Tag Archives: Mark Horvath

Cocktail Corner: Que Syrah, Syrah

Posted on by

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Fellow Syrah lovers, have we got a seminar for you. As part of the Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend, on April 23, this special tasting seminar throws the spotlight on this dark, delicious, full-bodied grape.

Panel participants (L-R): Chris Hammell, Bien Nacido Vineyard; Pater Stolpman, Stolpman Vineyards; Michael Larner, Larner Vineyard; Mark Horvath, Crawford Family Vineyards; Larry Schaffer, Tercero Wines; Scott Sampler, the Central Coast Group Project; Chad Melville, SAMsARA; and Wendy Thies Sell, Seminar Moderator & Wine Writer (courtesy photos).

Panel participants (L-R): Chris Hammell, Bien Nacido Vineyard; Pater Stolpman, Stolpman Vineyards; Michael Larner, Larner Vineyard; Mark Horvath, Crawford Family Vineyards; Larry Schaffer, Tercero Wines; Scott Sampler, the Central Coast Group Project; Chad Melville, SAMsARA; and Wendy Thies Sell, Seminar Moderator & Wine Writer (courtesy photos).

Featuring an in-depth exploration and tasting of Santa Barbara County Syrah, the panelists are an impressive lot:

Chris Hammell, Vineyard Manager of Bien Nacido Vineyard

Mark Horvath, Owner & Winemaker at Crawford Family Wines

Michael Larner, Owner & Winemaker at Larner Vineyard and Winery

Chad Melville, Owner & Winemaker at SAMsARA

Scott Sampler, Owner & Winemaker at the Central Coast Group Project

Larry Schaffer, Owner & Winemaker at Tercero Wines

Peter Stolpman, Partner at Stolpman Vineyards

Wendy Thies Sell, Seminar Moderator & Wine Writer (& Santa Barbara Seasons contributor)

The Santa Barbara Wine Seminar takes place on Saturday, April 23 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Rd., Buellton. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased here.

Wine Tasting, courtesy Santa Barbara Vintners.

Wine Tasting, courtesy Santa Barbara Vintners.

According to vinepair.com, “A great bonus to drinking Syrah is that due to the high level of tannins present in the wine, Syrah has one of the highest level of health-benefiting antioxidants.” I just like the taste.

I like the music too. Here’s the original Que Sera Sera by Doris Day, as well as an update by Corinne Bailey Rae. 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 April 8, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Wandering Dog Wine Bar’s “Friday Night Wines”

Posted on by
Courtesy Wandering Dog Wine Bar

Courtesy Wandering Dog Wine Bar

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Looking for something fun and unique to do on a Friday night? Why not “wine down” your week at one of Solvang’s Wandering Dog Wine Bar‘s monthly events.

The April class, “Vinification Techniques with Syrah,” on Friday, April 4, is led by local winemaker, Michael Larner of Larner Vineyard. He’ll cover different winemaking techniques and how they affect Syrah and will offer up samples from his own label as he explains the processes, as well as other Syrahs both local and imported.  The class takes place from 6–7 p.m. A great way to start your weekend.

May’s class, “All About Pinot Noir,” on Friday, May 2, features Mark Horvath, owner/winemaker of Crawford Family Wines. Guests will sample three Pinots from his new label, as well as a selection of other style of Pinot from wineries outside of the Santa Barbara area.  This class also takes place from 6–7 p.m.

The family-owned Wandering Dog Wine Bar is known for carrying under-the-radar labels, and specializes in boutique wines, craft beers and gourmet cheeses. They offer a dozen wine flights every day, including everything from local favorites, sparkling and sweet wines, to reserve flights featuring wines that run $50+, as well as tastings of premium beers.

In addition to the Friday night fetes, every Thursday, Wandering Dog Wine Bar hosts a Blind Tasting from 4– 7 p.m., when guests are challenged to match up regions, varietals, price points and vintages of four featured wines.

Wandering Dog Wine Bar is located at 1539-C Mission Dr. (next to Paula’s Pancake House), in Solvang. To make a reservation for any of the Friday night classes, please call 805/686.9126 or email wines@wanderingdogwinebar.com.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 4, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

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.”