Category Archives: Cocktail Corner

Cocktail Corner: Celebrate National Rum Day

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A refreshing Pina Colada is the perfect way to celebrate National Rum Day on Aug. 16. Photo and recipe courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

A refreshing Pina Colada is the perfect way to celebrate National Rum Day on Aug. 16. Photo courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

I’ll take any excuse to celebrate with cocktails, and National Rum Day is a pretty darn good one. This annual holiday takes place on August 16, celebrating the sweet flavor and tropical spice tanginess of all things rum-related. Rum is the quintessential summer spirit, and these cocktail recipes, courtesy of Flor de Caña, are a great way to embrace and enjoy the last bit of summer. This family-owned company is celebrating 125 years of production of award-winning Nicaraguan rum. Try them out and let us know what you think.

Macau

 1 ½ oz Flor de Caña 7 Year Rum

1 oz guava juice

1 oz orange juice

½ oz lemon juice

1/3 oz simple sugar

Method: Garnish with 1 orange slice and 1 cherry with stem

Macau, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Macau, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Pina Colada

2.5 parts Flor de Caña 7 Rum

3 parts pineapple juice

1 part coconut cream

Method: Combine the FDC 7, pineapple juice and coconut cream in a blender. Add cup of crushed ice and blend on high until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

 

Old Fashioned

2 parts Flor de Caña 7 Rum

1/4 part brown sugar syrup

3 or 4 dashes coffee bitters

2 large orange zests

Method: Add all ingredients to your mixing glass. Stir with ice. Strain into a prepared Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with orange peel.

Mojito, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Mojito, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Ultimate Mojito

2 parts Flor de Caña 7

1/2 part lime juice

1/3 part superfine sugar

3 leaves mint

Champagne

Method: Muddle lime juice with sugar in a Collins glass. Add mint leaves and muddle again. Fill glass 2/3 full with crushed ice and add rum. Top off with a champagne float. Garnish with sprig of mint.  

Manhattan, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Manhattan, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Manhattan

 2 parts Flor de Caña 7 rum

1 part sweet vermouth

1/6 parts maraschino liqueur

1 dash orange bitters

Method Add all ingredients to mixing glass filled with ice. Stir vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.

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 August 12, 2016.

 

Cocktail Corner: Wine Meets Cocktails—and Mocktails—With Stolen Fruit

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Stolen Fruit Mixers, courtesy photo.

Stolen Fruit Mixers, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Winemakers have traditionally seduced delicious tastes from the vineyard and chefs blend verjus—the fresh pressed juice from green grapes, varietal grape juice, and grape skins—to bring flavor to the forefront of their creations. Now these same techniques have been used to craft a fun, new line of grape-based mixers: adding the nuance and complexity of wine grapes to a range of cocktails and mocktails.

Using the fresh pressed juice of grapes dropped during thinning and dried wine grape skins, Sonoma-based Stolen Fruit takes what is normally discarded from the winemaking process to create the base for each mixer. Then the concentrated natural juice of a specific grape varietal such as Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier or Grenache, is blended in along with complimentary fruit and botanicals to build a layered, balanced drink base.

The flavors include: Lemongrass Ginger Sauvignon Blanc, Jasmine Juniper Viognier, Hibiscus Grenache (my favorite), Blood Orange Muscat and Fig Grains of Paradise Zin.

We tried them out last weekend and they’re delicious, with or with the booze! Mix them with sparkling water or club soda or lemonade for a non-alcoholic drink that still feels fun and festive. Add in sparkling wine and/or your favorite spirit and you have a terrific cocktail. We tried Stolen Fruit with Pisco, Rye, Vodka and Prosecco. I liked them all, as well as in combination with Jardesca, a refreshing wine-based aperitif.

Created by Dry Creek Valley AVA grape growers Doug and Susan Provisor, owners of Provisor Vineyards, and Healdsburg-based Chef Peter Brown, these versatile mixers are a great addition to your home bar, as well as nice gift for your host.

Stolen Fruit Cocktail Mixers ($18) are initially available for purchase online at stolenfruit.com, which also has recipes for cocktails, mocktails and food pairings, as well as on Amazon.  Check them out and let me know what you think.

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 July 15, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Seek and Ye Shall Find

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Seeker's wine & beer tour packages let you visit a variety of venues at a bargain price, photo courtesy Seeker.

Seeker’s wine & beer tour packages let you visit a variety of venues at a bargain price, photo courtesy Seeker.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

In search of a fun way to navigate Santa Barbara’s burgeoning craft beer scene? Last weekend we checked out the newly dubbed “Lagoon District” Lagoon Loop Craft Beer Trail with a package from Seeker (http://seeker.co/), and it was a surprisingly great way to do some beer tasting.

Seeker, which launched this concept in January, is a local company offering all-inclusive, self-guided tour packages in various areas in Santa Barbara.  But unlike many of the tasting tours, this one works equally well for tourists or locals because once you purchase the tour, it lives on your phone and can be redeemed for up to a year. In other words, if you only want to taste one beer, or a couple of wines in a day, you can do that and return and still continue to use your package. This versatility also makes it a great gift for some of those hard-to-buy-for friends (or employees!). 

This is the map for Seeker's Lagoon Loop package, courtesy photo.

This is the map for Seeker’s Lagoon Loop package, courtesy photo.

Our package (retail price $34.99) included a stop at Pure Order Brewing Company (410 N. Quarantina St., 805/966-2881), where we received a pint of our choice, as well as a 64 oz. growler to take home filled with our choice of beer. As a bonus, Pure Order had a lively party with a band going on that day. I liked the extra pale SBA and the Santa Barbara Lager, while my husband preferred the darker Black Gull Porter.

A short walk away is the 2nd Stop, Telegraph Brewing Company  (418 N. Salsipuedes St., 805/963-5018), a roomy tasting room that appeals to many a beer aficionado. There we got a pint of our choice, as part of the Seeker package. Normally, I really like the White Ale, but I was trying to pace myself, so I skipped the beer (and snuck a few sips from Hubby) and now I have a free one waiting to use next time.

Our third stop was the new Third Window Brewing Company (406 E. Haley St. #3, 805/979-5090), which we’d been dying to try. It’s a beautiful space in the Mill, housed within a restored old barn/feed mill originally built in 1904. With the Seeker package we got a Tasting Flight with five beers of our choice, and honestly, there wasn’t a bad one in the bunch. Unusually, my husband and I had the same favorite this time, Walkabout, a chocolate orange stout that was absolutely yummy! I also especially favored the Batch 2, a Belgian lager with orange blossoms and loquats—but honestly, all ten of our tasters were good. At some point, Third Window will have its own kitchen, but right now you can order take-out at Wildwood Kitchen (410 E. Haley St., 805/845-3995) next door, (which we did, and it was delicious as always) and they’ll deliver to you at the brewery. A perfect, barbecued end to our adventure on the Lagoon Loop!

If beer’s not your thing, Seeker also offers two different wine tasting packages. Both the Anacapa Wine Walk package and the Funk Zone Uncorked package let you hop from winery to winery, receiving items at each stop (tastings, glasses, etc.).  Just like the beer package, you just show the web app on your phone to staff at each location to receive the included items.

And by the way, I’m always a little bit nervous when I have to show an app or a coupon to get something, but all of the breweries recognized our beer tasting package immediately, were very friendly and made the whole experience a breeze. 

I’d definitely recommend the Seeker packages as a fun way to taste wine or beer, and enjoy the day in Santa Barbara.

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 July 8, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Americana Fest at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

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Figueroa Mountain Americana FestA spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Get into the Independence Day spirit a little early this weekend, on Sunday, July 3, when Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company in Buellton presents Americana Fest, featuring live music, craft beer, barbecue and baked goods.

Sounds pretty all-American to me!

Four Americana bands will play throughout the day. The concert kick offs with the bluegrass string band, Grass Mountain at 1 p.m.; followed local folk songstress, Kathleen Sieck and the Paradise Road at 3 p.m.; Americana and self-proclaimed “cosmic country” singer Jaime Wyatt shows off her unique style at 5 p.m.; followed by folk-country singer Leslie Stevens at 7 p.m.

In addition to music, try your luck at winning the watermelon eating contest at 4:30 p.m. or come for the specialty cask releases at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.

“We are thrilled to have such a talented line-up for this event,” says Retail Operations Director, Tony Grimes. “We are celebrating Independence Day weekend with top-notch local bands and then bringing in some terrific entertainment from Los Angeles.”

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

General Admission tickets are $25 in advance and include full access to the concerts, 1 beer ticket and a pint glass ($30 at the door). Special beer package tickets include one General Admission ticket plus four additional beer tickets for a total of 5 beers and a pint glass. This discount is only available in advance. Young adults and kids under 21 years old are free but still require tickets to enter. Visit www.FigMtnBrew.com for more information or purchase tickets directly at www.AmericanaFest.Nightout.com.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. flagship brewery and taproom is located at 45 Industrial Way in Buellton.

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.”

 P.S: Here’s a sneak peek at local band Kathleen Sieck and the Paradise Road, who will perform at 3 p.m. on Sunday!

 

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on June 30, 2016.

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

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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.

 

Cocktail Corner: Fess Parker’s New Spot to Sip by the Sea

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Fess Parker Tasting Experience opened this week at The Fess Parker - A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort. Courtesy photo.

Fess Parker Tasting Experience opened this week at The Fess Parker – A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort. Courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

There’s a great new addition to Santa Barbara’s waterfront area: Fess Parker Properties now has a tasting room right inside of the beachfront hotel, The Fess Parker – A Doubletree by Hilton Resort.

Opening its doors last night, the new venue features a a rotating selection of 16 wines from Fess Parker Winery and Epiphany (winemaker Eli Parker‘s small production label), focusing on limited production and single vineyard offerings.  Not only is this comfortable, earth-toned spot a convenient, low key place to taste the excellent Parker family of wines, it also features the state-of-the-art Enomatic wine dispensing system, known for protecting the freshness, flavors and characteristics of each wine.  Wines are enjoyed with the touch of a button, and savored as if each bottle had just been opened. 

With just an easy and admittedly fun push of a button, you can choose whether you want a taste, a half glass or a full glass of wine, and you are billed accordingly. Among our favorites sampled last night were the Fess Parker Winery Santa Barbara County Viognier (a zippy, full-bodied wine that’s perfect for summer) and the Fess Parker Winery Pommard Clone Pinot Noir (a beautifully balanced red), but with 16 varieties on tap at any given time, there is definitely something to please every palate.

Eli Parker shows a guest the Enomatic wine dispensing system at the Fess Parker Tasting Experience. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Eli Parker shows a guest the Enomatic wine dispensing system at the Fess Parker Tasting Experience. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

 “We are excited to have the opportunity to bring the Fess Parker Winery experience ‘over the hill’ to our hotel guests who aren’t able to journey to wine country during their stay,” says Eli Parker, “It is a project we have envisioned for this property for quite some time.  To see it come to fruition is very satisfying.”

 The Santa Barbara beachfront tasting room is open daily from noon to 7 p.m. and is located off of the main lobby inside the resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., 800/879-2929, www.fpdtr.com.

 For more information on the Fess Parker family of wines, please visit www.fessparker.com.

Fess Parker Tasting Experience opened this week at The Fess Parker - A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort. Courtesy photo.

Fess Parker Tasting Experience opened this week at The Fess Parker – A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort. Courtesy photo.

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 Magazine on June 23. 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Santa Barbara Wine Festival Gets Better With Age

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Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine Festival. The event takes place Jun. 25 at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine Festival. The event takes place Jun. 25 at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Santa Barbara Wine Festival—the first festival of its kind on the Central Coast—returns for the 29th year, hosted by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (2559 Puesta Del Sol Rd.) on Saturday, June 25 from 2-5 p.m.

The beautiful grounds of Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History are a wonderful spot to appreciate being out in nature, and what better way to enjoy a summer weekend than sipping wine underneath the oaks along Mission Creek? Guests will sip, swirl, and savor a variety of wine from 75 wineries complemented by tasty hors d’oeuvres and desserts from famed local restaurants, farm-to-table caterers, and other top shelf food purveyors.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine Festival. The event takes place Jun. 25 at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine Festival. The event takes place Jun. 25 at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

They’ll also be celebrating the museum’s 100th birthday with, what else … bubbles! As a commemorative presentation this year, Santa Barbara Wine Festival features Sparkling Way; a special area dedicated to sparkling wines and the perfect opportunity to raise a glass to the occasion. Also, new to the event this year is the VIP Redwood Lounge, where VIP ticket holders can enter the festival one hour early and enjoy a private tasting before everyone else arrives.

Winemakers Paul Lato and Morgan Clendenen will be in the VIP Lounge from 1-2 p.m. to pour their world class wines, along with savory bites from Chef Pete Clements. The lounge will also offer access to intimate seating, delectable treats, late , and complimentary chair massages throughout the festival.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine Festival. The event takes place Jun. 25 at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine Festival. The event takes place Jun. 25 at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

The Cork Pull raffle is always one of my favorite things at this festival. For $30 to pull a cork, participants are guaranteed to win a prize worth at least $30, many of which are terrific wines and other prizes valued at $50 and above. Plus, all proceeds benefit the museum’s exhibits and education programs.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine Festival. The event takes place Jun. 25 at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine Festival. The event takes place Jun. 25 at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Participating wineries include: Alexander & Wayne, Alma Rosa, Andrew Murray Vineyards, Arthur Earl, Au Bon Climat, Babcock Winery, Beckmen Vineyards, Bedford Winery, Blair Fox Cellars, Brander Vineyard, Brewer-Clifton,  Buttonwood, Byron, Cambria, Cargasacchi/Pt Conception, Carr Vineyards and Winery, Casa Dumetz, Cebada, Cinque Stelle, CORE, Consilience, Crawford Family Wines, Daniel Gehrs Wines, Dierberg/Star Lane, De Paola Vineyard, Epiphany Cellars, Falcone Vineyards, Feliz Noche, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Fiddlehead Cellars, Flying Goat Cellars, Foxen, Gainey Vineyard, Grassini Family Vineyards, Gypsy Canyon, Jaffurs Wine Cellars  and Jamie Slone Wines.

Also pouring are:Kalyra, Ken Brown Wines, Kenneth Volk Vineyards, Kita Wines, Koehler Winery, Kunin, LaFond, Larner Wines and General Store, Longoria, Loring Wine Company, Lumen, Margerum Wine Company, Melville, Mosby Winery & Vineyard, Municipal Winemakers, Oreana, Palmina, Potek, Qupé, Rancho Sisquoc Winery, Refugio Ranch, Santa Barbara Winery, Silver Wines, Sunstone Winery, Tablas Creek, Tatomer, Tercero Wines, Toucan Wines, Transcendence Wines, Whitcraft Winery, William James and Zaca Mesa.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine Festival. The event takes place Jun. 25 at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine Festival. The event takes place Jun. 25 at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

In addition, participating food vendors are: Barbareno, Benchmark eatery, Brophy Bros., Ca Dario, Country Catering, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Duo, Farmer Boy, Finch & Fork, FreezerMonkey, Il Fustino, Industrial Eats, Jessica Foster Confections, Michael’s Catering, Mr. E’s Freeze, Mulberry Love, Nectar Eatery and Lounge, Pacific Pickle Works, The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, Via Maestra, Village Modern Foods and Patxi’s Pizza.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Santa Barbara Wine Festival, please visit http://www.sbnature.org/winefestival.

Hope to see you there. 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 Magazine on June 17, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: South African Wine Safari

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Wines of South Africa Tasting and Master Class at Les Marchands. Photos by Leslie Dinaberg.

Wines of South Africa Tasting and Master Class at Les Marchands. Photos by Leslie Dinaberg.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Unfortunately, no passport was involved in my recent trip to South Africa’s wine country, but it was an exciting journey nonetheless.

Last weekend I had the good fortune to attend “South Africa in Santa Barbara Day” at Les Marchands, alongside a slew of our region’s top wine and food mavens. Boy was it eye-opening! Our charming host Jim Clarke, Marketing Manager for Wines of South Africa USA, took us on a lovely trek through his home terrain.

Jim Clarke, Marketing Manager for Wines of South Africa USA, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Jim Clarke, Marketing Manager for Wines of South Africa USA, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

We started our excursion as many great journeys begin, with some bubbly. In this case two sparkling wines: Noble Hill Method Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs 2011 (from the Simonsberg-Paarl appellation of origin, which has made some of South Africa’s finest wines dating back to the late 17th century) and Colmant Method Cap Classique Rose NV, from the Western Cape Region.

Clarke seeded our “master class” with interesting tidbits about the history of the region, as well as the terroir. South Africa’s wine growing areas, situated in the narrow viticultural zone of the southern hemisphere, have a mostly Mediterranean climate and the mountain slopes and valleys form the ideal habitat for wine grapes. Long, sun-drenched summers and mild, wet winters contribute to the ideal conditions for viticulture.

With the end of apartheid and the advent of democracy, South African wine industry exports have more than doubled between 2005 and 2015. According to the wosa.co.za, “the annual harvest in 2014 amounted to 1 519 708 tons (1 181.1 million liters), of which 81% was used for wine. … As far as international wine production is concerned, Italy leads with 17.7% of the total, France is second with 17.2%, Spain third with 13.3% and South Africa eighth with 4.1% (2015 figures).”

Just a few of the South African wines sampled, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Just a few of the South African wines sampled, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Of the 20 (!) wines we tasted, there truly wasn’t a dud in the bunch. Among the many standouts that made my tastebuds zing was the Luddite Chenin Blanc. According to Clarke, South Africa is home to the most Chenin Blanc (Steen) plantings in the world and is the most widely cultivated variety in the Cape. He described the wine as “a nice middle ground between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay” and it, along with the Raats Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2013, and the Beaumont Chenin Blanc 2014, certainly pleased my palate.

Another highlight of the tasting was my first experience with Pinotage, a unique-to-South Africa cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (Hermitage). The 2013 Painted Wolf Guillermo Pinotage we sampled was an intense, rich, fruity flavor that paired well with the braai (South African Barbecue) meats we had for lunch. Two Santa Barbara wineries with South African winemakers—Dieter Cronje of Presqu-ile and Ernst Storm of Storm Wines—were also on hand to pour their wines and provide entertaining commentary about their homeland.

All in all it was a delightful journey to South Africa, minus the jet lag (although I could have used a nap after all of that wine tasting)! South African wines are becoming more and more available at our local retailers, including Les Marchands Wine & Bar Merchant, 131 Anacapa St., 805/284-0380.

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 10, 2016.

 

Cocktail Corner: Swirl & Sip Series on the Canary Rooftop

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The Canary Rooftop, courtesy photo.

The Canary Rooftop is home to the popular Sip & Swirl wine tasting series during the summer, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

I jump at any opportunity to hang out at the rooftop at the Canary Hotel, which is one of the most exquisite—and exclusive—360-degree views of Santa Barbara. The scenery alone is enough to make me leap at any invitation to visit the roof, add in some terrific wines and nibbles at the popular Sip & Swirl and it’s hard to beat.

This monthly summer series is held the third Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. starting June 15, and features a rotating collection of local wineries who will showcase their best vintages, while enjoying entertainment and tasty bites from C’est Cheese.

Here’s the schedule of local wineries:

June 15 Wineries             

July 20 Wineries               

August 17 Wineries        

September 21 Wineries                 

Tickets for the rooftop Swirl & Sip are $35 per person, and can be purchased the evening of at Finch & Fork. Hotel guests receive $5 off. Guests must be age 21 or older. For more information, visit FinchandForkRestaurant.com or call 805/879-9100. The Canary Hotel is located at 31 W. Carrillo St. 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 May 27, 2016.

 

Cocktail Corner: Summer Sips by the Sea

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Rosé Solstice is coming at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara on June 10. Courtesy photo.

Rosé Solstice is coming at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara on June 10. Courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Situated perfectly overlooking Butterfly Beach and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is always a fabulous place to meet for drinks, but this summer will offer some extra special sipping opportunities. 

Coming up next in the 2016 Summer Tasting Series is a celebration of Rosé Solstice on June 10. Rosé Day (how did I not know about this?!?) is apparently celebrated on this day in wine tasting regions, and the resort will celebrate with a variety of wines from France and California. Get ready to drink pink! The tasting runs from 6-9 p.m. in the Palmera Garden, where attendees also will enjoy French appetizers paired to match the wines.

Beers from Telegraph Brewing Company will be among those spotlighted on Jul. 22 at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

Beers from Telegraph Brewing Company will be among those spotlighted on Jul. 22 at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

In July the resort showcases Santa Barbara County microbrews, with a special beer tasting event located on the ocean front La Pacifica Terrace from 6-9 p.m. on July 22. Beers from Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, Telegraph Brewery, Island Brewing Company and Rincon Brewery will offer tastings alongside treats, as part of an Independence-themed celebration called “Red, White and Brew.”

In August, Sunstone Vineyard takes center stage at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

In August, Sunstone Vineyard takes center stage at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Courtesy photo.

In August, Bella Vista Restaurant hosts an exceptional wine dinner at sunset, featuring food designed to pair with the exceptional wines of the Santa Ynez Valley’s Sunstone Winery.  Held from 6-9 p.m. on August 26, winemaker Bion Rice will be on hand to share his favorite varietals.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara hosts a tribute to Santa Ynez Valley wines in September. Courtesy photo.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara hosts a tribute to Santa Ynez Valley wines in September. Courtesy photo.

The series concludes in September with a tribute to the harvest season in the Santa Ynez Valley.  Rare local wines will be offered for tastings on September 23 in a beautiful resort venue to celebrate one of the world’s finest wine-growing regions.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is located at 1260 Channel Dr. For reservations, please call 805/565-8232.

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 May 20, 2016.