Cocktail Corner: Beer Pairing Dinner at Rodney’s Grill + Seven More Fun Events

Posted on July 14, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Rodney’s Grill pairs a four-course tasting menu with hand crafted beers from The Bruery. (courtesy photo)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Santa Barbara Beer Week is winding down this weekend, but the suds continue to pour around town, including at Rodney’s Grill (at The Fess Parker – A Doubletree by Hilton Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., 800/879-2929), where executive chef Kirk DeLong believes nothing tastes quite like an ice-cold hand crafted beer to quench summertime thirst.

With that in mind, DeLong promises to take beer to a whole new level with the resort’s first ever Beer Pairing Dinner complementing a four-course tasting menu with hand crafted beers from Orange County’s The Bruery. The festivities take place July 26 at 7 p.m.

The Bruery CEO Patrick Rue, who founded the company six years ago, will be on hand to give a brief overview about the signature beer pairings. The Bruery is a boutique craft brewery specializing in barrel-aged and experimental ales. Founded as a small, friend and family run business in 2008, The Bruery takes its unique moniker from Rue’s family surname.

Rodney’s Grill, courtesy Fess Parker a Doubletree by Hilton Resort

Chef DeLong will share highlights from his inspired American dishes and the fresh regional produce and ingredients which complement the beers being poured.

The menu, which sounds amazing, includes:

Sea scallop, habanero-red pepper gazpacho, and kiwi-dragon fruit chutney paired with Trade Winds Tripel

Hoisin duck breast, pomegranate risotto, rainbow Swiss chard, and port jus paired with Saison Rue

Sea bass, heirloom tomato, tempura beech mushroom, and saffron-fennel broth paired with Mischief

Hawaiian sweet bread pudding, and Rori’s Artisanal Creamery vanilla bean ice cream, paired with Sucre

This dinner isn’t the first collaboration between the Parker and Bruery brands. “The Fess Parker family have a long time tradition in the wine and hospitality business in Santa Barbara County, and are delighted to be working collaboratively with the family-owned business The Bruery. The two have worked collaboratively on the release of ‘Confession,’ a sour- style beer fermented with Riesling grapes that tastes like wine, and is ranked high among beer critics,” says director of sales & business development Beth Olson of The Fess Parker – A Doubletree by Hilton Resort.

Advance reservations for the tasting event are required by calling the resort’s concierge at 805-884-8533 or via open table at Rodneyssteakhouse.com. The cost of the dinner is $79 per person (plus tax and gratuity) with discounts for The Fess Parker Winery’s Wine Club and The Bruery’s “Hoarders and Reserve Societies” members.

Seeing the World Through Bacon-Flavored Glasses, photo by Tyler Moselle

Coming up this weekend is the always delicious Santa Barbara French Festival, where great food, wine, mimosas, crepes, delicious pastries, music, dance (including the awesome Moulin Rouge dancers from the Solstice Parade!) —and, of course, the infamous Poodle Parade, all come to Oak Park July 12 and 13 to celebrate Bastille Day and all the things that make the French cultural history so rich. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar. Admission is free and the Festival is a non-smoking event. For more information, email frenchfestival@sbcoxmail.com or call 805/963-8198.

On Monday night (July 14), raise your glass to Babes, Books & Booze and join funny women/authors Jenna McCarthy, Karen Rizzo and Starshine Roshell as they talk about social media over sharing, ungraceful aging, maternal intensity and their new books in what’s sure to be a lively conversation at Municipal Winemakers (22 Anacapa St.) on Monday, July 14 at 7 p.m. The first glass is on the publishers, but be sure to RSVP to info@prospectparkbooks.com.

When you’re in wine country, you can’t pass up the opportunity to taste the best wines around. Luckily, that chance comes easily at the 11th annual California Wine Festival from Thursday, July 17 to Saturday, July 19. Celebrate with gourmet food and live music galore. Raise a glass of red, pink, or white (or all!) to a great weekend by the sea! This always fun festival has multiple events and venues. Call 866/273-4148, or visit californiawinefestival.com complete details.

What goes better than bacon and wine, bourbon and beer? Dare we say, nothing! After an incredibly successful inaugural event last year, Bacon and Barrels is back! From July 18-10, enjoy some of the most delectable bacon dishes from the Central Coast’s best, while mixologists, bacon food trucks, live music, local vendors and a piggy petting zoo make this a weekend you’ll never forget. Saarloos & Sons Field, 2971 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. 805/996-0652, baconandbarrels.com.

Fantastic fermented food will be showcased at Cultivate Events‘ 4th annual Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival on Saturday, July 19. Kimchi, kombucha, kefir, pickles, beer, sauerkraut, wine, cider, cultured vegetables, and sourdough bread galore will take over Fairview Gardens (598 N. Fairview Ave., Goleta), accompanied with talks with fermented foods experts, hands-on how-to demonstrations, artisan fermented foods samples, and the opportunity for all ages to learn about the importance of local, organic, and sustainable agriculture and the fermentation process. The festival runs from 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. For more information, call 805/722-5324, or visit sbfermentationfestival.com, where Santa Barbara Seasons’ readers can get a discount to the festival by putting in the word “SEASONS” in the promo code box when purchasing tickets.

For its fourth year, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden‘s Wine and Cheese Botanic Lecture Series is bringing together the local scientific community for talks about Santa Barbara ecology. The July 19 edition of the Lecture Series features Santa Barbara Creeks‘ Supervisor George Johnson and his update on the Mission Creek Restoration Project from 4 to 6 p.m. Johnson will highlight the importance of Southern California steelhead trout in the state’s waterways, particularly Mission Creek. Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards is the sponsoring winery. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, is located at 1212 Mission Canyon Rd. For more information click here.

Who doesn’t love sangria? The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation sure does. They are hosting the 3rd Annual Sangria Soiree in order to raise money to help families of children with cancer. It is at the Villa at Sunstone Winery at 125 Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez, CA on July 20 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event is quickly becoming a favorite of Santa Ynez locals, as guests enjoy sampling of paella from Viva Paella and tapas by Paloma Restaurant. Spanish style flatbreads prepared by The Chef’s Touch are served with cheese platters from Ono Catering.These foods appear alongside tequila and sangria made from wines by Sunstone Winery, Palmina Wines and D’Alfonso-Curran Wines. Radio personality Tyler Story hosts this beautiful afternoon, and music by the acoustic flamenco guitar is also present. Not to mention, several fantastic raffle tickets can be purchased, with prizes such as private cooking classes, a helicopter tour and a spa day. For more information call 805/ 962-7466. Or, buy tickets online here.

Whew! That’s a lot going and I haven’t even gotten to Fiesta yet. Viva la July! Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on July 11, 2014.

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.”

Cocktail Corner: Barbecue Delights

Posted on June 27, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Andegavia Cask Wines are perfect for picnics (courtesy photo).

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Time to fire up the coals (or gas up the grills). Barbecue season is here, along with a wealth of winning wine options to pair with your favorite foods.

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but the 2012 Ruthven Napa Valley Chardonnay we tried from Andegavia Cask Wines, billed as “the first ever portable, eco-friendly luxury wine brand with online direct-to-consumer delivery” was excellent. Other California varietals now available include a 2011 Ruthven Napa Valley Red Blend, a 2012 Merrill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and a 2011 Nadalini Red Blend. According to the manufacturer, “the eco-friendly packaging … also means that a larger share of production dollars goes toward the quality of the wine, rather than expensive glass bottles, so as a result, Andegavia’s wine casks are 30-40% less expensive than bottled wines of comparable quality.”

Here’s another summer tip: my friend Doris says she stocks up on cask wines for camping trips because of the lighter weight, and also says their seals keep the wine tasting fresh a bit longer than corks do.

Himalayan salt platters from SALT in downtown Santa Barbara are a great way to season your summer gatherings (courtesy photo).

Andegavia reps say, “the casks have a one month shelf life once opened (12 months unopened), so you can enjoy the wine long after your party or summer outing has ended. No more throwing away half-finished bottles of wine!” I’m not sure what this “half-finished bottle of wine is,” but for more information, visit andegavia.com.

Whether you’re celebrating a 4th of July BBQ, or simply grilling for family in your backyard, experts say wines that are high in natural acidity are a refreshing choice for barbecues as they can handle even the fattiest cuts of meat.

I’m a Rosé fan, especially this time of year. For a versatile wine for any course on your grill, try Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is a bit bigger than your typical Rosé so it can stand up to heavier, meat-based dishes, yet still maintains the refreshing qualities that a Rosé should possess.

The Dragonette Cellars 2012 Rosé, Happy Canyon is another lovely and local selection for barbecue pairings like sausages and bratwurst, as is Beckmen’s 2013 PMV Grenache Rosé.

On the lighter side, grilled vegetables are great right, especially paired with Arnaldo Caprai Grecante, a crisp and flavorful wine that’s full of minerality, with an exceptionally long finish.

The crisp acidity of Longoria 2013 Pinot Grigio from Santa Barbara County pairs really well with seafood, as well as chicken and other light meats.

Margerum M5 is a great choice for barbecues (courtesy photo)

For a steak and burger wine, you can’t go wrong with an Italian blend like Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni, this bold Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot goes beautifully with the simply prepared T-bone steak.

On the local front, one of my favorites is Margerum M5, a delicious Rhone blend that uses five grape varieties—Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault—from vineyards in Santa Barbara County.

Now that you’ve got the wine covered (Ahem, priorities, folks!), don’t forget some special seasonings. Did you know that right in our very own neighborhood lies 45 tons of 250 million year old pure Himalayan Crystal Salt, perfect for seasoning your BBQ celebration?

Check out SALT‘s selection of edibles, or better yet, serve up your summer seafoods and salads on a pretty pink salt platter. If you can part with it, it also makes a great host or hostess gift.

Happy barbecuing. Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on June 27, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Sublime Summer Sips

Posted on June 20, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Sublime Summer Sips are on the menu with a variety of opportunities to wine down on those long summer days.

Pony up for Happy Hour at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. The club now welcomes visitors to take in the excitement of world-class polo competition combining the beauty and speed of thoroughbred horses with the thrill and skill of team competition on Friday nights, as well as every Sunday during the summer. Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, 3375 Foothill Rd., Carpinteria, 805/684-5819, sbpolo.com.

Les Marchands is the place to be on Tuesday June 24, when “the King of Rheingau Riesling,” Johannes Leitz, will sit down to dinner and pour four of his wines. The German winemaker is considered a modern master by people in the know, and Chef Weston Richards will pair stunning Riesling-friendly dishes such as crispy pig ear salad with frisee, avocado and herbs;crab bisque, red curry and puffed rice; housemade ramen, pork belly, spicy garlic pork broth, brussel sprouts and scallions; and pittig aged gouda, lavender honey and apricots for dessert. Space is limited, so click here for reservations. Les Marchands, 131 Anacapa St. 805/284-0380, lesmarchandswine.com.

Santa Barbara Wine Festival on Saturday, June 28, is a wonderful way to appreciate being out in nature underneath the oaks along Mission Creek at the museum, while enjoying more than 50 tantalizing wines from the Central Coast’s premier wineries—everyone from Alma Rosa to Zaca Mesa is there, often with the winemakers themselves pouring and chatting up the crowd—complemented by fitting pairings of savory and sweet delights from local chefs, caterers, bakers and restaurateurs. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta de Sol, 805/682-4711, sbnature.org.

Local winemaker and owner of Larner Vineyards and Winery, Michael Larner is teaming up with Chef Jason Paluska at The Lark for a Local Treasures dinner, which should be amazing! Expect a complete six-course dining experience, pairing locally sourced ingredients with wines from Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley. Seating is limited, so please contact mkremzar@thelarksb.com for reservations. The Lark, 131 Anacapa St., 805/284-0370, thelarksb.com.

Tickets must be purchased by June 22 for the 29th annual Central Coast Wine Classic, a weekend in Avila Beach (July 10-13) centered around fine wine and cuisine that features local wineries and restaurants, and draws crowds from across the country and around the world. Many charities on the Central Coast will be awarded gifts, including the Rona Barrett Foundation, a local nonprofit that seeks to provide a solution to affordable housing and supportive services for seniors in need with the development of the Golden Inn & Village, where seniors may access a variety of care that meets their needs as they age in place. Various Avila Beach locations, centralcoastwineclassic.org.

Cheers!

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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.”

Cocktail Corner: Burbank Ranch … in Paso Robles!

Posted on May 23, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Burbank Ranch

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Yes, you read that headline correctly, and no, my GPS has not gone crazy. The new Burbank Ranch Winery & Bistro is actually north of Santa Barbara in downtown Paso Robles.

The new restaurant is a dream come true for proprietors Fred and Melody Burbank, whose lifelong passion for balanced wines matched with top notch cuisine led them to create the venue, which opened this spring. Their Burbank Ranch Vineyard, located in the Paso Robles AVA, is home to dozens of grape varietals, each chosen to complement the distinctive growing conditions. The Burbanks established the 45-acre Burbank Ranch vineyard in 2008. The vineyard is SIP-certified and planted with 16 varieties, including many of those that the Burbanks have tasted and enjoyed throughout extensive travels in Italy, France, Spain and beyond. Both WSET-certified sommeliers, Fred and Melody chose the El Pomar District for its terroir, which is ideally suited to producing the balanced, food-friendly wines about which they are so passionate. Ranch manager, Ruben Nodal, meticulously guides the vines’ expression of terroir through to the cellar, where respected winemaker, Steve Anglim, captures that expression in balanced, food-friendly wines.

Courtesy Burbank Ranch

After years of traveling the world’s most illustrious winegrowing regions, the Burbanks delight making wines to complement food, and the Burbank Ranch Bistro is an extension of that philosophy. Chef Nicholas Nolan—whose background includes stints at Paso Robles’ Artisan Restaurant and Craft in Los Angeles—has worked in kitchens across the world. Chef Nolan brings his passion for local flavors and the finest ingredients to Burbank Ranch’s French bistro cuisine with a California locavore twist.

At Burbank Ranch Bistro, these wines are available in flights or by the glass, and are complemented by Chef Nolan’s cuisine.

In addition the new restaurant, Burbank Ranch Winery also has seven new releases for spring and summer. Here are their tasting notes on each:

2013 “Little Rascal” Arneis (163 cases produced, 13.4% abv) Translated from the PIemontese dialect as “rascal” for its reputation as a tough variety to grow, Arneis grows beautifully in the Paso Robles AVA. The 2013 Burbank Ranch Arneis was harvested early and fermented in stainless steel, producing a dry, full-bodied white wine redolent with bright pear, apple, honeysuckle, mineral and white peach flavors, followed by a structured finish. Pair with hard cheeses like Grana Padano or simple pasta tossed with butter and topped with white truffle shavings.

2013 “Summertime” Grenache Blanc (105 cases produced, 13.7% abv) The 2013 Grenache Blanc’s seductive aroma of orange blossoms is a preamble to flavors of ripe pears and peaches. This refreshing wine boasts a crisp acidity ideal for pairing with food; try the Grenache Blanc with a lunch of scallops or oysters.

Courtesy Burbank Ranch

2013 “Picnic Meadow” Grenache Rosé (191 cases produced, 12.9% abv) The Grenache variety ripens late, requiring just the sort of hot, dry summers to fully mature that Paso Robles offers. 2013 produced a brilliantly-colored rosé with aromas and flavors of sweet cherry and strawberry, as well as a luxurious mouthfeel. A classic Mediterranean pairing for rosé is simple roast chicken, but herbed grilled chicken or fish would also fit the bill.

My personal favorite of the new releases was the 2013 “Friends” Syrah Rosé (77 cases produced, 14.2% abv) This sensuous rosé is reminiscent of its Spanish roots with exotic aromas of rose petals and bright cherry and raspberry flavors. Pair with roasted nuts, a classic Spanish tortilla, or fresh albacore salad.

2013 “Summer Dream” Zinfandel Rosé (211 cases produced, 13.5% abv) Zinfandel has found a happy home at the Burbank Ranch. With minimal skin contact during crush and fermentation, the 2013 Zinfandel rosé is vibrant with hints of strawberry, melon and raspberry. Drink alongside a steaming bowl of pad thai or wood-grilled quattro staggioni pizza.

2011 “Wood Pile” Petit Verdot (25 cases, 15.6% abv) When ripe, Petit Verdot grapes are small and black, producing aromas and flavors of violet, leather, spices, blackberry and black cherry. The Burbank Ranch 2011 Petit Verdot ripened exceedingly well, and is an ideal match with grilled meats like barbecued lamb chops, duck breasts or pork spare ribs; or, alternatively, shared around an evening fire.

I also really enjoyed this wine during last week’s late spring heat wave: 2013 “Summer Moon” Sauvignon Blanc (semi-sweet) (93 cases produced, 12.4% abv) With crisp, fresh notes of ripe orange, green apple, honey and melon balanced against enticing sweetness, the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc is the product of warm days and cool evening breezes from the Pacific Ocean flowing through the Templeton Gap. Perfect alongside a light supper or after-dinner cheeses, this wine is also ideal for late afternoon poolside sipping.

For more information on Burbank Ranch Winery, visit BurbankRanch.com, or stop by the Burbank Ranch Bistro (at 1240 Park Street, Paso Robles) to sample a selection of wines paired with fresh, locally-sourced cuisine.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on May 23, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: The Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail “Summer Celebration”

Posted on May 16, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It sure feels like summer with the weather we’ve had this week! The Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail will keep the warm summer vibe going with three toast-worthy events over one wine-filled weekend, May 30 – June 1.

Dubbed the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail “Summer Celebration,” the festivities feature a Passport to the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail for the weekend, a Red & White AVA Seminar and the Grand Tasting. The “Summer Celebration” Passport will be happening all weekend long (May 30 – June 1) at all of the 23 tasting rooms. The Passport gives you special wine tasting opportunities and complimentary tastings, including the chance to meet winemakers, reserve vintage exhibitions, light bites and live musical entertainment. Passport holders will also get a 10% discount on wine purchases at all member tasting rooms that weekend.

Guests begin their wine tasting adventures by picking up their Passport and signature logo glass at any one of the three check-in points, including Carr Winery, Santa Barbara Winery and Margerum Wine Company.

Courtesy Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail

The event kicks into high gear on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Wine Cask restaurant with the Red & White AVA Seminar featuring ten wines (five red and five white) from some of Santa Barbara’s top wineries, including AVA Santa Barbara, Carr, Deep Sea, Grassini, Jaffurs, Margerum Wine Company, Pali, Riverbench, and Sanford. Learn all about the American Viticulture Areas (AVA) of Santa Barbara County—Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon and Happy Canyon—and how the different grape growing regions affect taste. Each of the winemakers will share one of their finest library and current release wines that represent the AVA it was grown in. Mitchell Sjerven, owner of the renowned Bouchon restaurant, will moderate the seminar and guide guests through each of these unique and notable wines.

Summer Celebration passport-poster The festivities continue on Saturday evening with the Grand Tasting at the Carrillo Ballroom from 6–9 p.m. All 23 of the winemakers from the Urban Wine Trail will host guests for an evening of world-class wine, along with the opportunity to purchase very limited library wines not available to the public. A selection of the area’s best restaurants will also share delicious delights that pair nicely with each of the wine varietals.

It wouldn’t be a true Santa Barbara event without a nonprofit component and this weekend has two terrific nonprofit partnerships. A special collaboration with Youth Interactive Santa Barbara will showcase art produced by the students, inspired by each of the 23 wineries, and will be displayed at the Grand Tasting. There will also be a live auction to raise money for the Unity Shoppe of Santa Barbara.

Tickets can be purchased for just one of the events or the entire weekend, with prices as follows: $60 – Seminar only; $75 – Grand Tasting only; $50 – Passport only; $100 – Grand Tasting/Seminar bundle; $100 – Grand Tasting/Passport bundle and $150 – VIP All Access.

Urban Wine Trail member wineries include: Au Bon Climat, AVA Santa Barbara, Area 5.1 Winery, Carr Vineyards & Winery, Cottonwood Canyon, Deep Sea Tasting Room, Fox Wines, Grassini Family Vineyards, Happy Canyon Vineyard, Jaffurs Wine Cellars and Kalyra Winery.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail.

Kunin Wines, Margerum Wine Company, Municipal Winemakers, Oreana Winery, Pali Wine Co., Riverbench Winery, Sanford, Sanguis, Santa Barbara Winery, Silver Wines, Summerland Winery and Whitcraft Winery are also on the trail.

Created by a group of like-minded Santa Barbara County wineries, the Urban Wine Trail is comprised of 23 wineries that have opened both tasting rooms and production facilities, all within walking distance in downtown Santa Barbara. The Urban Wine Trail’s purpose is to promote and support the wineries and tasting rooms in the downtown Santa Barbara. Members include wineries that hold a Type 02 winegrowers license and whose annual production is at least 75% from Santa Barbara County. For more information visit urbanwinetrailsb.com.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns. Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on May 16, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Downtown Art & Wine Tour

Posted on May 12, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Great art & wonderful wine make excellent bedfellows, especially when you add in fabulous food (which they do) at the 2014 Downtown Art & Wine Tour, which takes place on Thursday, May 22 from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Stroll along State Street with fellow art lovers. Each venue is paired with a restaurant and winery for you to savor. Venues include: The Painted Cabernet; Artamo Gallery; Santa Barbara Frame Shop & Gallery; Bella Rosa Galleries; Oliver & Espig; Metropolitan; Indigo Interiors; Distinctive Framing ‘N’ Art; Santa Barbara Arts; Churchill Jewelers; Ca’Dario Gallery and Captured Spirit Photography.

Wineries include: Babcock Winery; Sanford Winery; Buttonwood Winery; Grassini Family Vineyards; Au Bon Climat Winery; Deep Sea Wines; Fess Parker Winery; Santa Barbara Winery; The Brander Vineyard; Armada Wine & Beer Merchant; Windrun Vintners and Presidio Winery.

There are also nibbles at every venue and still more tasty food at the Final Party. Participants include: Brasil Arts Café; Cielito Restaurant; State & Fig; Enterprise Fish Company; Blush Restaurant & Lounge; Chase Bar & Grill; Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant; Ca’Dario Pizzeria; Savoy Café & Deli; Chuck’s Waterfront Grill; Alchemy Café; Finch & Fork; bouchon Santa Barbara; Opal Restaurant & Bar; Sugar Cat Studio cupcakes, Caribbean Coffee and from the Santa Barbara Public Market: Crazy Good Bread Co., Culture Counter, Santa Monica Seafood and Wine + Beer.

Downtown Art & Wine Tour flyer The festivities are followed by a Final Party at The Santa Barbara Club (1105 Chapala St.), featuring Cutler’s Artisan Spirits doing tastings, as well as pouring a specialty cocktail created just for the tour, the “A&WT’ini,” along with yet more wine, food, music, dancing and fun. AMS Entertainment will capture the memories and DJ Darla Bea will keep your feet moving and fingers snapping throughout the evening. Plus, a silent auction will showcase wonderful gifts and packages, all benefiting the 62nd Annual Downtown Holiday Parade.

Tickets are $75 for the tour and Final Party and are on sale now online at this link or in person at the Arlington Theatre Box Office or the Downtown Organization office (27-B E.t de la Guerra St., open Mon.-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p,m.). A limited number of tickets are available and advance purchase is a must. Check-in begins at 5:15 p.m. at The Santa Barbara Club. For more information, please call 805/962-2098, ext. 24 or visit santabarbaradowntown.com.

Hope to see you there!

Cheers!

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Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on May 9, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Lafond Winery Tasting Room Opens

Posted on May 3, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Lafond Winery tasting room, photo by Mercedes Lowe

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Pioneering Santa Barbara winemaker Pierre Lafond opened a second tasting room in the buzzy Funk Zone neighborhood this week. Lafond Winery, at 111 Yananoli St., now shares the block—as well as a wine production and bottling facility—with Santa Barbara Winery, his first label, founded in 1962.

“The Lafond Winery label was started in 1996,” says Pierre’s daughter Michelle Lafond, who is the marketing director for both brands. “The Lafond label is what we consider the premium label, first pick,” she says.

“Not that Santa Barbara Winery isn’t,” says Pierre, with a laugh. “We have two different styles of wine, basically,” he explains. “One is mostly from Sta. Rita Hills, which is Lafond, and the other one is from different parts of Santa Barbara County.”

Sisters Mirella Ramirez (left) and Liz Morello run the new Lafond Winery tasting room, photo by Mercedes Lowe

“Santa Barbara Winery produces more varietals,” explains Mirella Ramirez, who manages the new tasting room as well as the Lafond Winery & Vineyards tasting room at 6855 Santa Rosa Rd. in Buellton. “Lafond is smaller production, and we produce Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Chardonnay, and some dry Riesling and Riesling,” says Mirella, who has been running the Buellton tasting room for 12 years and working with Pierre for 25 years.

“She was 8 years old,” laughs Pierre. “She was real cute, so we hired her.”

Mirella’s sister, Liz Morello, serves as assistant manager of the Funk Zone spot. She also has a long history with the Lafonds.” I worked there for a couple years when I was 15 or 16 and now I’m back,” says Liz.

“We definitely have lots and lots of long-term employees. People don’t leave often,” says Michelle.

Lafond Winery tasting room, photo by Mercedes Lowe

Pierre moved his business into the neighborhood in 1964, and says he’s had plans in the works to give the Lafond label its own tasting room for quite some time. He subleased the space to a number of companies over the years, including the most recent tenant, Compuwest, who moved out last June. “That’s why they moved out. We had decided quite a while ago to open the second tasting room, and it was just a question of timing. And with the development of the Funk Zone it seemed like a logical thing to do,” says Pierre.

Having been in the Funk Zone for so many decades, I asked him if he ever envisioned that it would look like the busy, hip neighborhood it is today. “The place was a dump,” he laughs. “The Castagnolas were our landlords, they bought a lot of different buildings here and they’re the ones that actually developed the area. They were a fishing family, as you probably know.”

The new tasting room is definitely a huge step up from the old days. Beautiful custom made wood cabinets (designed and built by Gary Atkins of Mesa Cabinets) line the walls to house the wine, alongside local art and shelves laden with unique gift items specially selected by Shelley Koury, whose keen sense of style is also on view at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond (516 San Ysidro Rd. in Montecito).

Sisters Mirella Ramirez (left) and Liz Morello run the new Lafond Winery tasting room, photo by Mercedes Lowe

In addition to wine tasting there’s also a window into the wine production facility. “People will be able to be here and see some of the bottling, production and forklifts going and picking up wine and moving it around. It’s fun,” says Mirella.

She explains that It’s a real working winery. All of the wines for both labels are bottle there, and the white wines are all made on site, with the reds aged in Buellton before being transferred to Santa Barbara when they’re ready for bottling.

The Lafond team is optimistic about the future of the Funk Zone. “You kind of think that it could go either way with all of the different wineries here you could deplete the customers or disperse them and it doesn’t seem to,” says Michelle. “It just keeps growing and growing and growing. It feels like the new downtown almost.”

“I hope down here there’s more art galleries and other things besides tasting rooms, they seem to be in an abundance right now but it’s important to have other things here too,” says Pierre.

The Lafond Winery tasting room is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday -Thursday, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on May 2, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Friday Fun

Posted on April 25, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Here’s a little cocktail-themed humor for your Friday!

First up, my good friend John Hodgman waxes on about wine.

Here’s everyone’s favorite white wine couple.

Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Here are the some tips from funny ladies Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 25, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Holman Ranch Vineyards, Winery and Wine Caves

Posted on April 21, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Holman Ranch

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Looking for a fun getaway this springtime season? Why not check out the historic Holman Ranch, a historic ranch (and now a winery with 21 acres of vineyards) tucked in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley.

It’s a private estate with a fully restored stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards, olive grove, horse stables and more. Not only that, the wines are really good—and no chemical herbicides or pesticides are used on the fruit and they have received their sustainable and organic certification. We recently had the opportunity to try some of the wines. Among my favorites:

2010 Pinot Noir Hunter’s Cuvée, a bold yet smooth red, aged in 50% new French oak barrels and 50% neutral French oak barrels. This is a great pairing for just about about any occasion.

Courtesy Holman Ranch

2010 Pinot Noir, also aged in French oak, this pinot is a bit lighter and quite delicious.

2011 Pinot Noir Heather’s Hill has an intense berry smell and lovely echoes of boysenberry, marionberry and black cherry.

2012 Rosé of Pinot Noir Blushing Bride, as regular readers know, I’ve got a weakness for Rosés and this summery bottle has a fruity nose with a dry, crisp finish that I really enjoyed. Not that I’m a wine critic, by any means, but I know what I like and like these a lot.

Courtesy Holman Ranch

The estate winery at Holman Ranch is located in The Caves and housed completely underground in order to take advantage of the natural cooling and humidity held below. The 3,000-square-foot area maintains a constant temperature of 58°F and during harvest, 6 to 8 tons of grapes a day are processed. This may seem low but it is due to the fact that harvesting hours are between 7 a.m. and noon on any given day.

For more information click here.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 18, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

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

Posted on April 4, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

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

LeslieDinaberg.com

Leslie Dinaberg Editor & Writer

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Cocktail Corner: Holman Ranch Vineyards, Winery and Wine Caves

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

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Sublime Summer Sips are on the menu with a variety of opportunities to wine down on those long summer days.

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