Eve's Wine 101

FROM VINE TO GLASS: DISCOVERING THE ESSENCE OF STA. RITA HILLS WINERIES

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Lompoc, CA –  The enchanting world of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a picturesque wine region along California’s Central Coast welcomes wine lovers from near and far. Embark on a delightful journey uncovering the trifecta of wine areas that make this region truly special: the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, the Midtown Wineries, and the Sta. Rita Hills Wineries. Diverse, exquisite flavors await as we delve into the thriving wine scene of this unique and esteemed appellation. So, grab a glass and join us as we unravel the vinicultural treasures of Sta. Rita Hills.


THE LOMPOC WINE GHETTO

Located off Pacific Coast Highway 1 and 12th Street, the Lompoc Wine Ghetto stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Sta. Rita Hills winemakers. This unassuming industrial complex, once a collection of dilapidated warehouses, has been transformed into a hub of winemaking excellence. Step inside the Wine Ghetto, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a labyrinth of tasting rooms and production facilities, each housing a different winery eager to share its unique creations. From boutique family-owned operations to renowned industry vintages, the Lompoc Wine Ghetto offers a treasure trove of diverse wines to tantalize every palate.

Notable Wine Ghetto tasting rooms include the organic and sustainably farmed Chanin Wine, the women-owned Fiddlehead Cellars, and Ampelos Cellars which was the first vineyard in the US to be certified as 100% sustainable, certified organic and biodynamic. Montemar is a particularly fun stop with small lot, hand-crafted Rhone and Burgundy varietals and a large outdoor patio with games.

The collection of boutique tasting rooms is open Fridays – Sundays, with some open Thursdays and Mondays.

LOMPOC MIDTOWN WINERIES

Sprinkled throughout midtown in Lompoc, the Midtown Wineries offer a delightful blend of history, character, and exceptional wine. You’ll discover a collection of quaint tasting rooms and wineries, each with its own unique story to tell.

Within Lompoc’s midtown wineries, several notable names shine brightly, showcasing their prowess and distinct styles. One such winery is the acclaimed, artisanal winery, Longoria Wines, which has produced wine from some of the finest vineyards in Santa Barbara County since 1982. The family-owned Civilization Wine Company winery stands out for its rich history and multi-generational winemaking tradition, imparting a sense of heritage and authenticity to every bottle. Brewer-Clifton is another standout, consistently earning the highest praise for producing outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Each notable midtown winery offers a unique perspective, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the craftsmanship, passion, and unwavering commitment to quality that defines Sta. Rita Hills winemaking.

STA. RITA HILLS WINERIES

Just minutes from Lompoc, a spectacular collection of award-winning vineyards and estate wineries awaits! The Sta. Rita Hills vineyards stretch along the Lompoc valley and include many prestigious vineyards whose varietals consistently receive 91+ or higher ratings from Wine Spectator Magazine.

One such vineyard, the Hilt Estate is known for its pinot noirs, chardonnays, cabernet sauvignon and syrahs as well as its breathtaking location, beautifully restored “Barn” tasting room and stunning valley views. Another noteworthy vineyard is the small-lot Spear Vineyards & Winery with a new tasting room in the property’s 1920s historic remodeled dairy barn and panoramic vineyard views from the seated outdoor patio. Other popular wineries include Dierberg-Starlane Vineyard, which has been consistently ranked amongst the highest quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California, Sanford Winery & Vineyards where you can enjoy an ATV tour of the vineyards, and Foley Estates with a 3,500 square-foot tasting room, tasting terraces and private event center.

These notable Sta. Rita Hills vineyards are not only cherished by winemakers but are also beloved by wine enthusiasts who seek wines that capture the unique spirit of this remarkable wine-growing region. Whether you’re drawn to the innovative techniques, the breathtaking settings, or the captivating stories behind these wineries, they all share a common thread: a commitment to producing exceptional wines that embody the essence of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation.

Plan your visit to soak in the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of the Lompoc Valley and create lasting memories in our charming wine destination.

Readers looking for more information go to ExploreLompoc.com

Perlises Pick: Thacher Winery dinner at Tam O’Shanter

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We recently wrote about a wine dinner at Tam O’Shanter restaurant featuring Carol Shelton Wines that we were unfortunately unable to attend. At the time, we had resolved to do our best to make it to the next wine dinner at The Tam, and that opportunity came sooner than expected when Tam O’Shanter paired up with Thacher Winery of Paso Robles.

Michelle and Sherman Thacher discovered the Kentucky Ranch in what is now the Adelaida AVA of Paso Robles in 2003 when they attended a wedding there. They ended up buying the property soon thereafter and Thacher Winery officially opened in 2008, in time for their fourth harvest. The focus is primarily on Rhone varietals and Zinfandel from a combination of estate and purchased fruit. We’ve tasted and enjoyed the Thacher wines at events but have not yet visited the winery.

It is always an eye-opening and palate-gratifying reminder what a talented executive chef such as The Tam’s JC Salazar can do when using his expertise to create dishes to pair with selected wines. An added bonus was having Tony Quealy, Thacher Winery’s General Manager, available to discuss the wines and the winery.

Here is the menu with our comments in italics:

Lemon Hamachi Crudo – fennel, cucumber, apple-pear, watermelon radish, aguachile, smoked salt paired with 2021 Own Rooted Chenin Blanc – Shell Creek Vineyard, Highlands District, Paso Robles AVA.

First of all, kudos for using Chenin Blanc, a much overlooked grape these days. Even more kudos for using grapes from a vineyard planted in 1972. With a lemon and apricot nose, it was crisp and clean with grapefruit notes. Moderate acidity and body and very well balanced with a medium to long finish. The wine was a perfect accompaniment to the refreshing and complex crudo and was perfectly timed to the hot-day segueing into a pleasantly cool evening.    

Lamb, Lavender & Plums – New Zealand Lamb Rack, Romanesco succotash, plum chutney, lavender honey paired with 2019 Constant Variable – Central Coast.

Is there a better pairing with lamb than Rhone varietals? We think not. In this case, the wine was a blend of 37% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 12% Mourvedre, 7% Cinsaut, 7% Counoise and 2% Viognier. Tony referred to this as Thacher’s flagship wine. The deep burgundy/maroon wine presented with dark, ripe stone fruit and a hint of white pepper on the nose. There were spicy notes from the Counoise along with a hint of baking spices. Extremely well balanced in body and acidity with added freshness from the Cinsaut. The mouthfeel was full and the finish was long. All the varietals were barreled separately except for the co-fermented Syrah and Viognier. The richness of the lamb with the chutney and honey proved to be both sweet and savory and this wine helped to bring out these aspects.

Certified Angus NY Strip – potato fondant, glazed Globe carrots, asparagus ribbons, shiitake demi paired with 2018 Original Copy – Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA.

As lamb pairs with Rhone varietals, beef pairs with Bordeaux varietals. In this case, a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Franc combine to make a wine that is deep, dark, rich burgundy in color with aromas of ripe plum. Nicely structured and medium-bodied, with earthy and smoky nuances and a medium to long finish. The bold flavors of the perfectly cooked steak dipped in the demi went hand in hand with the Bordeaux blend.

Olive Oil Cake – macerated cherries, almond brittle, Fosselman’s vanilla ice cream paired with 2020 Working Holiday, Cass Vineyard Red, Paso Robles Geneseo District, Paso Robles AVA.

The dessert was not overly sweet and was delightful with this fruit forward wine from the renowned Cass vineyard on the east side of Paso Robles. A combination of 54% Syrah, 37% Grenache and 9% Mourvedre, this Rhone blend and lively, ripe raspberry on the nose and followed through with the same on the palate. A perfect way to end a perfect dinner, leaving you satisfied and looking forward to the next time.

In addition to greatly enjoying our dinner, we learned a few things about Thacher Winery from GM Tony Quealy. Production is about 5,000 cases, of which about 65% is Estate. Estate growth is being expanded, including plantings of Mencia, a red grape grown in Spain and Portugal, as well as a mixed white field blend. The logo for Thacher Winery is a grasshopper, based on the Thacher family crest going back to Sherman’s English heritage. And shortly after we attended the dinner, we learned that Brenna Hill had been promoted from Cellar Lead to Assistant Winemaker at Thacher.

We want to thank Tam O’Shanter management and staff for an excellent dinner, both in food and service. We have never felt better taken care of. We are looking forward to the next wine dinner to see what imaginative dishes Executive Chef JC will come up with, although we will definitely be revisiting Tam O’Shanter before then. And the Thacher Winery and Vineyard will be on our agenda the next time we are in Paso Robles, one of our absolute favorite stomping grounds.

Thacher Winery & Vineyard

www.thacherwinery.com

8355 Vineyard Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446

The Tam O’Shanter Restaurant

www.lawrysonline.com/tam-o-shanter

2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Pick, Stomp And Sip at ONX Wines Harvest Weekend

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Paso Robles, California – ONX Wines & Vineyards has announced they will be holding its first ever Harvest Experience Weekend on October 6th & 7th.

Guests will step into the Winemaker’s shoes for the day and begin to learn the winemaking process.

The hands-on weekend will take place at ONX’s certified sustainable estate vineyard located in the Paso Robles AVA. “At ONX we focus on finding a balance in the vineyard and a balance with nature.” Director of Winegrowing, Jeff Strekas. The vineyard team is continuously working towards this end and carries a long-term goal of completing certification for organic farming.

Keeping it local, the weekend kicks off with a welcome reception at the craft eatery, Taste in Paso Robles. The next morning, it’s time to rise and shine and head over to the vineyard. Guests will immerse themselves in the Central Coast’s harvest season, where they will be educated on how to pick the optimum fruit with Jeff Strekas. Collecting grapes from the vines and stomping them will further engage guests in the winemaking process and truly give them an understanding ‘from vine to glass’. Finally, it’s time to partake in the fruits of their labor and enjoy wine and a continental brunch while relaxing among the vines. “Guests will get a feel for the vineyard and learn about ONX’s different grape varieties, determine when they are ready for harvest, and the art of harvesting grapes by hand. Not to mention, they’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery and can taste some award-winning wines along the way!” Happy Saunders, Event Manager.

Ticket’s for ONX’s Harvest Experience weekend can be purchased at ONXwines.com

ONX Wines is a certified sustainable Paso Robles winery & farmstead with a 127-acre vineyard located in the dynamic Paso Robles AVA. It is planted with 19 distinct varieties & numerous clones. Our wines are expressive yet balanced blends that reflect the vineyard estate and its complex alluvium soil.

Media onxwines.com @onxwines

Review: Robert Hall 2021 Cavern Select Sparkling Grenache Blanc

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Did you know that Robert Hall in Paso Robles makes a Sparkling wine, made from 100% Grenache Blanc, and is super amazing? I do! When I received my bottle for review I invited a few guests over to taste it with me and we agreed: yummy! There is a lot of technical information below from the winery, but let me share some of our collective tasting notes first:

A plethora of aromas were found by our group that included crisp green apple, fresh pear slices, lemon zest, cheddar and a clean sidewalk after the rain. On the palate we noted lemon-lime, kiwi, more juicy apple, fruit cocktail and cantaloupe melon. The general consensus was that the wine was very clean and fresh tasting, and the tiny bubbles that raced to the top reminded me of reverse fireworks that fall from the sky. We enjoyed the wine with hard cheeses, summer sausage and a chutney relish.

Haven’t visited the winery on 46 East in a few years, now we (my friends in this tasting and those reading our notes) have an excuse to visit again!

From Robert Hall

There is a new summer sparkling in town and it’s fire hazard free! Robert Hall’s 2021 Cavern Select Sparkling Grenache Blanc (SRP $40) is the quintessential summer wine…

Crafted in the heart of Paso Robles, on the Central coast of California by seasoned winemaker Amanda Gorter, this fine bubbly is produced using méthode champenoise. This centuries-honored winemaking technique allows the wine to undergo a second round of fermentation in the bottle with new yeast and sugar to create those magical bubbles. This labor-intensive process requires daily quarter-turning of each bottle, a technique known as riddling, also originating from the Champagne region of France. To ensure every bottle is riddled to bubbly perfection, it undergoes an extensive 11 month second fermentation to produce a balanced and mature brut (very dry) sparkling wine.

Bubbles aside, another important factor contributing to the overall balance and uniqueness of the wine is the grape varietal Amanda chose to use. The 2021 Sparkling Grenache Blanc is composed of 100% Grenache Blanc grapes, a variety originating from northern Spain. This variety contains the ideal amount of acidity desired to produce a dry sparkling like this. The warm growing conditions of Paso Robles results in an excellent concentration of flavors that truly stand out and work harmoniously with the carbonation. Though Grenache Blanc is rising in popularity amongst US growers it is still considered a unique grape in the states, especially in the case of a sparkling wine. 

https://www.roberthallwinery.com/

https://www.instagram.com/roberthallwinery/

https://www.facebook.com/RobertHallWinery

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Bien Nacido Vineyards Marks 50th Anniversary With Opening of Estate Tasting Room

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SANTA MARIA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — The Miller family, a multi-generational farming family who has been farming California’s Central Coast for over 150 years, is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bien Nacido Vineyards — widely known as one of the most respected vineyards in the United States. Commemorating this milestone, the family is thrilled to debut a brand-new hospitality center, The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido, allowing guests to experience this historic estate and its wines like never before.

Situated on the land of a Spanish Land Grant from the early 1800s, formerly known as Rancho Tepusquet, Bien Nacido was planted by brothers Bob and Steve Miller in 1973, who set out to develop a vineyard that would be acknowledged as one of the highest quality vineyards in the world. They named it Bien Nacido, which means “well born” in Spanish, signifying the passion and commitment they shared in bringing this vineyard to life.

Home to the first cool-climate Syrah grapes on the Central Coast, Bien Nacido has a long history of producing distinctive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah wines from the Santa Maria Valley AVA, where its high elevation, shale and rocky soils, cooling ocean influences and meticulous farming work together to make Bien Nacido the exceptional site that it is.

Today, the 650-acre vineyard — named one of the Top 5 California Vineyards by the Wall Street Journal, one of 10 Vineyards Behind the World’s Most Famous Wines by Wine Enthusiast, and #1 on the list of the 10 Best Vineyards in California by Food & Wine — continues to be one of the most highly sought-after sources for cool-climate Burgundian and Rhone grapes by some of California’s most esteemed producers. Wines designated with Bien Nacido Vineyard regularly receive exceptional 95+ scores and accolades, including most recently from the prestigious critic, Jeb Dunnuck, who gave Paul Lato’s 2018 il Padrino Syrah from Bien Nacido Vineyard the highest honor of 100 points.

“When my father and uncle planted the vineyard in 1973, they recognized its potential for greatness,” says Nicholas Miller, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President. “During a time when many vintners focused on quantity over quality, they led with their shared belief that Santa Maria’s distinctive terroir would impart unique characteristics into the wines, and put quality at the forefront of their efforts. Throughout those early years, years pointed by hard work, passion and farming with intention, they helped this vineyard become one of the strongest vineyard sites in California, and today, 50 years later, we are continually impressed by the vitality of this site. We’re proud to look back on the rich history of Bien Nacido, yet we look forward to the years ahead, as we firmly believe the best is yet to come from this distinctive estate.”

In celebration of Bien Nacido’s 50th anniversary, the Miller family is excited to reveal The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido, the new tasting room for its official estate program, Bien Nacido Estate, which features wines from both Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Vineyards. Opening Memorial Day weekend, guests are invited to experience the magic of this exclusive property through The Gatehouse’s thoughtful collection of tasting experiences and tours, which allow visitors the rare opportunity to explore Bien Nacido Estate’s acclaimed wines just steps from where the grapes are grown.

“In celebration of our vineyard’s Golden Anniversary, the opening of The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido marks a new chapter in Bien Nacidos’ history of excellence,” shares Nicholas Miller, “and commemorates the strength and quality of this special place for the next fifty years to come. We can’t wait to welcome guests to experience it all in person very soon.”

The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido opened its doors on May 25, 2023, and will be open for tastings Thursday through Monday from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm. Reservations are not required but are encouraged.

To learn more, please visit www.biennacidoestate.com.

About Bien Nacido Vineyards

Bien Nacido Vineyards is owned and operated by the Miller family, a multi-generational farming family and owners of the industry-leading The Thornhill Companies. The Thornhill Companies includes the prestigious Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Estates, Miller Family Wine Company and Thornhill Ranches. Miller Family Wine Company manages national branded wine labels, including Butternut, J. Wilkes, optik, Ballard Lane, Smashberry, Barrel Burner, Volunteer, Hand on Heart and Reciprocity wines, in addition to control label brands for prominent retailers across the U.S. and the French Camp vineyard in Paso Robles.

Perlises Pick Stolpman Vineyards

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With annual production of about 50,000 cases, Stolpman Vineyards might seem like a large winery compared to many of the others in Santa Barbara County, but the reality is that it is fairly small relative to the big corporate producers. Still, we were wondering why this winery that produces a wide variety of excellent wines including a great selection of Rhone varietals that are right in our wheelhouse, had not attracted our attention enough to pay them a visit until now. Of course, we had enjoyed their wines at various events and Eve had visited them some time ago, but for us not to have paid them a visit yet was definitely our loss.

The answer might lie in the history of the property.

Tom and Marilyn Stolpman acquired the land in 1990 in what is now the Ballard Canyon AVA. For years, most of the excellent grapes grown under the care of legendary vineyard manager Ruben Solorzano were sold to other wineries, while Tom continued with his law practice in Southern California. It wasn’t until Tom and Marilyn’s son Pete left his wine distributor employer to focus full time on the winery in 2009 did the business model change to keep most of the grapes for production. And demand took off, so production had to keep up. We had not spent much time in the area during this surge, so we missed the excitement. We’re glad to have rectified that.

Stolpman Vineyards is a true family operation. Tom and Marilyn are still involved. Pete’s wife Jessica, who he met at the aforementioned wine distributor, runs California’s wholesale market.  Ruben’s wife Maria is also involved in Stolpman Vineyards day-to-day operations.

The family treatment extends to Stolpman’s workers as well. Stolpman Vineyards not only employs its workers full-time and year-round, but these workers get to enjoy the profits of wines made with the La Cuadrilla label designations.

Of course, without the efforts of head winemaker Kyle Knapp and assistant winemaker Matt Nocas, none of this would matter.

A fairly new member of the Stolpman Vineyards “family” is Nicole McAllister. Nicole’s story might sound familiar to many who experienced difficulties during the pandemic. When the shutdowns hit in March 2020, Nicole had to leave her sommelier position at the acclaimed Jean-Georges restaurant in New York and ended up heading about as far west as possible to the Santa Ynez Valley. She brought her expertise to Stolpman where she has created a private tasting program in the vineyard.

On the day that we were scheduled to meet with Nicole at the vineyard, the threat of rain was hanging over us. Fortunately, the wine gods were smiling and we were able to keep our scheduled appointment with Nicole and her assistant, Rye.

Nicole tasted us through several wines…

2022 Love You Bunches Rose – Central Coast.  Blend of Grenache and Mourvedre.  Citrus notes. Effervescent with a kiss of sweetness on the finish.  From Stolpman’s “So Fresh” line of wines.

2020 L’avion Estate Blanc – Ballard Canyon AVA.  Roussanne aged in new French oak.  Peach and apricot notes.  Buttery brioche in color and on the palate, deliciously rich style.

2021 Estate Rouge Grenache – Ballard Canyon AVA. Cherry and floral notes on the nose.  Well rounded mouth feel.  

2021 La Cuadrilla Estate – Ballard Canyon AVA.  75% Syrah, 15% Grenache, 10% Sangiovese.  Ripe, raspberry notes.  Juicy, fruity, structured and balanced. Buy this wine. You’ll like it and so will the workers.

2021 Pliocene Estate Mourvedre – Ballard Canyon AVA. 100% Mourvedre.  Bedrock and limestone earth coming through. Cobbler, brambly fruit notes. Medium finish. Cool label too.

2020 Angeli Estate Syrah – Ballard Canyon AVA.   100% Syrah. Dark fruit, lush, supple, soft. Great example of what Syrah can be from this are. Angeli is named after Marilyn Stolpman’s side of the family.

If you check out the Stolpman Vineyards website, you’ll see that they make a lot of different wines. They do have a tasting room in Los Olivos, if you can’t make it out to the vineyard. But, if you get the chance to visit the property, you definitely should. We appreciate the time that Nicole spent with us and her expertise in picking some shining examples of Stolpman Vineyards wines for us to try, as well as showing us around the beautiful vineyard. Rye was a little lacking in the expertise department, but made up for it with her exuberance; she really is a very good girl.

Stolpman Vineyards

www.stolpmanvineyards.com

Tasting room: 2434 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos CA 93441

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Already one of the ‘Best Places to Go’ for 2023, the Santa Ynez Valley’s new offerings continue to make it a must-visit destination

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(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — Sunset Magazine may have named the Santa Ynez Valley its “World Class Wine Region” for 2022, but somehow the wine country gem of the California Central Coast always manages to further elevate its game with new ways to taste, dine, recreate, and more.

Publications such as Conde Nast Traveler and the MICHELIN California Guide have also had great things to say recently about the Santa Ynez Valley. But perhaps the best news is coming from the Valley itself, where recent rains have pushed the water level at Cachuma Lake to 99% capacity for the first time in years and have outdoor enthusiasts optimistic for another California Poppy “super bloom.” And the Valley’s innovators continue to find new ways to enhance the Santa Ynez Valley’s signature charm, authentic character, and laid-back California Central Coast vibe.

Oh, the Santa Ynez Valley offers so much new to explore. Among the most notable:  One of the world’s “Most Anticipated New Hotel Openings for 2023,” according to U.S. News & World Report, a reimagining of the food and lodging experience at a beloved inn, a new food experience from a pioneering vineyard and farm, a beer and wine concept from the same couple that has already brought two MICHELIN ratings to the Santa Ynez Valley, and a new opportunity to get a bird’s-eye view of the Valley from a mile-long zipline.  

“The Santa Ynez Valley has become a world-class destination in large part because the community has consistently found new and innovative ways to showcase what is best about this region,” says Shelby Sim, President & CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “We are so lucky to have such a creative and tireless group of people who call this community home. It is through their efforts that the Santa Ynez Valley continues to reimagine and refresh the experience while managing to hold on to what has always made it such a special place.”

Following is a list of recent awards and recognition, businesses that have opened their doors in the Santa Ynez Valley in recent months or plan to do so in the coming months, and other new or notable offerings: 

RECENT AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Conde Nast Traveler’s 23 Best Places to Go in 2023 — In its annual list of Best Places, Conde Nast Traveler says the Santa Ynez Valley floats, “on the same intriguing whispers that Joshua Tree did a decade ago (known, but not too known). The valley has emerged as the hippest new getaway for Angelinos, with its mix of funky tasting rooms like disco ball-decorated Future Perfect Wines, casually chic restaurants such as seafood tavern Bar Le Côte, and new accommodations, most notably the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern.” 

New additions to MICHELIN Guide California — Add three more establishments to the Santa Ynez Valley’s list of MICHELIN-rated restaurants. Bar Le Côte in Los Olivos, and Solvang hotspots Coast Range and peasants FEAST were added to the MICHELIN Guide California. Peasants FEAST also earned the Bib Gourmand recognition for “good quality, good value cooking.” The three “New” restaurants to the guide joined Bell’s Los Alamos, which became the first Santa Ynez Valley restaurant to earn a coveted MICHELIN Star in 2021, and First & Oak in Solvang, which was the first Santa Ynez Valley restaurant to be included in the California Guide when it was awarded a MICHELIN Plate in 2019.

Sunset Travel Awards, World Class Wine Region 2022 — What makes the Santa Ynez Valley unique among wine country destinations all over the world? Sunset Magazine said: “Let us name the reasons we keep returning to the fertile California valley: more than 100 wineries, an array of family farms, notable hotel openings, and a renovated open-air theater, among others. If you’re looking for rolling vineyards, this is the place to be.” 

LODGING

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern — An Auberge Resort, the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern has been years in the making. Named one of the world’s “31 Most Anticipated New Hotel Openings for 2023” by U.S. News & World Report, the wait has been well worth it. The result is a careful and detailed embrace of this landmark destination’s history, all while blending the simplicity of modern farmhouse design with the eclectic textures and patterns of nearby ranch life.

The Genevieve — Debuting in March, the former Santa Ynez Inn will offer the same sophisticated service that has long made it among the must-stays in the valley. But The Genevieve has added fresh, opulent touches that offer a new level of luxury, all with an understated elegance.

Hotel Hygge — Set in Buellton, Hotel Hygge embraces a Danish-influenced minimalism, featuring elegant simplicity while delivering everything you need to unwind. Hotel Hygge was also designed to foster connection with its communal courtyard, firepits, cornhole boards, and picnic tables. Plus, guests can enjoy the amenities at sister property The Sideways Inn.

RESTAURANTS & DINING

The Victor — Headed by Executive Chef Beto Huizar, The Genevieve’s new restaurant, The Victor, offers unique, chef-driven renditions of flavors found on the central coast of California. No wonder it’s become one of the hottest new gourmet dining experiences in Santa Ynez.

Giorgio’s at Parkway — Opening in Buellton in 2022, Giorgio’s is proof that some of the best flavors sometimes come in the most traditional packages. Serving unique takes on pizzas, pastas, salads, and sandwiches, Giorgio’s Italian-inspired dishes offer a casual, mouth-watering option.

Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard – Owner Betty Williams set out in the 1960s to create a working farm based on good practices for people, animals, and the earth. First there were horses, then organic vegetables, and then in 1983, a vineyard. Now, the next step in Buttonwood’s evolution: a true farm-to-table menu created by Gleason Family Vineyards Executive Chef Peter Cham and Buttonwood’s Sous Chef Lee Gottheimer. Offered from Friday through Sunday, Buttonwood’s seasonal menu will utilize the ingredients from Buttonwood’s own sustainable farm, ensuring the freshest culinary experience possible.

Craft House at Corque — Hotel Corque’s newest culinary concept, Craft House, offers a fresh modern look, craft-inspired food and drink, and a family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Solvang. It’s mom-and-pop quality brought to its American gastropub menu. 

Campo Del Sol — From the same team that brought MICHELIN-rated Coast Range & Vaquero Bar to the Santa Ynez Valley, Campo del Sol in Solvang presents a fresh take on Mexican Cuisine. The menu emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients that liven traditional Mexican plates while leaving room for contemporary takes on familiar favorites.

WINE, BEER & TASTING ROOMS

The Other Room — Led by Greg and Daisy Ryan — the couple that brought MICHELIN-rated Bell’s Los Alamos and Bar Le Côte to the Santa Ynez Valley — Companion Hospitality is branching out with this new beer and wine bar in Los Olivos. The Ryans bring the same attention to detail they brought to their MICHELIN-rated darlings with The Other Room’s thoughtful selection of wines and California craft beers.

Terre Et Sang — Founded in 2019 by father-son team Dalita and Duncan Harmon, Terre Et Sang boasts of a singular mission to hand-craft wines that are compelling and delicious expressions of site and origin from the great vineyards of Santa Barbara County. Now Terre Et Sang will have a new home, with a gorgeous tasting room in Los Olivos.

Vega Vineyard – Demetrios (Jimmy) & Karen Loizides sought to produce wines that are “a window to a place,” and the experience at Vega Vineyard is a window to the Santa Ynez Valley and its deep agricultural roots. Wine tasting is an important part of any visit, but the Loizides family invites visitors to explore their historic ranch, enjoy a bite, visit and feed the farm animals, or just relax and take it all in from the ranch’s picnic areas.

SPECIALTY, ACTIVITIES & OTHER

Highline Adventures — Situated on a 1,200-acre ranch just outside Buellton., Highline Adventures seeks to educate visitors on the history, environment and culture of the area through a series of adventures and outdoor activities. Most notably, the longest and fastest zipline in California – a series of three tandem ziplines, ranging from 1,300- to 3,360-feet long and soaring 1,000 feet above the ground, overlooking the breathtaking Santa Ynez Valley. In addition to the zipline experience, an on-site aerial ropes course consists of 85 different elements to climb, crawl, swing, and hang from all suspended amongst old-growth California Live Oaks.

Solvang Festival Theater — The open-air theater in Solvang recently completed its $5.3 million renovation. The Santa Ynez Valley’s premier outdoor venue for concerts and dramatic performances has long been a magical place. But the renovation of the 700-seat theater adds much-improved lighting and other features to make a night at the theater even more special.

Zaca Creek Ranch and Zaca Coffee — Coffee lovers will be able to follow the path from farm to cup with Zaca Creek Ranch and Zaca Coffee. Zaca Creek Ranch offers regular farm tours, where visitors find cattle, horses, alpaca, llamas, goats, dogs, and Walker the pig all living in harmony with the land. Zaca Coffee’s new roastery in Buellton is an altogether different experience. Co-founders Hayley Firestone and Dennis Patrick explored the world’s finest beans and blends for more than a year in a quest to identify rich flavor and subtle complexities that reflect the Santa Ynez Valley life. The result is Zaca Coffee.

Farmacy — The first cannabis shop in Santa Ynez, Farmacy serves as a community hub and welcoming environment for anyone age 21 and over. The staff promises to help customers find the right products for their needs and interests.

Olive & Lavender Farm — O+L farms is a beautiful and charming property boasting more than 100 imported olive trees in Los Olivos. Visitors are invited to taste a wide range of fine olive oils and to tour the farm, which was once home to a blacksmith shop for stagecoaches and still features a 100-year-old stone wall.

Global Gardens — Since Theo Stephan founded it in 1998, Global Gardens has become a Santa Ynez Valley flagship with its olive oils and farm stand. But ahead of its 25th anniversary, Global Gardens has opened a new production facility and tasting room in Santa Ynez. The beautifully decorated tasting room also includes a gorgeous open outdoor tasting space, offering an entirely new experience.

The Arcade at peasants DELI & MARKET — MICHELIN-rated dining experiences and retro arcades aren’t generally synonymous. But peasants DELI & MARKET, the companion restaurant to the MICHELIN-rated peasants FEAST, now offers an adjoining gaming room with vintage video games, pinball, and an air hockey table.

For more information on new or planned lodging, restaurant, winery, and other openings, or to research attractions, book lodging and activities, and create a custom travel itinerary, visit VisitSYV.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 its 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 that 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.

Discovering Moraga Bel Air

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All I knew about Moraga Bel Air wines is that they were founded in 1989 and that the vineyards are indeed in Bel Air, California. When they offered to send me one of their whites and a red, and join in on a Zoom meeting with their new winemaker Paul Warson, it was a great chance for me – and you – to discover much more.

Learning More About Moraga

Great day for a Zoom meeting – said no one ever. But this one, where we didn’t have to brace the storms in Los Angeles of late to meet in person, was well worth it. The meeting was led by Moraga Bel Air winemaker Paul Warson, who joined the winery in 2021. Here are some of the things we found:

  • Warson is a seasoned winemaker with roots at UC Davis. He has made wine in places such as Australia, Napa and the Central Coast. His longest tenure was with Foley and their Firestone property.
  • Warson feels that Moraga is best experienced by visiting the winery, the cave and with a tasting. Marketing Director Philip Cavanagh explained that reserved tastings include four of their current releases as well as tastes from their cellar, accompanied with a cheese and charcuterie selection from the Beverly Hills Cheese Shop. Each tasting runs 90 minutes to two hours, can accommodate four and upwards of 150 guests in a corporate gathering. Reservations can be made via email with Philip@MoragaBelAir.com
  • There will be a new second label coming out in the next month or so where 20% of the sales will be going to charity. The wines will be non-vintage and a made from a collection of Moraga grapes.
  • If you check out their Facebook page you may see a few posts with photos of sheep grazing in the vineyard. Though the sheep are now gone, their work completed within about 14 days, they will be back. The vineyard is now experiencing bud break.
  • Warson said that everything they need to make wine is at Moraga Bel Air. From red fermenters to the wine press to stainless steel drums and barrels. The cave itself is never above 60 degrees. “It’s a Fantasyland,” Warson said, “it’s a lot of fun and it’s easy.”

Tasting Notes (My notes follow theirs, noted as EB in italics.)

2019 White (Not stated on label: Sauvignon Blanc) 14.7 alcohol.

From the website: Golden in the glass, it begins with lush aroma of white peach, nectarine and white flowers. The palate opens with a flash of acidity followed by smooth waves of honey-dusted nectarine and seared stone fruit. The exotic fruit and mineral characteristics of our vineyard dominate the flavor profile. The wine is an atypically long-lived Sauvignon Blanc. $92

EB: A decadent Sauvignon Blanc with amazing aromas and flavors of white peach, lemon-lime soda, cantaloupe melon, Meyer lemon zest with a beautiful mouthfeel that just lingered on the palate forever. Warson said that the wine was made in a Bordeaux style, and had a generous amount of flintiness. Another reviewer on the Zoom call noticed a salinity. I went back in for another whiff and it did remind me of an ocean breeze. The property, Warson said, is four miles from the Santa Monica Bay.

2017 Red (Not stated on label: Cabernet Sauvignon) 14.7 alcohol.

From the website: There is a unique and identifiable Moraga signature of soft tannins, supple texture, pure black Cabernet fruit, currant and tobacco. This vintage shows black cherry, roasted coffee and a hint of caramel on the ripe nose. Polished tannins and fresh acidity deliver flavors of blackberry jam, truffle, vanilla, and caramel. $140

EB: This wine, a Bordeaux blend that included 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc, blew my socks off. It was BIG with notes of red to blue fruit, black peppercorns, bark, smoke, and chocolate with dried cherry bits. Big fruit with equally big tannins allowed for an extremely long finish. The wine, after some time in new French oak, had spent 26 months in the bottle before its release. Warson plans to “dial it back” but I was plenty happy with how this red presented.

https://www.moragabelair.com/

https://www.instagram.com/moragabelair/

https://www.facebook.com/MoragaBelAir?ref=br_rs

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 17k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Las Vegas Proof Awards, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

HITCHING POST 2 HOSTS JIM CLENDENEN TRIBUTE DINNER FOR 110 BENEFITING SANTA BARBARA CHARITIES

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Winemakers, Chefs, Vineyard Owners and Friends Gather to Honor the Legacy of Santa Barbara County Wines First Ambassador Raising $100,000 for Direct Relief and the Community Health Centers of the Central Coast

BUELLTON, California – On February 4, 2023, Jami and Frank Ostini of the Hitching Post 2 in Buellton, California, hosted the Jim Clendenen Tribute Dinner benefiting Direct Relief and the Community Health Centers of the Central Coast. One hundred ten guests came from distances as far away as Boston, Atlanta and Hawaii to honor Jim Clendenen, the founder and “Mind Behind” the highly acclaimed Au Bon Climat Winery located near Santa Maria, California. The event raised $100,000 at the Santa Barbara Wine Auction sponsored by the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation, with proceeds from the dinner benefiting the two charities.

Jim Clendenen started his winery in 1982, rising in prominence locally and internationally as he aspired to emulate Burgundy’s culture and wine styles by creating unique Santa Barbara wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. He became an international ambassador for Santa Barbara Wines while traveling the world and returning to California to mentor the first and second-generation winemakers in Santa Barbara County. Jim befriended the best chefs and winemakers worldwide and built a wine business that sells across America and the globe – England, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Japan and Korea.  

Jim’s children have taken up the torch. Daughter Isabelle is traveling to represent Au Bon Climat at the Triangle Wine and Food Experience in North Carolina, and Knox is selling wine in Japan. Like father, like daughter, like son. The rest of Jim’s Au Bon Climat team was in the room – long-time winemaker Jim Adelman, first ABC employee cellar master Enrique Rodriguez, assistant winemaker Mark Piro, Michael Meluskey, James Sanders and Randi Chavoya. Surrounded with pictures of Jim’s life, the dinner featured a slideshow of 300 photos. Endless storytelling filled every table as Jim’s spirit lit up the room.

Stories of Jim’s 40-plus year career and how he touched thousands of lives were shared by local grape growers, winemakers and friends, including Bob and Louisa Lindquist, Doug Margarum, Paul Lato, Brian and Lisa Babcock, Chad Melville, Andrew Murray, Katy Grassini, Matt Murphy, Justin Willett, James Ontiveros, Matt Turrentine, Gary and Jeanne Newman, Chuck and Kathleen Carlson, Chris Brown, Pierre LaBarge, Coby Parker-Garcia, Gary and Teresa Burk, Jessica Gasca, Debra Eagle, Drake Whitcraft, Jessica Stolpman and Gray, Charlotte and Weston Hartley.

Other attendees of note came to pay tribute to Jim:  David & Judy Breitstein, David Fink, Bill Shea, Jay Mcinerney, Keith Pitts, Tom Black, Jimmy Davis, Blake Brown, Michael and Kathy Gordon, Bhupi Singh, Gurinder Kaur, Drs. Mark Goodman and Greg Hallert, and Jim and Jody Rea. The traveling contingent was led by Roy Yamaguchi, Chuck Furuya and Warren Shon from Hawaii, Chip Coen from Boston, Scott and Margret Dozier from Atlanta, and many others.

A spectacular five-course feast was prepared and served by the Hitching Post staff of 20 led by George Alvarado, Brad Lettau and Angel Carmona with the help of chef friends. Clark Staub of Full of Life Flatbread Los Alamos had a strikingly colorful Chicory and Citrus Salad; Roy Yamaguchi of Roy’s Restaurants of Hawaii served the pinnacle plate of Sea Bass enhanced with fresh-caught uni from Santa Barbara’s renowned fish-monger Stephanie Mutz.  Budi Kazali, formerly of the Ballard Inn, followed with a wonderfully earthy Smoked Duck Breast with Turnips and Tempura Chanterelles. 

The Hitching Post served their signature Oak-Grilled New York with Black Truffled Mashed Potatoes and finished the evening with an assortment of cheeses and small bites of sweets.

The menu was paired with ten outstanding wines poured from five-liter bottles of Au Bon Climat vintages that spanned four decades – 2020 to 1986. A team of eleven sommeliers meticulously served the wines under the leadership of fellow winemakers Bob Lindquist, Doug Margarum and Paul Lato.

The evening was a wonderful and memorable tribute to a great friend, Jim Clendenen.  And as Jim would have done himself, a generous sum was raised for charity while enjoying fine food and wine.

ABOUT HITCHING POST 2 and HITCHING POST WINES:

The Hitching Post 2 Restaurant and Hitching Post Wines offer a quintessential Santa Barbara Wine Country food and wine experience in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. One can enjoy traditionally made Pinot Noirs in a nearly 100-year-old wine-tasting room along with a casual high-quality BBQ lunch out back, set in a glorious outdoor setting with a mountain backdrop. In the evening, you can visit the iconic Hitching Post 2 steak house that has been a Santa Ynez Valley institution since 1986 – a restaurant where you can enjoy Central Coast oak wood BBQ’d steaks and seafood matched with Hitching Post and fine local wines from Santa Barbara County. 

This endeavor is directed by owners Frank and Jami Ostini, whose family has been central Coast oak wood BBQ leaders since 1952 with the original Hitching Post Restaurant in Casmalia. Grilling over an oak wood fire is a Central Coast tradition that goes back over 200 years to the Spanish Rancheros, a practice perfected by parents Frank and Natalie Ostini, which continues to be refined by sons Bill and Frank. Originally a beef-only restaurant, over the years, the Hitching Post cuisine has been expanded to include other proteins like quail, duck, lamb and fresh seafood items, as well as oak-grilled vegetables, including mushrooms and the signature grilled artichokes. The Hitching Post 2 buys from and supports many local farmers and fishermen and secures prime beef sourced from the heart of America’s Midwest.

Frank Ostini is a singular figure in the food and wine business as he leads both the cheffing and winemaking for Hitching Post. For Frank, the food came first, and he subsequently made wines to pair with his food. Starting in 1984, Frank began making Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills to match with Hitching Post cuisine. Winemaking became an obsession and inspiration that continues to this day. Frank mentors the experienced kitchen and dining room staff, many of whom have more than 25 years with the Hitching Post. This long-standing team brings a family atmosphere that is essential to the success of the Hitching Post.

Hitching Post 2 has a long-established reputation, having received high acclaim from the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Sunset, USA Today, and Forbes and has been showcased with Frank’s appearances on Food Network with celebrity chefs Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay. None of this was as consequential as Hitching Post 2 and Hitching Post Wines being featured in the 2004 Academy Award-winning film Sideways. Regardless of this international fame, the Hitching Post continues to provide high-quality, uniquely flavored foods and honest customer service in a casual, friendly atmosphere that is home to so many of its customers.  

Taste Hitching Post wines from some of the region’s best vineyards. Enjoy lunch behind the tasting room on the bank of the Santa Ynez River overlooking the glorious Santa Ynez Mountains. It is casual and easy, with high-quality food and ideal for kids and dogs. Spend the evening dining at the Hitching Post 2 for simply one of the best food and wine experiences in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Hitching Post has something special for everyone.

HITCHING POST 2

406 East Highway 246, Buellton, CA 93427

follow Hitching Post:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HitchingPost2

Twitter: @HitchingPost2

Instagram: @hitchingpost2

For information on the Hitching Post 2 restaurant, visit:

 www.hitchingpost2.com 

The 2023 Rhone Rangers Experience

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(Paso Robles) – The national Rhone Rangers will host the 15th “Rhone Rangers Experience” on Sunday, February 19, 2023, in Paso Robles, CA. A full day is planned during the annual Presidents’ Weekend event, including a “Rhone Essentials” seminar, Vintners’ Luncheon, Grand Tasting of 200+ wines, and a Silent Auction benefitting the Rhone Rangers Scholarship Fund. Rhone Rangers from throughout the organization will be represented, including wineries from Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, Monterey County, Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, the Sierra Foothills, Oregon, and Texas.

The Rhone Rangers, who are dedicated to the education and the promotion of American Rhone varietal wines, will present a top example of each of the principal categories of Rhone wines during the seminar. The morning session will be moderated by Jess Lander, wine reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle and author, with a panel of winemakers and principals who have chosen the Rhone Ranger route. Rhone Rangers representing the nine essential categories include: Viognier –Eberle Winery-Paso Robles, Obscure White-Rhone Varietal (Picpoul) – Bonny Doon Vineyard,-Central Coast, White-Rhone Blend – Acquiesce-Lodi, Dry Rosé – Margerum Wine Company-Santa Barbara County, Grenache – Starfield Vineyards-El Dorado, Mourvèdre – J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines-Paso Robles, Syrah – Cline Family Cellars- Los Carneros, Sonoma County, Obscure Red Varietal (Counoise) – Adelaida Vineyards & Winery-Paso Robles, and Red-Rhone Blend – Stolpman- Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara County.  Following the seminar, participants will enjoy an al fresco luncheon prepared by Chef Jeffery Scott.

The afternoon segment of the Rhone Rangers Experience will include a Grand Tasting of 200+ wines from Rhone Rangers members, including top single Rhone varietals and the best in Rhone blends. Throughout the tasting, guests are invited to bid on auction lots donated by Rhone Ranger member wineries, with proceeds benefitting the Rhone Rangers educational and scholarship fund.

An “All-Access” package is available, including the Welcoming Coffee Bar/Auction Preview, Seminar, Luncheon, and early-entry into the Grand Tasting and Silent Auction ($165 per person + tax/fees), or guests may select the Grand Tasting/Silent Auction afternoon segment ($75 per person + tax/fees). Trade and media inquiries may be sent to kim@rhonerangers.org. For additional information and to reserve tickets, visit the Rhone Rangers website, www.rhonerangers.org.  

About the Rhone Rangers

Founded in 1998, the Rhone Rangers are a group of 100+ wineries throughout the United States dedicated to making wines from the 22 grape varieties originally made famous in France’s Rhône Valley.  With a mission to educate and promote American Rhone varietal wines, the organization holds special events and fundraisers throughout the year to raise funds for the Rhone Rangers Scholarship Fund, which benefits students studying viticulture, enology and wine business.