Cali Coast Wine Country
Spring has sprung, and that can only mean one thing in wine country: it’s rosé season. This is the time of year when wineries release their new rosé, to be enjoyed now and all through the summer (and if you can hold onto a bottle all the way until Thanksgiving, it’s superb with the food). This …
Bien Nacido Vineyards in Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyards are some of the most well-known vineyards in the world. 12 different grape varieties grow there and are famous for their ability to make high-quality, award-winning wines. It’s also the most-named vineyard across all branded labels in the world. If you’ve never seen the vineyard, get a peek in …
As you approach the Santa Ynez Valley from southern California, you’ll be driving over “the pass” – if you know what’s good for you. Meaning, if you drive like a local. And, as you make that final stretch after all those gorgeous winding turns, you’ll make a left onto route 246 (not to be confused …
One of the original sparkling wine makers in Santa Barbara county using the traditional method to make bubbles — méthode champenoise — was Flying Goat Cellars. Norm Yost and Kate Griffith have been picking early, fermenting grapes, providing the proper environment for a second fermentation in the bottle and disgorging in the Lompoc wine ghetto since 2005. Flying Goat is one …
“Why are you all dressed alike? What’s with the polka-dots?” The slightly tipsy woman was staring at the seven of us dressed in various impersonations of Lucy and Ethel stomping grapes from the classic “I Love Lucy” episode. I looked our group up and down. Some did look like Lucy & Ethel, but a few …
I think my very favorite thing in wine is acid. I’ll take an elegant, restrained and acidic European wine over a Napa cult cab or Paso fruit bomb with any cheese plate! Acid in wine is what makes it go well with food. Think of it as the lemon on your fish, lightening and freshening …
