Tag Archives: SB Seasons Magazine

Opa! Santa Barbara Greek Festival Time!

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Santa Barbara Greek Festival, Photograph by Nell Campbell

Santa Barbara Greek Festival, Photograph by Nell Campbell

Go Greek for the weekend of July 26–27 at the Santa Barbara Greek Festival.

Baklava, gyros and moussaka galore! This delicious annual event showcases the best bounty from Greece, including the sights, sounds and tastes of the Mediterranean land. The notes of the bouzouki coupled with the alluring performers dancing throughout the park bring you right into Greek culture.

There’s even free shuttle service from the parking lot of Sansum Clinic at 1317 W. Pueblo St. to take you to the festivities at Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Ave. The event is Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

For more information call 805/683-4492,  or visit santabarbaragreekfestival.com.

 

Click here to read a 2012 feature about the Santa Barbara Greek Festival by Cheri Rae.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Marilyn Horne Named “Honorary La Diva of Old Spanish Days”

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Marilyn Horne, courtesy photo

Marilyn Horne, courtesy photo

Viva la Fiesta and Viva la Diva!

This summer, The Music Academy of the West presents the 2014 Carmen Celebration; a special series of events in honor of the legendary opera singer Marilyn Horne’s 80th birthday. As part of this series, the Music Academy has partnered with Old Spanish Days to celebrate Horne, director of the Music Academy’s voice program, in conjunction with her 80th birthday, and recognize her with the official title, “Honorary La Diva of Old Spanish Days.”

On July 23, from 5:30–7:30 p.m., the Music Academy hosts a special private event to commemorate this occasion. The program includes performances from the Music Academy’s production of Bizet’s Carmen and the 2014 Spirit of the Fiesta. (The Music Academy will present a new, fully staged production of Carmen, directed by David Paul, conducted by James Gaffigan, and featuring State Street Ballet dancers at Santa Barbara’s Granada Theatre on August 1 and 3.)

“Marilyn Horne embodies the very spirit of our extraordinary performing arts & cultural community in Santa Barbara, and Old Spanish Days is the perfect partner to help us commemorate our Carmen Celebration in honor of her 80th birthday,” says Scott Reed, president of the Music Academy of the West. “We are thrilled to bestow this honor upon a legend, and true legacy of the Music Academy of the West.”

This year marks the 90th Anniversary of the Fiesta Historical Parade, one of the largest equestrian parades in the United States, which will take place on August 1. As part of the Carmen Celebration festivities, during the parade Horne will ride in an antique carriage sponsored by the Music Academy’s presenting sponsor, Montecito Bank & Trust.

The Granada Theatre will also commemorate the honor of Marilyn Horne’s title “Honorary La Diva of Old Spanish Days” on the theatre’s marquee.

Horne has long been recognized as one of the most influential artists to portray Carmen. Her first major professional engagement was in 1954, when she dubbed the singing voice of Dorothy Dandridge in the film Carmen Jones. Horne went on to sing the title role in Bizet’s Carmen to open the Metropolitan Opera’s 1972-73 season, which featured Leonard Bernstein as conductor, and earned a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording in 1974. Horne’s distinguished career has garnered her numerous honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Gramophone magazine. She was named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 1995, received the National Medal of Arts in 1992, and has been inducted into the American Classical Music and Hollywood Bowl halls of fame. Among her worldwide prizes are the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters from France’s Ministry of Culture. She was named a National Endowment for the Arts Opera Honors recipient in 2009.

Horne, who attended the Music Academy in 1953, has been a member of the Music Academy faculty since 1995, and has directed the Academy’s renowned Voice Program since 1997.

Please also note these upcoming performances.
• Opera Covers Performance in Lehmann Tuesday, Jul 22 at 3:15 p.m.
• Carmen Opera Performances, Friday, August 1 and Sunday, August 3
• Vocal Masterclass with Marilyn Horne, Wednesday, August 6

For more information, visit musicacademy.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on July 22, 2014.

Todd Rogers + Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore = An Exclusive Extraordinary Experience

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Olympic Gold Medalist Todd Rogers, courtesy Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara

Olympic Gold Medalist Todd Rogers, courtesy Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara

Olympic Gold Medalist Todd Rogers, courtesy Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara

Olympic Gold Medalist Todd Rogers, courtesy Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara

Looking for the summer adventure of a lifetime (or the perfect gift for the man or woman who has everything)?  Four Seasons has a new collection of exclusive Extraordinary Experiences, one of which takes place right here in our own backyard.

Looking to improve your sky ball and finally master that serve? How about a beach volleyball workshop with USA Olympic gold medalist Todd Rogers as your personal coach? Spend a day on the sand sharpening your beach volleyball skills with the two time Olympian, gold medalist and Santa Barbara native as your personal coach. You’ll meet at East Beach, where Rogers will share the tips he’s picked up in 19 years as a professional player. If you ask nicely, he may even let you touch his gold medals!

Then, when you’re ready to show off your new skills, join Rogers for a friendly match. When the sand settles, sit back and enjoy a delicious beach picnic catered by Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara, while you recap the morning’s highlights and hear about Roger’s journey to becoming one of the most decorated male American players.

This experience can be tailored to any age, skill level, and interest to include lesson, match play, or advanced training for already skilled players. In addition, to enhance the experience for single players and families, Rogers can also arrange for additional players to participate, whether training partners or his own family (all volleyball players in their own rights).

For reservations call 805/565-8291. The experience may be booked through the resort concierge.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on July 21, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Happy Anniversary to Uptown Lounge

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Uptown Lounge is located on, you guessed it, upper State St. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/uptownsb.

Uptown Lounge is located on, you guessed it, upper State St. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/uptownsb.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Believe it or not, the Uptown Lounge (3126 State St.) is celebrating two years in business tonight. First opened during Fiesta 2012, this fun, friendly place has quickly become a clean, comfortable neighborhood hangout spot for locals and visitors who want to get away from the rambunctious crowds of downtown, with an all-ages clientele that is a refreshing change from many local hot spots.

We watched the World Cup finals there last weekend, so I can personally attest that this is a great place for sporting event viewing. They have loads of seating indoors and outside, and multiple flat screen TVs visible from almost every corner. They also recently opened their own kitchen featuring an outdoor pizza oven (very tasty), as well as simple pub food.

See if you can spot our editor at the Uptown Lounge during the World Cup Finals. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/uptownsb.

See if you can spot our editor at the Uptown Lounge during the World Cup Finals. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/uptownsb.

 

The July 18 anniversary celebration theme is “Party Through the Decades,” with guests encouraged to rock the night away in their favorite clothes from their favorite decade. Grab those tie dye tees, spandex neon brights, bell bottoms and go-go boots and get ready for live music from DJ Quizo, who will spin songs from each decade:

9 p.m. – 70’s
10 p.m. – 80’s
11 p.m. – 90’s
midnight – 00’s
1 a.m. – Today’s

The bar at the Uptown Lounge. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/uptownsb.

The bar at the Uptown Lounge. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/uptownsb.

On non-anniversary nights, Uptown Lounge has well-priced strong drinks, pool tables, ping pong tables, and features live music from local pianists on their baby Grand. They run daily drink specials, including  Bloody Mary Sundays, and ladies Thursday night with half off drinks for women They also feature live music from local bands, as well as D.J. nights,  a nice outdoor patio, Monday Night Football/Monday Nigh Trivia, Tuesday Open Mic Night, and once a month Whiskey Wednesday tastings and Wine Tasting Thursdays.

We’ll be back soon. Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on July 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.”

Style File: Sweet Summer Scents

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Burberry Summer, FragranceNet.com.

Burberry Summer, FragranceNet.com.

Summer is in full swing and a spritz of a light, fresh scent can feel just as cool and refreshing against your skin as a fabulous blast of air conditioning. Whether your summer dreams include fresh picked fruit, fresh-cut flowers, a day at the beach or a night under the stars, there’s a fragrance for that. Here are a few ideas: 

One of the go-to summer scents we’re loving right now is the aptly named Burberry Summer Perfume (FragranceNet.com), which combines fruity notes of citrus and green apple with light florals like rose, water lilly and freesia.

Ralph Lauren Romance Summer Blossom (nordstorm.com) is a lovely, fresh and fruity scent for all of those summer wedding celebrations.

CK One Summer, Macys.com.

CK One Summer, Macys.com.

Another nice choice for the warm weather season is Gucci Flora Gracious Tuberose (FragranceNet.com), a lovely eau de parfum that combines peach, tuberose, rose, and violet leaf with exotic base notes of African orange flower and French labdanum.

Bobbi’s Brown’s ocean-inspired Beach Fragrance (sephora.com)is almost as refreshing as a dip in the Pacific.  This light, happy, nostalgic scent blends jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin.

For those of us who require fruity umbrella drinks to really make it feel like summertime, CK One Summer (macys.com) is just the ticket, blended with tangerine and lemon to make you feel like you’re sipping a fruity cocktail, seaside.

Santa Barbara’s own Grapeseed Company’s (thegrapeseedcompany.com) Mojito Man Shaving Prep Scrub has a refreshing lime and mint scent that’s great for summer shaving.

Santa Barbara's own Grapeseed Company's (thegrapeseedcompany.com) Mojito Man Shaving Prep Scrub

Santa Barbara’s own Grapeseed Company’s (thegrapeseedcompany.com) Mojito Man Shaving Prep Scrub

We’ve also been loving the cooling refreshing feeling—and scents—of  Jane Iredale’s ECOCERT Hydration Sprays (janeiredale.com), which can be used as moisturizers under makeup or as a quick pick-me-up during the day. We particularly like the smell of the Balance Hydration Spray, made with orange essential oil, orange peel extract, grapefruit peel extract and algae.

—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on July 17, 2014.

Local Music Spotlight: Vincent & Vedant

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Vincent & Vedant, courtesy photo

Vincent & Vedant, courtesy photo

Want to travel to exotic places without leaving Santa Barbara? Every Friday evening at Zaytoon (209 E. Canon Perdido St.) guitar and violin duo Vincent & Vedant create a mesmerizing and unique gypsy sound on the restaurant’s lovely outdoor patio.

The combination of percussive flamenco guitar and classically trained, haunting violin music pairs beautifully with Zaytoon’s fresh and tasty Lebanese cuisine. The place is truly a hidden oasis right here in downtown Santa Barbara.

Locals Vincent Zorn & Vedant Koppera have been wowing audiences at local festivals, weddings, and parties for the past few years. In fact, just this week you can hear them at the Pugaritaville benefit for Central Coast Pug Rescue on July 19, as well as opening for Benise at the Granada Theatre on July 20.

For more information click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Cocktail Corner: Beer Pairing Dinner at Rodney’s Grill + Seven More Fun Events

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Rodney's Grill pairs a four-course tasting menu with hand crafted beers from The Bruery. (courtesy photo)

Rodney’s Grill pairs a four-course tasting menu with hand crafted beers from The Bruery. (courtesy photo)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Santa Barbara Beer Week is winding down this weekend, but the suds continue to pour around town, including at Rodney’s Grill (at The Fess Parker – A Doubletree by Hilton Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., 800/879-2929), where executive chef Kirk DeLong believes nothing tastes quite like an ice-cold hand crafted beer to quench summertime thirst.

With that in mind, DeLong promises to take beer to a whole new level with the resort’s  first ever Beer Pairing Dinner complementing a four-course tasting menu with hand crafted beers from Orange County’s The Bruery.  The festivities take place July 26 at 7 p.m.

The Bruery CEO Patrick Rue, who founded the company six years ago, will be on hand to give a brief overview about the signature beer pairings. The Bruery is a boutique craft brewery specializing in barrel-aged and experimental ales.  Founded as a small, friend and family run business in 2008, The Bruery takes its unique moniker from Rue’s family surname.

Rodney's Grill, courtesy Fess Parker a Doubletree by Hilton Resort

Rodney’s Grill, courtesy Fess Parker a Doubletree by Hilton Resort

Chef DeLong will share highlights from his inspired American dishes and the fresh regional produce and ingredients which complement the beers being poured.

The menu, which sounds amazing, includes:

Sea scallop, habanero-red pepper gazpacho, and kiwi-dragon fruit chutney paired with Trade Winds Tripel

Hoisin duck breast, pomegranate risotto, rainbow Swiss chard, and port jus paired with Saison Rue

Sea bass, heirloom tomato, tempura beech mushroom, and saffron-fennel broth paired with Mischief

Hawaiian sweet bread pudding, and Rori’s Artisanal Creamery vanilla bean ice cream, paired with Sucre

This dinner isn’t the first collaboration between the Parker and Bruery brands. “The Fess Parker family have a long time tradition in the wine and hospitality business in Santa Barbara County, and are delighted to be working collaboratively with the family-owned business The Bruery.  The two have worked collaboratively on the release of  ‘Confession,’ a sour- style beer fermented with Riesling grapes that tastes like wine, and is ranked high among beer critics,” says director of sales & business development Beth Olson of The Fess Parker – A Doubletree by Hilton Resort.

Advance reservations for the tasting event are required by calling the resort’s concierge at 805-884-8533 or via open table at Rodneyssteakhouse.com. The cost of the dinner is $79 per person (plus tax and gratuity) with discounts for The Fess Parker Winery’s Wine Club and The Bruery’s “Hoarders and Reserve Societies” members.

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Seeing the World Through Bacon-Flavored Glasses, photo by Tyler Moselle

Seeing the World Through Bacon-Flavored Glasses, photo by Tyler Moselle

Coming up this weekend is the always delicious Santa Barbara French Festival, where great food, wine, mimosas, crepes, delicious pastries,  music, dance (including the awesome Moulin Rouge dancers from the Solstice Parade!) —and, of course, the infamous Poodle Parade, all come to Oak Park July 12 and 13 to celebrate Bastille Day and all the things that make the French cultural history so rich.  11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar.  Admission is free and the Festival is a non-smoking event.  For more information, email frenchfestival@sbcoxmail.com or call 805/963-8198.

On Monday night (July 14), raise your glass to Babes, Books & Booze and join funny women/authors Jenna McCarthy, Karen Rizzo and Starshine Roshell as they talk about social media over sharing, ungraceful aging, maternal intensity and their new books in what’s sure to be a lively conversation at Municipal Winemakers (22 Anacapa St.) on Monday, July 14 at 7 p.m. The first glass is on the publishers, but be sure to RSVP to info@prospectparkbooks.com.

When you’re in wine country, you can’t pass up the opportunity to taste the best wines around. Luckily, that chance comes easily at the 11th annual California Wine Festival from Thursday, July 17 to Saturday, July 19. Celebrate with gourmet food and live music galore. Raise a glass of red, pink, or white (or all!) to a great weekend by the sea! This always fun festival has multiple events and venues. Call 866/273-4148, or visit californiawinefestival.com complete details.

What goes better than bacon and wine, bourbon and beer? Dare we say, nothing! After an incredibly successful inaugural event last year, Bacon and Barrels is back! From July 18-10, enjoy some of the most delectable bacon dishes from the Central Coast’s best, while mixologists, bacon food trucks, live music, local vendors and a piggy petting zoo make this a weekend you’ll never forget. Saarloos & Sons Field, 2971 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. 805/996-0652, baconandbarrels.com.

Fantastic fermented food will be showcased at Cultivate Events‘ 4th annual Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival on Saturday, July 19. Kimchi, kombucha, kefir, pickles, beer, sauerkraut, wine, cider, cultured vegetables, and sourdough bread galore will take over Fairview Gardens (598 N. Fairview Ave., Goleta), accompanied with talks with fermented foods experts, hands-on how-to demonstrations, artisan fermented foods samples, and the opportunity for all ages to learn about the importance of local, organic, and sustainable agriculture and the fermentation process. The festival runs from 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. For more information, call 805/722-5324,  or visit sbfermentationfestival.com, where Santa Barbara Seasons’ readers can get a discount to the festival by putting in the word “SEASONS” in the promo code box when purchasing tickets.

For its fourth year, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden‘s Wine and Cheese Botanic Lecture Series is bringing together the local scientific community for talks about Santa Barbara ecology. The July 19 edition of the Lecture Series features Santa Barbara Creeks‘ Supervisor George Johnson and his update on the Mission Creek Restoration Project from 4 to 6 p.m. Johnson will highlight the importance of Southern California steelhead trout in the state’s waterways, particularly Mission Creek. Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards is the sponsoring winery. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, is located at 1212 Mission Canyon Rd. For more information click here.

Who doesn’t love sangria? The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation sure does. They are hosting the 3rd Annual Sangria Soiree in order to raise money to help families of children with cancer. It is at the Villa at Sunstone Winery at 125 Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez, CA on July 20 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event is quickly becoming a favorite of Santa Ynez locals, as guests enjoy sampling of paella from Viva Paella and tapas by Paloma Restaurant. Spanish style flatbreads prepared by The Chef’s Touch are served with cheese platters from Ono Catering.These foods appear alongside tequila and sangria made from wines by Sunstone Winery, Palmina Wines and D’Alfonso-Curran Wines. Radio personality Tyler Story hosts this beautiful afternoon, and music by the acoustic flamenco guitar is also present. Not  to mention, several fantastic raffle tickets can be purchased, with prizes such as private cooking classes, a helicopter tour and a spa day. For more information call 805/ 962-7466. Or, buy tickets online here.

Whew!  That’s a lot going and I haven’t even gotten to Fiesta yet. Viva la July! Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on July 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.”

Artist Julie B. Montgomery at MichaelKate

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Painting by Julie B. Montgomery

Painting by Julie B. Montgomery

She’s had her paintings featured on Mad Men, Glee and Scandal, and throughout the U.S. and Europe—now artist Julie B. Montgomery brings her work to MichaelKate Interiors & Art Gallery in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.

Painting by Julie B. Montgomery

Painting by Julie B. Montgomery

Born in Germany and now making her home locally, Montgomery’s paintings are described as “like poetry,” by gallerist Donna Seager. “Her subtle, warm palette of layers added and removed from the canvas, have a power that is felt long before any literal information is taken in. They bring to mind something Jorge Luis Borges said about poetry, ‘I know for a fact that we FEEL the beauty of a poem long before we even begin to think of a meaning.’ These paintings unveil themselves slowly, akin to the work of JMW Turner where the eyes have to adjust before all the subtle detail can be taken in.” 

“Encountering Montgomery’s paintings is like staring out across the fog-covered Pacific and seeing the Channel Islands revealed as the ocean mist lifts on a sunny Santa Barbara day. Gazing westward, we know the islands are there, even when they are obscured by haze. Contemplating Montgomery’s art, we know the poetry is there, but the elegant erasures and ellipses force us to look further, to look deeper, to look within, in order to perceive the shifting strata of meaning,” wrote art critic Betty Ann Brown.

Painting by Julie B. Montgomery

Painting by Julie B. Montgomery

See the work for yourself. It’s on view at MichaelKate, 132 Santa Barbara St., from July 11 to August 30, with an opening reception on Friday, July 11, from 5-7 p.m. Arts writer Charles Donelan will moderate a discussion that evening with the artist.

The Funk Zone 2nd Saturdays Art Walk is Saturday, July 12 from 1-5 p.m., with art exhibits, live performances and special events all around the Funk Zone. For more information click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

Babes, Books & Booze

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Not only will there be be babes, books and booze … I can guarantee lots of giggles and guffaws when you join funny women/authors Jenna McCarthy, Karen Rizzo and Starshine Roshell as they talk about social media over sharing, ungraceful aging, maternal intensity and their new books.

McCarthy’s latest book, I’ve Still Got It…I Just Can’t Remember Where I Put It: Awkwardly True Tales From the Far Side of Forty, hit the shelves this month to rave reviews like, “I am not exaggerating when I say that I was crying tears of laughter before I even made it to the first chapter. … Pack this one in your pool bag and be prepared to ignore the odd glances you get when you’re cracking up!” (Five Minutes for Books).

Rizzo’s debut novel, Famous Baby, a Los Angeles Times Summer Books Preview selection, has been described as, ” inventive, hysterical, and touching.  Rizzo wraps a timeless drama about the love between mothers and daughters in a fresh, snappy package for the social media age.”  (Christina Schwarz).

Roshell, a columnist for Santa Barbara Independent and the author of the column collection Broad Assumptions, will moderate what’s sure to be a lively conversation at Municipal Winemakers (22 Anacapa St.) on Monday, July 14 at 7 p.m. The first glass is on the publishers, but be sure to RSVP to info@prospectparkbooks.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on July 3, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Barbecue Delights

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Andegavia Cask Wines are perfect for picnics (courtesy photo).

Andegavia Cask Wines are perfect for picnics (courtesy photo).

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Time to fire up the coals (or gas up the grills). Barbecue season is here, along with a wealth of winning wine options to pair with your favorite foods.

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but the 2012 Ruthven Napa Valley Chardonnay we tried from Andegavia Cask Wines, billed as “the first ever portable, eco-friendly luxury wine brand with online direct-to-consumer delivery” was excellent. Other California varietals now available include a 2011 Ruthven Napa Valley Red Blend, a 2012 Merrill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and a 2011 Nadalini Red Blend. According to the manufacturer, “the eco-friendly packaging … also means that a larger share of production dollars goes toward the quality of the wine, rather than expensive glass bottles, so as a result, Andegavia’s wine casks are 30-40% less expensive than bottled wines of comparable quality.”

Here’s another summer tip: my friend Doris says she stocks up on cask wines for camping trips because of the lighter weight, and also says their seals keep the wine tasting fresh a bit longer than corks do.

Himalayan salt platters from SALT in downtown Santa Barbara are a great way to season your summer gatherings (courtesy photo).

Himalayan salt platters from SALT in downtown Santa Barbara are a great way to season your summer gatherings (courtesy photo).

Andegavia reps say, “the casks have a one month shelf life once opened (12 months unopened), so you can enjoy the wine long after your party or summer outing has ended. No more throwing away half-finished bottles of wine!” I’m not sure what this “half-finished bottle of wine is,” but for more information, visit andegavia.com.

Whether you’re celebrating a 4th of July BBQ, or simply grilling for family in your backyard, experts say wines that are high in natural acidity are a refreshing choice for barbecues as they can handle even the fattiest cuts of meat.

I’m a Rosé fan, especially this time of year. For a versatile wine for any course on your grill, try Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is a bit bigger than your typical Rosé so it can stand up to heavier, meat-based dishes, yet still maintains the refreshing qualities that a Rosé should possess.

The Dragonette Cellars 2012 Rosé, Happy Canyon is another lovely and local selection for barbecue pairings like sausages and bratwurst, as is Beckmen’s 2013 PMV Grenache Rosé.

On the lighter side, grilled vegetables are great right, especially paired with Arnaldo Caprai Grecante, a crisp and flavorful wine that’s full of minerality, with an exceptionally long finish.

The crisp acidity of Longoria 2013 Pinot Grigio from Santa Barbara County pairs really well with seafood, as well as chicken and other light meats.

Margerum M5 is a great choice for barbecues (courtesy photo)

Margerum M5 is a great choice for barbecues (courtesy photo)

For a steak and burger wine, you can’t go wrong with an Italian blend like Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni, this bold Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot goes beautifully with the simply prepared T-bone steak.

On the local front, one of my favorites is Margerum M5, a delicious Rhone blend that uses five grape varieties—Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault—from vineyards in Santa Barbara County.

Now that you’ve got the wine covered (Ahem, priorities, folks!), don’t forget some special seasonings.  Did you know that right in our very own neighborhood lies 45 tons of 250 million year old pure Himalayan Crystal Salt, perfect for seasoning your BBQ celebration?

Check out SALT‘s selection of edibles, or better yet, serve up your summer seafoods and salads on a pretty pink salt platter. If you can part with it, it also makes a great host or hostess gift.

Happy barbecuing. Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on June 27, 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.”