Cocktail Corner: Sundown Sundays at Santa Barbara Wine Collective

The Santa Barbara Wine Collective Patio, photo by Rob Stark.

The Santa Barbara Wine Collective Patio, photo by Rob Stark.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Looking for something different and fun to do on a Sunday afternoon. Starting this week (June 17), Santa Barbara Wine Collective launches Sundown Sundays for summer. Relax with a glass of one of the member wineries’ vintages on the Santa Barbara Wine Collective patio, located on the Urban Wine Trail of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone at 131 Anacapa St., Suite C.

Cheyenne Skye, courtesy photo.

Cheyenne Skye, courtesy photo.

Listen to the live music sounds of Cheyenne Skye on Sunday, June 17, from 3-6 p.m. “Cheyenne Skye sings from the heart and writes timeless songs with an equal touch of emotion and humor along with her love for nature. She projects a combination of folk and soul, almost as if Patsy Cline, Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, Jim Croce all had a baby together. An original member of the group Rainbow Girls, Skye has toured the Western United States and the UK/Europe, and has shared stages with California Honeydrops, Nicki Bluhm and the Gamblers, ALO, Brothers Comatose, Marty O’Reilly and the Old Soul Orchestra, John Craigie, Handmade Moments, Groove Session, Whiskerman and many more.”

DJ BargainBin, courtesy photo.

DJ BargainBin, courtesy photo.

DJ BarginBin (Jack Carmean) performs on Sunday, June 24 and Sunday, July 1. “DJ BargainBin is a classic, all-vinyl DJ from California’s central coast. Spinning multiple flavors of pop, rock, soul & schlock, since the mid-2000s, guesting at Sailing (at the Attic) and Horizons (at the Makeout Room) and hosting a monthly feature, Kodachrome at St. Mary’s Pub. Since relocating to the Central Coast, he’s been spinning the funk at Soul Service (@ the Mercury Lounge) and lounge grooves at Hi! Jinx! (@ the Imperial). In between the regular gigs, sometimes it’s powerpop, sometimes it’s smooth rock, sometimes New Wave, but it’s always classic vinyl and it’s always gonna get you on your feet!”

Persian Housecat performs July 8 & July 22 and Valdas Karalis (July 29). Helena Avenue Bakery Cheese Plates and Baguettes are available for purchase to enjoy with wines by the glass or bottle from Santa Barbara County member wineries Babcock Winery, Ca’ Del Grevino, Fess Parker Winery, Notary Public Wine, and The Paring & The Hilt.

Admission is free to the public and reservations are not required. The Santa Barbara Wine Collective patio is pet-friendly. Musical talent performs from 3-6 p.m. 

I hope to see you there.

Cheers!  Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie believes variety is the spice of life. Send your suggestions to Leslie@sbseasons.com.

Cocktail Corner: Central Coast Wine Classic Celebrates 31 Years of Delicious Indulgence

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic, which takes place Aug. 10-14.

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic, which takes place Aug. 10-14.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Archie McLaren‘s enthusiastic zest for food, wine, art and philanthropy is infectious! The Founder and Chairman of the Central Coast Wine Classic and I recently discussed his plans for this year’s impressive event, which takes place Aug. 10-14, and spans the Central Coast from San Simeon through Paso Robles, Shell Beach, Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande and Buellton to Santa Barbara.

The Central Coast Wine Classic has highlighted Santa Barbara County wines throughout its many renditions, but this is the first time that some of the events will actually take place in Santa Barbara. It’s truly a remarkable opportunity to taste world-class wine and food in our hometown.

Asking McLaren to pick a favorite event was like asking a parent to name his favorite child.  “Everything looks like a highlight, what would you say are some of the highlights?” I wonder.

He laughs, “That is an interesting comment, because I’ve pondered this as well. When I drew the schedule, I began to wonder what in the world I was thinking in what has been described as my overly indulgent realm, because when I look at this, basically what it looks like is all the things I would like to do. And of course, one of the challenges is the fact that when we’re here in Santa Barbara, for example, for the winery dinners on Friday night we’ve got three that are absolutely outstanding.”

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic, which takes place Aug. 10-14.

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic, which takes place Aug. 10-14.

Certainly notable in that group (and filling up fast) is a Winemaker Dinner, on Aug. 12, featuring Vintners Fred Brander of The Brander Vineyard and Bob Lindquist of Qupé Wine Cellars in the recently restored Mural Room of the Historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

“That as a destination alone is worth going to, but in the midst of that destination we’re dealing with Brander and Qupé, two of the iconic wineries in Santa Barbara County, and Chef Michael Hutchings, who is not only revered here but also for our dinner at Hearst Castle, he’s been a part of that for decades and he will be part of that again,” says McLaren. “It’s an incredible symbiotic relationship of food and wine. It’s as good as it gets … we’re talking about a venue the construction of which took place in 1929 … the timing is impeccable for us.”

The Hearst Castle Dinner, on Aug. 11, begins with a Champagne Reception featuring Roederer Estate Brut in Magnums, presented by Xavier Barlier, Marketing Director of Maisons Marques & Domaines, followed by five dinner courses, conceived and created by renowned chefs, Christophe Eme and Laurent Quenioux, as well as assisted and presented by the Wine Classic’s Stellar Family of Chefs, including Santa Barbara-area chefs James Sly and Hutchings, matched with fine dinner wines from Heralded Wine Classic Vintners.

Aug. 12  also offers another fabulous Winemaker Dinner locally, featuring Vintners Bion Rice of Sunstone Vineyards & Winery and Artiste Winery and Bryan Babcock of Babcock Vineyards, with fine wines from each, and another fabulous venue: the Channel Cat, the largest luxury sailing catamaran ship in Santa Barbara Harbor.

“Chef Cynthia Miranda is going to be the person who creates the dinner,” says McLaren. “I think that’s going to be an absolutely outstanding dinner as well.”

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic, which takes place Aug. 10-14.

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic, which takes place Aug. 10-14.

He continues, “If that weren’t sufficient, the Rare Wine Dinner at the Santa Barbara Club (also on Aug. 12) is beyond description. The wines that are a part of that areas good as they get, and they are rare.” Hosted by McLaren, along with “fellow over-indulgers” Dr. Blake Brown, Don Schliff and John Tilson in the Private Dining Room at the Santa Barbara Club, this very exclusive event includes rare bottles and a meal prepared by Guest Chef Bernat “Bernard” Ibarra and Club Executive Chef Humberto Perez.

The list of incredible food and wine event list goes on and on, barrel tastings, vineyard tours, a dinner at Hearst Castle, education symposiums, the complete list of events can be viewed here. But that’s not all. There’s also important philanthropic component to this event, the Rare & Fine Wine & Lifestyle Auction, which takes place on Aug. 13 at Bella Vista, the extraordinary Pat Nesbitt Polo Estate, in Summerland.

Since its founding in 2004, the Central Coast Wine Classic Foundation has conferred grants exceeding $2,500,000 to 125 San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County 501(c)3 nonprofits whose missions are in the Healing, Performing and Studio Arts. For 2016, the Studio Arts Beneficiaries will be the Hearst Preservation Foundation and the Friends of Hearst Castle Foundation that sustains the irreplaceable, historic Hearst Castle artifacts. The Performing Arts Beneficiary will be the newly established Léni Fé Bland Performing Arts Fund, founded by 2016 Wine Classic Patron Honoree Sara Miller McCune of Montecito. The Wine Classic Board of Directors will announce the Healing Arts Beneficiary soon.

Tickets are now on sale for all of these extraordinary events and experiences. I really hope to see some of you there.

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

 Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on June 24, 2016.

 

Arthritis Foundation’s 33rd Annual Taste of the Town

Photo courtesy Arthritis Foundation's Taste of the Town

Photo courtesy Arthritis Foundation’s Taste of the Town

We got a preview last week of what’s in store for the 33rd annual Santa Barbara Taste of the Town, and there’s a lot to be excited about for this signature culinary event benefiting the Arthritis Foundation.

Taking place on Sunday, Sept. 7 at the picturesque Riviera Park Gardens, 2030 Alameda Padre Serra,  from noon-3 p.m., the fundraiser is expected to attract more than  1,000 guests for an afternoon of wine tasting and delicious nibbles presented from many of Santa Barbara’s finest restaurants and wineries.

Mingle and support a good cause over live entertainment overlooking the beautiful city below.

Opal Restaurant & Bar co-owners Tina Takaya and Richard Yates are co-chairs for the event. Some of the participating restaurants include: Aldo’s Italian Restaurant, Blue Tavern, Ca’ Dario, Fresco Café & Bakery, Il Fustino, Los Agaves, Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant, Louie’s California Bistro, Michael’s Catering, New West Catering/Industrial Eats, Olivos del Mar, Opal Restaurant & Bar, Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro, Santa Barbara City College, The Chase Restaurant, The Faculty Club, The Palace Grill and Via Maestra 42, among others.

Wine, beer and beverages will be provide by: Adelaida, Alexander & Wayne/Arthur Earl, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards (winemaker Richard Sanford is a special honoree), Au Bon Climat, Babcock Vineyards, Brander Vineyard, Brewer-Clifton, Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard, Carr Vineyards & Winery, Consilience Winery/Tre Anelli, Daniel Gehrs Wines, Falcone Family Vineyards, Fess Parker Winery, Fiddlehead Cellars, Figueroa Mountain Brewery, Foxen, Giessinger Winery, Grassini, Island Brewing Company, Jaffurs Wine Cellars, Ken Brown Wines, Kenneth Volk Vineyards, Lafond Winery and Vineyards, Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards/Toccata Wines, Margerum Wine CompanyMelville Vineyards & Winery, Mosby Winery, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Qupe, Sanford WinerySanta Barbara Winery, Scott Cellars, Silver Wines, Sort This Out Cellars, Starlane & Dierberg Vineyards/Three Saints, Sunstone Vineyards, Tolosa, Whitcraft Winery, William James Cellars and Zaca Mesa, among others.

Photo courtesy Arthritis Foundation's Taste of the Town

Photo courtesy Arthritis Foundation’s Taste of the Town

Kendall Viera, a 13-year-old middle school student from Santa Ynez has been named this year’s Youth Honoree. She was diagnosed at the age of 6 with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) and is currently in remission, thanks to medical advances. To see a video of Viera talking about why she supports the Arthritis Foundation click here.

Dr. Timothy Spiegel has been named the event’s Medical Honoree. Hel is a rheumatologist (arthritis specialist) in Santa Barbara that has been diagnosing and treating patients for almost 40 years. 

All proceeds from Taste of the Town support local programs and services of the Arthritis Foundation. The foundation is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of 53 million people (including nearly 300,000 children) with arthritis through research and local programs of education, advocacy and juvenile arthritis support.

Taste of the Town tickets purchased in advance are $125 per person; tickets at the door will be $140, if available, and corporate group discounts are also available. Tickets are limited, so early reservations are encouraged. For tickets and information call 805/463-4685 or visit tasteofthetownsantabarbara.org.

Sponsors and their guests will also enjoy the exclusive Connoisseurs’ Circle, co-chaired by Jennifer Jaqua and Jacques Habra. Celebrating its fifth year, this unique VIP experience will feature a progressive tasting menu designed and prepared by a visiting chef of distinction at Belmond El Encanto on Friday, Sept. 5, along with a live auction. Taste of the Town sponsorship opportunities are still available by contacting Asher Garfinkel at 805/563-4685.

–Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on July 31, 2014.