Style File: Five New Skin Care Habits for Fall

Courtesy Sebamed

Courtesy Sebamed

Changing seasons call for a few change-ups in our beauty routine. Dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum recommends incorporating these five habits into your daily ritual for a smooth, soft transition into fall.

1. Switch Cleansers.

Start with the basics – If you’ve been using a shine control cleanser (or skating by with a bar of soap), make the switch to a more hydrating, soap-free cleanser. Coconut oil-based cleansers like Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam are one of the most effective moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients, and act as antibacterial active ingredient that removes bacteria to prevent the formation of new pimples. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: Another one to try is “Kate Middleton’s favorite cleanser,” Karin Herzog Professional Cleansing, a gentle cleansing gel and makeup remover in one.

2. Don’t Stop Using Sunscreen.

Don’t be fooled by lower temperatures. Cover exposed skin with sunscreen, just as you would in the summer. UV rays are just as strong when hitting the slopes or walking in the rain as they are on the beach. Applying sunscreen daily is the easiest way to prevent sun damage, protect your skin, and not to mention – look younger. Try using products that offer Broad-Spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, and have a SPF of 30 or greater.

Editor’s Note: Check out this post on Double Duty Sunscreen Solutions.

3. Move to a Heavier Night Cream.

Recover and restore your skin after a long summer with a heavier night cream like Sebamed Anti-Dry Night Intensive Cream which works to protect, smooth, calm and regenerate the skin without clogging pores. The intensive and rich properties of this Night Cream stimulate the skin’s own renewal process overnight for fresher skin by morning. The pH value of 5.5 promotes the skin’s own acid protective barrier against dehydration and irritants. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: Here’s a Total Beauty survey of the 16 Best Night Creams.

4. Exfoliate Flaky Skin.

In the summer, we don’t need to exfoliate often. As temperatures cool, practice exfoliating once a week to keep dry flaky skin from shedding around the nose and chin. Select a soft facial scrub (those made with rice bran are less rough) that also uses naturally hydrating ingredients like avocado, coconut or almond oils to avoid excessive dryness and irritation. Immediately following, moisturize with balancing night cream.

Editor’s Note: Exfoliation is key for so many skin issues. We recently tried, and really liked, the Suki Resurfacing Enzyme Peel.  This resurfacing masque is effective from the inside out (it treats the source, not just the symptoms) and the outside in (it treats the surface signs like redness, acne, dryness, etc.). (sukiskincare.com)

Courtesy Uni K Wax Center

Courtesy Uni K Wax Center

5. Maximize Moisture in the Shower.

Our skin loses water to radiator heat and dry air all day long. Replenish and balance moisture content by using a hydrating body wash and lotion every time you shower, like Sebamed Anti-Dry Derma-Soft Wash Emulsion and Hydrating Body Lotion. To prevent dry, crackly, irritated skin, pat (don’t rub) skin dry after a hot shower and apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes to seal in hydration. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: We also like Uni K’s Ultimate Balm made with Green Tea and Cucumber to restore hydration to thirsty skin. It’s infused with cucumbers, a natural hydrator and green tea, chock full of antioxidants to ward off environmental toxins, as well as rice extracts to help retain the skin retain moisture.  (UniKWax.com)

 —Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 16, 2014.

Andrea Weir’s new novel “A Foolish Consistency”

"A Foolish Consistency" by Andrea Weir, will be available Sept. 15.

“A Foolish Consistency” by Andrea Weir, will be available Sept. 15.

Longtime local journalist Andrea Weir Estrada has written her first novel, A Foolish Consistency, crafting a rich, compelling love story that is anything but foolish.

Weir’s complex romance for literate grown ups tells the story of long ago lovers Callie Winwood and Will Tremaine, whose chance meeting in an emergency room re-ignites a 25-year-old passion.

 Of course, no one makes the journey into their 40s without carrying along some baggage, and these two are no exception. Will has devoted himself to his two young children, whose mother died tragically two years earlier. Callie’s divorce has left her vulnerable as well.

Their journey toward one another is anything but simple. Just when it seems like they’ll finally earn a happily ever after, they are forced to split when a scandal threatens to unravel their respective families.

Andrea Weir, photo by Spencer Bruttig

Andrea Weir, photo by Spencer Bruttig

A Foolish Consistency is a passionate love story with depth, exploring the emotional damage that grief can cause, as well as the importance of forgiveness, and, ultimately, the joy of redemption.

The book will be available at local stores on September 15. Weir will be signing books at Tecolote Book Shop (1470 E. Valley Rd., Montecito) on September 22 from 5:30-7 p.m.

For more information visit www.andrea-weir.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 12, 2014.

Friendship Center’s 5th Annual Wine Down

Courtesy Friendship Center

Courtesy Friendship Center

Friendship Center, the south coast’s only nonprofit, fully licensed adult day services program, will have its 5th Annual Wine Down, Friday, September 19 from 4-7 p.m.

This casual yet festive event will feature local vintners  pouring their wines for tasting, delicious Asian-inspired hors d’oeuvres by Spices N Rice and live music by Montecito Jazz Project Held al fresco in the courtyard of the lovely center in Montecito, this Friday after-work gathering will give guests a chance to enjoy a lovely late-summer evening and “wine down“ from the cares of the week. A small silent auction will offer carefully selected gift baskets featuring high-quality wine and wine-related items.

Participating wineries include: Andrew Murray Vineyards, Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard, Consilience & Tre Anelli, Cottonwood Canyon Winery, Demetria, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Pali Wine Co., Palmina, Santa Barbara WineryTower 15 Winery, and Vinemark Cellars. Beer from Surf Brewery will also be featured.

The Friendship Center is located at 89 Eucalyptus Lane in Montecito. To purchase tickets click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 13, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Vintage American Cocktails (and Beer!) at American Ale

Courtesy American AleA spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Burgers and beer are a classic pairing for good reason, but even if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous in your glass, American Ale (14 E. Cota St.) is a great place for drinks.

The name alone was enough to sell me on the Hummingbird Feeder. Made with De Luze Alfred Cognac, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Cointreau Noir, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Cherry Heering, Orange Bitters and Orange Zest, this sweet yet sophisticated concoction is the perfect treat to get your buzz on.

Also worth trying is the Cat Daddy’s Daiquiri, made with CatDaddy Carolina Moonshine, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Fresh Ruby Grapefruit and Fresh Lime Juice. Delicious and refreshing!

The Mary Pickford is another equally fun libation. Made with Montanya Platino Colorado Rum, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Fresh Pineapple Juice, Trader Vic’s Grenadine and Peychaud’s Bitters, this cocktail’s so tasty it’s hard to stay silent about it.

On the slightly more traditional side, American Ale offers The Original Sazerac, a nod to the famous Trader Vic’s with the Trader Victoriaia, The Very Old Fashioned, The Manhattan, Tennessee Sweet Tea (made with Everclear!), an American Mule, a Luxardo Cognac Old Fashioned and a minty fresh Kentucky Derby Julep.

There's no shortage of fresh ingredients at the bar at American Ale. Photo courtesy  https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Ale/172053636278700

There’s no shortage of fresh ingredients at the bar at American Ale. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Ale/172053636278700

This is all in addition to a yummy menu of signature burgers (all fresh ground), like the amazing and decadent Make’N Bacon Burger (with maple bacon jam, bacon, Italian Bacon, Canadian Bacon and American cheese) and the awesomely adventurous PB & J Burger (with crispy bacon, chunky peanut butter and grape jelly). American Ale also has healthier fare like an Argula Chicken Burger and a Lentil Burger, as well as a great Chopped Ice House Salad and a few different soups.

Some tasty moonshine from American Ale, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Some tasty moonshine from American Ale, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

In addition to the vintage cocktails, American Ale has a variety of moonshine offerings, as well as a rotating assortment of 24 American craft beers and ciders on draft. For example, on the taps at press time are: Allagash Odyssey, a dark wheat, wood-aged beer from Portland, ME; Stone IPA, Stone Reason Be Damned Abbey Ale Aged In Red Wine Barrels,  Stone Unapologetic IPA  and the big, boozy Arrogant Bastard Ale, from Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido; Avery Ellie’s Brown Ale  from Boulder, CO; Ballast Point Sculpin IPA  from San Diego; the fruity and flavorful Figueroa Mountain – Lizards Mouth, the big dark Figueroa Mountain Grendel   and the Figueroa Mountain Saison from right here in Buellton.

Other nearly local selections are the Firestone Walker 805 Blonde Ale  and Firestone Walker Agrestic American Wild Red Sour  out of Paso Robles.

In addition, American Ale now offers:  Fox Barrel Blackberry Pear , a fruit cider from Colfax, CA;  Great Divide Oatmeal Yeti Imperial Stout  from Denver, CO; another local beer, Island King Tide , and imperial IPA from Island Brewing Company in Carpinteria; Knee Deep Hopotoligist IPA  from Knee Deep Brewing in Lincoln, CA;  Lightning Thunderweizen  a Weizen/Weissbier out of Poway; and the Belgian dark strong ale Lost Abbey Cuvee De Tomme  from San Marcos, CA.

Also on tap are: Modern Times Black House , an oatmeal stout made in San Diego; Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale  from Lyons, CO; Port Mongo IPA  from San Marcos, CA; Saint Archer White Ale  out of San Diego; and Strand Beach House Amber  straight outa Torrance!

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

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.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 12, 2014.

Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café’s Bien Nacido Winemakers’ Dinner

Los Olivos Cafe Chef Chef Joslyn, courtesy photo

Los Olivos Cafe Chef Chef Joslyn, courtesy photo

Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café (2879 Grand Ave., Los Olivos) hosts its first-ever “Rock Steady” Bien Nacido Winemakers’ Dinner on September 18  at 6 p.m. Three of Santa Barbara County’s winemaking elite—Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat, Bob Lindquist of Qupe and Trey Fletcher of Bien Nacido Estate—will be pouring their specially paired Bien Nacido vineyard-designate wines with a six-course meal created by Café Chef Chris Joslyn.

The six-course gourmet menu (subject to change based upon new inspirations) includes an appetizer of Scallop & Lobster Terrine, Trout Roe and Herb Salad; a delicious blend of Heirloom Tomatoes, Cucumber, Ricotta Salata and Beet Gazpacho; a course with Seared Barramundi, Potato-Cauliflower Risotto and Leek Coulis; entrees of Seared Duck Breast, Farro, Duck Confit, Red Cabbage & Cranberry Duck Jus and Roasted Filet Mignon, “Sheppard’s Pie” Braised Short Ribs, Crisp Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini topped with Bordelaise followed by a Fresh Artisan Cheese course accompanied by Pistachio-Currant Paste, Fruits and Crostini.

Bien Nacido vineyard traces its roots back to the year 1837 when a Spanish land grant of some two square leagues was made to Tomas Olivera by Juan Bautista Alvarado, then Governor of Alta California, covering nearly 9,000 acres ranging upward to the San Rafael Mountains from the Santa Maria Mesa, which bordered the Sisquoc and Cuyama Rivers.

“We will learn the soul of the soil of Bien Nacido vineyard from the men who have captured it in their bottles,” remarked Los Olivos Wine Merchant wine director and sommelier, Matt Williams, “Our chef Chris Joslyn has created an amazing menu to complement this first-ever event.”

For reservations call 805/688-7265 ext. 203 or click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 11, 2014.

Don’t Miss MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery’s Big Art Party

Untitled, by Dug Uyesaka, courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

Untitled, by Dug Uyesaka, courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

Brad Nack, one of the key figures in the Funk Zone art scene, is moving on from his position as curator at MichaelKate Interiors and Art Gallery to become Executive Director of The Santa Barbara Arts Fund, right across the street. In typical Nack fashion, he’s going out with a splash.

Ian Putnam, "The reconstruction," courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

Ian Putnam, “The reconstruction,” courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

The gallery is throwing a big art party this Friday night, September 12, from 5-8 p.m., featuring DJ Zac Pike and moderator Ted Mills, along with an impressive line-up of artists whose work the gallery has shown during Nack’s tenure.

The event is free and the artists include:

Julie B. Montgomery

Linda Saccoccio

Hugh Margerum

David J. Diamant

Pat Calonne

Jeremy Harper

William O’Malley

Holly MacKay

Larry Iwerks

Ian Putnam

Skye Gwilliam

Ted Mills

"BARCELONA," by Christine Lyones, courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

“BARCELONA,” by Christine Lyones, courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

James Lambert

Penny Arntz

Cynthia Martin

Karin Aggeler

Doug Pearsall

Carly Andrews

Diane Giles

Christine Lyons

Nelson Parrish

Michele Zuzalek

John Carlander

Dug Uyesaka

Tara Patrick

Isabelle Greene

"Bird on a Field of Mixed Greens" by  Philip Koplin, courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

“Bird on a Field of Mixed Greens” by Philip Koplin, courtesy MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery

Brad Nack

Tony Askew

Dan Levin

Monika Molnar-Metzenthin

Wayne Hoffman and more!

MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery is located at 132 Santa Barbara St.,  805/963-1411.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 11, 2014.

Maxine Helfman at Wall Space Gallery

Maxine Helfman at Wall Space Gallery

Maxine Helfman at Wall Space Gallery

Wall Space Gallery  features the first solo exhibition of  artist Maxine Helfman this week, including two special events: an Artist Reception on Friday September 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. and an Artist Talk – During the Funk Zone Art Walk Saturday September 13, from 2 to 3.30 p.m. The show is titled “Confounding Expectation.”

“In today’s climate of changing cultural and societal shifts, expected norms and ideals are all turned on their head with this extensive body of work challenging us to expand our boundaries of understanding,” says gallery owner Crista Dix. “Maxine Helfman’s work reinterprets classic portraiture, traditional ideas of esthetics and substance. In a collision of the unexpected, these images require the viewer to linger a little longer, to contemplate the ideas behind the work more deeply and question our sensibilities and presumptions of beauty, of our convictions and assumptions of gender, race and class.”

The exhibit, on view through October 26, showcases four unique series:

Fabrication discusses gender roles and identity. Boys between the ages of 8-12 wearing dresses, in an open display of their unique connection to the frock of their choice.

Historical Correction takes classic Flemish Portraits and connects us to race, class and gender.

Geisha talks of expectation, of subservience, where assumptions are made, questioned and left for us to answer.

-The newest series, Summertime, reminds us of the lush southern landscape through incorporated object, yet her portraits engage us in the power and grace inherent of the women who are comfortable in their skin.

Helfman is self-taught, late bloomer. After spending years as a stylist and art director, Helfman realized her vision by getting behind the camera. She has since been shooting commercially for advertising and editorial clients, while pursuing personal projects. Her work has been recognized in PX3, IPA, Foto DC, Flash Forward Boston, Critical Mass, British Journal of Photography, Photo News, as well as the permanent collection of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Art Houston.

Wall Space Gallery is located at 116 E. Yananoli St. upstairs above AVA Winery.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 11, 2014.

Style File: Affordable Decadence With Gemstone Inspired Beauty for Fall

Courtesy Jane Iredale

Courtesy Jane Iredale

Autumn is the season for freshening your look with updated beauty products. Some of the most exciting ingredients are gemstones and precious metals like diamonds, gold and pearls. Just as these indulgences set off skin’s glow when worn as jewelry, they also add just the right amount of shimmer when used in creams, eye shadows, nail polishes and highlight powders.

Think of it as affordable decadence. Here a few new products to try when you want to feel like a gem :

Diamond Dust, in Golden Shimmer Face & Body Lotion

Diamond Dust is a unique pigment derived from mica that delivers shimmer to the skin. As your summer glow starts to fade, this versatile lotion will warm and smooth the skin for an irresistible golden glow. (janeiredale.com)

Sparkling Nail Powders Set

This limited-edition, numbered set from Dior, sold exclusively at Nordstrom, features two sparkling powders—in black and luminous gold—and a special adhesive base coat. Create a jewel-like manicure, whether applied to one nail as an accent or as a complete manicure. (shop.nordstrom.com)

Courtesy Nordstrom

Courtesy Nordstrom

Gold Leaf, in 24 Karat Gold Dust

For just the right amount of shimmer, Jane Iredale 24 Karat Gold Dust uses 24 Karat gold leaf to lend a delicate highlight to eyelids, cheeks, lips, nails, hair and body in every shade from gold to silver, bronze and rose gold. (janeiredale.com)

Platinum Pigment

Metallic makeup was all over the fashion runways this season. To recreate that look, Mac Cosmetics has a platinum pigment you can use to create a subtle wash of color or a more intense effect for a night on the town. (maccosmetics.com)

Mary Kay Emerald Noir Eye Color Palette

Inspired by the world’s most precious jewels, each  palette includes five easy-to-apply buildable shades, from matte to high-shimmer. (marykay.com)

Courtesy Jane Iredale

Courtesy Jane Iredale

Pearl, in Limited Edition Celebrate Eye Shadow Trio

For a minimal yet illuminating look, the Jane Iredale Limited Edition Celebrate Eye Trio features mist, a matte pearl shade perfect for a subtle base color. The other colors are port, a shimmery port wine color and toast, a toasted caramel for a complete eye look in one palette. (janeiredale.com)

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 8, 2014.

 

The Granada Theatre’s new “Monday At The Movies” Series

"Bugsy malone movie poster". Via Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bugsy_malone_movie_poster.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Bugsy_malone_movie_poster.jpg

“Bugsy malone movie poster”. Via Wikipedia –

Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts (SBCPA) recently announced the launch of MONDAY AT THE MOVIES!, a special series of films to be screened throughout the year in the Granada Theatre. The first in the film series will be Bugsy Malone on  on Monday, September 8 at 7 p.m.

Bugsy Malone is a 1976 British musical gangster film, directed by Alan Parker. Set in Chicago, the film is loosely based on Chicago events from the early 1920s to 1931 in the Prohibition era, specifically the exploits of gangsters like Al Capone and Bugs Moran, as dramatized in cinema.

This season’s filmed entertainment programming features the Elmer Bernstein Memorial Film Series, established by the SBCPA to honor the life and work of noted film composer and Santa Barbara resident Elmer Bernstein. The series presents an annual selection of films noteworthy for the importance of their musical scores to the telling of each film’s unique story.

Dates and film titles for the inaugural Elmer Bernstein Memorial Film Series are:

9/8/14 Bugsy Malone

11/24/14 To Kill a Mockingbird

1/26/15 Magnificent Seven

3/30/15 The Great Escape

“Elmer’s greatest passion was creating music for the arts, and it is truly an honor to have his legacy in film be memorialized in Santa Barbara, a city he called home,” says Elmer Bernstein’s widow, Eve Bernstein.

The inaugural series features selections by guest curator Paul Williams, an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe award-winning lyricist and composer.

“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to be the first guest curator for this extraordinary cinematic series,” says Williams. “The first film BUGSY MALONE holds a special place in my heart as I wrote many of the lyrics in the original film. This program will be a fantastic collaboration of impressive musical scores with the most advanced level of technology in the 21st Century.”

Screenings will be preceded by a conversation with Williams and other special guests about each film and its musical score.

Tickets range in price from $9 – $20, and are available through The Granada Theatre’s Box Office—please click here to purchase or call the Box Office at 805/899-2222.  The Granada Theatre is located at 1214 State St. For more information,  visit www.granadasb.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 4, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Smile Sideways to Win, Friendship Center Wine Down, Bien Nacido Winemakers’ Dinner & More

Courtesy Visit Santa Barbara

Courtesy Visit Santa Barbara

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

The Sideways celebrations continue on this week with a special 10th Anniversary Sign Promotion September 5th – 14th in 100 different locations throughout Santa Barbara County. To celebrate the Oscar-winning film and its impact on the local wine scene, 100 six-foot tall signs featuring Miles and Jack are being placed at locations used in the film and other high-traffic areas around Santa Barbara County.

Fans can pose with the signs and then enter their photos to win the ultimate Santa Barbara Wine Country vacation (or staycation for those who are local). Photos must be tagged with #Sideways10 on Twitter or Instagram, or uploaded manually to Sideways10.com/Enter. Each daily winner takes home a copy of the movie on Blu-rayTM + Digital HD, while one lucky Grand Prize winner receives the ultimate vacation in Santa Barbara Wine Country, including four hotel night stays, wine tasting adventures, delectable dining, and ocean and land excursions.

Pose with these Sideways celebration signs and you could win big! Photo courtesy Visit Santa Barbara.

Pose with these Sideways celebration signs and you could win big! Photo courtesy Visit Santa Barbara.

Sign locations in Santa Barbara include: Au Bon Climat, AVA Santa Barbara, Conway Deep Sea Tasting Room, Grassini Family Vineyards, Kalyra by the Sea Tasting Room, Kunin Wines, La Cumbre PlazaMargerum Wine CompanyPali Wine Co., Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara Public Market, Silver Wines and Wine Cask.

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Solvang is calling all wine aficionados to participate in the Merlot Taste-Off event on September 13 as a tribute to the movie Sideways.

The event pays homage to the wine variety made famous in the Oscar-winning film, when Miles famously says, “If anyone orders merlot, I’m leaving. I am not drinking any (expletive) merlot!” Tracy Farhad, executive director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau, has a rebuttal. “No more denigrating merlot! Come taste these marvelous wines for yourself.”  Participating wineries include Baehner FournierButtonwoodCarivintasCoreDascombHappy Canyon VineyardJ. LudlowLions PeakLucas & LewellenPoint ConcepcionSagebrush AnniesSevtap and Sunstone.

The event is a benefit for the nonprofit Solvang Festival Theatre (420 Second St., Solvang), which is also, conveniently, where it takes place. For information and tickets call 805/688-6144 or visit SolvangUSA.com.

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Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café (2879 Grand Ave., Los Olivos) hosts its first-ever “Rock Steady” Bien Nacido Winemakers’ Dinner on September 18  at 6 p.m. Three of Santa Barbara County’s winemaking elite—Jim Clendenen of Au Bon ClimatBob Lindquist of Qupe and Trey Fletcher of Bien Nacido Estate—will be pouring their specially paired Bien Nacido vineyard-designate wines with a six-course meal created by Café Chef Chris Joslyn.

For reservations call 805/688-7265 ext. 203 or click here.

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Friendship Center, the south coast’s only nonprofit, fully licensed adult day services program, will have its 5th Annual Wine Down, Friday, September 19 from 4-7 p.m. This casual yet festive event features local vintners pouring their wines for tasting, delicious Asian-inspired hors d’oeuvres by Spices N Rice and live music by Montecito Jazz Project Held al fresco in the courtyard of the lovely center in Montecito, this Friday after-work gathering will give guests a chance to enjoy a lovely late-summer evening and “wine down“ from the cares of the week. A small silent auction will offer carefully selected gift baskets featuring high-quality wine and wine-related items.

Participating wineries include: Andrew Murray VineyardsButtonwood Farm Winery & VineyardConsilience & Tre AnelliCottonwood Canyon WineryDemetriaFess Parker Winery & VineyardPali Wine Co.PalminaSanta Barbara WineryTower 15 Winery, and Vinemark Cellars. Beer from Surf Brewery will also be featured.

The Friendship Center is located at 89 Eucalyptus Lane in Montecito. To purchase tickets click here.

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Solvang’s Wandering Dog Wine Bar (1539-C Mission Dr.) has the first “Friday Night Wines” class of the season on Friday, September 5 at 6 p.m. In the September class, guests will learn about the history of Santa Barbara as a wine country, and will sample wines from the five distinct AVAs in the County. Reservations may be made directly through Wandering Dog Wine Bar, by calling 805/686-9126 or emailing jody@wanderingdogwinebar.com.

Hope to see you out and about! Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

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.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 5, 2014.