brothers Winery, Pulchella Winery, Reyes Winery, Speakeasy Bakery, Two Hearts Estate Vineyard, Nanno Brewery, Wheelhouse Band and Whistling Vineyard.
What The Auction and Ticket Prices Do For Our Community (From the Assistance League Website)
We provide over 22,000 hours of community service each year and touch the lives of over 3,500 people in our valley. We provide new school clothes for students, we cook meals for convalescent home residents, we provide teddy bears to people in traumatic situations, we play games with schoolchildren in an after school program and we help students see better with new eyeglasses.
We are a hands-on group of individuals committed to helping others in need. We operate Assistance League Resale, an all-volunteer thrift store in downtown Newhall. We hold two fundraisers each year to help fund our programs. An added bonus is that Assistance League members become life-long friends.
Platinum Partners: Woodward and the Magazine of Santa Clarita.
Gold Partners: SGL Group, KHTS AM 1220, LensCrafters, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Carlson, Mr. and Mrs. John Hamby, C.A.M. Johnson Family Foundation
Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column.
Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Enjoying a California Comeback
(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — The Santa Ynez Valley seems almost magical when its pastoral hills are an emerald green, wildflowers are in bloom, a nearly full Cachuma Lake sparkles in the sun, and water flows freely over Nojoqui Falls. When the occasional rain mixes with this region’s typically sun-drenched days, the outcome is an awe-inspiring exclamation point for the wine country of California’s Central Coast.
The news coming from California has not always been pleasant in recent years, with wildfires, mudslides, and a severe drought perpetually in the headlines. But as a visitor enters the Santa Ynez Valley over the San Marcos Pass and they get that first breathtaking glimpse of Cachuma Lake — now about 80 percent full after years of drought conditions — a different story unfolds. And it’s a story that is as much a coming out as it is a comeback.
“There’s no question that the Santa Ynez Valley is as beautiful right now as it has been in years, and will continue to shine throughout summer and into the fall,” said Shelby Sim, CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “The last few years have been devastating for some, with challenges for all of us in California. To see it rebound so strongly is truly a wonderful sight to behold.”
Just 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, an easy two-hour drive north from Los Angeles, and barely four hours from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley always has much to offer. But when this fertile region, which is home to more than 100 wineries and a thriving and imaginative farm-to-table culinary scene, is in full bloom it becomes impossible to resist.
The spring rains that came this year nourished the valley’s vineyards, of course, and will pay dividends with this year’s vintage. But the spring rains did so much more.
With the San Rafael Mountains to the north and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south, the Santa Ynez Valley offers hundreds of miles of trails to explore. Vineyard-to-vineyard hikes and scenic strolls, or more challenging excursions with incredible sea-to-valley vistas, are made more colorful with the blooming of wildflowers and the lushness of the surrounding hills.
The 80-foot waterfall at Nojoqui Falls Park is made even more spectacular. A stroll along the shores of Cachuma Lake is always an adventure. But the native bald eagles, ospreys, and hawks are just a bit more lively, and the endless water recreation the reservoir offers is even more abundant. And the country roads that have made the Santa Ynez Valley a cycling hotspot are that much more inviting.
Most of all, the Santa Ynez Valley simply feels fresh and reborn, an ideal place to explore this spring or summer.
“Late spring and early summer is always an exciting time in the Santa Ynez Valley,” Sim said. “But this year feels a bit more special. This region is strong and bountiful, and we want to share it with visitors.”
Planning a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley is simple at visitsyv.com, where visitors can research events and attractions, book lodging and activities, and create custom travel itineraries.
About the Santa Ynez Valley:
Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley feels worlds apart from both. With six distinct communities encompassing everything from classic California wine country to Northern European traditions to the very best of the Old West, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to endless possibilities. Here in and around the towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang visitors will find more than 100 wineries, incredible food, special events and a unique, rich heritage. For more information, including a complete listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms and events, go to VisitSYV.com.
WINERIES OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDAL RECOGNITION
MORGAN HILL —The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley are ramping up to compete in multiple competitions after their best year yet.
Santa Clara wineries were recognized for their collection of quality wines in 2018, participating in the SF Chronicle Wine Competition, Orange County’s Commercial Wine Competition, the California State Fair, Tasters Guild, Beverage Tasting Institute, the Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition, the Monterey International Wine Competition, the Sunset International Wine Competition and Rose Today’s competition.
The valley walked away from 2018 with more awards to add to its repertoire. The highlights for the year included Alara Cellars, who took home Best of Show, Best White Wine, Best of Class and a Double Gold for their 2017 Grenache Blanc. Sarah’s Vineyard received Top Pinot of 2018 by Wine Spectacular for its Pinot Noir.
Collectively, the wineries racked up 12 Double Gold Medals, 33 Gold Medals, 57 Silver Medals and 44 Bronze Medals.
As for Wine Enthusiast ratings, there were more than 25 entries that scored over 90 points and two entries that scored 95 points or more.
“All 32 wineries, big or small, have proven to other wine regions statewide and internationally that the Santa Clara Valley is one to watch. We saw 2018 finish strong, which sets the bar high for 2019 and with the medals announced for the recent SF Chronicle Wine Competition, 2019 is starting off right.” says Stacy Giannini, Director of Marketing for the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley. “The wineries took home 3 Double Gold Medals, 10 Gold Medals, 47 Silver Medals and 14 Bronze Medals.”
The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley is an association representing member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California.
With the first plantings at the Santa Clara Mission in 1798, the region of Santa Clara Valley represents one of the oldest growing traditions in the country. The Santa Clara Valley is now home to over three dozen wineries, of every size and shape, from long-established family operations to relatively small newcomers. On March 28, 1989, the Santa Clara Valley received AVA status; prior to this the region’s wines were typically labeled ‘Central Coast’ or ‘Santa Clara County’.
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