Central Coast Cabernet: Summer’s End Calls for a Big Red
By Gabe Saglie   |   September 5, 2023

McPrice Myers has long been a fan of Central Coast syrahs and grenaches. But in the two decades since he launched his eponymous wine label in Paso Robles, the self-dubbed “Rhône guy” has been lured by the ultimate Bordeaux darling. And now, he’s set off to make “the ultimate expression of cabernet sauvignon.” Myers dumped […]

Dana Volk Is a “Happy Mommy” New Label Aims to Connect with Moms
By Gabe Saglie   |   July 11, 2023

Dana Volk trademarked the “Happy Mommy” wine back in 2018, when she launched her venture as an independent winemaker. “I always wanted to make a local wine under $20, as a way to connect with fellow moms,” she recalls. “And I thought, ‘Maybe someday!’” Five years later, as the repute of her original, fine wine […]

 

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The New Darling of Sparkling Wines
By Jamie Knee   |   June 27, 2023

Everyone’s heard of Champagne, and most people have heard of Prosecco, but the new darling in the world of sparkling wine is Cava. This delicious bubbly from Penedès, Spain, is actually not so new, having been discovered in the late 1800s. For those who are unfamiliar with Cava, it’s a sparkling wine that’s made using […]

New Access: Bien Nacido Vineyard Welcomes Guests for First Time
By Gabe Saglie   |   May 30, 2023

The newest wine tasting destination in Santa Barbara County is, actually, 50 years in the making. The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido Vineyard officially opens to the public this Memorial Day weekend. It’s a brand-new structure – two-stories, plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces, sustainably built from the ground up – located right at the entrance […]

To the Wine Lover Go the Spoils: May Offers Myriad Events Inspired by the Grape
By Gabe Saglie   |   April 25, 2023

Santa Barbara’s wine industry is rolling out the red carpet. Mid-May is studded with a bevy of events aimed at maximizing the enjoyment of, and understanding of, locally-produced wines. Here’s a snapshot of some of the key events presented by both the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience’s “Taste of Santa Barbara,” making a triumphant return, as […]

Wine Helping People Helping People
By Richard Mineards   |   April 25, 2023

To Santa Ynez for People Helping People’s annual Vino de Sueños at Fred Brander’s vineyard, supporting farm workers with lifesaving services – which raised $35,000. Founding vineyards of the popular event include Alma Rosa, Clos Pepe, Foxen, Feliz Noche, Presidio, Longoria, and Buttonwood. Vino de Sueños features artisanal food, wines, dynamic paintings and sculpture, and […]

Secret’s Out: New San Ysidro Ranch Dinner Experience Takes Guests Underground
By Gabe Saglie   |   March 21, 2023

There’s a new culinary experience at the San Ysidro Ranch – and it’s top secret. The Secret Cellar premiered in December, building on the luxe property’s famous world-class dining but offering something totally exclusive. It brings diners underground – past the Stonehouse patio, past the entrance to the Plow & Angel and down the stone […]

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  • Party for Pinot: 23rd World of Pinot Noir Event Makes Triumphant Santa Barbara Return
    By Gabe Saglie   |   February 28, 2023

    “The practices we use to do business today, from a sustainability standpoint, are the same ones my grandfather used 95 years ago,” vintner Steve Sangiacomo told me this week. “How we farm, how we treat our employees – it’s all about responsibility.” Sangiacomo Family Wines is a premium wine brand in Northern California – they […]

    Bubbles and Glitter Riverbench Bubblies Come in Bottles that Shimmer
    By Gabe Saglie   |   December 6, 2022

    All that glitters may not be gold. But when it comes to these sparkling wine bottles – glittering and bursting with color – the flavors definitely shine. Just in time for the holidays, Riverbench Winery is bringing back this unique festive packaging for its full line of sparkling wines. The “Glitter Bottles” are fully covered […]

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    Holiday Gift Ideas
    By Montecito Journal   |   November 21, 2022

    A four-carat Colombian emerald set in platinum with diamonds accenting the emerald cut. Silverhorn Design Studio1235 Coast Village RoadMontecito, CA 93108805.969.0442https://www.silverhorn.com/ Unique and luxe Dakota Wine and Picnic Tote, quality made in the U.S. out of cork from Portugal. Paula Parisottohttps://paulaparisotto.com/ Proenza Schouler Dia day bag in leopard print Italian calf-hair with a detachable strap […]

    The Ultimate Paddle Party: Santa Barbara Vintners’ Charitable Gala Returns
    By Gabe Saglie   |   November 8, 2022

    Winemaker phenom Bryan Babcock is throwing open the doors to his Montecito estate. The exclusive invite includes a five-night stay for six people at what’s affectionally dubbed Villa Flora, a captivating property located just three minutes from Miramar Beach that features Mediterranean architecture and elegant gardens. Guests will also be treated to a Spanish-inspired dinner […]

    Tried and True – and Brand New: Vintners Festival Returns, Spotlights Santa Barbara’s Wide Range
    By Gabe Saglie   |   October 25, 2022

    The Santa Barbara Vintners Festival made its post-pandemic return this month. It was a lovely Saturday in Solvang, with bright blue skies and temps in the low 80s, as dozens of regional winemakers took over the grounds of the historic Mission Santa Inés and popped hundreds of corks for a lively crowd. Guests were also […]

    Wine Among the Windmills Solvang Now a Legit Draw for Oenophiles
    By Gabe Saglie   |   September 20, 2022

    I’ll be spending this coming weekend in Solvang, acting as emcee for a few of the events on the calendar for the 85th Danish Days festival, including the Danish Days Parade at 2:30 pm on Saturday afternoon. The three-day fête, Friday through Sunday, celebrates Santa Barbara County’s famous Scandinavian town, founded in 1911 by Danish […]

    J Vineyards’ “Shifting the Lens” Series: Wine as an Agent for Change
    By Gabe Saglie   |   September 13, 2022

    On a recent afternoon, on the rolling grounds of Eastside Knoll Vineyard in Sonoma, falcons are on alert. With the 2022 harvest finally underway, and with the pinot noir grapes here quickly maturing toward optimum ripeness, the birds of prey have been employed as an eco-friendly alternative to netting to keep hungry starlings away. “It’s […]

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