Cocktail Corner: Friday Fun

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

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

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

Here’s everyone’s favorite white wine couple.

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

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

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

Leslie Dinaberg

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.”

Town Hall for the Local Arts Community

Jayna Swartzman-Brosky at the 9th Annual Santa Barbara County Symposium for the Arts, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Jayna Swartzman-Brosky at the 9th Annual Santa Barbara County Symposium for the Arts, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Last week’s arts symposium, an annual event sponsored by The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission, served as a lively town hall of sorts for the local arts community.  Arts advocates, arts educators and youth advocates, arts administrators, foundations, arts and city and county officials (and yours truly) packed the meeting rooms at the Canary Hotel for a day packed full of presentations and opportunities for the arts community to discuss issues that impact the arts in Santa Barbara.

Talented Goleta Valley Junior High student Mary-Grace Langhorne, the 2014 Teen Star (one of many youth-centric arts programs supported by the Arts Commission) awed the crowd with a beautiful song, followed by a short welcome from Ginny Brush, executive director of the Arts Commission. Next up was Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider, who led us in a rain dance of sorts. If only I had a video camera … Santa Barbara Poet Laureate Chryss Yost read a moving poem by the city’s first Poet Laureate, the recently-deceased Barry Spacks. This was especially fitting since April is National Poetry Month.

This year’s focus for the arts symposium was “Expanding Advocacy, Community Engagement and Investment in the Arts,” and keynote speaker Kerry Adams Hapner, executive director of the Office of Cultural Affairs for the City of San Jose, gave an excellent presentation spotlighting what San Jose has done to bring the arts to the forefront of that city’s economic development program.

ArtsCommisionlogo-RGBBasically, the San Jose model outlined ten goals for ten years. Number one was to support the resident’s personal participation in arts and culture. Number two: to support availability of diverse cultural spaces and places throughout the community. Number three was to strengthen downtown San Jose as the creative and cultural center of the region. Number four: integrate public art and urban design throughout the community. Number five: expand residents’ access. Number six was to foster destination quality events in San Jose. Number seven: strengthen marketing and engagement. Number eight was to enhance support for creative entrepreneurs and the commercial creative sector. Number nine, to strengthen the cultural community’s infrastructure. And finally, number ten, to increase funding.

What Hapner described as “working the plan” involved a number of partnerships and strategic investments from the tech companies that define the Silicon Valley region, creating a creative industries incentive fund to attract that type of business and allocating 1% of the city capital improvement projects to public art, among other strategies.

The second presentation was by Jayna Swartzman-Brosky, program director for the Center for Cultural Innovation. One of the programs she oversees is NextGen Arts, a grant program of which provides professional development grants and resources for emerging California arts leaders between the ages of 18-35. She also manages the Creative Capacity Fund Quick Grant Program, which provides reimbursement funds to nonprofit organizations and individual artists to enroll in workshops, attend conferences, and to work with consultants and coaches to build administrative and business skills and strengthen the economic sustainability of an organization or arts practice. The organization offers a number of low cost entrepreneurial workshops, practical publications and resources for artists and arts organizations, with loads of information available online as well.

Afternoon sessions were divided into smaller breakout groups to stimulate community dialogue and included a more in-depth discussion with Swartzman-Brosky, a panel on promoting arts education advocacy, a group focused on expanding Santa Barbara’s cultural footprint through collaborative marketing/promotion and a discussion of advocacy for artists/innovators.

All in all it was an invigorating and interesting day. For more information visit sbartscommission.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 22, 2014. 

Don’t Miss Dendy’s Dystopian Distractions!

Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

I was fortunate enough to attend a “Friday Club” rehearsal of DANCEworks‘ guest resident choreographer Mark Dendy‘s new work Dystopian Distractions! (This job certainly has some perks …!) A powerful and extremely ambitious new work, Dendy describes it as “a black comedic deconstruction of the American war machine as conceived by an artists interested in exploring our relationship with war through the lens of pop culture.”

The pieces I saw in rehearsal explored not only issues of war and power struggles, but also had a strong environmental message, which is fitting given that the world premiere production falls the same week as Earth Day.

Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

DANCEworks is a collaboration between SUMMERDANCE Santa Barbara and the Lobero Theatre Foundation designed to offer notable choreographers a month-long residency in which to create, rehearse and premiere a brand new work on the Lobero stage. This partnership puts Santa Barbara on the map as a community that supports the creation of new choreography in a significant way. DANCEworks is gaining broad recognition within the world of contemporary dance and has already contributed to the careers of groundbreaking choreographers Aszure Barton, Larry Keigwin, Doug Elkins and Brian Brooks.

 

Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

Dystopian Distractions! premieres this Saturday night, April 26, at 8 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre. Tickets are available now at the Lobero Box Office, 805/963-0761. The theater is located at 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 22, 2014.

 

Cocktail Corner: Holman Ranch Vineyards, Winery and Wine Caves

Courtesy Holman Ranch

Courtesy Holman Ranch

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

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

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

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

Courtesy Holman Ranch

Courtesy Holman Ranch

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

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

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

Courtesy Holman Ranch

Courtesy Holman Ranch

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

For more information click here.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

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

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.”

Dystopian Distractions! Adds Pre-Curtain Discussion with Dance Critic

Mark Dendy Ritual Cycle, photo by Marisa Gruneberg

Mark Dendy Ritual Cycle, photo by Marisa Gruneberg

As if DANCEworks new show Dystopian Distractions! weren’t exciting on enough, the organizers have just added a pre-curtain discussion with dance critic Rachel Howard to the bill.

Staring at 7:15 p.m., Howard will discuss topics like who is Mark Dendy, what is dance theater, and how does Dendy’s new Dystopian Distractions! carry forward the tradition of dances made about war and society.

In this pre-show talk participants will learn about Dendy’s beginnings with the Martha Graham Dance Company, get a primer on his contributions to the art form as a Bessie Award-wining choreographer, and consider the context of dances about war, from Kurt Joos’s 1932 The Green Table to William Forsythe’s 2007 Three Atmospheric Studies.

A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Howard has written about dance for the San Francisco Chronicle, Dance Magazine, and other outlets for more than 15 years. New York Choreographer Mark Dendy’s work is known for its wit, searing social commentary, intense physicality and tour de force acting. He and his company, Mark Dendy Projects, will enjoy a month-long creative residency (March 31 – April 26) during which they will create and premiere a new work, Dystopian Distractions! This work will be a black comedic deconstruction of the American war machine as conceived by an artist interested in exploring our relationship with war through the lens of pop culture.

DANCEworks presents Mark Dendy Projects on Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre (33 E. Canon Perdido St.), with the pre-curtain discussion starting at 7:15 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 16, 2014.

SANTA BARBARA CULINARY ARTS Cookbook Supports Future Chefs

Santa Barbara Culinary ArtsSANTA BARBARA CULINARY ARTS A Taste of Santa Barbara’s Culinary Bounty, a brand new cookbook featuring 62 recipes from Santa Barbara County chefs, caterers and food purveyors, will debut on May 3 with a launch party from 1-3 p.m. at the Gourmet Dining Room at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), 721 Cliff Dr.

The cookbook is a special project of the nonprofit Santa Barbara Culinary Arts, which endows the Santa Barbara Culinary Arts Scholarship in Honor of Julia Child for students at the School of Culinary Arts at SBCC.

600_348110802The organization enjoys great support from local chefs like Greg Murphy of bouchon, who says,“bouchon restaurant enjoys supporting the scholarship program at the School of Culinary Arts at SBCC, but the benefits derive to just a couple of students each year.  By participating in the Santa Barbara Culinary Arts cookbook I felt I could contribute in a more ‘across-the-board’ way.  I also felt a collaborative effort that involved chefs from all over Santa Barbara would be a fun way to bookmark this point in time, almost like a yearbook, and I look forward to holding on to my copy for many years to come.”

Add executive pastry chef Julia San Bartolome of Sweet Arleen’s,”Sweet Arleen’s is dedicated to creating consistently happy experiences, being able to do that through participation in a book benefiting my first culinary school, well that was just icing on the cupcake!”

600_348111032The first edition of the cookbook will be on sale at the event for $25 and many of the chefs featured in the book will be on hand to sign them, including Michael Blackwell (Montecito Country Club), James Sly (Sly’s), Greg Murphy (Bouchon), Alessandro Cartumini (Bella Vista at the Biltmore), Randy Bublitz (head of the School of Culinary Arts) and many more.

In addition to the chance to mingle with local chefs, guests will also taste local wines from Westerly Winery and  Refugio Ranch, as well as delicious appetizers prepared by the esteemed faculty and students of the School of Culinary Arts, plus selected chefs featured in the cookbook. Dishes include Lobster Terrine, Salmon en Croute, Pan-Seared Duck Breast, Praline Bread Pudding and many others.

Tama Takahashi edited and designed the cookbooks, with gorgeous photography  by Linda Blue . It will be available at the event for purchase and ll proceeds go towards our scholarship endowment for culinary students at SBCC.The event ticket price of $25 provides you with food and wine tasting and access to chefs for questions and cookbook signing.

To reserve your spot click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 15, 2014.

Huguette M. Clark Family Treasures to be Auctioned at Christie’s

Notable artwork from the estate of the late Huguette M. Clark—whose Bellosguardo Estate in Montecito was donated to the people of Santa Barbara as a center for “the fostering and promotion of the arts” and is in the process of being developed—will be presented at Christie’s New York beginning early next month.

According to a release from Christie’s, “Four masterworks by Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir will be presented in the evening sale of Impressionist & Modern Art at Christie’s New York on May 6, followed by a dedicated sale titled An American Dynasty: The Clark Family Treasures on June 18. Highlights of the collection will be shared with the public through a series of preview exhibitions around the globe in the coming weeks, beginning with an unveiling of the Impressionist and Modern works at Christie’s London that runs through February 4, 2014. The total collection is expected to realize in excess of $50 million.”

Among the pieces up for auction May 6 are:

Nymphéas by Claude Monet, courtesy Christie's

Nymphéas by Claude Monet, courtesy Christie’s

Nymphéas by Claude Monet | Estimate: $25,000,000-35,000,000

Huguette Clark purchased Claude Monet’s Nymphéas in 1930 in New York from the Durand-Ruel Galleries, whose Paris branch had jointly acquired the work with the Galerie Bernheim-Jeune directly from the artist ten years earlier. A splendid example of the artist’s pre-eminent theme – his beloved lily pond at Giverny – Clark’s Nymphéas was painted in 1907, during an intense creative period in Monet’s career. The artist had enjoyed a celebrated career in Paris as the leading artist of the Impressionist movement when he moved with his family to the small farming community of Giverny in 1883 and began working on the elaborate gardens that would inspire him for the last two decades of his life. Between 1905 and 1908, Monet worked feverishly to complete more than 60 increasingly abstract views of the pond, equivalent to about one every three weeks. The painting is distinguished by its strong color contrasts, aggressive brushwork, and novel vertical format. One contemporary critic enthused about the Nymphéas series, “There is no other living artist who could have given us these marvelous effects of light and shadow, this glorious feast of color.” Since entering the collection of Huguette Clark, the present Nymphéas has remained out of the public eye. The international tour in anticipation of the May auction will be the first time the painting is publicly exhibited since 1926.

 

Jeunes filles jouant au volant by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, courtesy Christie's

Jeunes filles jouant au volant by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, courtesy Christie’s

Jeunes filles jouant au volant by Pierre-Auguste Renoir| Estimate: $10,000,000-15,000,000

Renoir painted Jeunes filles jouant au volant circa 1887, after a three-year period of intense questioning of Impressionist methods and experimentation with his own techniques. Renoir reintroduced traditional notions of draftsmanship into his art. Seeking to give the human form a more monumental presence, he focused increasingly on contour, which he used to silhouette his figures sharply against the background. Jeunes filles jouant au volant is among the most complex compositions from this period of Renoir’s work, depicting five contemporary female figures playing a racquet sport in a rural landscape. The result is an intentional hybrid of timelessness and modernity, the idyllic and the everyday, which gives the painting its particular power.

 

Chrysanthèmes by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, courtesy Christie's

Chrysanthèmes by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, courtesy Christie’s

Chrysanthèmes by Pierre-Auguste Renoir| Estimate: $3,500,000-5,500,000

Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Chrysanthèmes was purchased in November 1929 by Huguette Clark and her mother, Anna Eugenia La Chapelle, just two weeks after the Wall Street Crash that would begin the Great Depression. The painting, executed circa 1876-1880, is one of five large-scale paintings of chrysanthemums that Renoir produced by 1884. In the early 1880s, Renoir painted a sequence of elaborate floral compositions that number among the boldest and most fully resolved still-lifes of the artist’s career. Renoir relished the opportunity to depict still-lifes, as they allowed him to paint more freely and develop his techniques. While part of the appeal of chrysanthemums for Renoir was surely practical (the flowers are hardy and do not wilt easily), they also carried a potent iconographic significance. Chrysanthemums had strong associations with East Asia in the artist’s day, and Renoir, being well aware of the vogue for japonisme, may have chosen this particular flower to heighten the appeal of his paintings to collectors.

 

Femme à l’ombrelle by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, courtesy Christie's

Femme à l’ombrelle by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, courtesy Christie’s

Femme à l’ombrelle by Pierre-Auguste Renoir| Estimate: $3,000,000-5,000,000

Renoir’s Femme à l’ombrelle was painted in 1873, a critical point in both the artist’s career and in the history of the Impressionist movement; this was the same year Renoir helped found the Société Anonyme Coopérative des Artistes, Peintres, Sculpteurs, Graveurs, etc., a group which later came to be known as the Impressionists. Throughout the 1870s, one of Renoir’s favorite subjects was the contemporary young woman in a secluded garden oasis, often holding a parasol, a crucial accoutrement for the bourgeois woman. Few of his sitters, however, have the arresting presence of the young woman in Femme à l’ombrelle, who may in fact be Monet’s wife, Camille. In addition to having an art historical significance, the work also has noteworthy provenance, having first been owned by Erwin Davis, one of the pioneering collectors of Impressionism in the United States.

For more information about the auction click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 15, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Master Whiskey With Johnnie Mundell

Johnnie Mundell, courtesy photo

Johnnie Mundell, courtesy photo

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg  |

The Bacara Resort’s Meet the Masters dining series continues on Thursday, April 17, with an evening with whiskey master Johnnie Mundell.

Known for his charming Scottish accent (the Mundell family has been involved in transporting the whiskey made on the Isle of Islay since 1971) and inimitable style in creating events that bring strangers together to appreciate fine single malts such as Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Glen Garioch.

Join him for an intimate dinner in the  Miro Wine Cellar. Evening events include a whiskey and hors d’oeuvres reception from 6–6:30 p.m., followed by an exquisite four-course tasting menu by Miro Chef Johan Denizot, elegantly presented by Bacara’s Creative Director Lorrene Balzani in the Miro Wine Cellar. Each course will be expertly paired with renowned whiskey and wine selections by Mundell.

Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, courtesy photo

Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, courtesy photo

 

The menu sounds amazing!

Hors d’oeuvres
Compressed Strawberry, Bacon Powder
Smoked Peewee Potato, Caviar, Crème Fraiche
Organic Carrot “Gazpacho”, Marcona Almond Froth
Auchentoshan 3 Wood Cocktail

First Course
Lilly’s Farm Scottish Egg
Shaved Delta Asparagus, Peas, Fried Capers
Auchentoshan 12 year & 3 Wood

Second Course
New York Strip Roast
Sweet Onion Rings, Smoked Baby Lettuce
Blackberry Gremolata
Gleen Garioch Founders Reserve & 1994 Vintage

Dessert Course
Deconstructed Black Bird Cocktail
Tainori Chocolate Bark
Bowmore Devil’s Cask

If that’s not enough to make your mouth water, here’s a teaser video of Mundell sharing some whiskey wisdom.

Mundell’s professional involvement in the whiskey business started with his discovery that he possessed “just the right mix of accent, green card and passionate outspokenness.” He now travels the West Coast of the US, and occasionally points far and wide, as an educator for Morrison Bowmore Distillers. Today, his dream to travel around the world and tell stories for a living to all kinds of people has been fulfilled, telling the tale of Islay’s oldest distillery. He now lives near the beach in Los Angeles with his wife and three daughters, and is always happy to trade whisky for words.

Space is very limited and advanced reservations are required. To book a spot click here.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

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

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.”

Craftcation is “Craft Heaven” for Entrepreneurs

Photo courtesy Craftcation

Photo courtesy Craftcation

More than 350 crafty entrepreneurs (along with yours truly) gathered in Ventura last week to ignite their entrepreneurial business spirits and strengthen their skills in a creative (and fun!) three-day conference on all things makeable and saleable. With a schedule packed with panel discussions and DIY workshops with leading industry professionals in art, craft and food-centered small business, there was an embarrassment of riches to choose from.

Craftcation presenter Nancy Soriano, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Craftcation presenter Nancy Soriano, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

One of the best workshops I attended was by Nancy Soriano, former editor of Country Living Magazine, co-founder (with Jo Packham, another dynamo who was also at Craftcation) of the Creative Connection Event, publishing director for craft at F+W Media, and currently an editorial/content strategy and brand architect consultant for media, commerce, and creative businesses, with clients like One Kings Lane and Etsy. The title was “Launching a Creative Business,” but much of her advice was equally useful for those who are already in a creative business.

The number one thing—which seems painfully obvious but surprisingly isn’t,  is “love what you do.” Soriano advises, “to be successful in business you have to differentiate. Know your market, engage them and tell your story.” She also covered topics like finances, pricing, market research, marketing and social media, legal business structure, branding, the importance of creating a supportive network of friendships and colleagues, daily schedules, and most importantly, staying focused! All in all it was an impressive amount of useful information in just a couple of hours.

Creativity was on display everywhere at Craftcation, including the beverage offerings from Joia Natural Soda, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Creativity was on display everywhere at Craftcation, including the beverage offerings from Joia Natural Soda, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Also interesting was a panel discussion titled “Backstories Behind Successful Entrepreneurs,” where life coach and author and “the when I grow up coach” Michelle Ward talked about topics like knowing it was time to ditch the dreaded day job (“trust yourself and your own passion and motivation”) and DIY home decor website Curbly.com owner Chris Gardner suggested getting rid of debt if you want to go into business for yourself. “Think about how little money you think you can get by on,” he advises. Nicole Stevenson—co-founder of Craftcation as well as the Patchwork Show and her own clothing line—suggests bartering for services early on. But the biggest thing in running your own business, she says, “is knowing yourself and what you feel comfortable with.”

Photo courtesy Craftcation

Photo courtesy Craftcation

Keynote speaker Lisa Congdon—an author and illustrator whose clients include the Museum of Modern Art, Martha Stewart Living Magazine, Chronicle Books, the Land of Nod, Harper Collins Publishing, the Obama campaign and Simon & Schuster, among others—gave a very inspiring talk titled “Embrace the Abyss and Other Lessons.”

There were also plenty of opportunities for people who weren’t interested in business to spend the entire Craftcation weekend cooking, sewing, cheese making, canning, preserving, playing with washi tape and jewelry making with crafty celebrities like the Food Network‘s Aida Mollenkamp, Mighty Ugly creator Kim Werker and epicuring.com co-founder Susie Wyshak, among others.

Craftcation, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Craftcation, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

The conference plans to be back next spring, so stay tuned for details. Meanwhile, for more information visit craftcationconference.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

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

Courtesy Wandering Dog Wine Bar

Courtesy Wandering Dog Wine Bar

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Looking for something fun and unique to do on a Friday night? Why not “wine down” your week at one of Solvang’s Wandering Dog Wine Bar‘s monthly events.

The April class, “Vinification Techniques with Syrah,” on Friday, April 4, is led by local winemaker, Michael Larner of Larner Vineyard. He’ll cover different winemaking techniques and how they affect Syrah and will offer up samples from his own label as he explains the processes, as well as other Syrahs both local and imported.  The class takes place from 6–7 p.m. A great way to start your weekend.

May’s class, “All About Pinot Noir,” on Friday, May 2, features Mark Horvath, owner/winemaker of Crawford Family Wines. Guests will sample three Pinots from his new label, as well as a selection of other style of Pinot from wineries outside of the Santa Barbara area.  This class also takes place from 6–7 p.m.

The family-owned Wandering Dog Wine Bar is known for carrying under-the-radar labels, and specializes in boutique wines, craft beers and gourmet cheeses. They offer a dozen wine flights every day, including everything from local favorites, sparkling and sweet wines, to reserve flights featuring wines that run $50+, as well as tastings of premium beers.

In addition to the Friday night fetes, every Thursday, Wandering Dog Wine Bar hosts a Blind Tasting from 4– 7 p.m., when guests are challenged to match up regions, varietals, price points and vintages of four featured wines.

Wandering Dog Wine Bar is located at 1539-C Mission Dr. (next to Paula’s Pancake House), in Solvang. To make a reservation for any of the Friday night classes, please call 805/686.9126 or email wines@wanderingdogwinebar.com.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 4, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

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.”