Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

A drive over 154 from Santa Barbara toward Solvang is always a delightful experience for tourists or locals visiting from Santa Barbara for a weekend escape or just an afternoon delight at one of the local restaurants or wineries located in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Recently, I traveled to spend an afternoon at Roblar Winery & Vineyards, location --- history. The beautiful country style Roblar sign greets you at the entrance, along with an iron sculpture of a stagecoach with horses. I also was impressed they have special parking posts for people riding in on their horse.

The grounds of this historic property are country gorgeous, and include a winery comprised of an amazing and comfortable wine tasting room that is cool in summer heat and warm in cool evenings. The huge fireplace is perfect for a visit, and a cozy place to share romantic moments over a great glass of wine or have a get-to-gether with friends. Another option is the beautiful sun kissed outdoor tasting area filled with comfy seating areas and tables for groups that offers exquisite views of the vineyards and farm.

It was a rather warm afternoon when I arrived, so we decided on sampling sips and bites in the cool tasting room, where the service was outstanding, and our small plates with two fine Roblar wines was perfect. I had been hearing good things about Chef Peter Cham’s field to table menus but was truly amazed by his exceptionally delicious bread & butter, warm Baker’s Table ciabatta with whipped garlic-confit butter, paired with best tasting bowl of warm marinated olives in citrus, garlic and thyme ever to savor with 2021 Sauvignon Blanc estate and 2021 Cuvee Blanc Estate wines.

The Weekday Menu includes a bevy of outstanding small plate options including Ahi Tuna tartare, cheese board, charcuterie board, farm lettuces, black garlic Caesar salad, Candied bacon BLT, garlic butter shrimp toast, stone fruit caprese salad, prosciutto grilled cheese, and tempting dessert options of Teri’s freshly baked cookies or warm gooey brownies.

The classic Tasting is $15 per person and includes 221 Sauvignon Blanc Estate, 2021 Rose’ Estate, 2019 Grassetto Estate, 2019 Ottimo Estate. The Reserve Tasting is $20 per person and includes 2021 Cuvee Blanc Estate, 2019 Sangre de Dioses Estate, 2019 GSM Estate, 2017 Refugio Ranch Barbareno.

This welcoming and relaxing winery & vineyard is one I will be returning to soon for one of Chef Cham’s renowned Sunday Brunch delights that I’m sure will be fabulous.