Tag archives: wine
High above the sun-drenched vineyards of Paso Robles, DAOU Vineyards stands as a symbol of passion, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence. Since its founding in 2007 by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, this estate has become a cornerstone of California’s Central Coast wine country. Nestled in the renowned Adelaida District, DAOU has built a […]
“Santa Barbara has always been more of a maverick type of region,” winemaker Karen Steinwachs tells me. “And that certainly has helped female talent to flourish.” Steinwachs and I are discussing the remarkable number of women winemakers in the area, a cohort which has grown solidly over the decades. These days, female leadership drives some […]
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is a true slice of paradise. With its Mediterranean climate, stunning coastal views, and world-class wine country, it’s no wonder this gem on the California coast is one of the most desirable places to live. From historic Spanish-style estates to contemporary architectural masterpieces, […]
It’s going to be extra festive at this year’s World of Pinot Noir event. The annual party celebrating Burgundy’s most famous red grape – a multi-day affair that has been luring industry bigwigs and thirsty consumers alike ever since it was launched along California’s Central Coast in 2001 – turns 25 this year! Fêted across […]
“We’re not trying to put alcohol out of business,” says Vanessa Royle. “But there has been a big shift, generally, and more people are looking for non-alcoholic options in addition to alcoholic options.” Ms. Royle is a Santa Barbara entrepreneur who made the personal choice to quit drinking in May of 2020, just after COVID […]
The ballet, The Nutcracker, is a perennial holiday favorite for its recognizable melodies and a touching storyline set during the Christmas season. This story is an introduction to a multisensory concept that I just put to the test, and with delicious results: Does pairing Tchaikovsky’s sweeping music with wine heighten your enjoyment of it? Or […]
At the beginning of November, the Friendship Center held its 12th Annual Wine Down at the Arlington Theater with a special twist – this year’s event included a ghoulish costume theme given its proximity to Halloween. This sold-out event brought food, dancing, and much more to a crowd of 130 guests, raising nearly $60,000 in […]
Founder of Petite Wine Traveler, Montecito Wine Society, and MJ contributor, Jamie Knee was named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in the Alcohol Beverage Industry by the Women in Wine & Spirits Awards (WINWSA). Jamie blends her love for travel and storytelling by hosting wine tastings at luxury resorts, restaurants, and private […]
The MJ had a seat at the table, and we witnessed the power of giving back. The Santa Barbara Wine Auction was back at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta this past weekend, drawing hundreds of oenophiles who dressed up, showed up and raised their paddles up. This is a biennial party put on by the […]
This summer I reveled in the opportunity to traverse the vine-strewn expanses of Santa Barbara Wine Country, a treasure trove of over 300 wineries, each catering to a diverse palette of taste buds. As a dedicated Santa Barbara wine writer, each visit to these local vineyards is both a discovery and a homecoming. The region, […]
Winemaker Steve Clifton is pretty familiar with the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival. His attendance later this month will be his 34th. “You get a chance to talk to the principals – the winemakers, the owners – and you’ve got all these wonderful wineries coming out from all over Santa Barbara County,” he told me recently […]
This past month the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance showcased its annual Wine & Fire Weekend, highlighting the rustic charm and viticultural prowess of Santa Barbara County’s celebrated wine country. Nestled within the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Sta. Rita Hills is acclaimed for its unique maritime climate, a key factor in producing stellar pinot […]
Actress Virginia Madsen got an Oscar nomination for her role in the 2004 film, Sideways. Twenty years later, she’s still feeling the impact, and enjoying it. “It changed my life,” she told me during a recent conversation. “And it’s still so alive, this movie. It became a cultural phenomenon, and there are very few movies […]
The newest wine experience in Napa is giving guests a taste of Santa Barbara. Fess Parker Winery, the well-known brand along Foxen Canyon Road that’s celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, opened the doors to its brand-new tasting room earlier this month. It’s located right in the heart of downtown Napa, along popular First Street, […]
Montecito, a picturesque retreat where the mountains meet the ocean, offers a sun-drenched setting that encapsulates the quintessential summer lifestyle. As both a local and a global wine communicator, I’ve savored the world’s most prestigious wines and spirits. The charm of returning to Montecito’s warm embrace is unmatched. Here, where many people come to vacation, […]
Santa Barbara winemaker Doug Margerum celebrated the launch of his new sauvignon blanc with a boffo bash fieldside at the Santa Barbara Polo Club where the new label is being sold. His “all white” party for 150 guests at the weekend, featured all of his labels, including his popular Rhône varietal M5 and a host […]
It’s not just the views that impress from atop Sulphur Mountain in Ventura County. It’s the wines, too. Ojai Mountain Winery is one of the newest wine projects on the Central Coast. Its first releases hit the market just last year, and the buzz around them has been swift and upbeat. Their acclaim stems from […]
Having just returned from hosting an enchanting wine river cruise in the heart of Bordeaux, I am brimming with stories and memories. This famed wine region, celebrated for its luxurious offerings, revealed itself in all its glory as we navigated the picturesque Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Each bend in the river opened a new chapter […]
Oenophiles and gourmands were out in force when the sold-out California Wine Festival, which was comprised of two different events, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a rare and reserve wine tasting at the Hilton’s Plaza del Sol, kicking off the event for 350 guests sampling 200 wines from more than 70 vineyards and 30 eateries […]
Dust off your beret and get ready for a week of pure epicurean delight! The Taste of Santa Barbara, presented by the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, is back, promising a whirlwind adventure for your taste buds from May 13 to 19. Imagine this: basking in the golden glow of the Santa Barbara sun, sipping on […]
