Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley to showcase the best of wine country

September 19, 2019 by evebushman

(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

September 10, 2019 by evebushman

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

August 1, 2019 by evebushman

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

www.santaclarawines.com

Vintage Eve circa 11/2015: Tasting into the Sunset…in the Vineyard 2015

July 9, 2019 by evebushman

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 8^th 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

May 13, 2019 by evebushman

(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

March 25, 2019 by evebushman

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.

America’s Best Wine Festival Returns to One of America’s 10 Best Small Historic Towns: Garagiste Festival Comes to Solvang February 8th – 10th

January 26, 2019 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, Calif. (PRWEB) – The Garagiste Wine Festival, which was named America’s Best Wine Festival by USA Today, returns February 8th – 10th to Solvang, which was named One of America’s 10 Best Small Historic Towns by USA Today. Tickets are now on sale.

This marks the seventh year that the Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure has showcased the wines of some of California’s best small production winemakers in one of California’s most charming small towns, which is celebrating its 107th anniversary this year. Solvang is in the heart of the renowned Santa Ynez Valley wine country, just north of picturesque Santa Barbara, California.

“America’s best wine festival meets one of America’s best historic small towns for the seventh year in a row…what could make for a better wine country weekend?” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick. “There is a special place in our hearts for Solvang, and for the amazing small production winemakers who pour at this venue. Solvang, and the beautiful Veteran’s Memorial Hall, lend such a charming and intimate setting for attendees to chat and taste with the winemakers and owners who will be pouring their hard-to-find wines. We love the diversity of the wines poured here, with multiple micro-climates, grape varieties and innovative blends represented.”

Over 40 winemakers from Santa Barbara County and across California converge at Solvang’s Mission-style Veterans’ Memorial Hall to pour over 150 wines over three days of events which include the continuation of the festival’s ‘Original Garagiste’ seminars, moderated by Garagiste Festival Co-founder and KRUSH radio host, Stewart McLennan, and, this year, featuring Central Coast winemaking legend Ken Brown of Ken Brown Wines.

“We are proud to lead off our main event with a one-on-one discussion and tasting with Ken Brown – a true original ‘garagiste’ many years before micro-production winemaking became a movement,” said McLennan. “Ken was one of the first to recognize the cool climate potential of this region back in the 70s and to craft delicious wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay right here in Santa Barbara. We are looking forward to an informative and inspiring conversation as we taste some of his delicious wines.”

Brown, whose Ken Brown Wines focuses on very small lots of Pinot Noir from the finest vineyards of Sta. Rita Hills, is recognized as one of Santa Barbara County’s pioneering winemakers and innovators. Not only was he among the first vintners to realize the tremendous promise for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Santa Barbara County, but he was also the first winemaker to introduce the Syrah grape, as well as Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, to the region. He was founding winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery and spent 20-years at Byron Vineyard and Winery which later sold to the Robert Mondavi family. In this seminar, attendees will learn how he helped shape the Santa Barbara wine scene and why he ultimately returned to small-lot winemaking.

The Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure 2019 kicks off on Friday, February 8th from 6:30-9:00pm with the very popular “No Repeats, Rare & Reserve,” where attendees can get up close and personal with the winemakers as they share limited Club Only, Library and Pre-Release bottles and Barrel samples, and enjoy a BBQ buffet from local favorite Tim’s BBQ. On Saturday, the seminar with Ken Brown, “Original Garagistes: A Deep Dive & Tasting,” runs from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm and includes a Wine Country boxed lunch (VIP/Weekend pass ticket holders only). The day continues with the main event, the Grand Tasting, from 2-5pm showcasing over 40 winemakers pouring 150+ wines and 20+ unique varieties. All tickets include unlimited tastes, complimentary cheese and charcuterie and a souvenir Stolzle crystal wine glass – plus a Silent Auction full of enticing wine packages which benefits The Garagiste Scholarship at Cal Poly. On Sunday, Garagiste Passport Day returns, offering discounts and special offers to festival attendees at area wineries.

The festival also announced that it will return to Sonoma California for its 2nd Annual Sonoma Garagiste Festival the weekend of April 13, 2019. Said Minnick: “We are very excited to return to Northern California in April. The reception we received last year was fantastic and we already have an exciting group of No Cal micro-production wineries signed up. Stay tuned!”

Dubbed “tasting nirvana”, ‘strange and wondrous’, and “one not to miss” by the LA Times, the Garagiste Festival is renowned for its renegade spirit, passionate winemakers, handcrafted wines and rules-breaking, ‘no snobs allowed’ ethos. Launched in Paso Robles in 2011, the festival features the wines of commercial garagiste* winemakers who make under 1500 cases at festivals across California, including Solvang, Sonoma, Los Angeles and Paso Robles. Over 350 different wineries have poured over 3,000 wines for over 10,000 wine lovers at Garagiste Festivals since inception and the festival has raised over $125K in support of The Garagiste Scholarship at Cal Poly.

For full Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure 2019 schedule details, go to http://californiagaragistes.com/2019-syv-fest/

Tickets are very limited and Garagiste Festivals always sell out. To buy tickets, go to: https://bit.ly/2Bcs0ck. For breaking festival news and special discounts, sign-up for our free newsletter, The Dirt at http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up/ or follow us on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook.

Among the over 40 winemakers already scheduled to pour are:
Ascension Cellars, Bodega de Edgar, Bolshoi Family Wines*, Cloak & Dagger Wines, Copia Vineyards, Cordon Wines, Cutruzzola Vineyards, D. Volk Wines, Dascomb Cellars, Hoi Polloi Winery, Kaleidos Winery, Kimsey Vineyards*, Lepiane Wines, Metrick Wines, Montemar Winery, RF Fine Wines*, Ryan Cochrane Wines, Sycamore Ranch, Temperance Cellars*, Tercero Wines and Westerly Wines.*

*First time pouring at the Solvang Festival.

Sponsors include:
AEB, California Winery Advisor, City of Santa Ynez Valley, Digital Dogma, Distinctive Glassware, ETS Laboratories, Farm Credit West, Glenn Burdette, G3 Enterprises, Hamlet Inn, The Hanover Insurance Group, House of Copper, Laffort U.S.A., mWEBB Communications, Wine Industry Insight, Wine Reach App, WiVi Central Coast Conference & Tradeshow.

For sponsorship info, email info(at)garagistefestival.com.

About The Garagiste Wine Festival
The Garagiste Wine Festival (http://www.garagistefestival.com), named the ‘Best Wine Festival in the US in 2018 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards, is the first and only wine festival dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized American artisan ‘garagiste’ producers who are making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot production wines in the world. Founded by fellow garagistes Stewart McLennan and Douglas Minnick, the Garagiste Festivals are committed to discovering the best and most innovative limited-production winemakers and promoting and showcasing them to a broad audience of discerning wine consumers. In addition to its flagship annual festival in Paso Robles, CA, the Garagiste Festival line-up includes Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure, featuring Santa Ynez Valley garagistes; the Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, in Los Angeles; the Garagiste Festival, Northern Exposure, in Sonoma; winemaker dinners, a newsletter, garagiste profiles and more.

In addition to being named the US’ Best Wine Festival, the Garagiste Festival was named one of the ‘Top Nine Incredible Epicurean Vacations’ in the world by ABC News, * “one of the premier wine events of the year,” by the LA Times and “Best Festival” by Sunset Magazine’s ‘Best of the West.’ The festivals are produced by Garagiste Events, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the education of future winemakers and those training for employment within the wine industry. Proceeds from the festivals support the Garagiste Festival Scholarship fund of the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo Wine and Viticulture Department.

*Garagistes (garage-east) is a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their “garages” (anything considered not a chateau), who refused to follow the “rules,” and is now a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world. The Garagiste Festivals were the first to shine a light on the American garagiste winemaker in 2011.

Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks is back and better than ever

January 23, 2019 by evebushman

(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — An additional week and a fresh mix of participating restaurants, wineries, and lodging options promises to make the 2019 Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks the best yet.

Set for Jan. 27-Feb. 10, the 2019 Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks returns for a ninth consecutive year by once again enticing food lovers from near and far with special pricing and the same farm-to-table fare that has long made this Central Coast wine country destination a haven for foodies. For just $20.19, all are invited to savor specially curated three-course tasting menus from the Valley’s top dining establishments.

The most noticeable difference this year, though, is that the Santa Ynez Valley’s annual celebration of local food has been extended from one week to two at the request of diners and restaurateurs alike.

“We continually heard from local restaurants and from diners that the only way to improve Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks is to offer more of it,” said Shelby Sim, President/CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “The event has been successful from year one, expanding well beyond what can be fit into just one week. It is exciting to continue to see it grow.”

Blessed with an abundance of imaginative local chefs, deep agricultural roots, and a collaborative culinary scene, dining in the fertile Santa Ynez Valley is an attraction all to itself and a perfect pairing with the region’s world-class wines. The region’s cuisine is unique and diverse, ranging from traditional Scandinavian feasts to contemporary and innovative fare.

Representing each of the Santa Ynez Valley’s six distinct communities, 32 restaurants will participate in Restaurant Weeks in 2019. In addition to the offerings of the Valley’s restaurants, many Santa Ynez Valley wineries will offer wine and small bite pairings in their tasting rooms for $20.19. And special lodging deals are available at hotels throughout the Valley.

Dates of participation vary by establishment, but this year’s list of participating restaurants, wineries, and lodging properties includes:

Ballard
The Ballard Inn & Gathering Table, 2436 Baseline Ave., 800-638-2466

Buellton
Campfire Café at Flying Flags R V Resort & Campground, 180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton, 805-688-3716
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.,45 Industrial Way, 805-694-2252
Firestone Walker Brewing Co., 620 McMurray Rd., 805-697-4777
Hitching Post II, 406 E Hwy 246, 805-688-0676
Industrial Eats, 181 Industrial Way, 805-688-8807
La Tequila Mexican Restaurant, 35 W. Highway 26, 805-697-7776
Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Road, 805-688-1000

Los Alamos
Full of Life Flatbread, 225 Bell St., 805-344-4400
Norman, 9150 US Highway 101, 805-344-0080
Pico at The Los Alamos General Store, 458 Bell St., 805-344-1122
Plenty on Bell, 508 Bell St., 805-344-3020
Valle Fresh, 380 Bell St., 805-865-2282

Los Olivos
The Bear & Star, 2860 Grand Ave, 805-686-1359
Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, 2879 Grand Ave., 805-688-7265

Santa Ynez
The Lucky Hen Larder, 1095 Meadowvale Rd., 805-691-9448
S.Y. Kitchen, 1110 Faraday St., 805-691-9794
Trattoria Grappolo, 3687 Sagunto St., 805-688-6899
Willows Restaurant & Bar, 3400 E. Highway 246, 805-686-0855

Solvang
Cecco Ristorante, 475 1st St., 805-688-8880
First & Oak, 409 1st St., 805-688-1703
Fresco Valley Café, 442 Atterdag Rd., 805-688-8857
Hill Haven Provisions, 448 Atterdag Rd., 805-691-9025
Hummingbird Restaurant, 453 Atterdag Rd., 805-403-7100
Leonardo’s Ristorante, 632 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805-686-0846
Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant & Take Out, 1992 Old Mission Dr., 805-693-2994
Mad & Vin at The Landsby, 1576 Mission Dr., 805-688-3121
River Grill at The Alisal, 150 Alisal Rd., 805-688-7784
Root 246, 420 Alisal Rd., 805-686-8681
Solvang Brewing Co., 1547 Mission Dr., 805-688-2337
Succulent Café Wine Charcuterie, 1555 Mission Dr., 805-691-9444
Toscana Pizzeria, 485 Alisal Road #163, 805-697-7445

Wineries
Alma Rosa Winery, 181-C Industrial Way, Buellton, 805-691-9395
Hitching Post Wines, 420 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 805-688-0676
Kalyra Winery, 343 N Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez, 805-693-8864
Loring Wine Company, 201-B Industrial Way, Buellton, 805-691-1300
Pence Vineyards & Winery, 1909 W. Highway 246, Buellton, 805-735-7000
Roblar Winery & Vineyards, 3010 Roblar Ave., Santa Ynez, 805-686-2603
Sunstone Winery, 125 N. Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez, 805-688-9463

Lodging
Flying Flags R V Resort & Campground, 180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton, 805-688-3716
Hampton Inn & Suites Buellton/Santa Ynez Valley, 600 McMurray Rd., Buellton, 805-686-1555
King Frederik Inn, 1617 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang, 805-688-5515
The Landsby, 1576 Mission Dr., 805-688-3121
New Haven Inn, 271 Alisal Rd., Solvang, 805-618-8541
Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn, 51 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 800-732-7687
Santa Ynez Inn, 3627 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805-688-5588
Sideways Inn, 114 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 805-688-8448

Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week menus do not include tax, tip, or beverages, and reservations are strongly encouraged. For the latest updates on Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks, including menus and dining hours, visit www.DineSYV.com.

First Augmented Reality (AR) Wine Application in Santa Barbara Wine Country Launched

December 27, 2018 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) – Augmented Island Studios’ CEO, Enrique Sánchez-Rivera, wanted to enhance the wine tasting room experience with augmented reality. Chase Carhartt, from Carhartt Vineyard, has always believed in the value of ground-breaking new technology, especially when it pertains to member interaction. He quickly partnered up with Augmented Island Studios to build Carhartt Vineyard AR – the first ever wine augmented reality experience in the Santa Ynez Valley – Santa Barbara, California’s coastal wine region.

“The wine tasting experience, whether at home or in a tasting room, hasn’t changed in ages, and Carhartt Vineyard AR brings entertainment, interactivity and an additional informational tool to Carhartt Vineyard’s wine club members and fans all across the nation.” – Enrique Sanchez-Rivera, CEO of Augmented Island Studios explained.

Upon launching the Carhartt Vineyard AR app, which you can download through the Apple App Store, a beautiful flyover scene of Carhartt Vineyard’s stunning 11 Oaks Vineyard passes by. The app then instructs you to find a flat surface where you can place the vineyard’s logo in order to click on it. Once you click, an ultra realistic 3D modeled bottle of Carhartt’s 2015 Estate Sangiovese appears right in front of you! You then get to explore different “floating” icons around the bottle and learn about the Sangiovese varietal, Carhartt’s 2015 vintage, and the history of the ranch. Try taking the cork off the bottle with your finger and you will be thrilled to see cherries and rose petals coming out in representation of the wine’s tasting notes while the cork hovers right above the bottle. Don’t forget to put the cork back in its place though!

When asked why a small craft operation like Carhartt Vineyard would be interested in developing an augmented reality experience, Chase explained, “Carhartt Vineyard exists to connect to people and we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to achieve this mission. I hope users have fun using the app and experiencing AR technology, and most importantly get excited to drink our coveted Estate Sangiovese year after year.”

Click here to download Carhartt Vineyard’s new AR app:
Carhartt Vineyard AR

About Carhartt Vineyard:

Carhartt Vineyard is family owned and operated since the early 1950s. The Carhartt’s sell 100% of their wine directly to the consumer which allows them to focus entirely on their farming, winemaking, and guest experiences. You can find the wines in their tasting room in Los Olivos, California, or on their website at http://www.carharttvineyard.com.

About Augmented Island Studios:

Augmented Island Studios is an augmented reality and virtual reality development studio based in California and with development offices in Cali, Colombia. They specialize in offering AR and VR applications at a better value than US or European developers. http://www.augmentedislandstudios.com

Paso Robles Award Winning Estate Winery Holds Second Annual Harvest Dinner

November 22, 2018 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, Calif. (PRWEB) – Paso Robles award winning estate winery, Allegretto Vineyards and Wines, held the second annual Harvest Dinner on October 19, 2018. This was an opportunity for the community to help the winery celebrate its harvest and meet the winemaker, Allen Kinne.

Photo: Allegretto Vineyards and Wines Facebook page

The evening began with hors d’euvres at sunset and concluded with live music under the stars on the Piazza Magica. Executive Chef Justin Picard prepared a culinary experience as the highlight of the evening. In celebration of the harvest, Allegretto poured their award-winning small lot, single vineyard and Allegretto estate wines.

The combined talents of winemaker Kinne and Chef Picard promised a magical evening of excellent wine, food, and good company.

Alan Kinne has been working with Allegretto Vineyards owner, Douglas Ayers, for the past six harvests, guiding the hand-picking harvest from all of the Allegretto vineyards and producing Allegretto’s award-winning Paso Robles estate wines. Kinne was the original winemaker at Horton Vineyards and helped launch Chrysalis Vineyards, both in Virginia, until leaving for Paso Robles in 1999. His winemaking career started in 1977 with Tabor Hill Winery in Michigan. Since then his career has taken him from Michigan to Virginia, to Paso Robles and Oregon and back to Paso Robles. Kinne is widely credited for introducing the Albariño grape to the Central Coast after planting the vines in Virginia in 1996.

Chef Justin Picard is the executive chef for Allegretto resort’s farm-to-table Mediterranean-inspired Cello Ristorante and Bar. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Picard has worked in some of the most renowned kitchens in San Francisco and Aspen. His extensive career has led to opportunities overseas, two guest appearances at the James Beard House in New York, and participation in some of the nation’s most celebrated food and wine events.

The turnout for the evening was greater than expected and set the stage for future winemaker dinners and events. All of the wines poured during the evening are available from the Allegretto Vineyards tasting room.

The wine menu at the Allegretto Vineyard and Wines tasting room include flights presenting estate white and rosé wines, and estate Malbec, Tannat, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Four different flights of award-winning wine are available. A special tasting room food menu from Allegretto Resort’s Cello Ristorante & Bar can be enjoyed with a bottle of wine in the family-friendly courtyard.

Allegretto Vineyard & Wines
2700 Buena Vista Dr., #101
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 369-2526