THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY INVITES VISITORS TO TURN THE PAGE ON 2020

November 28, 2020 by evebushman

As harvest season offers wine and culinary immersion, this fall and winter in the Santa Ynez Valley will be a truly peaceful experience

(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — The long road of 2020 deserves a better ending, and the Santa Ynez Valley is just the place to turn the calendar on a higher note. The transition from late fall to early winter has always been a special time in the wine country gem of California’s Central Coast region, but with health and wellness on just about everybody’s mind, it’s taken on just a bit more importance.

“Harvest has a way of injecting a little extra life into just about everything in the Santa Ynez Valley, and because of that, fall in the region has always provided a welcome diversion,” said Shelby Sim, CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “Autumn is a time to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life at a time that is just a bit quieter than the summer. But this year, when most everybody is trying to find opportunities to get away safely, a diversion such as a trip to wine country has never felt so needed.”

The Santa Ynez Valley provides a much-needed getaway and a distinct change of scenery that is welcoming, safe and spacious—just two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from the Bay Area. Now is a time when the peak tourism season slows, and the freshness of harvest brings an energy all its own, before an altogether new energy is brought with a holiday celebration unlike any in California.

Most of the attributes that have long made a fall visit to the Santa Ynez Valley so alluring are still on full display.

The region’s local farms, ranches, and the bounty of the Pacific Ocean, energize the farm-to-table cuisine that has long made the Santa Ynez Valley a haven for foodies. And with mild fall temperatures, many of the region’s top restaurants continue to serve their imaginative culinary creations to diners safely outside.

Of course, cycling along a country road, riding horseback through a vineyard, or a rewarding hike that peaks with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean all have a way of melting away the worries. Or simply unwind with the fall releases of the more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms, nearly all of which are open to tasting.

As the holidays get closer, enjoy celebrations such as Solvang’s Julefest, a favorite tradition that will return this year, even if it looks a little different.

“The typically robust fall and winter calendar of events may have given way to a more calming experience this year, and that’s exactly what so many people want and need right now,” Sim said. “The peacefulness of the vineyards — to meditate, practice yoga, horseback ride, or even paint — the hundreds of miles of hiking trails, the winding country roads, and the mild fall weather can make a visitor feel a world away. It’s an opportunity to turn the page on 2020, and end it on the highest note of the year.”

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. For further details on traveling safely in the Santa Ynez Valley, visit www.visitsyv.com/traveling-safely-in-the-santa-ynez-valley/.

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.

Vintage Eve July 2017: Memorable Stolpman Encounters

May 19, 2020 by evebushman

There are usually more than one reason we become fans of a particular winery: an outstanding line-up of varietals, a feeling of connectivity with the people that work with the winery, a tasting experience that lingers in your memory and maybe a chance meeting…I had all of these things happen when I encountered Stolpman Vineyards.

Tom Stolpman says, “I don’t always drink wine but when I do it’s La Cuadrilla” from, you guessed it, Stolpman Vineyards!

A few years back I was planning a group trip to Los Olivos/Ballard Canyon/Solvang wineries. Stolpman Vineyards came up because I liked the Rhone varietals they were making – well before they obtained a separate AVA distinction for their Ballard Canyon Syrahs.

I wrote about that first tasting in the article title “Eve and Peter Stolpman: Stolpman Vineyards Ballard Canyon Tour, Picnic and Tasting” in 2013 and still count it as one of my most memorable. The way that Peter, partner and vintner, took care of us: tasting the wines in the vineyard – while driving to a picnic spot and learning some of their vineyard practices. Peter was tall, good looking and charming on his own, but with those tasty Stolpman wines and the surroundings to match – my group was completely enamored.

I would see Peter off an on over the next few years, along with his lovely bride Jessica, at trade tastings.

Fast forward to…well you can see it in every article footer since this happened: when I “served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru…” in August 2015. There I was in a room filled with wine judges – with so much to learn from – and I also took note of a very tall slender man with a cowboy hat come in, shake a few hands, and then disappear.

Something nagged at me about that tall man. Later that evening at a dinner hosted for the judges and all those involved with the Long Beach Grand Cru I saw him again, “It was then that a tall gentleman wearing a cowboy slipped a bottle of wine from Stolpman Vineyards onto the tasting table. It took me about a nanosecond to figure out who that was. Tom Stolpman is also on the Board of Directors. A second after that I learned that he met fellow board member, James McAdams, in law school in the 70s and the two practiced in the same Long Beach firm.”

I wrote about that experience in “Judging 101: The Long Beach Grand Cru AND THE WINNING WINE LIST” in July 2015 and later “Tasting Not Spitting: Attending the Long Beach Grand Cru, Post Judging.”

During the 2016 Long Beach Grand Cru Tasting I got to meander the grounds along with Tom, in particular tasting and commenting on wines from other wineries that were made from his vineyards. It was another memory for me to file away in my brain under “Stolpman Encounters” that I call up often. We had become Stolpman wine club members by then.

Again, fast forward to this current year where we met Peter again when our very own Salt Creek Grille hosted a wine pairing dinner with Executive Chef Ignacio Munoz. I brought three of the original six guests that Peter had hosted for that tour, tasting and picnic now four years earlier – and maybe because we rushed him en masse he easily remembered us. So nice. We bought a case of wine that night that will last me through the summer, 2015 Roussanne and 2014 Syrah.

Good memories indeed.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in 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, 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.

Solvang Announces Plans for Annual ‘Solvang Julefest’ From November 30, 2019 through January 3, 2020

November 17, 2019 by evebushman

SOLVANG, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The City of Solvang has officially announced preliminary plans and dates for this year’s celebration of Solvang Julefest (http://www.SolvangJulefest.org; pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays”. The 2019 holiday season event, which will begin on Saturday, November 30, 2019 and run through Friday, January 3, 2020, will entail multiple holiday happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast destination of Solvang, most recently named by Country Living as one of the USA’s “Best Christmas Towns”.

“We can’t wait to share with our locals and visitors, all of the magic and history that this town holds. It’s always festive here, but even more so during the holiday season, and the Julefest events are an ideal way to explore all that Solvang has to offer – both the old, and the new,” said Solvang Mayor Ryan Toussaint.

The 2019 edition of Solvang Julefest will once again feature the event’s crowd-pleasing components, like the interactive Nisse Adventure experience, evening Candlelight Tours – with a VIP-level option – and free visits with Santa in Solvang Park, as well as the annual Tree Lighting event, Skål Wine and Stein Stroll, and Julefest Parade, all with deliberate enhancements to heighten holiday spirits.

“We are honored that the Solvang City Council has decided to place their faith in us to steward such a joyous event forward through 2019. We are working diligently to ensure the Danish culture, heritage, and traditions are maintained and cultivated, while elevating Julefest to new and exciting heights,” commented Scott Shuemake, President of IDK Events, producers of the 2019 Solvang Julefest.

New to this year’s Solvang Julefest is the celebration of Saint Lucia Day on December 13; a Christmas Drone Show on December 21, the only Southern California holiday drone show of its kind; a daytime countdown to the Danish New Year with a simulcast of the party happening in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, on December 31; and additions to Santa visits in Solvang Park. Accompanying the traditionally-free photos with Santa, will be a photo opportunity in the Solvang Park Gazebo: a photographic setting for capturing “holiday moments”. Also in Solvang Park, a new play area in the form of “Santa’s Lade” (Santa’s Barn), a children’s winter wonderland featuring snow and live animals.

Shuemake continued, “We’re taking this very festive opportunity to re-emphasize Solvang Julefest as a holiday event. We’re keeping the aspects that everyone looks forward to, just sprinkling in some added seasonal charm.”

Solvang, known for its Danish-American roots, architecture and design details, pastries, bakeries and plentiful wine tasting rooms, also boasts dozens upon dozens of unique boutiques, restaurants and gourmet food purveyors. Carefully-curated indie book stores, high-end stationers, children’s shops and spice merchants sit alongside foodie havens offering up everything from Persian cuisine to ramen noodles, Greek bites to Italian standbys, iconic Danish dishes to elevated new-Californian fare and Michelin-honored tasting menus, to heritage grain sourdough loaves or Spanish cheeses, to small-batch, locally-roasted coffee, to speakeasy tiki cocktails and craft beer dens, forming an indulgent holiday shopping – and playing – scene.

Dog-friendly and ideal for kids, Solvang Julefest promotes family fun and adventure through traditional holiday-favorite activities, with the addition of more-adult, wine country entertainment. Bolstering this year’s late-night appeal, are plans to keep the holiday gift shopping opportunities flowing into the evening with extended hours at Solvang merchants; sips and nibbles in some of the town’s most popular retail spots for added shopping and strolling cheer; and live music and entertainment in select bars and wine tasting venues.

Shuemake concluded, “We’re in the business of making memories through experiences. We take that job very seriously, and Solvang Julefest will be no different.”

The preliminary schedule of this year’s Solvang Julefest events is listed here; further updates to the 2019 Julefest schedule and event announcements will be made over the course of the next month.

The 2019 Solvang Julefest is produced by the City of Solvang (http://www.CityofSolvang.com) in partnership with Northern California-based IDK Events (http://www.idkevents.com). All Solvang Julefest events are open to the public with either free or paid admission. More information is available at http://www.SolvangJulefest.org, with direct links to ticketing for the paid portions of the holiday happenings. Event updates will also be posted to the Solvang Julefest Instagram and Facebook accounts: @SolvangJulefest and facebook.com/solvangjulefestival.

About the City of Solvang:
Known as the “Danish Capital of America”, the City of Solvang is located in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, California. Founded by a group of Danish-Americans in 1911 and later incorporated in 1985, Solvang is home to a number of bakeries, restaurants, and merchants offering a taste of Denmark in Southern California. Sleek, Scandinavian design meets Old World charm in Solvang’s numerous interior courtyards, cozy communal spaces and open-air venues, where vacation itineraries for all, unfold. The walkable town offers plentiful free parking options for locals and day-trippers, and nearly 20 lodging options for staycation-ers, weekenders and mid-week travelers, at all vacation budget levels. For more information, including lists of events and things to do, where to eat and drink, and places to stay, visit http://www.VisitSYV.com/discover-syv/Solvang.

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.

# # #

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.

Santa Ynez Valley: a trip for any generation

September 2, 2019 by evebushman

(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — A perfect trip to the Santa Ynez Valley means just a little something different for every visitor. This is exactly what makes the wine country of California’s Central Coast such a gem: With so many incredible options and attractions — from morning hikes that peak with Pacific Ocean views to lush vineyards that produce a broad array of varietals to a diverse culinary scene rooted in the farm-to-table movement — the Santa Ynez Valley offers more than a few things for everyone.

Casa Dumetz Tasting Room.

It’s like a Choose Your Own Adventure book … but with better wine.

Less than 45 minutes from the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), two hours from Los Angeles, and four hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, getting to the Santa Ynez Valley is the easy part. Choosing from the array of unforgettable experiences that the six distinct communities of the Santa Ynez Valley offer is the bigger challenge.

Here are a few suggested itineraries to help you get started:

For the Baby Boomer

Arrive in late afternoon at the Santa Ynez Inn or the Ballard Inn, two of the most charming and romantic wine country bed and breakfasts in California. Once settled in, head to dinner at the Ballard Inn’s The Gathering Table, where award-winning chef Budi Kazali melds Asian and French cuisine to create a truly unique dining experience.

Begin the day with an Old West exploration of the shops, museums, and galleries of Santa Ynez. Then have a local wine tour operator pick you up for a day of wine tasting. First stop is The Lucky Hen Larder, where a gourmet picnic lunch will be prepared and packaged for you to enjoy at one of the many picturesque estate vineyards near Santa Ynez. Finish the day with dinner at S.Y. Kitchen, where you’ll treat yourself to fresh, modern Italian dishes that are almost entirely locally sourced.

Day Two starts with a spa treatment at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa or the The Spa at The Chumash Casino Resort. Next, move to downtown Los Olivos, enjoying lunch at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe. Save time for the boutique shopping, art, and tasting rooms that have given Los Olivos so much character. Then cruise the estate vineyards of Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Cap a perfect day and trip with the refined ranch cuisine of The Bear & Star.

For the Gen X family

The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott or the “glamping” experience at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground make Buellton the perfect base for family travelers. In Buellton you’ll find a visit to Ostrichland USA will please the kids while two family-friendly breweries, Figueroa Mountain and Firestone Walker, will help adults unwind after a day of travel.

Day One begins in the storybook Danish-American town of Solvang. Enjoy a famed Aebleskiver at Solvang Restaurant, then treat the kids to a chocolate-making or cookie-decorating experience at one of Solvang’s authentic Danish bakeries. After lunch, it’s time for a group horseback ride through the vineyard with Vino Vaqueros or KAP Land & Cattle. Then relax with a family-friendly wine tasting at Buttonwood Farm and Winery. Return to Solvang for some fun at The Ultimate Escape Room or Space VR (virtual reality) and some authentic Italian at Leonardo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.

Day Two begins at Nojoqui Falls State Park, where a relatively short, shady hike ends with a big payoff. Stop at El Rancho Marketplace for picnic supplies, then head to Lake Cachuma for a day of fishing, wildlife viewing, or water recreation. Finish the day with a casual dinner at La Tequila in Buellton.

For the Millennial

Make your basecamp in the Scandinavian chic confines of The Landsby, an urban retreat in downtown Solvang, or the themed rooms of The Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos, nestled in the foodie haven of Los Alamos. Start the trip with dinner at PICO at the Los Alamos General Store, named by Wine Enthusiast as among the best wine country restaurants anywhere.

Begin the first full day with breakfast at The Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez followed by a glider ride over the Santa Ynez Valley from Cloud 9 Glider Rides, which operates out of the Santa Ynez Airport. After the ride, head to Los Olivos for a tour and tasting at Global Gardens, renowned for its estate-produced, organic olive oils. Return to Los Alamos, where tasty eats such as the moules frites at Bell’s await. Visit the urban tasting rooms such as Casa Dumetz and finish the day with dinner at Full of Life Flatbread, a pioneer of Los Alamos’ culinary scene.

Begin the second day with a scenic three-hour hike through Gaviota State Park, which includes 2,775 acres of oak-dotted trails, a natural hot spring, and views of the Pacific Ocean. After the hike, grab lunch at Industrial Eats in Buellton then explore the wineries around the area, including Standing Sun Wine, which boasts a unique combination of wine, art and music. End with dinner at First & Oak in Solvang for a truly intimate experience.

For more information or to begin planning a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, visit visitsyv.com.

Solvang Stomp: 2nd Annual Wine Harvest Street Festival Set for Saturday, 10/19/19

July 24, 2019 by evebushman

Solvang, California, USA –Tracy Farhad, Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau, has announced the return of Solvang Stomp, a Wine Harvest Street Festival. The second annual event will be happening on Saturday, October 19, 2019, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in downtown Solvang on First Street (between Mission Drive/Hwy 246 & Copenhagen Drive) and the adjacent Solvang Park.

Solvang Stomp guests will have the opportunity to stomp grapes in vats barefoot, sip tastes from dozens of area wineries, dance to a live band, drink pink in the “I Love Rosé Lounge” and be able to purchase food inside the festival area from popular area eateries as well as participate in the “Lucy & Ricky Ricardo Look-a-Like Contest based on Lucille Ball’s famous grape stomp episode on her TV show. All “Solvang Stompers” will receive a souvenir logo wine glass and foot towel plus a ticket to win wine-related prizes.

Daniel Lahr, Solvang CVB’s Special Program Manager shared, “Solvang is surrounded by world-class vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms. October is harvest time which means it’s a festive time to taste new wine and stomp some grapes.”

Farhad remarked, “Our inaugural 2018 event attracted 500 guests with 46% staying in a Solvang hotel, 60% purchasing wine or beer, and an impressive 75% shopped and dined locally according to our after-event survey. Solvang CVB is proud to present this event to celebrate our local wine heritage.”

Solvang Stomp general admission from 2:00-5:00 p.m. is $75 per person and VIP Stompers (limited to 250 guests) features early admission at 1:00 p.m. and private VIP area for $125 per person. Guests must be ages 21 years and beyond. Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended online at www.solvangusa.com/STOMP

The second annual Solvang Grape Stomp is presented by the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau with event production by Cultivate Events. For more information about lodging, dining, wine tasting and attractions year-round in Solvang, visit www.SolvangUSA.com

Perlis Picks: The Garagiste Festival in Glendale (Part One)

July 20, 2019 by Michael Perlis

Think about one of your favorite wines. What goes into your decision to make it your favorite? Is it the varietal? The region it comes from? The terroir? The year? The label? There may be multiple reasons. I that, at least for me, a big one is passion – the passion of the vintner, winemaker, grower, everyone who worked so hard to get that wine into the bottle for you.

And nothing speaks wine passion more than the Garagiste Festivals. We at Eve’s Wine 101 have a special affinity for them, having reported on the Garagistes from the beginning, including my interview with co-founder Doug Minnick before the very first event in 2011 in Paso Robles, which Karen and I also attended. Focusing on ultra-small (and then therefore ultra-rare) production wineries, the festivals have now expanded to four annual events – Paso Robles, Solvang, Sonoma and (conveniently for locals) Los Angeles.

We’ve definitely attended our share of these over the years. They’ve now had about two dozen events in total and the passion of these winemakers is clear. More so than with a large big-budget winery, the owner/winemaker typically has to handle all or most of the tasks of the winemaking process, sometimes in addition to what their day job might be.

By the way, you may have noticed the word “garagiste” being used a lot more lately; I sure have. The Garagiste Festival doesn’t own the term, it goes back to the originally somewhat derogatory French word for small winemakers. And I can’t say for sure that the increased usage of the term overall is connected to the success of the Garagiste Festivals, although I would tend to think so. After all, they were voted the best wine festival in America. So, if you want to be sure you are supporting the real deal, go to their website and sign up for their newsletters.

Karen and I attended the latest LA event, held at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. In keeping with the LA theme, the Saturday event started with a seminar presented by three LA based wineries working to bring back to LA County an industry that used to dominate the landscape in the days before prohibition and real estate development.

Hosted by Steward McLennan, one of the founders of the Garagiste Festival, the seminar presenters were Patrick Kelley of Cavaletti Vineyards, Jasper Dickson and Amy Luftig Viste of Angeleno Wine Co. and Mark and Jenny Blatty of Byron Blatty Wines. All three wineries get a significant amount of their grapes from Los Angeles County. The Blatty wines are made in the Santa Clarita Valley and Angeleno is in the process of finalizing its tasting room and winery operations in downtown Los Angeles.

Of course, it was a wine seminar, so there was wine.

Each winery poured two wines, in the following order, lightest to heaviest:

Cavaletti Vineyards –

2018 109 Mile Rose (62% Grenache, 38% Tempranillo)

2017 Grenache, Swayze Vineyard

Angeleno Wine Co. –

2017 Zanja Madre (Grenache and Tempranillo)

2017 Syrah, Alonso Family Vineyard

Byron Blatty Wines –

2017 Undertake (60% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah)

2016 Pragmatic (90% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot)

For me, the takeaway from these wines is that Los Angeles County is capable of producing a variety of styles of high quality wines. Truly something for everybody.

The winery owners all shared stories of trials and tribulations. Their individual stories varied, but they all included one common component – the challenge of teaching potential customers, retail stores and restaurants about the quality of wine coming from LA County. One might think they are fighting an uphill battle but they appear to be winning it; that takes passion! I expect the LA winery scene to continue to grow and prosper and I know of at least one cult-status winemaker who is planning to set up shop soon – more on this in a future article, hopefully.

Of course, the Garagiste Festival isn’t just about Los Angeles. The grand tasting after the seminar featured over 50 wineries from all over California, 23 of which also poured the previous evening at the Rare & Reserve kick-off party – shout out to Fired Up Chef Services for the great BBQ buffet dinner that accompanied this. More on the wines in Part 2 which will run on this site next Saturday, 7/27.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also President of MCP Financial, which provides outsourced controller services. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or mcpfinancial@aol.com.

Solvang’s First and Oak Restaurant Awarded 2019 “Michelin Plate”

July 13, 2019 by evebushman

Solvang, Santa Barbara County, California, USA—For the first time, a Solvang dining establishment has been recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide. On June 3, the 2019 Michelin Guide California debuted, awarding First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn at 409 First Street in downtown Solvang with the “Michelin Plate” which recognizes “Fresh ingredients, carefully prepared: a good meal.” Only 13 restaurants in the entire county of Santa Barbara received this recognition. Other Michelin Guide ratings include “Bib Gourmand” and “Stars.”

First & Oak’s Michelin review states “In a small, romantic boutique hotel, this is a deliciously old-school restaurant that is coming into its own with ambitious contemporary cuisine. This should be no surprise, as the chef boasts a background in some esteemed and globally acclaimed kitchens. Guests are invited to create their own prix-fixe menu by selecting four to five dishes from a variety of categories, such as garden, ocean or farm. This might yield a meal that begins with a refreshing gazpacho made from delicately spiced melon with basil blossom and a bit of smoky fried shrimp. Masterful desserts have included a brown-butter sponge cake with dense clotted cream and marinated strawberries. Be sure to sample the owner’s own wine label, Coqueliquot, available in a range of styles.”

First & Oak opened in 2016, after the Rosenson family bought the Mirabelle Inn which houses the restaurant. Steven Snook, First & Oak’s opening chef, came to Solvang with a Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay résumé. The restaurant’s current chef JJ Guerrero, a protégé of Chef Snook, continues to serve a popular, locally-sourced tasting menu format accompanied by a wine list created by Sommelier and General Manager Jonathan Rosenson. First & Oak serves dinner seven nights a week from 5:30-8:45 p.m. with reservations recommended by calling 805-688-1703.

Tracy Farhad, Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau enthused, “We are so thrilled to celebrate First & Oak being recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide! Bravo to Jonathan Rosenson and his team at First & Oak for bringing your extraordinary international cuisine to California’s Denmark.”

The Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1986 to promote the City of Solvang, featuring its Danish-American heritage, Northern European culture, cuisine, arts and attractions. The SCVB operates the Solvang Visitors Center at 1630 Copenhagen Drive; open daily from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; offering free maps, guides, savings options and plenty of information on the destination named by USA Today as one of the 10 best historic small towns in America.

###

Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau, Box 70, Solvang, CA 93464

Visitor Center: 1639 Copenhagen Drive ● Administrative Office: 436-G Alisal Road

TEL: 805-688-6144 FAX: 805-688-8620 TOLL-FREE: 1-800-468-6765 www.SolvangUSA.com

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.

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.