All-New Wine Trolley Rolls Into the Santa Maria Valley

June 14, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

(Santa Maria, Calif.) – An exciting new development has made its way into the Santa Maria Valley. The Santa Maria Valley wine trolley will bring a whole new way of experiencing the wine region.

Santa Maria’s new Downtown Trolley will transport consumers between shopping center serving a holiday shuttle this year. The vehicle is equipped with a classic trolley bell.

The wine trolley will run Saturdays and Sundays, and run every 75 minutes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting at Town Center West. The wine trolley will also run one additional route from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., but will exclude Cottonwood Canyon and Presqu’ile wineries. Stops will include:

Town Center West near the pedestrian bridge (downtown Santa Maria on S. Broadway)
Costa de Oro Winery
Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery
Presqu’ile Winery
Old Town Orcutt – Old Town Market
Old Town Orcutt – Rooney’s Irish Pub

The wine trolley runs from May – September (subject to change).

The cost is $10 per person in advance, and $15 per person at the Trolley (transportation only), and is step on, step off, at your convenience. Tickets can be purchased at Ca’ Del Grevino Wine & Café Bar, Core Winery, Costa de Oro Winery, Cottonwood Canyon Winery, Nagy Wine Tasting Room, Old Town Market and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitor & Convention Bureau. Check the Santa Maria Valley website for pick-up times and locations.

“We are absolutely thrilled about providing our visitors a new way to experience the gorgeous scenery of the Santa Maria Valley while allowing them to stop at many different locations and attractions,” said Glenn Morris, president and chief executive officer of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureau. “It is another fantastic reason to explore this hidden gem of an area and enjoy what we locals get to experience every day.”

The Central Coast’s most historic wine lives in the Santa Maria Valley. The area has the oldest appellation in the area and nearly two centuries of experience in growing grapes. The Santa Maria Valley is one of the most agriculturally diverse regions in the U.S. with a wealth of fruits and vegetables grown on the valley floor and vineyards hugging the hillsides. It’s a place where flavor runs rampant and taste buds can indulge because what they serve is grown, cooked and corked right here. The Santa Maria Valley has one of California’s longest growing seasons and a truly rare transverse geography resulting in the development of complex, flavorful and balanced grapes. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah are our specialties. These are composed of well-drained soils that also contribute to exceptional fruit intensity and flavor concentration.

The Santa Maria Valley is a recognized American Viticultural Area (AVA) within Santa Barbara County; the AVA encompasses one of the top wine regions in the world. The Travel Channel named the Santa Maria Valley The New Top 10 Cities for Wine Snobs.

For more information, please visit santamariavalley.com.

About Santa Maria Valley:

Serving the greater Santa Maria Valley in the heart of California’s Central Coast, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau is a nonprofit association that facilitates local tourism and provides information on the region’s many attractions and visitor services. Famed for its fine wines, natural wonders, agricultural heritage and flavorful barbecue, the Santa Maria Valley offers a broad range of cultural, sporting and historical experiences. For details on Santa Maria Valley lodging, wine tasting, travel deals and e-newsletter alerts, visit santamariavalley.com or call (800) 331-3779.

Art Bar SLO Permanently Moves to The Station

December 21, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

The relocation to the popular wine bar and wine shop provides more space and a more diverse wine selection for participants of the thriving Art Bar series

San Luis Obispo, Calif. – The Granada Hotel & Bistro and The Station are proud to announce the popular Art Bar SLO has moved from its Granada space to its new, permanent home at The Station, the Central Coast’s preeminent wine bar and wine shop located at 311 Higuera St. in downtown San Luis Obispo.

The Station will continue as a wine bar and shop, curating San Luis Obispo’s best wine selection and hosting wine-centric and art-and-craft inspired events Tuesday through Saturday.

The Station’s ample, airy space with easy parking – and well-curated wine collection – is the perfect atmosphere for the growing and popular Art Bar SLO, says Kimberly Walker, the founder of Granada Hotel & Bistro, The Station and Art Bar SLO.

“Art Bar has become immensely popular, so hosting it now at our larger sister property, The Station, just makes more sense. It’s bigger, yet still intimate and the lighting is ideal. It also raises the caliber of the wine experience—a key component of Art Bar SLO,” Walker says. “We and our Art Bar guests are just thrilled about this.”

Art Bar SLO’s mission is to bring people together in a fun, lively and casual atmosphere to express themselves through art. Whether you are an aspiring artist or just looking to explore your creative side, Art Bar SLO will help you create your own individual painting or craft piece.

Held four to five times a week at The Station, Art Bar SLO provides its guests with all the art supplies, guidance and technical instruction from one of its resident professional artists, along with a glass of seasonal wine selected by The Station’s Certified Sommelier, Jenna Congdon – all for just $40. Additional wine (or beer, cider or non-alcoholic drinks) can be selected from The Station’s vast, approachable and eclectic list.

The Station is San Luis Obispo’s oldest gas station re-imagined and redesigned in 2015 into a mixed-use space for work, events and a curated wine and goods shop.

For more information about Art Bar and The Station – including a calendar of upcoming sessions – as well as gift certificates for both The Station and Art Bar SLO, please visit thestationslo.com, email hello@thestationslo.com, or call 805.706.0711.

Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen is Bringing the Farm to the City

December 12, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

San Luis Obispo, Calif. – With an innovative seasonal menu that reflects the abundance of fresh, organic foods on the Central Coast, Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen works with local purveyors and farmers to source only the freshest organic and local produce, grass-fed and natural meats, as well as local fish. Breads are always crafted by local bakers who are celebrated artisans of their trade, wine lists are curated to showcase the diversity of the area’s wine region, and special care is taken to ensure the menu delivers bold flavors and innovative, seasonal offerings.

The Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen San Luis Obispo team is led by Executive Chef Justin Casey and Chef Elijah Blackburn. Chef Casey, who has trained under Michelin starred chefs and worked at such praised Bay Area restaurants as Aqua and Thermidor, brings his farm-fresh, seasonal culinary approach to the Thomas Hill kitchen. “I like to focus on using great products and treating them with respect and love,” shares Casey, who strives to create “simple yet elegant food that’s memorable.” Continues Casey, “San Luis has offered me a great place to cook and raise a family, and I am very excited to be working with a restaurant that puts so much focus on utilizing the best of what the Central Coast has to offer.”

In addition to a menu that changes weekly depending on the season and availability of ingredients, Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen in San Luis Obispo features a full bar serving innovative cocktails and Central Coast wines to complement the locally-focused, seasonal menu.

The much celebrated Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen in Paso Robles–established in 2009–was one of the first restaurants in the area to craft a menu dedicated to organic, locally-sourced ingredients. Following the success of her Paso Robles location, owner and visionary Debbie Thomas decided to open a second location in San Luis Obispo to accommodate the demand for her authentic, regional cuisine while furthering her passion for sharing fresh, locally sourced ingredients with the Central Coast. “I am looking forward to being a part of San Luis Obispo with its thriving and vibrant downtown,” says Thomas.

Having spent over four years discussing the possibility of a Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen expansion into San Luis Obispo, Thomas is confident now is the perfect time to carry out this growth. “People on the Central Coast have adopted the movement of farm-to-table and buying local,” says Thomas. And, with the development of the new mixed-use space in downtown San Luis Obispo’s Chinatown, the timing seemed right. Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen in San Luis Obispo is located on Monterey Street above the newly-opened Williams Sonoma, near Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

Hours for the San Luis Obispo location are:

Brunch ~ Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 3pm

Lunch ~ Monday through Friday, 11am to 3pm

Dinner ~ Sunday through Thursday, 5pm to 10pm; Friday & Saturday, 5pm to midnight

SAMPLING OF THE FALL MENU

Cocktails

Tito’s Moscow Mule

Casamigos Silver Margarita

Hendrick’s Highballs

Brunch

Crisp Pork Belly Benedict

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Start

Baby Beet & Burrata Salad

Black Lentil Tacos

Main ~ Lunch

Painted Hills Hangar Steak Salad

Furikake Crusted Ahi Tuna

Main ~ Dinner

Jerk Spiced Maple Duck Two Ways

Niman Ranch Pork Tenderloin

Dessert

Salted Caramel Panna Cotta

Negranti Creamery Sheep’s Milk Ice Cream

ABOUT THOMAS HILL ORGANIC KITCHEN

With a dynamic menu reflecting local abundance, Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen sources a vivid array of fresh ingredients to create bold, imaginative dishes. What began as a humble organic CSA showcasing the Central Coast’s bounty quickly evolved into a popular destination for honest food, creatively prepared. Owner Debbie Thomas and the culinary team believe in the significance of organic, regionally-produced food, working with local farmers and purveyors for poultry, seafood, grass-fed beef, lamb and exotic meats. Nearby farmers provide all fruits and vegetables, which are always straight-from-the-earth fresh, and breads are crafted by local bakers who are celebrated artisans of their trade. The new Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen in San Luis Obispo is located at 858 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or call 805.457.1616. The Paso Robles location is 1313 Park St., Paso Robles, CA 93446, or call 805.226.5888. For more information about Thomas Hill Organic Kitchen or to make a reservation, please visit www.ThomasHillOrganics.com

Perlis Picks: American Rhône by Patrick J. Comiskey

December 10, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Before I start, as I often do when infusing an article with foreign [to me] words, I make a conscious decision to not use diacritical marks – I’ve kept the book title correct but that’s about it. I apologize if this is offensive to anyone. I also take full responsibility for any misspellings.

Patrick Comiskey and Nina Sventitsky.

I rarely write book reviews. I have a backlog of books that I’ve been wanting to read but just don’t seem to get to. So, by the time I read them, writing about them would be really more in the way of book reports than book reviews.

That being said, once in a while I come across a book that I feel is so important that it deserves your immediate attention. I think the last one that I felt fit this category was The New California Wine by Jon Bonné.

American Rhône deserves your immediate attention.

Admittedly, I am biased.

My wife Karen and I started out on our own American Rhone journey back in the 80s – that’s 1980s, by the way. At that time, we were first introduced to wines produced in the US using grapes that, while grown here, have their origins in France’s Rhone valley. For reds, think varieties like Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and for whites examples are Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier; there are many others making up almost two dozen in all. Our entrée was Bonny Doon’s Le Cigare Volant and from there we found Alban, Qupe and many others. In our quest for more of these delicious wines we’ve traveled up and down California, finding favorites mainly in the Central Coast and Sonoma County, but great ones throughout the state. We’ve attended Rhone Ranger events since they started and recently were fortunate enough to attend the Hospice du Rhone event in Paso Robles. American Rhones, along with Zinfandel [had to get that in] have been instrumental in driving our wine passion.

But with all my own experiences with these varietals, my knowledge was limited to these experiences. Patrick Comiskey’s American Rhône gives me context as to how my experience fits into the big picture.

And a big and glorious picture it is and Mr. Comiskey documents it beautifully and in great detail.

Of course this isn’t Comiskey’s first rodeo [with a nod and a wink to the cover of the book as well as a shout-out to the now iconic Wines Spectator cover photo of Bonny Doon’s Randall Grahm in full Rhone Ranger garb]. From the information I was provided: “Patrick Comiskey is a Senior Correspondent for Wine & Spirits Magazine…He is a regular contributor to the Los Angeles Times, and is a founding contributor to zesterdaily.com. His work has appeared on Wine Review Online, as well as in the San Francisco Chronicle, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, Decanter, Lucky Peach, and the Robb Report...”

Subtitled “How Maverick Winemakers Changed the Way Americans Drink” the book presents the full story of the growth of the American Rhone movement, tracing its roots back to the 1960s and American culture’s embracing of possibilities, although some plantings of Rhone varieties in California greatly precede that decade.

Throughout the book, Comiskey provides enough inside stories and anecdotes that the reader feels like a fly on the wall observing some of the key moments in American Rhone history, such as…

The first varietal-labeled Syrah in California was the 1974 vintage from Joseph Phelps. [Coincidentally, thanks to my publisher Eve Bushman, we recently had a 2007 Phelps Syrah that was outstanding.]

Gary Eberle got his first Syrah cuttings from Curtis “Doc” Alley of UC Davis and did not smuggle them into the US on his own as has been so often reported, by myself included.

Bob Lindquist of Qupe initially did not want to plant Syrah in the Santa Maria Valley’s Bien Nacido Vineyard because it was too cool for the grapes to ripen. We’re all glad he decided otherwise.

These stories are just a few from the first part of the book. There are so many that to reveal more would do the author and reader an injustice. Suffice it to say that Patrick Comiskey has done an incredible job of telling the story of Rhone varietals in America. This book is a keeper. You’ll enjoy reading it cover to cover and it will be a great reference guide as well.

Fortunately for the reader, one does not have to a have a prior background in American Rhones. All the information is right here. It would make a great holiday gift for the wine lover in your life. Or just buy it for yourself for your own American Rhone journey.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

One Bottle Post: Workman Ayer 2013 “de facto”

December 2, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

I’m a Rhône fan, but I’m also a Bordeaux/Zin/whatever is great fan. Point is that if asked I have a hard time picking just one wine as a favorite. Depends on where I happen to be, what’s on my plate and whose company I might be enjoying. So, in a nutshell, it depends on my collective mood. And the day I met Michel Ayer I was in a really good mood. Then again, every time since then my mood has only improved – by his Rhônes, all two of them. (What is a Rhône? A quick lesson can be had via the Rhone Rangers website: http://rhonerangers.org/)

Michel makes a white Rhône, a 100% Viognier; and a red Rhône, a Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre blend.

Previous Tasting Notes

Eve’s Wine 101: Tasting the First Rhones from Workman Ayer, July 2014, SCV Beacon.

Eve’s Wine 101: Garagiste Urban Exposure: Their First Wine Tasting at Union Station, July 2014, SCV Beacon

Eve’s Wine 101: Can’t Get Enough: STARS of California Part Two, June 2016, SCV Beacon

Catching up with Michel Ayer

Before the tasting I reached out to Michel to ask him what was new and what the future holds for him.

No particular challenges in the vineyards in 2013 despite continued drought conditions. Real challenges begin with 2015 and yields being down and therefore fruit prices being up. As for the future, hope to get over to California in January to pour at wineLA’s Stars of Santa Barbara in both Orange County and Beverly Hills, but have yet to solidify that plan. Am also working to expand production on our existing two wines as well as explore adding a Grenache dominant blend and a white Rhône blend (both initially likely only via mailing list).

Today’s Tasting

Workman Ayer 2013 “de facto” red wine, Central Coast

Syrah Grenache Mourvedre (aka GSM blend)

Aromas of black cherry, plum, red roses and a hint of black licorice and black olives.

Flavors included ripe and rich black fruit, green peppercorn, cigar, charred steak, that same hint of black olive and firm tannins. 90 Eve pts. at the first taste, 91 Eve pts. After 10 minutes in my glass. Other scores include: 91 from The Corkscrewer Report, 89 Wine Enthusiast magazine, and 88 from Connoisseurs’ Guide.

Tech Sheet

Vintage

2013 was a warm, dry growing season. In every single month from March through November, valley temperatures were above the historical average and precipitation was below. Thankfully, the rest of the growing season was fairly problem free – no massive heat spikes and less frost problems than normal resulting in a large, but high quality harvest – despite the drought conditions.

Vineyards

30% Los Alamos Syrah, 25% Ballard Canyon Syrah, 25% Santa Ynez Valley Syrah, 10% Los Alamos Grenache, .10% Los Alamos Mourvedre. Production: 100 cases 750 ml.

Winemaking

The bulk of the Syrah was from Los Alamos and was its typical self – big, fat, chewy, smoky. The Ballard Canyon Syrah was off the charts good with nice oak. Then there was some Santa Ynez Valley Syrah. We used two lots – the first pick and the last pick. The first pick was zingy and perfumy, which added a great backbone to the blend. The last pick was dark and brooding, but still nice aromas. It was a nice balance of the two. The Mourvedre was a bit tannic and structured, which was a nice addition. The Grenache was little softer than normal, but loads of nice strawberry. The blend was aged in approximately 40% new French oak for 20 months.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes

Bright, fresh aromas of strawberry, white pepper, anise, smoked meat, caramel and kirsch. Broad, expansive and mouthwatering on the palate, with flavors of sweet raspberry, strawberry, tart plum, earth and semi-sweet chocolate. Very long finish with continuing bright, fresh fruit and rich tannins. Remarkably forward now, but also deep and structured. The ol’ iron fist in a velvet glove!

https://www.workmanayer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WorkmanAyer/

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. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Eve’s Holiday Picks for Wine and Spirit Themed Gifts 2016 Edition

November 25, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Every year I put out a sort of “Eve Picks” for your holiday shopping – well, every year that I remember to do it – as in my own quest for the unique, year after year, I come across a few winners. This is what made my 2016 list:

Look for Trixie and Milo booze-themed gifts at Ma Maison.

CapaBunga Service and Storage for Wine and Cheese: Winemaker Michel Ayer, of Workman Ayer (one of my fave wineries in the Central Coast) said to try anything made by husband and wife Maire Murphy and Walt Averill. I looked into their site based on his recommendation and saw these neat protective and pretty “cheese vaults” for your artisan delicacies, the full line-up of their CapaBunga wine bottle sealers and a new way to identify wine glasses.

Lee’s Wine Bistro: Has the largest local selection of cellared vintage wine for sale.

Ma Maison: Home furnishings for your bar and table take a unique turn at Ma Maison with items I haven’t seen over and over again elsewhere. I’ve bought bar towels, trinkets and the absolutely grandest portable vintage inspired bar: The Madison Table Top Bar that my husband loves showing off. Even better: You can get shopping done here for those dreaded people on your list that don’t imbibe. I also contacted store owner Denise Meyers to find out what was new and she said they have a “great new line called Trixie and Milo. Very cool vintage art look flasks, beer sleeves, wooden trays, cocktail shakers and portable shot glasses. This is a great gift item for Hipsters and the Well seasoned.”

Kym’s Kreations: I’m all in for my friend Kym Cappi’s “Uncorked Kreations”. I’ve got the cork necklace with earrings to match, a framed “Press for wine” wooden plaque and my eye on her personalized barrel staves.

12 Bottle Bar Book: So many reasons to buy this book, for me it was that I knew the local authors, David and Lesley Solmonson, the recipes were pretty easy but extremely unique, and after trying out The Buck Bar for guests its become an oft-requested party pleaser. Here is my review.

Wine 661: Shop owner Tanya Green has always offered a whopping 25% discount for all bottles purchased to take home. She also has plenty of wine themed items to go along with said bottles. I end up getting at least one thing for me and one for a pal.

Valencia Wine Company: Besides ready-to-go chilled still and sparkling wines, and vintage wines, this time of year you can also find the perfect decorative cases to hold them. Check it out.

Cocktail Kingdom: Turned onto this website by Bar Toscana mixologist William Perbellini during a cocktail class, I have purchased my share of killer bar tools from this site. Currently getting my attention are their 3 ounce to 6 ounce coupe glasses for my favorite Manhattan, as well as other vintage-inspired glassware and the “detailed craftsmanship” in their reserve collection.

Wine of the Month Club: Baskets galore in every possible theme, my favorite is for the chocolate lovers as well as some very cool accessories, wines, and, of course, wine club memberships you can buy as a gift.

And my biggest new find this year is a website called Chris’s Stuff that wine friend Kathie Weitzman turned me on to. She had this cute little black purse that had a rhinestone covered wine glass closure. I ordered mine (it’s now sold out!) then couldn’t resist dangling white wine earrings, cocktail napkins and a wine-themed blank card set. Lots more items like nostalgic aprons, coasters, towels, clothing, wine bags, kitchen gadgets all more reasonably priced than I’ve seen before.

Paso 2016: Wine Shine’s Neutral Brandy to Manhattan Project

November 11, 2016 by evebushman 4 Comments

It was great fun to introduce my Associate Publisher at Elite magazine, Amanda Benson, to Paso Robles. She had a fun time and is already itching to go back. And the one big discovery for Amanda: discovering a distillery in the new Tin City wine tasting area: Wine Shine.

Patrick Brooks, owner Wine Shine and Amanda Benson, Associate Publisher Elite Magazine

We were actually entering Clos Solene for an interview I had set up there when we spied Patrick Brooks beckoning to us. That was enough of a hook, and when he invited us to visit with him and try his spirits, we knew where we would head next.

Brooks, the owner of Wine Shine, has one of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen, and we were about to learn – and taste – why. Beginning with some highly acclaimed vineyards, Grenache grapes that would be distilled into neutral brandy and then infused with fresh fruits and/or botanicals and spice, are sourced from giants such as James Berry Vineyard (a 2010 Wine Spectator wine of the year).

Tasting Neutral Brandy to the Manhattan Project

Neutral Brandy

A bit like a fine no-burn tequila and a grappa, this started with James Berry Vineyard Grenache.

Fig Brandy

The Turkish fig infusion flavor reminded me of a super yummy/fresh-out-of-the-package Fig Newton bar. A very unique flavor in a spirit.

Hibiscus Lemon Brandy

Our second to taste and a favorite for both Amanda and me, with flowers from Kauai and lemons from San Luis Obispo, it started out sweet but the lemon balanced the flavor perfectly.

Mango Ginger Black Pepper Brandy

Loved the rich viscosity on the mouth, and the sweet flavor of dried candied mango. Brooks said with a little Ginger Beer and lime he creates a “Paso Mule.”

Burned Orange Brandy

This burned orange peel flavor that had been aged in neutral French oak was an easy drinker with 5% sugar and lingering cool oak at the back palate.

Cinnamon French Oak Brandy

Another that had aged for a time in French oak that I thought would be great for the holidays. Brooks said it would lend itself well with a bit of eggnog or in a Horchata!

Barrel Aged Manhattan Project Brandy

After five months in barrels that not only started with that same James Berry Vineyard Grenache, the barrels also were rolled with Wine Shine’s port wine. With the addition of Vermouth and Bitters – again made at Wine Shine – this new ready-to-go brandy in their Cocktail Series had aromas of candy and toasted marshmallows. Brooks said it only needed to be served over a little ice.

Barrel Aged Manhattan Project Whiskey

This time they used a barrel that had held beer before, and again added in their own Vermouth and Bitters. Loved the hint of cherry and oak on the nose and palate.

About Wine Shine

Wine Shine passionately crafts artisan spirits in the heart of California’s central coast. We use only the finest ingredients sourced locally and organically whenever possible. At Wine Shine, we are committed to blending age-old distillation techniques with innovative nuanced flavors that will entice your palate. Our crew collectively has over a century of experience in mixology, culinary arts, and wine making that shines through in every bottle. We invite you to enjoy our brandy, whiskey, and a variety of small batch spirits that will surely leave your taste buds craving for more.

Website: http://www.wineshine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wine-Shine-313322065516624/

Paso Robles Distillery Trail

Information on all of the member distilleries in Paso Robles, events, contact information and a map can be found here: http://www.pasoroblesdistillerytrail.com/distilleries/

Vintage Eve March 2012: Santa Clarita Wine Fest – Part Deux!

September 27, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

It was a picture perfect day for wine tasting. The pesky wind was held at bay and white wine stayed chilled under the expansive tents while guests collected at tables serving wine, spirits, beer and lots of goodies to pair them with.

Also cool this year was that the event was held at the Bridgeport Marketplace. Guests had the food trucks by day, and by night, so many great restaurants to have dinner in (and sober up!) before driving home: Sabor Cocina Mexicana, Marston’s, SAKE Bistro and Sushi, and Frankie’s NY Italian being some of my favorites.

Faves

The Michael Hoefflin Foundation table had an impromptu raffle set up that few were aware of. For a $10 donation you went home with a $10 bottle of wine…or up to a $100 bottle of wine. Even I bought a ticket. I hope they did well.

The P and the K in P & K Chocolates were charming: Pam Dirickson and Kim Larsen. Serving several different cake bites they were certainly a hit. Reminded me to make the short trip to their Canyon Country store and get a box.

My other personal favorites included Wedell Cellars three Pinot Noirs and one Syrah, B & P Winery’s 08 Merlot, Robert Reyes Chardonnay and White Port, ValBeMar Specialty Coffee, Inception Wines 10 Viognier and Pinot Noirs, Sips Sparkling Cocktails’ Cucumber Mojito, Ventura Limoncello by the shot and in a cocktail, the fun people in the Valencia Cigar Lounge, Rocky Fino, aka “Will Cook for Sex”, The Wine Rack, and the entire lineups from Boutique Sake, JVS Imports for Scotch, Bourbon and Rye, Pacific Edge for Anejo, Tequila and Reposado.

Jenny Ketchepaw on the wine Sexual Chocolate: “I liked the wine, I liked that it’s from San Luis Obispo, I liked the vibe, I liked that it’s young and fresh – great with a chocolate-covered strawberry!”

Kathleen Carson Marquart: “Inception – the purple labeled Pinot.”

Matthew Rungaitis and Christine Andrews: “B & P had the best wines!”

Danielle Whitener: “The Cielo Purple Haze…smoky, and so good!”

Dan and Joanie Warner: “The tequila was great! Our fav wine was Inceptions Viognier…we really liked the limoncello too. Dan did try the scotch.”

Meredith Kent McGowan: “I was impressed with the Malibu hills winery, Cielo!”

Kevin Friend: “Loved the Tempranillo from Witch Creek, also the Roxo Bordeaux blend ‘port’.”

Jacob Stark: “The Firestone Walker Brewery was great.”

Denise Lowe, Fest Sommelier: “It was a crazy day! Everyone was happy, challenges were well-handled and a lotta money was raised for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation. My team worked their butts off and made me look good.”

Seen

Bob Kellar, David Gauny, Chris Shoemaker, Judy Penman, Meredith Kent McGowan, Cheryl Gray, Tim and Jenny Ketchepaw, Danielle Whitener, David Barlavi Lxix, Jacob and Ann Stark, Dave and Patty Williams, Adam Rubenstein, Brandon Drake, Eric Bermudez, Carla Palacios, David Locken, John Dickey and Denise Lowe, Xochitl Maiman, Shawn Burgert, Dan and Joanie Warner, Joe Wehinger, Kai Ellis, Kimberly Rockwell Clark, Kim Larsen and Pam Dirickson, Mark Newman, Barrie Lynn, Shawn Halahmy, Tanya Dickson, Kym Cappi, Patrice Rifkind, Bob Jones and Susie Majesky, Kai Ellis, Julie Edwards-Sanchez, Darrin and Cathy Craig, Dr. Andrew Friend and Jessica Javier, Kathleen Carson Marquart, Matthew Rungaitis and Christine Andrews, Dave Dow and Lisa Hawkins Blowers, Sharon Lindquist, Laurie Rein, Kathy Lockhart, Rob Barnett, Carol Maglione, Mary Bradway, Jim Walker, Shannon Bohte, Yoshi Murakami, Chris Uhde, Qiana Tarlow and Karen Dhillion.

Beverage List

Accolade Brands
Casa Dumetz, Malibu
Cielo Winery, Malibu
Dalton Winery, Israel

Firestone Walker Brewery, Paso Robles
Grizzly Republic, Paso Robles
Grande Cortage, France
Inception Wines, Santa Barbara
JVS Imports, Scotland
Chieftains Aberfeldy 1998 13yr un-chillfiltered
Isle of Skye 12yr
Hart Brothers Tobermory 13yr
Isle of Arran 14yr un-chillfiltered
Isle of Arran Amarone Cask Finish
Caol Ila 1997 St. Etienne Rum Finish 14yr un-chillfiltered
Chieftains Mortlach Cask Strength 1995 16yr 54.2% alc
Benrinnes 1984 26 yr Cask Strength 58.1% alc
Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition
LAWineFest, Los Angeles
Marston’s Restaurant, Santa Clarita
Patel Winery, Napa
Regency Wines, France
Chateau Galiniere cuvee Cengle Cotes de Provence (Rose), France
Chateau d]Eau Pinot Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Languedoc, France
Moillard Cotes du Rhone Red, Les Vilettes, France
Reyes Winery, Agua Dulce
White Port
Riboli Family Wine Estates
San Simeon Winery, Paso Robles
Maddalena Winery, Central Coast
Bodega del Fin del Mundo, Argentina
Alberft Bichot Wines,Burgundy, France
Pasqua Wines, Italy
Sips Sparkling Cocktails, US
Roxo Port Cellars, Paso Robles
Port
San Antonio Winery
SLO Down Wines, Napa
Stanger Vineyards, Paso Robles

Ventura Limoncello Company, Ventura
Vin Village
Carpathian Wines
Vino Kupjen, Slovenia
Bock Prince, Hungary
Ricardus Corculom Winery, Napa
Witch Creek, San Diego
Wedell Cellars, Arroyo Grande

Lifestyle

BevWizard
Cambozola
The Chocolate Traveler
Culinary Brand Management
Diamond Studios
Essence of Jeunesse
Exquisite Handbags with Heart
Glitz N’ Glamour
Gourmet Blends
Green Convergence
Massage Envy Spa
Pacific Monarch Resorts, Inc.
Inside Pandora’s Box

PK’s Chocolates
Somerdale
ValBeMar Coffee
Will Cook for Sex
Wine Spectator
Wine Treasures

Programs

Wines of Italy and Spain
Discover the wines of Italy and Spain with international wine consultant and sommelier ‘Million Dollar Palate’ Mark Newman

Artisanal Cheese & Wine Pairing
The Cheese Impresario will be pairing cheeses from the Artisan Cheesemakers of Wisconsin with three of San Antonio Winery’s finest wines. It will fill up. First come gets the limited number of seats. If you want to learn more about cheese before you experience the Santa Clarita WineFest, check out Barrie Lynn’s show, CHEESE RULES .

The Cheese Impresario will be presenting cheeses from the Artisan Cheesemakers from Wisconsin’s Sartori Family along with the impressive wines from Maddalena Wines and Riboli Family Estate.
Scotch Tasting
Learn about the single malt making process including what separates single malts from blends as well as a scotch from other whiskies. You will try 8 different malts from different regions around Scotland. This class will be hosted by Chris Uhde, Scotch Master for the USS Highland Games Costa Mesa and Brand Ambassador for Impex Beverages and Chieftain Single Cask Whiskies. Chris has over 12 years experience in the Spirits industry. Pouring:
Chieftains Aberfeldy 1998 13yr un-chillfiltered
Isle of Skye 12yr
Hart Brothers Tobermory 13yr
Isle of Arran 14yr un-chillfiltered
Isle of Arran Amarone Cask Finish
Caol Ila 1997 St. Etienne Rum Finish 14yr un-chillfiltered
Chieftains Mortlach Cask Strength 1995 16yr 54.2% alc
Benrinnes 1984 26 yr Cask Strength 58.1% alc

Close Up Magic by Steve Silverman
Featured performer at the Magic Castle will be astounding guests at various locations.

Cello Ristorante & Bar Wins Big at the California Mid-State Fair Mixology Competition

September 1, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Crafted by House Mixologist Andrew Burne, the award-winning cocktail is a delicious mix of rye whiskey, house-infused lemongrass Campari, topped with a lavender and rosemary smoke pillow.

Paso Robles, CA — The first and only luxury resort in Paso Robles Wine Country, the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, AllegrettoResort.com, is pleased to announce that Andrew Burne’s complex and delicious cocktail Heard it Through the Grapevine, placed second at this inaugural “Ultimate Mix-Off” mixology contest at this year’s California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles.

The competition pitted ten of the area’s best mixologists against one another to create a signature cocktail using a spirit from a local distiller. Burne’s cocktail was paired with Highspire’s Rye Whiskey. Burne then mixed it with house-infused lemongrass Campari, sweet Vermouth, fresh flowers plucked from the Allegretto gardens, coffee beans and finished over a lavender and rosemary smoke pillow with a lemongrass straw.

“I wanted to create a complex cocktail that engages the senses by employing what’s in season in Allegretto gardens, like lemongrass, lavender and rosemary,” says Burne. I was honored it was received so well.”

Dedicated to crafting wholly farm-to-bar cocktails, this latest cutting-edge cocktail is just one of the many sensory-enlivening drinks guests can enjoy at the Allegretto’s Cello Ristorante & Bar, along with one of the Central Coast’s most inspired wine lists, which now includes the latest vintages of Allegretto’s own artisan-crafted wine.

For more information on Cello Ristorante & Bar, or the opulent and serenity-inducing Allegretto Vineyard Resort, please contact Linda Sanpei at linda@parkersanpei.com.

ABOUT THE ALLEGRETTO VINEYARD RESORT
At the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, discoveries never end. Inspired by wine country and European hospitality, the Allegretto evokes an Italian vineyard estate on 20 acres of vineyards and fruit-bearing orchards on Paso Robles’ bucolic east side. The property is a world unto itself with 171 guest rooms and suites, locally inspired cuisine, wine bar featuring the resort’s own private wine label among many others, full-service spa, pool, manicured gardens, walking paths, French inspired Abbey, hundreds of antiques, art and artifacts, 12,000-square-foot courtyard and inspired vignettes that invoke that luxury, warmth, and beauty of la bella vita. The Allegretto Vineyard Resort is located at 2700 Buena Vista Drive in Paso Robles, California, 93446. For more information, please visit AllegrettoResort.com or call 805.369.2500.

Santa Barbara Wine Collective Announces Launch of Wine Club

August 14, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

SBWC Features Quarterly Shipment from Babcock, Ca’ del Grevino, Fess Parker, Notary Public and The Paring including Added Perks for Members

The Santa Barbara Wine Collective, located in the Funk Zone, announces the launch of the SBWC Wine Club. This group of like-minded producers – Babcock Winery, Ca’ del Grevino, Fess Parker, Notary Public and The Paring Winery – create their wines from the incomparable terroir of Santa Barbara County, producing spectacular results. The SBWC Wine Club offers members an exceptional wine tasting experience where one can sample and compare different Santa Barbara County wines to be enjoyed at home, for gifting or sharing with friends.

The quarterly deliveries of the SBWC Wine Club showchases a selections from each winery – Babcock Winery, Ca’ del Grevino, Fess Parker, Notary Public and The Paring Winery. Each bottle is picked for its matchless Central Coast style and includes the very latest releases. As an added bonus, members will also receive two complimentary tastings with every visit to the Santa Barbara Wine Collective, in addition to 10% discount on all retail wines in the store.

Membership is $125 / shipment plus tax and applicable shipping (based on delivery zone).

SBWC WINE CLUB

Membership Includes:

Quarterly shipments – 1 bottle from each of Santa Barbara Wine Collective members

Babcock Winery, Ca’ del Grevino, Fess Parker, Notary Public and The Paring Winery

Two Complimentary Tastings each time you visit Santa Barbara Wine Collective

10% off all retail wines at Santa Barbara Wine Collective

Price is $125 / shipment (plus tax and any applicable shipping)

SBWC WINE CLUB MEMBERSHIPS

Currently available

Quarterly Shipments

Pricing is $125 per shipment (plus tax and any applicable shipping).

Call the Santa Barbara Wine Collective for more information: 805.456.2700.

Shipments depart the Santa Barbara Wine Collective on the second week of March, June, September and December or are available for pickup at Santa Barbara Wine Collective. Shipments occasionally delayed due to weather.

The Santa Barbara Wine Collective

www.santabarbarawinecollective.com

131 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101

Enter at Yanonali Street and Helena Avenue

Phone 805.456.2700

ABOUT Santa Barbara Wine Collective:

The Santa Barbara Wine Collective is a group of like-minded producers focusing on the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County. Each winery produces wines of elegance and balance while representing a true sense of place. They feature premium wines, most of which are rarely found outside of the estate properties. As the only tasting room in Santa Barbara County where you can taste wines from five different producers side by side, one learns how different styles, climates and soil compositions directly impact the characteristics of each wine. All of these wines are available in tasting flights, by the glass, and by the bottle. The Santa Barbara Wine Collective has received numerous accolades, including the Santa Barbara Independent, Food & Wine, AFAR, The Guardian, New York, 7×7, Santa Barbara Life & Style and Santa Barbara. The Collective was named among Best Bars in Santa Barbara to Drink by Thrillist in 2015.

Member Wineries: Babcock, Ca’ Del Grevino, Fess Parker, Notary Public and The Paring

For further information on Santa Barbara Wine Collective visit

www.santabarbarawinecollective.com

Become a fan of Santa Barbara Wine Collective on Facebook: wwww.facebook.com/santabarbarawinecollective

Follow Santa Barbara Wine Collective

on Twitter: @SBWineCollectiv

on Instagram: @sbwinecollective