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SIPS   .   .   .

DIVINE WINE & FOOD ADVENTURES IN SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

By Bonnie Carroll

 

 

The Genevieve - Formerly Santa Ynez Inn

Take a wine weekend escape trip and visit The Genevieve Hotel, formerly the Santa Ynez Inn, featuring the new Victor Restaurant & Bar. Explore the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country on one of many fun tours. Visit 2-3 wineries in a van or wine shuttle service to learn about local history from a well-versed tour guide. Travel in comfort and style from your pickup in central Santa Barbara or SYV, onboard an air-conditioned van, enjoy lunch, learn the secrets of wine production from our guide, take in the spectacular scenery of the vineyards of partner wineries, view historic Santa Ynez Mission, Chumash Casino and reservation, charming streets of Danish Solvang and beautiful views along the journey to and from Santa Ynez Valley wine country.

My own memorable wine journey in Santa Ynez Valley included a day trip with door-to-door service in a lovely van, driven by a fun-loving tour guide who was overflowing with knowledge about this unique and beautiful wine growing center. The views traveling to SYV are breathtaking, and a delicious picnic lunch at the Vincent Vineyard on their outdoor patio, with a walking tour of the vineyard was outstanding. Our group visited  a bevy of lovely wine destinations including Roblar Winery, Sunstone, Gainey, and Kalyra (the actual movie site for “Sideways”), where Australian hospitality reigned suprime. 

Some of my favorite wineries in SYV include Foxen, Casa Dumetz, Lucas & Lewellen, Sunstone, Fess Parker, Gainey, Demetria, Firestone, Stolpman, Zaca Mesa, Koehler, Brander, Buttonwood Farms, and more. The SYV is home to so many outstanding wineries because this area seems to provide just the right conditions for exceptional grape varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah, as well as Bordeaux blends, Zinfandel and Rhone blends on the West side. This valley is a prime location for growing grapes thanks to the transverse Santa Ynez Mountain range and the valley’s south-facing orientation.

It's always food & wine heaven at Roblar Winery, where  ExecutivChef Peter Cham, who was brought on several years ago and continues to create outstanding organic bites and event menus, including a brunch that is getting raves from foodies and Los Angeles food & wine scene scribes. The tasting room and outside patio are charming, and the staff are so helpful. Visit www.roblarwinery.com.

To a woman who serves on the executive board of the City of Santa Barbara Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee and loves Mexican Art, the Brander Vineyard is a special attraction due to Fred Brander’s charming Mexican Art Museum filled with his personal Mexican nativity art collection, which has increase over the years as a result of his many trips to Mexico. Sipping some Brander award-winning Sauvignon Blanc while viewing this collection is a truly relaxing way to spend an afternoon. www.brandervineyard.com.

Looking forward to visiting the Los Olivos Margerum/Bardem new tasting room, where they are serving a first-time food and wine pairing of Kumamoto Oysters with Barden blanc de blanc sparkling wine as well as a specifically designed Jina & Brian Bae BB Sushi Bento Box served with M5 White that has everyone talking and food writers rushing up to SYV to experience the original new F&B combinations. Please note: these items must be ordered at least one day in advance. For information visit: www.Margerumwines.com.

From wine tastings with cupcakes, to exclusive weekend travel wine adventures starting in Los Angeles, it is all happening in Santa Ynez Valley. Some wine adventures are all-day tours and others run 4 hours 30 minutes with varying costs from approximately $129 to $259 per person and may include varying perks such as admission ticket free to Santa Ynez Wine Trail Santa Ynez Valley in the county of Santa Barbara wine country in California's Central Coast region, select winery tasting options, a picnic lunch, and more. Cheers!

For detailed wine touring information on Santa Ynez Valley area tours  visit : www.getyourguide.com/activities or  www.viator.com/tours/Santa-Barbara/All-Inclusive-Wine-Tasting-Tour-Santa-Ynez-Valley or www.visitsantabara.com. Photos: Bonnie Carroll

 

Note:

Bonnie Carroll is the former Beverly Hills Bureau Chief for Food & Beverage International Magazine and has done coverage on food and wine in numerous magazines and newspapers throughout the country as well as radio coverage since 1983.-

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On Thursday, February 15th, we gathered 14 top Rhone wine producers from around the world for an evening of tasting with the winemakers, consumers, and top wine buyers. The consumers were each given a golden ticket to award to their favorite winery!  Zobéto wines - a Paso Robles Boutique Winery. 


Zobéto Wines came out on top and was crowned the “Champion” ! We were proud to see this amazing winery win and we couldn’t imagine a more deserving brand.  Zobèto Wines is devoted to creating wines that capture the warmth, comfort, and joy of cherished moments shared with loved ones, while reflecting the values closest to their hearts. Click here to learn more!


It is our passion at LearnAboutWine to bring unique tasting experiences to Los Angeles. We hope you will join us for the next one! Explore our website and upcoming events here.  


Cliff and Christie Cate - Winemaker 




 _________ ★ WINES TASTED at Rhone Warriors ★ _______


Abel Mendoza, Rioja 

Abel Mendoza, Graciano-Garnacha Grano a Grano, DOCa Rioja, Spain 2018

Abel Mendoza, Garnacha Blanca, DOCa Rioja, Spain, 2021


Backsberg, South Africa 

Backsberg, Pumphouse Shiraz, W.O. Coastal Region, South Africa, 2020


Cairjn Wine Cellars

Cairjn Wine Cellars, Grenache, Jada & Caliza Vineyard, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, USA, 2021

Cairjn Wine Cellars, Grenache, Lopai Vineyard, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, USA, 2021

Cairjn Wine Cellars, Syrah, Caliza Vineyard, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, USA, 2021


Cordant Winery, Central Coast / Paso Robles

Resolution, 2021

Maniacal, 2021

Indocile, 2021

Coastview Syrah, 2021


Fulldraw Vineyard,  Willow Creek District, Paso Robles

Bamboo- 91% Grenache Blanc 9% Clairette Blanche, Willow Creek AVA, Estate, Paso Robles, California, 2020

FD2- 60% Grenache 40% Syrah, Willow Creek AVA, Estate, Paso Robles, California, 2018

Chopping Block- 49% Syrah 30% Grenache 21% Mourvèdre, Willow Creek AVA, Estate, Paso Robles, California, 2020

Honey Bunny- 92% Syrah 8% Mourvèdre, Willow Creek AVA, Estate, Paso Robles, California, 2020


Levo Vineyard, Central Coast

Please Fasten Your Seatbelt White, 2022 - White Wine

Please Fasten Your Seatbelt Grenache, 2021 - Grenache

Please Fasten Your Seatbelt Syrah, 2021 - Syrah


M. Chapoutier, Hermitage & Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône Valley

M. Chapoutier Les Meysonniers Blanc, Crozes-Hermitage,2020

M. Chapoutier Les Meysonniers Rouge, Crozes-Hermitage, 2020

M. Chapoutier La Bernardine Blanc, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2021

M. Chapoutier, La Bernardine Rouge, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2020


Montage Vineyards, Malibu Coast 

Viognier Malibu Coast AVA, 2022

Syrah Malibu Coast AVA, 2017

Unity Red Blend Malibu Coast AVA, 2017

Rosé of Grenache Malibu Coast AVA, 2022


Piedrasassi, Santa Barbara County

Piedrasassi Syrah, PS Santa Barbara County, California, 2021

Piedrasassi Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, California, 2020

Piedrasassi Syrah, Patterson + John Sebastiano Vineyards, Sta. Rita Hills, California, 2017


Quady North, Rogue Valley, Oregon

Pistoleta, Rhone White Blend, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, 2021

Rosé "GSM", Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, 2022

"GSM", Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, 2020

Syrah, Mae's Vineyard, 2019


Red Car, Sonoma Coast / Fort Ross, Seaview AVA

Red Car, Syrah, Sonoma Coast, 2019

Red Car, Syrah, Estate Vineyard, Fort Ross - Seaview, 2019

Red Car, Syrah, Sonoma Coast, 2021

Red Car, Syrah, Estate Vineyard, Fort Ross - Seaview, 2021


Red Door Ranch Vineyards 

  Favorite Daughter, Counoise Rosé, 2022

 Latchkey Kid, Counoise, 2022

 Middle Child, Carignane, 2022

 Big Brother, Malbec 2021


Skinner Vineyards, El Dorado 

Skinner, Grenache Blanc, Stoney Creek & Swansborough, El Dorado, 2022

Skinner, Grenache, Stoney Creek, Green Valley & Wing Ranch, El Dorado, 2022

Skinner, Mourvedre, Stoney Creek & Green Valley, El Dorado, 2022

Skinner, Syrah, Stoney Creek, El Dorado, 2022


Tellurian, Australia 

Tellurian, Tranter Shiraz, Heathcote, Australia, 2017


Tensley Wines, Santa Barbara County

Fundamental by Joey Tensley White Blend, 2022

Tensley Syrah Lite, 2022

Tensley Santa Barbara County Syrah, 2022


Zobèto 

Never Ending Sunday (76% Mourvedre, 24% Syrah), 2021 

Fundamental Mystery (54% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 16% Syrah, 10% Graciano), 2021

Dizziness of Freedom (67% Syrah, 22% Graciano, 11% Grenache), 2021


2008
March 08 | April 08 | May 08 | June 08 | July 08 | August 08 | September 08 | October 08 | November 08 | December 08 | January 09 | February 09 | March 09 | April 09 | May 09 | June 09 | July 09 | August 09 | September 09 | October 09 | November 09 | December 09 | January 10 | February 10 | March 10 | April 10 | May 10 | June 10 | July 10 | August 10 | September 10 | October 10 | November 10 | December 10 | January 11 | February 11 | March 11 | April 11 | May 11 | June 11 | July 11 | August 11 | September 11 | October 11 | November 11 | December 11 | January 12 | February 12 | March 12 | May 12 | April 12 | June 12 | July 12 | August 12 | September 12 | October 12 | November 12 | December 12 | January 13 | February 13 | March 13 | April 13 | May 13 | June 13 | July 13 | August 13 | September 13 | October 13 | November 13 | December 13 | January 14 | February 14 | March 14 | April 14 | May 14 | June 14 | July 14 | August 14 | September 14 | October 14 | November 14 | December 14 | January 15 | February 15 | March 15 | April 15 | May 15 | June 15 | July 15 | August 15 | September 15 | October 15 | November 15 | December 15 | January 16 | March 16 | February 16 | April 16 | May 16 | June 16 | July 16 | August 16 | October 16 | September 16 | November 16 | December 16 | January 17 | February 17 | March 17 | April 17 | May 17 | June 17 | July 17 | August 17 | September 17 | October 17 | October 17 | November 17 | December 17 | January 18 | February 18 | March 18 | April 18 | May 18 | June 18 | July 18 | August 18 | September 18 | October 18 | November 18 | December 18 | January 19 | February 19 | March 19 | April 19 | April 19 | May 19 | June 19 | July 19 | August 19 | September 19 | October 19 | November 19 | December 19 | January 20 | February 20 | March 20 | April 20 | May 20 | June 20 | July 20 | August 20 | September 20 | October 20 | November 20 | December 20 | January 21 | February 21 | March 21 | April 21 | May 21 | June 21 | July 21 | August 21 | September 21 | November 21 | October 21 | December 21 | January 22 | February 22 | March 22 | April 22 | May 22 | June 22 | July 22 | August 22 | September 22 | September 22 | October 22 | November 22 | December 22 | January 23 | February 23 | March 23 | April 23 | April 23 | May 23 | June 23 | July 23 | August 23 | September 23 | October 23 | November 23 | December 23 | January 24 | February 24 | February 08 | January 08

2007
December 07
| November 07 | October 07 | September 07 | August 07 | July 07 | June 07 | May 07
April 07
| March 07 | February 07 | January 07

2006
Dember 06
| November 06 | October 06 | September 06 | August 06 | July 06 | June 06 | May 06
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2005
December 05
| November 05 | October 05 | September 05 | August 05 | July 05 | June 05 | May 05
April 05 | March 05 | February 05 | January 05

© 2008 Bonnie Carroll, All Rights Reserved