Category Archives: Cocktail Corner

Cocktail Corner: HEEET-ing It Up!

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Tropical Heeet Cocktail, courtesy photo.

Tropical Heeet Cocktail, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Fall is officially here, and Pumpkin Spice isn’t the only flavor that’s HOT this season. There’s a new cinnamon vodka out called HEEET, which is terrific for sipping.

Heeet Vodka, courtesy photo.

Heeet Vodka, courtesy photo.

Think Fireball for grown-ups. Combining all natural ingredients with vodka and cinnamon is kind of brilliant idea, if you think about it.

Drink it straight up for a kick, combine it with tonic, or mix it with Coke for a spicy twist on an old favorite.

We also liked the Tropical Heeet.

Here’s the recipe, courtesy the HEEET folks:

  • 4oz Pineapple Juice 
  • 11/2 oz HEEET 
  • 1 oz Ginger Ale 
  • Splash of grenadine 
  • Garnish with a slice of pineapple

I liked it on the rocks, but it was also tasty straight up.

HEEET retails for $24.99, and available to purchase at https://www.merrygospirits.com.

Check it out and let us 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 on October 13, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

This weekend brings the first Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club on Saturday October 7. The festival combines polo, local wine, and music for a unique one-day experience. This unique, full day experience features two polo matches, great music and tastings from some of Santa Barbara’s finest wineries.

While not a requirement, organizers encourage attendees to dress as you would for a typical polo game—like the movie Pretty Woman, when they are at the polo match.

The famous "Pretty Women" polo match scene, courtesy photo.

The famous “Pretty Women” polo match scene, courtesy photo.

Musicial performances by LP, Nick Waterhouse, Durand Jones & the Indications, Vieux Farka Toure and Macy Gray are on the bill. The Festival also features local food and wineries, including local contemporary California cuisine by Barbareno, Empanadas by Buena Onda and Asian-inflected American plates from The Black Sheep. Local wineries  include Happy Canyon Vineyard, Sanford Winery, Standing Sun Wines, Summerland Winery, August Ridge Vineyards and more.

“After attending our first polo match in the summer of 2016, it immediately became clear to us that a combination of polo, wine, and music would create an amazing experience,” organizer Josh Elion says.  “It’s a way of bringing three aspects of a community together and introducing people to the game of polo, new local wineries, or incredible musicians.  … This is truly a celebration of Santa Barbara and Southern California living, held at one of the most gorgeous venues along the west coast.”

Courtesy Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival.

Courtesy Santa Barbara Polo & Wine Festival.

A dollar of every ticket sold will be donated to Notes For Notes, a nonprofit organization that designs, equips, and staffs after-school recording studios inside Boys and Girls Clubs, offering youth the opportunity to explore, create, and record music for free.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sbpoloandwine.com.

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 on October 6, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Bubblyfest

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Bubblyfest takes place Oct. 5-8 in Avila Beach, courtesy photo.

Bubblyfest takes place Oct. 5-8 in Avila Beach, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Courtesy Bubblyfest.

Courtesy Bubblyfest.

If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway, check out this weekend’s Bubblyfest in Avila Beach Oct. 5-8.

BUBBLYFEST 2017 is the fourth annual event featuring more than 60 sparkling wine and champagne producers from around the world there to top off glasses and share insights on the fine world of bubbles. Taking place at the Avila Beach Golf Resort, the weekend’s events include: 

Thursday Night: Dinner is slated to be a Fried Chicken & Champagne Dinner with Master Somm Chris Blanchard, one of the Top 200 Somms. Dinner includes four different Champagnes.

Friday Day: Early afternoon includes industry and connoisseur focused seminars with panelists such as Chris Blanchard, Clarissa Nagy of Riverbench, Tawnya Falkner of Le Grand Courtage and Sylvie Tannhauser of Domaine Carneros.

Friday Evening: The very popular “Corks and Cocktails” cocktail party at the Central Coast Aquarium. Attendees come ‘dressed to the nines’ in 1920’s attire, listen to jazz and sip cocktails made with sparkling wines.

Saturday: Grand Tasting will include tasting from 70 labels both international and domestic, as well as more educational panels that are consumer focused. Enjoy light appetizers with Sparkling Wine and Champagne tasting where over 60 wineries invite you to fall in love with their bubbly.  Learn from the experts in the Seminar Series, indulge in a Champagne Toast, and relax on one of the sun bed loungers and sofas.

Bubblyfest takes place Oct. 5-8 in Avila Beach, courtesy photo.

Bubblyfest takes place Oct. 5-8 in Avila Beach, courtesy photo.

The 2017 festival will feature wines of Alsace, J Vineyards, Gloria Ferrar, Voveti and 60 other top sparkling wine and champagne producers from around the world together in one place to mingle with “lovers of the bubbly.”

Tickets for BUBBLYFEST By The Sea include a souvenir glass for each participant, unlimited bubbly tastings, seminars and a variety of light hors d’oeuvres. VIP events will be available on a first come, first served basis. Avila Beach Golf Resort is located at 6464 Ana Bay Rd, Avila Beach.

For more information, visit: bubblyfest.com. 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 on October 4, 2017.

 

 

 

Cocktail Corner: California Brew Festival

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Courtesy California Brew Festival.

Courtesy California Brew Festival.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

As a winemaker friend once told me, “It takes a lot of beer to make good wine.” So I guess that means that bringing the California Brew Festival here to wine country is long overdue. 

More than 40 breweries will come together to pour hundreds of craft brews from all over the world at the inaugural festival, which takes place on October 7 at Chase Palm Park.  Expect thousands of beer lovers to pour into Santa Barbara for a day of sun, sea, beer, food and music. Guests grab their 16 oz. glass and start sipping just a frisbee throw away from the sparkling Pacific, while One2Tree, a soulful reggae band, keeps the beat.

Courtesy California Brew Festival.

Courtesy California Brew Festival.

Featured breweries include: 10 Barrel Brewing Co.; Angel City Brewery; Avery Brewing Co.; Ballast Point Brewing Co.; Bell’s Inspired Brewing; Brass Bear Brewing and Bistro; The Brewhouse; Captain Fatty’s Craft Brewery; Coedo; Coronado Brewing Co.; Draughtsmen Aleworks; Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.; Firestone Walker Brewing Company; Garage Project; Hollister Brewing Company; Knee Deep Brewing Co.; Lagunitas Brewing Company; M. Special Brewing Company; Pure Order Brewing Co.; Rincon Brewery; Rogue Ales & Spirits; Saint Archer Brewing Company; Santa Maria Brewing Co.; Stone Brewing Co.; Tap It Brewing Co.; The Dudes’ Brewing Company; Third Window Brewing Co.; Topa Topa; Unibroue and Ventura Coast Brew Co.

Courtesy California Brew Festival.

Courtesy California Brew Festival.

California Brew Festival benefits Surf Happens Foundation, whose mission it to enrich the lives of local youth through environmental education and the sport of surfing.

The event takes place on October 7, from 2-5 p.m., with V.I.P. entrance at 1 p.m.

Courtesy California Brew Festival.

Courtesy California Brew Festival.

General Admission Ticket ($75) includes:

    • All beer, cider and wines tastes
    • Souvenir pint glass
    • Food samples from local restaurants and food purveyors
    • Live music by Neighborhood Thieves and One2Tree

VIP Ticket ($100) includes all of the above plus:

  • VIP Pavilion catered by Patxi’s Pizza with pizza, salads and appetizers
  • Rare brews only offered in the VIP area
  • Wines by Buttonwood Farm Winery
  • Oceanside seating with an unobstructed view of the stage
  • VIP Restrooms
  • Complimentary pretzel necklace

Tickets can be purchased here. 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 on September 22, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Kings Carey Wines

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Kings Carey's first wine releases include (L-R) 2014 Grenache, 2015 Grenache and 2016 Rose of Grenache. Courtesy photos.

Kings Carey’s first wine releases include (L-R) 2014 Grenache, 2015 Grenache and 2016 Rose of Grenache. Courtesy photos.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

No matter how many times I’m reminded that you can’t judge a book by its cover, I’m still a sucker for an interesting wine label, so I was particularly intrigued by the samples I recently received from Kings Carey Wine, the new label by Liquid Farm Winemaker James Sparks.

It turns out the eye-catching labels are by Philadelphia-based illustrator and artist, Hawk Krall.

Kings Carey Grenache 2014 label, designed by Hawk Krall.

Kings Carey Grenache 2014 label, designed by Hawk Krall.

James Sparks! Hawk Krall! Do these guys sound like movie character names or what! But they’re also both very talented. Krall’s work was familiar to me from the beloved and vanished foodie mag Lucky Peach, but he’s been working his artistic magic for more than a decade. He’s well known for his food illustration, in particular, as well as his humorous editorial illustration, gallery showings and installations.

Kings Carey Rose 2016 label, designed by Hawk Krall.

Kings Carey Rose 2016 label, designed by Hawk Krall.

In SAVEUR Magazine, another foodie fave, Krall pens and illustrates a recurring series of pieces in the publication, “Hawk’s Illustrated America,” which “follows his journeys through the back roads of the U.S. in search of our country’s most obscure and delicious regional specialties.”

Of course, this wine is more than just a pretty package. We tasted the first three wines—a 2014 Grenache (John Sebastiano Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley AVA); a 2015 Grenache (John Sebastiano Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills AVA); and a 2016 Rosé of Grenache from new Santa Ynez Valley AVA vineyard, Brick Barn—and enjoyed every last drop.

“I’m trying to produce ‘untypical’ wines of typicity,” says Sparks. “It’s not that this region can’t produce these types of wines; it’s just that you don’t see it very often. These are not fruit bombs. These are clean expressions of the fruit at-hand.” 

In addition to his private Kings Carey label, Sparks continues to create Liquid Farm’s variety of wines (currently five Chardonnays, a Rosé of Mourvèdre, and two Pinot Noirs). 

The Kings Carey winery space is located in Lompoc. Visits and private tastings are by appointment only, and reservations may be made by emailing info@KingsCarey.com.

Kings Carey Wines may currently be found in these locations:

Restaurants & Bars
Cecco Ristorante | 475 First St., Solvang, CA 93463
First & Oak | 409 First St., Solvang, CA 93463
Community Craft | 2446 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, CA 93441
Bell Street Farm | 406 Bell St., Los Alamos, CA 93440
Scratch Kitchen | 610 N. H St., Lompoc, CA 93436

Retail
Nielsen’s Market | 608 Alamo Pintado Rd., Solvang, CA 93463

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 on September 15, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: A Taste of Italy with DoctorWine

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The Ultimate Guide to Italian Wine 2017 California Tour, photos by Leslie Dinaberg.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

As far as I’m concerned, one of the only things more fun than enjoying a great wine and food pairing is enjoying it with smart people who are willing to share their knowledge and make the experience even more delicious. When DoctorWine himself, Daniele Cernilli—a highly acclaimed expert on Italian wines and the author of The Ultimate Guide to Italian Wine 2017—came to town last week, I was thrilled to be able to break bread with him and taste wines from some of his favorite producers.

Our tasting at Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant was definitely a treat.

The Ultimate Guide to Italian Wine 2017 California Tour, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Named one of the “50 Most Influential People in the Wine World” by Decanter Magazine, Cernilli is a journalist by trade, and in addition to being a regular contributor to Italian newspapers, trade and consumer publications, he has written a number of technical books on wine and wine tasting. In addition to multiple editions of The Ultimate Guide to Italian Wine, his books include, among others, Memorie di un degustatore di vini (Memories of a Wine Taster), a chronicle-memoir of his first 25 years as a taster with this opinions on many Italian and foreign wines, and Vitigni del Mondo (World Wine Grapes), written in collaboration with Dario Cappelloni, which is the most complete catalog of wine grapes ever published in Italy.

In other words, he knows his stuff, and so did the eight wine producers who accompanied him on a tour of California.

First up was Torre Rosazza – Pinot Grigio Colli Orientali del Fruili DOC 2016. Torre Rosazza is one of the largest producers in Europe, and Pinot Grigio has been cultivated in Friuli for centuries with great results that showcase the area’s hilly terrain. Luisa Bortolotto, the winery’s Export Manager was on hand to answer questions. Paired with a delicious salad of gems lettuces, heirloom tomato, cucumber, mint and  mouth-watering herb creme fraiche, this wine was fresh and very drinkable.

DoctorWine Daniele Cernilli leads The Ultimate Guide to Italian Wine 2017 California Tour luncheon at Les Marchands, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Next up were two wines paired with a delicious summer corn chowder: Querciabella – Chianti Classico DOCG 2013 from Tuscany, along with Owner Giacomo Neri; and Feudo Maccari – Saia Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC 2014 from Sicily.

Querciabella, as DoctorWine explained, has been organic since 1988, long before there were any regulations around the practice and this very classic, 100% Sangiovese Chianti was quite lovely with a balance of fruity and savory notes. The Feudo Maccari wine, made from 100% Nero d’Avola grapes was very complex and full bodied, but quite well balanced, and also paired very well with the soup.

Our main course was the Les Marchands fabulous take on Steak Frites, with pan seared hangar steak, wild argula, salsa verde and French fries. It paired really well with three different wines: Poliziano Asinone Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2012 from Tuscany/Montepulciano, accompanied by Owner Francesco Carletti (“King of the old Tuscan wines is the Nobile,” says DoctorWine, and it did indeed have some royal flavor); Pio Cesare Barolo DOCG 2013 from Piedmont, a lovely 100% Nebbiolo classic Barolo; and Velenosi Roggio Del Filare Rosso Piceno Superiore DOCG 2012 from Marche. 

Finally a lovely assortment of cheese and Helena Ave Bakery breads accompanied the last two wines: the Robert Parker 100-point-rated Casanova di Neri – Tenuta Nuova Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 from Tuscany/Montalcino, along with General Manager Roberto La Sorte (yes, it was excellent); and the Bertani – Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOC 2007 from Veneto/Amarone, accompanied by Technical Director Girdano Formenti. DoctorWine explained that the Bertani was a classic Amarone, made the traditional way, in vineyards devoted entirely to producing drying grapes. The grapes are set aside to dry on (racks made from bamboo canes and then they ferment in concrete and age in barrels for seven years. It’s a complicated process, but so very worth it.

Want to learn more about Italian wine? Cernilli’s website, www.doctorwine.it,  is entirely bi-lingual (Italian-English) and is designed especially to give an Italian perspective to a global public. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

 

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, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: New Lead Mixologist Brings Creative Concoctions to Outpost

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Cocktails from Outpost at the Goodland, courtesy photo.

Cocktails from Outpost at the Goodland, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Mary Valdez has taken the helm of the renowned bar program at Outpost at the Goodland, bringing a host of fun and creative new items to the already stellar menu. 

Cocktails from Outpost at the Goodland, courtesy photo.

Cocktails from Outpost at the Goodland, courtesy photo.

We checked out the first in what will be a series of seasonal beverage menus  last week, leaving ourselves in Valdez’s very capable hands. First up was her personal favorite, In Full Bloom, a refreshing and playful cocktail featuring Hendricks Gin, fresh lemon, orgeat, prickly pear shrub, angostura bitters and tonic. We also liked The Day Drinker, made with Ketel One Vodka, St. Germain, fresh watermelon and a housemade citrus cordial. The classic Aviation—made with Beefeater Gin, luxardo maraschino, lemon and creme de violet—was complex  yet balanced. We also enjoyed  the Maria Maria, made with Del Maguey Vida, jalapeno infused agave, citrus cordial, mint and ginger beer.  

Agave is Valdez’s preferred spirit of the moment, but house shrubs, syrups and fresh produce also play important roles in each drink.

Mary Valdez is the new lead bartender at Outpost at the Goodland, courtesy photo.

Mary Valdez is the new lead bartender at Outpost at the Goodland, courtesy photo.

Other seasonal standouts include the Rhubarbarian, a refreshingly spicy and citrus forward sipper with El Jimador blanco, Cointreau, togerashi, rhubarb syrup, lime and rhubarb bitters, and the herbaceous and tart Live Long and Prosper, which mixes rosemary infused Tito’s, blackberry-lime cordial and Aperol. The summer menu (which will last through September, says Valdez) includes the Easy Like a Sunday Morning, which mixes Espolon reposado, Aperol, ancho chile, and their Goodland Special, a grapefruit IPA which was brewed for them in collaboration with M Special.

Valdez has a decade of bartending experience under her belt, working behind bars on both coasts, and spending the last few years at Outpost where she was part of the opening team. Her cocktail preparation style is balanced but surprising, adding something unexpected into every creation.

Outpost at the Goodland Hotel is located 5650 Calle Real, Goleta, www.outpostsb.com.

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 on September 1, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: 7th Annual Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival

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Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival, courtesy photos.

Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival, courtesy photos.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years, but the 7th  Annual Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival (SBFF) is coming up this weekend and it looks like it’s going to be even better than ever. For those of you who’ve never attended, SBFF is an annual gathering that showcases the history, benefits, and preparation of fermented foods while encouraging attendees to learn, engage, share, eat and drink!

Touted as “every bit as fun as it is healthy,” SBFF features four stages offering hands-on fermentation experiences, educational panels and presentations, tastings, live music and more. New this year are DIY Fermentation Stations, “so the whole family can make ferments and enjoy the endless activities on our festival schedule,” say festival Co-Founders Lynn Hartman and Katie Hershfelt. “Get there early and plan to stay all day.”

Exhibitors  include a number of food artisans, brewers and health experts including brewLAB, Biomic Sciences/RESTORE, Wild at Heart Ojai, Fermentality and others. Do-It-Yourself fermentation stations will offer lacto-fermentation recipes including cherry tomato bombs, sweet lipstick peppers, carrot coins and spiced squash pickles. Expert panelists will discuss the latest research around gut health, the microbiome and childhood development, among other critical topics. A complete list of panelists can be found here.

My personal favorite section, the Farm-to-Bar, will feature extended hours to sample locally made adult beverages from more than 40 purveyers, including:

  • 101 Cider House
  • Ascendant Spirits
  • Boochcraft
  • brewLAB
  • Captain Fatty’s Brewery
  • Cutler’s Artisan Spirits
  • Draughtsmen Aleworks
  • Farm to Bar
  • Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company
  • Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop
  • Leashless Brewing Company
  • Libertine Brewing Company
  • Martian Ranch & Vineyard
  • Smoke Mountain Brewery
  • Telegraph Brewing Company
  • Test Pilot
  • The Apiary Meadery and Ciderworks
  • The Good Lion
  • Third Window Brewing Company
  • Valley Brewers
  • Ventura Independent Beer Enthusiasts
  • Wylde Honey Wines
  • and more!

This year’s festival will be held on Sunday, September 10, at Rancho La Patera & Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Rd.) in Goleta from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are available at www.sbfermentationfestival.com/tickets.

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 on September 8, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Central Coast Wine Classic

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Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic.

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

This week brings the 32nd Annual Central Coast Wine Classic, as well as the 75th birthday celebration of its Founder & Chairman Archie McLaren. A benefit for the Talley Winery Fund for Vineyard & Farm Workers, the Friends of Hearst Castle and the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts, this weekend is a celebration of great wine as well as great generosity.

First up, on Thursday, August 24 is a Rare French Wine Dinner taking place in the private dining room of the LIDO at Dolphin Bay Hotel & Spa in Pismo Beach.

The dinner begins with a toast featuring the extraordinary Limited Edition 2006 Lanson “Clos Lanson” Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne in Magnum. According to organizers, “In 2016, Champagne Lanson winemaker Hervé Dantan decided to release 7,870 bottles (Only 655 cases!) of 2006 Clos Lanson, which are all individually numbered. Considered as ‘one of the most exciting new wines of the entire Champagne’ region by the well-known Champagne expert, Richard Juhlin; indicated as the ‘Haut Brion’ of Champagne in Drinks Business, Clos Lanson is a precious and rare wine from the one hectare comprising the only vineyard in the city of Reims. This exceptional and rare Champagne, which Dantan unequivocally states is ‘certain to delight the most demanding connoisseurs,’ was aged for nine years prior to release, and the Magnums will be released to great anticipation and fanfare this year during Vinexpo in Bordeaux.”

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic.

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic.

Dolphin Bay Resort Executive Chef Jacob Moss will present a creative six course menu that showcases the remarkable rare wines, all of which were provided by Don Schliff, a longtime supporter of the festival and Retired CEO of Imports for Wine Warehouse. Among the highlights: 2014 Didier Dagueneau ‘Silex’ Pouilly Fume; 2006 Marquis de Laguiche Montrachet in Magnum; 1999 Armand Rousseau Clos de Beze in Magnum; 1970 Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac in Magnum; 1989 Hommage a Jacques Perrin Chateau de Beaucastel in Magnum; 1990 M. Chapoutier Le Pavillon Rouge and 1967 Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes.

Friday, August 25 offerings include a choice of two winery dinners:

A Farm to Table Dinner at Talley Vineyards & Winery in the Arroyo Grande Valley, Prepared by Chef Brian Collins and featuring San Luis Obispo Wine Country wineries, plus special Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley Vintners who are Wine Classic supporters. Participating wineries include: Center Of Effort, Chamisal,Laetitia, Niven Family, Saucelito Canyon, Talley, Tolosa and Verdad.

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic.

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic.

Also on Friday, August 25 is a superb group of iconic California Vintners at Lido Restaurant at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Pismo Beach. The wineries include Alma Rosa from the Santa Rita Hills, Au Bon Climat in the Santa Maria Valley, Babcock in the Santa Rita Hills, Eberle from Paso Robles, Pisoni from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Pride Mountain at the confluence of Napa and Sonoma Counties.

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic.

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic.

The 32nd Annual Auction, on Saturday, August 26 at the ACI Jet Services Hangar at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, features an impressive array of wines and upscale experiences available to bid on, as well as a super silent auction and multi-course gourmet luncheon.

The super silent auction includes many large format etched and hand-painted bottles from magnums to salmanazars representing the unique blends created for the Wine Classic over the years. The live auction will include not only unique etched and hand-painted large format artist bottles, but also rare wines from throughout California and around the world, many donated by McClaren from his private cellar.

The auction luncheon is prepared and presented by Wine Classic’s family of chefs including: Chef Rick Manson of Chef Rick’s Ultimately Fine Foods, Chef Frank Ostini of Buellton Hitching Post and Chef Michael Hutchings of Michael’s Catering in Santa Barbara.

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic.

Courtesy Central Coast Wine Classic.

On Sunday, August 27 is the VIP Departure Brunch at the Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Pismo Beach, featuring a  special Champagne and caviar from Graham Gaspard of Black River Caviar as a fond farewell to this extravagant event. For more information, visit centralcoastwineclassic.org.

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 on August 23, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Wine & Fire Weekend

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Wine & Fire Weekend, courtesy Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance.

Wine & Fire Weekend, courtesy Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance hosts the annual Wine & Fire Weekend Aug. 18-20. In addition to special events and tastings throughout the weekend at member wineries, there is also a Barn Party at Dierberg Star Lane on Friday Aug. 18, where member wineries will share their library stashes, large format bottles and small production wines to get you warmed up for the weekend.

Participating Wineries include: Babcock Winery, Bratcher Winery, Brewer-Clifton, Byron Winery, Crawford Family Wines, Dierberg, Fiddlehead Cellars, Flying Goat Cellars, Foley Estates, Hilliard Bruce, Hitching Post Wines, Ken Brown, La Voix Winery, LaMontagne, Loring Wine Company, Lutum Wines, Montemar, Peake Ranch, Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Seagrape Wine Company and Spear. Plus, antipasti and wood fired pizzas by Bello Forno, a cheese buffet presented by Central Coast Specialties and great music by the T-Bone Ramblers will set the pace for a weekend of wining and dining.

Wine & Fire Weekend, photo by Jeremy Ball, Bottle Branding, courtesy Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance.

Wine & Fire Weekend, photo by Jeremy Ball, Bottle Branding, courtesy Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance.

Next up on Saturday morning is a Focused Tasting and Lunch Featuring the Vineyards of Santa Rosa Road. The morning will begin with a Sparkling Reception, followed by a “virtual” tour as you travel through the mile markers of Santa Rosa Road. The event takes place at El Jabali Vineyard and Matt Kettmann, from Wine Enthusiast, will act as tour guide.

Vineyards and producers representing: Bentrock – Bratcher, Babcock, El Jabali – Alma Rosa, Fe Ciega – Longoria / Fiddlestix Vineyard – Dragonette, Fiddlehead, Hitching Post / La Rinconada – Sanford / Lafond Vineyards – Lafond, Sweetzer Cellars / Peake Ranch – Peake Ranch Wines / Quinta Santa Rosa Vineyard – Prodigal / Radian – Ken Brown, Crawford Family Wines, Montemar / Rancho La Vina – Seagrape, Temperance Cellars, LaMontagne / Rio Vista Vineyard – Thorne, Flying Goat, Montemar, Temperance Cellars / Rita’s Crown Vineyard – Babcock,  Sweetzer Cellars / Sanford and Benedict Vineyard – Hitching Post, Sanford and Ken Brown.

Wine & Fire Weekend, photo by Jeremy Ball, Bottle Branding, courtesy Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance.

Wine & Fire Weekend, photo by Jeremy Ball, Bottle Branding, courtesy Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance.

After the tour is lunch and a sampling of Rose wines produced by the members.

Finally, on Sunday, Aug. 19 is the Grand Tasting, where more than 40 wineries and sizzling local chefs and farmers will be on hand for an evening of chilling and grilling at the beautiful, historic La Purisima Mission, located on the edge of the AVA. Babe Farms, Campbell Farms, Central Coast Specialty Foods, Homegrown Cowboy, The Hitching Post II, Los Amigos BBQ, Tollhouse BBQ, Scratch Kitchen, The Ballard Inn and the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers will be serving up an amazing selection of local food favorites!

Participating Wineries: Alma Rosa, Ave, Babcock, Bratcher Winery, Brewer-Clifton, Byron Winery, Buscador, Clos Pepe Estate, Crawford Family Wines, Dragonette, Fiddlehead Cellars, Flying Goat Cellars, Foley Estates, Hilliard Bruce, Hitching Post Wines, Ken Brown, Kessler-Haak Wines, Kitá Wines, La Voix Winery, Lafond Winery, LaMontagne, Liquid Farm, Longoria, Loring Wine Company, Lutum Wines, Montemar, Moretti Wines, Pali Wine Company, Peake Ranch, Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Seagrape Wine Company, Spear, Sweetzer Cellars, Temperance Cellars, Thorn – The Prisoner Wine Company, Transcendence and Zotovich Vineyards & Winery.

For more information, visit staritahills.com/wine-fire.

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 on August 18, 2017.