Cocktail Corner: August Ridge Vineyards Opens Tasting Room in La Arcada

Manager Elise Kimball (left) and Hope Riley welcome visitors to the new August Ridge Tasting Room in La Arcada. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Manager Elise Kimball (left) and Hope Riley welcome visitors to the new August Ridge Tasting Room in La Arcada. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

A little gem of a tasting room recently opened its doors in La Arcada.  August Ridge Vineyardsa family-owned winery ten miles outside of Paso Robles in Creston, specializes in Italian varietals (Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, Primitivo and more).

The winery was started by John Backer and Jill Zamborelli Backer back in 2001, but their shared passions for food and wine have even deeper roots. John’s family has been growing grapes in California since the 1800’s, while Jill’s family brought their Italian food and wine traditions over from a small town just outside of Rome.

The charming new August Ridge Tasting Room in La Arcada. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The charming new August Ridge Tasting Room in La Arcada. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

I tried both the regular and estate reserve tasting flights (with some assistance from my husband), and was pleased with the offerings from this small production winery. In particular, their flagship wines were delicious. Try the 2012 Jovial, an estate reserve super Tuscan blend with the tasty aromas of red cherry and plum, and the 2012 Ingenious, another estate reserve blend, primarily Nebbiolo-based, with a robust, earthy flavor.

These wines are all lovingly produced in very small quantities, so we are fortunate to be able to taste them right in our own backyard.

August Ridge Tasting Room hours are as follows: 

Charley is on hand to greet visitors at the August Ridge Tasting Room in La Arcada. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Charley is on hand to greet visitors at the August Ridge Tasting Room in La Arcada. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Wednesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday-Monday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tuesday: closed

The tasting room is located at 5 E. Figueroa St. in La Arcada. Stop by and say hello to Tasting Room Manager Elise Kimball and her adorable doodle dog, Charley. For more information visit augustridge.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 August 4, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Brave & Maiden Tasting Room Breaks Ground

Brave & Maiden tasting room, courtesy image.

Brave & Maiden tasting room, courtesy image.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Brave & Maiden Estate recently broke ground on its new winery and tasting room, which will be located on the winery’s 60-acre estate along Refugio Road in Santa Ynez. The sustainably farmed vineyard takes its name from the “Legend of Nojoqui” (pronounced Naw-ho-wee), an indigenous incarnation of Romeo & Juliet. Set at the nearby Nojoqui Falls, the legend recounts the story of star-crossed lovers who choose death over separation.

The new facility and tasting room has been in the works for many years. Brave & Maiden Estate was established in 2011 and occupies the land they purchased in 2010. Planted to 46 acres of vineyards—including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, and Sauvignon Blanc—Brave & Maiden’s wine program, led by winemaker Paul Hobbs, has found success in both restaurants and bottle shops throughout Southern and Central California, earning accolades for their single-vineyard estate wines and red blends.

Entrance to Brave & Maiden tasting room, courtesy image.

Entrance to Brave & Maiden tasting room, courtesy image.

The new facility will offer an entirely new tasting experience, along with a production facility for up to 8,000 cases. “We are thrilled to see the project get underway,” says Jason Djang, Managing Director. “The plans have been in the works for some time, so we’re excited to finally see earth moving and our vision coming to fruition.”

The project is designed by renowned wine country architect group Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects, known for projects such as Harlan Estate Winery, Larkmead Winery and Meadowood Napa Valley, among others. The space is Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects’ first project on the Central Coast, and is designed to prominently showcase views of the picturesque vineyard overlooking the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Brave & Maiden winemaker Paul Hobbs, courtesy photo.

Brave & Maiden winemaker Paul Hobbs, courtesy photo.

 “At Brave & Maiden, our goal is to not only be great vintners, but gracious hosts as well,” states Djang. “Hospitality will be central to our DNA as we create a unique and unforgettable experience with our wines, and the estate.” 

The winery and tasting room will open its doors by appointment the second half of 2018—a milestone the Brave & Maiden team feels will expand their goals as a brand.

“Santa Barbara County truly is a world-class wine region and I welcome the opportunity to be involved as the area embraces growth,” says Hobbs.

 “We were humbled by the market’s reception of the brand in 2014, selling out of our first two vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon,” says Djang. “Now, with construction of our new winery underway, we’re eager to open our own doors for guests to experience our wines first-hand. Obviously, we believe in the greatness of Santa Barbara County as a wine region and have invested accordingly.”

Brave & Maiden vineyard, courtesy photo.

Brave & Maiden vineyard, courtesy photo.

For more information, visit braveandmaiden.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 July 28, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Local Restaurants Earn Wine Spectator’s Top Honors

The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, courtesy photo.

The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

As if there were any doubt that Santa Barbara County is Wine Country, Wine Spectator recently honored 20 local restaurants with their highest honors for excellence.

“Wine Spectator‘s Restaurant Awards recognize restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers,” according to the guidelines.

The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch earned The Grand Award, which is Wine Spectator‘s highest honor, given to only 89 restaurants around the world. According to Wine Spectator, this honor is “given to restaurants that show an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine programs. These wine lists typically feature 1,000 or more selections, and deliver serious breadth of top producers, outstanding depth in mature vintages, a selection of large-format bottles, excellent harmony with the menu, and superior presentation. These restaurants offer the highest level of wine service.”

Angel Oak at the Bacara Resort & Spa, Los Olivos Wine Merchant & CafeOpal Restaurant & Bar and Wine Cask all earned The Best of Award of Excellence. “These wine lists display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation. Typically offering 350 or more selections, these restaurants are destinations for serious wine lovers, showing a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and through their service team,” according to Wine Spectator.

“We are thrilled for the honor in our first year of opening,” says Anne Elcon, Director of Marketing & Communications at Bacara Resort & Spa.

Angel Oak Wine Cellar, LaFemme Photography, courtesy photo.

Angel Oak Wine Cellar, LaFemme Photography, courtesy photo.

Also receiving The Award of Excellence, for “wine lists, which typically offer at least 90 selections, feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style,” were several other local restaurants: BarbareñoBella Vista at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Bouchon Santa Barbara, Chuck’s Steak House Of Hawaii, Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant, Olio Pizzeria, Olio e Limone Ristorante, S.Y. Kitchen, Sly’s, The Harbor Restaurant, The Hitching Post II, The Lark, Tre Lune and Willows at Chumash Casino Resort.

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 July 14, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Sweet Summer Sips

Eureka's new summer cocktails, courtesy photo.

Eureka’s new summer cocktails, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Santo Mezcal's Margarita Jamaica, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Santo Mezcal’s Margarita Jamaica, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Nothing says summer like sipping a Margarita on the rocks on 4th of July weekend, as far as I’m concerned, but if you want to mix it up a bit, there are lots of great cocktail options around town.

Switching out Tequila for Mezcal is one way to change things up, and Santo Mezcal (119 State St.) has some delicious options in that regard. Try the Margarita Jamaica with Mezcal (or Tequila) and spiced hibiscus syrup, lime and hibiscus flowers for a drink that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Sama Sama Kitchen (1208 State St.)  is always coming up with interesting cocktail concoctions, and right now they’ve

Sama Sama Kitchen's Cherimoya Daquiri, courtesy facebook.com.

Sama Sama Kitchen’s Cherimoya Daquiri, courtesy facebook.com.

got a seasonal Cherimoya Daiquiri on the menu, made with white rum, spiced liqueur, cherimoya juice, orange blossom honey and lime. Yum!  

Alberto Battaglini, the talented Mixologist at  S.Y. Kitchen (1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez), has a delicious Watermelon Cooler on the menu right

S.Y. Kitchen's Watermelon Cooler with gin, watermelon, lemon and gomme syrup, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

S.Y. Kitchen’s Watermelon Cooler with
gin, watermelon, lemon and gomme syrup, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

now, made with gin, watermelon, lemon, gomme syrup. This is summer in a glass! 

And what could be more summery than a cocktail called Tan Lines, new on the menu at Eureka! (601 Paseo Nuevo) and made with vodka, Chareau Aloe, lemon, mint, watermelon and sparkling wine. 

Bar 29 (1134 Chapala St.) is a fun, newish place to do some summer sipping. New to their menu this month is The Arlington, made with Bourbon, White Peach, Grapefruit, Lemon and Honey.

The Arlington at Bar 29, Courtesy photo.

The Arlington at Bar 29, Courtesy photo.

Sweet and summery!

Viva!  (1114 State St.) has an extensive Margarita menu, including  a delicious Blackberry Margarita made with fresh lime, agave, and Combier blackberry liqueur.

And of course, we can’t leave out the Blood Orange Margarita at the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach (2981 Cliff Dr.), made with Mastero Dobel Blanco, blood orange, lime and  Triple Sec served with a salted rim. (Add fresh jalapeno for some heat!) Your cares will melt away as you watch the sunset over the water and sip this refreshing treat.

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 June 30, 2017. 

 

Cocktail Corner: Cheers to Santo Mezcal!

Santo Mezcal's Margarita Jamaica, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Santo Mezcal’s Margarita Jamaica, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Like its cousin Tequila, Mezcal is made from agave, which, contrary to popular belief, is not a cactus but is actually a relative of the yucca plant and Joshua tree. While tequila is only be made in the Tequila region (similar to Champagne, vs. sparkling wine labels), Mezcal is usually produced in Oaxaca (it can legally come from anywhere in Mexico) and can be made from many types of agave, some of which only grow wild.

Santo Mezcal's Santo Margarita, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Santo Mezcal’s Santo Margarita, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

With a name like Santo Mezcal, I was expecting an impressive array of Mezcal cocktails to be available at Carlos Luna‘s new restaurant, (119 State St.) and thankfully wasn’t disappointed. The new restaurant combines the modern Mexican flavors we’ve come to know and love at Luna’s Los Agaves locations with some more sophisticated menu items and an impressive cocktail program.

As you enter the restaurant, the sleek bar and a vast Mezcal and Tequila collection take center stage. Led by local mixologist Sean Sepulveda (of Cadiz and Nuance, among others), the cocktail menu includes house-made infusions and house-made fresh pressed juices from seasonal Farmer’s Market fruit, as well as beer and wine lists that are predominantly from Santa Barbara County, with standouts from across the globe. 
Santo Mezcal's Margarita Picante, courtesy photo.

Santo Mezcal’s Margarita Picante, courtesy photo.

We worked our way through much of the Margarita selection, particularly enjoying the Margarita Jamaica, made with spiced hibiscus syrup, lime, hibiscus flowers and—like much of the cocktail selections—your choice of Mezcal or Tequila. The spicy Margarita Picante was excellent too, as was the Santo Margarita. We also enjoyed La Mermelada (the marmalade), a seasonal cocktail made with your choice of Whiskey or Tequila (we chose Tequila), seasonal jam, lemon, agave nectar, seasonal fruit and mint.

Santo Mezcal's La Mermelada, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Santo Mezcal’s La Mermelada, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Another really interesting choice is the Snow Pea Smash, with snow pea infused Gin, basil, Benedictine, pineapple, lime, hellfire bitters and micro cilantro. I’m also intrigued by La Flor Ahumada (the smoking flower), made with Mezcal, honey-lavender syrup, lemon and lavender bud, and Senora Rosada (pink lady) with Rum, raspberry gomme, pineapple, lime and Einstock white, powdered raspberry. All of the cocktails are in the $10-12 range.

The food, spearheaded by Executive Chef Ricardo Garcia, has a focus on seafood. We loved the Camarones Al Mezcal, Mexican shrimp served in a creamy mezcal sauce; Pulpo a Las Brasas, octopus marinated in a special adobo served with house-infused chile oil; and Enchiladas Cabo Azul, stuffed with fresh crab. My favorite thing was probably the Ahi Tuna Ceviche and Ceviche Pulpo, two beautiful dishes combined into one plate for review purposes, that really highlighted the flavors and spirit of Santo Mezcal and Santa Barbara itself.

Santo Mezcal's Ahi Tuna Ceviche and Ceviche Pulpo, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Santo Mezcal’s Ahi Tuna Ceviche and Ceviche Pulpo, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

I think this new hot spot at the hub of the ever-evolving Funk Zone and Waterfront area is definitely here to stay.

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 June 23, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Sip & Swirl on the Canary Rooftop

The lovely rooftop of the Canary is the setting for the sip & swirl wine tasting series, courtesy photo.

The lovely rooftop of the Canary is the setting for the sip & swirl wine tasting series, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

You know that summer is finally here when Finch & Fork and the Canary Hotel start up their popular wine tasting series, Sip & Swirl. This monthly series features local wines, cheese and entertainment set to stunning views from downtown’s only rooftop terrace. 

Quite frankly, the scenery alone is enough to make me leap at any invitation to visit the roof, add in some terrific wines and nibbles and there’s no reason not to celebrate with a toast to one of Santa Barbara’s best views. 

Held once a month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sip & Swirl features a rotating collection of local wineries showcasing their best vintages. Sip & Swirl-goers have the opportunity to learn about one of Santa Barbara County’s leading industries, while enjoying entertainment and a selection of premium cheeses.

Upcoming Sip & Swirl dates are:  July 19, August 16, and September 20. Tickets are $40, which includes tastings of all the wines and cheeses. Buy online at NightOut.com, or purchase at the door. 

As of press time, wineries scheduled to pour on July 19 are Larner Vineyard & WineryBabcock Winery and Jaffurs Wine Cellars, with additional purveyors expected to join in on the fun.  The Canary Hotel is located at 31 W. Carrillo St.

Hope to see 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 on June 16, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Eureka!

Eureka Holy Smokes cocktail, courtesy photo

Eureka Holy Smokes cocktail, courtesy photo

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Conveniently situated just a hop, skim and jump away from our office, Eureka! (located at 601 Paseo Nuevo in the downtown mall) is one of my go-to places to grab a quick drink after work, and a slew of new menu items make it an even better place to drink and dine these days.

In addition to an extensive selection of American beers on tap, the cocktail program at Eureka! revolves around the restaurant’s commitment to serving all-American premium products, including over 40 small batch whiskeys, served straight, on the rocks or in one of their signature cocktails. Try a Whiskey Sour, an Old Fashioned or the Holy Smokes! with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, tart cherry liqueur, maple syrup, Aztec chocolate bitters, then smoked in house with hickory chips.

Eureka Butcher’s Flat Iron Dip, courtesy photo.

Eureka Butcher’s Flat Iron Dip, courtesy photo.

On the food side of the menu, the Butcher’s Flat Iron Dip topped with caramelized onions, pickled Fresno chiles, horseradish mustard aioli, Havarti, and side of au jus is delicious, as is the new Turkey Chipotle Burger with charred tomato salsa, avocado, feta, and arugula. 

Eureka Turkey Chipotle Burger, courtesy photo.

Eureka Turkey Chipotle Burger, courtesy photo.

On the appetizer side, try the Mac N’ Cheese Balls, a fun twist on an old favorite. I’m also a fan of the Osso Buco Riblets with sherry braised pork and firecracker aioli sauce, as well as the Lollipop Corn Dogs made with Polish sausage and a sweet corn batter and served with spicy porter mustard. All of the new—and classic—menu items, pair well with beer or whiskey, as does the new Bourbon Barrel Cake with candied pecans, caramel, and vanilla bean ice cream.

Eureka Whiskey Sour, courtesy photo.

Eureka Whiskey Sour, courtesy photo.

Father’s Day is coming up soon (June 18) and Eureka! has got a special treat for all of the whiskey-loving dads out there. Guests who celebrate Father’s Day will receive a complimentary engraved whiskey glass for dad, with any whiskey cocktail purchase.

Cheers! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

Eureka Mac 'n Cheese Balls, courtesy photo.

Eureka Mac ‘n Cheese Balls, courtesy photo.

Eureka Bourbon Barrel Cake, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Eureka Bourbon Barrel Cake, photo by 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 June 9, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Food & Wine Festival.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History‘s beloved wine festival, and they are commemorating the event with a new name—the Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival—which more accurately reflects the bounty of sips and bites found at this signature fundraiser.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Food & Wine Festival.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival.

While the food and the wine have always flowed freely at the festival, this year events manager Meridith Moore has set a goal to have 50 food vendors on the roster this year to accompany the 50 wineries. “My hope is that the name change will help to attract even more of Santa Barbara county’s incredible food vendors and highlight the ones that have been participating all these years,” she says.

As of press time, food vendors include: BarbarenoBenchmarkBob’s Well BreadBrophy Bros.Buena OndaCa’ DarioCoffee Bean and Tea LeafChooket/Your Cake Baker, Corazon CocinaCountry CateringFarmer BoyFinch and Fork RestaurantGelson’s ~ Santa BarbaraHelena Avenue BakeryHippypopIl FustinoIndustrial EatsLa MousseLa SorelleLoquitaMichael’s CateringMr. E’s FreezeMulberry LovePacific Pickle WorksPicoRenaud’s Patissiere and Bakery , Slate Catering CoSolvang BakeryThe Bear and StarThe Berry ManTondi GelatoVia Maestra 42 and Whole Foods Santa Barbara.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Food & Wine Festival.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival.

Wineries pouring this year include: Alexander & WayneAlma RosaAndrew Murray VineyardsArea 5.1Arthur Earl WineryAu Bon ClimatBabcock WineryBeckmen VineyardsBedford WineryBlair FoxBrander VineyardBrewer-CliftonButtonwoodByron by NielsonCa Del GrevinoCambriaCarr Vineyards and WineryCasa DumetzCebada, ConsilienceCORECrawford Family WinesDierbergDe PaolaEpiphany CellarsFalcone Family VineyardsFeliz NocheFess Parker Winery & VineyardFiddlehead Cellars,

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Food & Wine Festival.

Photo courtesy Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival.

Flying Goat CellarsFoxenGainey VineyardsGrassini Family VineyardsHilliard BruceJaffurs Wine CellarsJamie SloneKalyraKen Brown WinesKenneth Volk VineyardsKoehler WineryKuninLaFond WineryLarner WinesLongoriaLoring Wine CompanyLumenMargerum Wine CompanyMelvilleMosby Winery & VineyardMunicipal WinemakersNotary Public WinesOreanaPalminaPoint ConcepcionPotekPure Order Brewing CompanyQupéRancho Sisquoc WineryRefugio RanchRideauSagebrush Annie’sSanta Barbara WinerySilver WinesSpear WineryStar Lane VineyardSunstone WineryTablas CreekTatomerTercero WinesThird Window BrewingToucan WinesTranscendence WinesVogelzangWhitcraft Winery and Zaca Mesa.

The beautiful grounds of Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (2559 Puesta del Sol) 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? Especially when the proceeds go to support the work of the museum. The event takes place on Saturday, June 24.

Guests 21 and older may purchase admission on the Museum’s website (www.sbnature.org/winefestival). This event is always a sellout, so if you want to join in the fun, act quickly or you not get tickets.

Hope to see 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 on June 2, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Rose Soiree at Angel Oak

Summer Somewhere Rosé, courtesy Bacara Resort & Spa.

Summer Somewhere Rosé, courtesy Bacara Resort & Spa.

A Spirited Toast to All Things Alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg  

Everything’s coming up roses at the Bacara on the long Memorial Day weekend when they kick off the summer with a Rosé Soiree, taking place on Monday, May 29 from 2-5 p.m. at the lovely Angel Oak restaurant. 

Held outdoors on Angel Oak’s stunning oceanfront patio, this rosé-centric afternoon includes live music, chef bites by Angel Oak’s acclaimed culinary team and more than ten rose wine and rosé champagne tastings.

Angel Oak at Bacara, courtesy photo.

Angel Oak at Bacara, courtesy photo.

Featured wines include:

Groundwork Rose, 2016 Grenache

Gruet NV Sparkling Rosé, New Mexico

Stolpman 2016 Para Maria Rose – 70% Cabernet, 30% Syrah

Stolpman 2016 Estate Rose – 100% Grenache

Summer Somewhere 2016 Grenache Rose

Timbre Rose, Pinot Noir 2016

Union Sacre Rose, 2016 “La Gitane” Pinot Noir

Verdad 2016 Grenache Rose

Larner Rose 2016

Angel Oak at Bacara, courtesy photo.

Angel Oak at Bacara, courtesy photo.

Additionally, Chef Vincent Lesage will offer a special take on Angel Oak’s highly awarded modern steak and seafood menu, including an heirloom tomato station, assorted antipasto, fresh oysters and ceviche, and more. 

Tickets are $60 per person (inclusive of tax & gratuity) can be purchased here: Tickets at AngelOakSB.com.

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 on May 23, 2017.

 

Cocktail Corner: Biltmore Summer Tasting Series

Courtesy Second Annual Summer Tasting Series at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.

Courtesy Second Annual Summer Tasting Series at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.

A Spirited Toast to All Things Alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg  

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara’s Summer Tasting Series returns on May 19 with a new lineup of the best local purveyors, distillers and winemakers. The series kicks off on Friday, from 6-9 p.m. with MASTER DISTILLERS.

This first event takes place in the beautiful garden overlooking Butterfly Beach, where lucky guests will taste the local Master Distiller’s best bourbon, whiskey and vodka creatively added to select specialty cocktails. The cocktails are paired with house-made pastas, dry aged carpaccio, signature seafood and salami.

Courtesy Second Annual Summer Tasting Series at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.

Courtesy Second Annual Summer Tasting Series at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.

The series continues of June 16 with POP! BUBBLES, a special selection of still and sparkling rosé wines to be sipped and slurped seaside at the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club with oysters shucked to order, fresh local seafood and sunsets over the Pacific.

Then on July 21 its RED, WHITE & BREW. What could be more patriotic than a refreshing summer celebration featuring the country’s favorite beverage: beer.  Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore has teamed up with local microbreweries to present a Santa Barbara take on beer alongside savory barbecue bites.

Courtesy Second Annual Summer Tasting Series at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.

Courtesy Second Annual Summer Tasting Series at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.

FERRAGOSTO FESTIVAL is on August 11. A celebrated festival in Italy, Ferragosto comes to the ocean front Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club with a tasting of local white wines and an Italian inspired fritto misto bar.

The series ends on September 22 with HARVEST CRUSH, where guests will celebrate harvest with signature varietals from Santa Barbara wine country. Get in the mood for harvest with tastings from local vineyards as well as a pig roast complimented with harvest vegetables.

Courtesy Second Annual Summer Tasting Series at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.

Courtesy Second Annual Summer Tasting Series at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.

Events are $78 each or receive a three event bundle discount of 20% ($187 for three of your choice). Please call 805/565-8232 to purchase tickets. Price subject to sales tax and service charge.

All events are from 6-9 p.m. at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, 1260 Chanel Dr.

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 May 19, 2017.