Local Lowdown: Ambassadors of the Environment

Sara Welsh and campers at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara's Ambassador's of the Environment program. Courtesy photo.

Sara Welsh and campers at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s Ambassador’s of the Environment program. Courtesy photo.

Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s and Ocean Futures Society’s new educational program engages all ages. 

By Leslie Dinaberg

It was one of those “I have to pinch myself to make sure this is really happening” experiences, walking beside environmental legend Jean-Michel Cousteau on an “ecohike” along the beautiful Gaviota Coast that borders the Ritz-Carlton Bacara. The impressively spry 80-year-old explorer and founder of the Santa Barbara-based nonprofit Ocean Futures Society has joined forced with the Ritz-Carlton Bacara to bring a new Ambassadors of the Environment program to the property.

Jean Michel Cousteau, courtesy Ritz-Carlton Bacara.

Jean Michel Cousteau, courtesy Ritz-Carlton Bacara.

Based on four principles—everything is connected, everything runs on energy, there is no waste in nature, and biodiversity is good—through various adventures and activities, the Ambassadors of the Environment program allows participants to discover the Gaviota Coast’s natural wonders both on land and sea, including kelp forest, a diversity of birds, the intertidal zone, and traditional Chumash culture.

The Ocean Futures and Ritz-Carlton relationship is longstanding (with programs in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Catalina Islands, Polynesia, and the Cayman Islands, among others), but the local program is new. 

“I am very excited to have our newest Ambassadors program here at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, in my backyard,” says Cousteau, who lives in Santa Barbara with his wife, Ocean Futures Co-Founder Nancy Marr. “This region is among the richest and most interesting in the world, with amazing natural wonders. With our great team, guests will have an amazing experience that both enriches and educates them.” 

Sara Welsh and campers at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara's Ambassador's of the Environment program. Courtesy photo.

Sara Welsh and campers at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s Ambassador’s of the Environment program. Courtesy photo.

The activities—led by a team of naturalists personally trained by Cousteau and his longtime chief scientist, the charismatic Dr. Richard “Murph” Murphy—include options specially tailored to elementary school age children, young adults, families and adults. The onsite program supervisor Sara Welsh and her team are clearly stoked to be at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara. Having witnessed their infectious enthusiasm very clearly engage an often-jaded cadre of travel journalists, I can only imagine how excited the lucky kids and their families will be when this group leads them on new environmental adventures with programs like “Whale of a Tale,” “CSI: Coastal Scene Investigator,” and “Creatures of the Night,” among others.

“Having the advantage of being near Santa Barbara, there is a coastline there which is pretty unique on the planet,” says Cousteau. “We are helping people because of the knowledge that we are able to share, exploring and seeing what lives there whether they are birds or fish or kelp forests. … For me it’s a privilege not only to live here, but to make sure that the Ritz-Carlton is sharing all our knowledge and information with the young people, and their parents.” 

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is located at 8301 Hollister Ave. For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com and oceanfutures.org.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 1, 2019.

Editor’s Letter & Editor’s Picks | Winter 2019

Santa Barbara Seasons Editor Leslie Dinaberg, photo by Tracy Smith.

Santa Barbara Seasons Editor Leslie Dinaberg, photo by Tracy Smith.

“When you start to engage with your creative processes, it shakes up all your impulses and they all kind of inform one another.”  —Jeff Bridges

Relationships and connections are endlessly fascinating, and the art of making a life together while making art is even more compelling. In our feature on creative couples and “The Art of Being Together,” photographer/writer Leela Cyd teams with six local couples who share how they collaborate, cohabitate and continue on their creative paths together.

A change of scenery is always a great way to relax and recharge your energies—and your relationships. Whether you’re vacationing or stay-cationing, the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country makes a great getaway, especially at the newly refurbished Skyview. Read all about this cool place in “Retro-Chic Revival at the Skyview Los Alamos.” Wendy Thies Sell’s guide to  “10 Wonderful Winter Wine Tasting Adventures” also has some terrific recommendations for wine adventures to share with your loved ones.

Beautifully curated by Style Editor Judy Foreman, our Holiday Gift Guide takes you through the winter through Valentine’s Day, and is full of great ideas for everyone in your life, as well as some special items you might have to purchase for yourself (perhaps as a reward for surviving the chaos?). We’ve also got a fun feature from Cheryl Crabtree with “Bright Ideas for Beautiful Bathrooms.”

All of us at SEASONS wish you the happiest of holidays and an even better new year to come. Cheers to a wonderful winter!

Leslie Dinaberg

Managing Editor

Leslie@SBSeasons.com

Ben Rector courtesy Kids Helping Kids.

Ben Rector courtesy Kids Helping Kids.

Winter Editor’s Picks

Sure, there are many, many ways to learn about philanthropy and economics, but the San Marcos High School Kids Helping Kids program has to be one of the most interesting and unique.

JohnnySwim courtesy Kids Helping Kids.

JohnnySwim courtesy Kids Helping Kids.

During the course of 16 years, students have raised more than 3.1 million dollars for charitable purposes—to improve the lives of disadvantaged children both globally and locally. This year’s student-run gala benefit concerts feature Ben Rector on Friday, Jan. 11, and Johnnyswim on Saturday, Jan. 12. Both shows take place at The Granada Theatre (1214 State St., Santa Barbara). For more information, visit kidshelpingkidssb.org.


One of the highlights of my year is always the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which offers a whirlwind 11 days of more than 200 films, tributes and symposiums that range from American indie films to world cinema and everything in between. At press time, Glenn Close, Melissa McCarthy and Viggo Mortensen were set to receive awards, with many more starry tributes to be scheduled.

Glen Close courtesy SBIFF.

Glen Close courtesy SBIFF.

We can’t wait to see what the organizers have in store for this 34th annual event, which takes place Jan. 30-Feb. 9 at various locations in downtown Santa Barbara. For more information and updates, visit sbiff.org.

Named by none other than Time Magazine as one of the “Most Christmassy Towns

Nisse at Solvang's Julefest, courtesy Solvangusa.com.

Nisse at Solvang’s Julefest, courtesy Solvangusa.com.

in America,” the Danish village of Solvang truly sparkles during the annual Solvang Julefest (pronounced Yule-Fest) celebration, taking place from Dec. 1 through Jan. 4. Highlights include the Nisse Adventure Hunt, Candlelight Tours, visits with Santa “Julemanden” in Solvang Park, Shop, Mingle & Jingle Weekends and the Holiday Wine & Beer Walk “Skål Stroll!” There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a visit to Solvang. For more information, visit SolvangUSA.com.

World of Pinot Noir, courtesy photo.

A salute to one of our favorite grapes, the 2019 World of Pinot Noir includes the opportunity to learn and taste with more than 200 wineries from around the globe. This marquee event, held at the beautiful seaside Ritz-Carlton Bacara Feb. 28 – Mar. 2, features pairing dinners, Pinot Noir parties and expert-led seminars. Other highlights include a Rosé Party on the bluff and
a special celebration rare library pairing dinner for the 30th anniversary of Fess Parker Winery. For more information, visit worldofpinotnoir.com.

Originally published in the Winter 2019 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Cocktail Corner: The Wondrous World of Pinot Noir

Courtesy World of Pinot Noir.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg 

“Discover. Indulge. Celebrate.” is the tagline for the World of Pinot Noir, and I can’t think of better advice when it comes to imbibing at this favorite annual event. Held Mar. 2-3 at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, this festival gathers the world’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir wineries and winemakers, renowned chefs, sommeliers and leading wine scholars for two days of in-depth tasting seminars and excursions, Grand Tastings, a Burgundy seminar and tasting and gourmet, locally-influenced lunches and dinners.

As I’ve said in the past, I get to go to a LOT of wine festivals and this is definitely one of my favorites. Here’s an overview of this year’s schedule:

WEEKEND PASS – $1150
Includes an invitation to the Opening Night Celebration March 1; admission to the Friday and Saturday Tasting Seminars & Luncheons; VIP Admission to the Friday and Saturday Grand Tastings; and Pinot Noir Pairing Dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Courtesy World of Pinot Noir.

THURSDAY

THURSDAY OPENING NIGHT PARTY – $110
Thursday, March 1 at 7 p.m. Kickoff the World of Pinot Noir with a wine-filled feast and fête, presented by The SOMM Journal. Meet participating winemakers, America’s leading sommeliers and preview the weekend while sampling wines, indulging in tasty bites prepared by The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s Executive Chef, Umit Kaygusuz. It’s time to get this weekend-long Pinot party started.

FRIDAY

FRIDAY SINGLE-DAY PASS – $480
Includes admission to the Exploring the Oregon-Burgundy Connection Tasting Seminar & Luncheon, VIP Admission to the Friday Grand Tasting and a Friday evening Pinot Noir Pairing Dinner.

SEMINAR & LUNCHEON: Exploring the Oregon-Burgundy Connection – $265
Joshua Greene, Editor of Wine & Spirits Magazine will lead a winemaker panel discussion and tasting that explores Oregon’s deep and growing ties to Burgundy, and the how this is influencing the current and future state of this exciting New World region. The wineries include Maison Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Domaine du Louis-Michel Liger-Belair, Chapter 24 Vineyards, Domaine des Comtes Lafon and Lingua Franca. The seminar includes a three-course Pinot Noir-paired lunch prepared by the Ritz-Carlton Bacara culinary team, with wine service by World of Pinot Noir Sommeliers.Friday, March 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

FRIDAY LUNCHEON NO. 1: Celebrating the New Petaluma Gap AVA – $75
This three-course luncheon will showcase the award-winning wine made from grapes grown in the newly-minted Petaluma Gap AVA. Located in southern Sonoma and northern Marin counties, the cool-climate, windswept Petaluma Gap AVA boasts 4,000 acres of vineyards, of which, 75 percent are planted with Pinot Noir. Friday, March 2, 11:30 a.m.

CENTRAL COAST SEMINAR: Discover the Cool Climate Terroirs of the Central Coast – $65
Wine Enthusiast magazine’s contributing editor, and Central Coast expert, Matt Kettmann, will explore Pinot Noirs from the top cool-climate terroirs of the vast Central Coast. Along with a panel of acclaimed winemakers, Kettmann will guide the tasting of nine award-winning wines he scored 92 points or above. The wineries include Adelaida, Big Basin, Black Kite, Dierberg, Ken Brown Wines, Laetitia, Stephen Ross Wines and Talbott. Friday, March 2, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY VIP GRAND TASTINGS – $135
This exclusive VIP ticket provides you with early entry to the Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s Grand Ballroom, where you’ll be able to meet winemakers, be the first to bid on silent auction items, and taste through hundreds of Pinot Noir producers from around the world. Several other exclusive VIP experiences will be announced soon. Friday, March 2, 2:30-6 p.m.

FRIDAY GRAND TASTING – $85
Taste through more than 150 Pinot Noir producers from around the world gathered in the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara’s Grand Ballroom, bid on silent auction items and “taste the place” while you nibble on fresh, local and seasonal wine country appetizers from the Ritz-Carlton Bacara culinary team. Friday, March 2, 3:30-6 p.m.

FRIDAY DINNER NO. 1: The Art of Japanese Cuisine and Freeman Winery Pinot Noir, with Guest Chef Ken Tominaga – $275
Chef Ken Tominaga, founder of PABU in San Francisco and Boston, and Hana Japanese Restaurant in Sonoma, crafts a multi-course umami-fueled feast designed to pair perfectly with the award-winning Pinot Noirs from Freeman Winery. This intimate, one-of-kind dinner experience is limited. Friday, March 2, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY DINNER NO. 2: The Bounties of the Santa Maria Valley: A Celebratory Farm-to-Fork Dinner – Presented by the Santa Maria Valley – $125
The Santa Maria AVA is home to some of America’s highest regarded Pinot Noir vineyards and producers. But this renowned sub-region of Santa Barbara is just as famous for its hearty and robust eponymously-named style of steak made from locally raised beef. Enjoy an elevated take on Santa Maria barbecue prepared by Ritz-Carlton Bacara Executive Chef, Umit Kaygusuz all paired with wines from the region’s most famous wineries. Friday, March 2, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY DINNER NO. 3: 101 Years of Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir Along the Historic Highway 101 – $165
A collection of winemaking expertise gathers for this epic dinner featuring winemakers Greg Brewer of Brewer-Clifton, Adam Lee of Siduri, Wells Guthrie of Copain and Jonathan Nagy of Byron. Join us for an evening of food, laughter, and of course, fabulous Pinot Noir, as these trailblazing winemakers share their stories of their collective 101 years of crafting some of California’s most expressive Pinot Noirs along the Golden State’s historic coastal corridor. Friday, March 2, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

SATURDAY SINGLE-DAY PASS – $525
Includes admission to the Tasting Through The Best of Burgundy Tasting Seminar & Luncheon, VIP Admission to the Saturday Grand Tasting and a Saturday evening Pinot Noir Pairing Dinner. (Dinner upgrades will be available after purchase.)

SATURDAY BURGUNDY SEMINAR & LUNCHEON: Tasting Through The Best of Burgundy – $265
Founder of the San Francisco Wine School and Master Sommelier David Glancy–along with a panel of Burgundy experts and winemakers–will lead a fun and educational tasting of some of the most notable producers and most acclaimed vintages from France’s famed Pinot Noir region, and will discuss the varying classification systems of Burgundy’s sub-regions, their history, trends and the changing roles of growers and negociants. This seminar will feature multiple vintages of premier cru wines from Domaine Faively, Domaine Henri Gouge and Domaine Chanson. The seminar includes a three-course Pinot Noir-paired lunch prepared by the Ritz-Carlton Bacara culinary team, with wine service by World of Pinot Noir Sommeliers. Saturday, March 3, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

SATURDAY LUNCHEON NO. 1:
Rosé Lawn Party Atop the Bluff presented by United Airlines – $80
Held on the seaside bluff of the Angel Oak veranda, this daytime lawn party will feature over 35 of the best Pinot Noir Rosés on planet, a gourmet buffet lunch crafted by the Angel Oak Chef du Cuisine, and the unobstructed and downright jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean. Saturday, March 3, 11 a.m.

SATURDAY SEMINAR NO. 1:
Attack Of The Clones Seminar – $65
In this fun and educational winemaker-led seminar, you’ll learn–and taste–the difference between many key Pinot Noir grape clones. Panelists include: Greg Morthole – Davis Bynum, Heidi Bridenhagen – MacRostie Winery & Vineyards, Ben Papapietro – Papapietro Perry Winery, Amy Thorn – Thorn Hill Vineyards and Ben Cane – Westwood Estate Winery. Saturday, March 3, 1 p.m.

SATURDAY VIP GRAND TASTINGS – $150
This exclusive VIP ticket provides you with early entry to the Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s Grand Ballroom, where you’ll be able to meet winemakers, be the first to bid on silent auction items, and taste through hundreds of Pinot Noir producers from around the world. Several other exclusive VIP experiences will be announced soon. Saturday, March 3, 2:30–6 p.m.

SATURDAY GRAND TASTING – $100
Taste through more than 100 Pinot Noir producers from around the world gathered in the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara’s Grand Ballroom, bid on silent auction items and “taste the place” while you nibble on fresh, local and seasonal wine country appetizers from the Ritz-Carlton Bacara culinary team. Saturday, March 3, 3:30–6 p.m.

SATURDAY DINNER NO. 1: Celebrating the Women of Pinot Noir – $150
This feast will showcase 12 wineries: Bouchaine Vineyards, Chenoweth Wines, La Crema, Lumen Wines, Meiomi, Merry Edwards Winery, Rideau Vineyards, Seagrape Wine Co & Buttonwood, St. Francis Winery, Stolo Family Vineyards, Trombetta Family Wines & Furthermore Wines, Wrath Wines and their trailblazing winemakers. Held in the downstairs Director’s Lounge and outside terrace, this multi-course feast will feature a gourmet whole-roasted pig crafted by Ritz-Carlton Bacara Executive Chef, Umit Kaygusuz. Saturday, March 3, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY DINNER NO. 2: Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Feast – $165
This five-course dinner will shine a spotlight on Oregon’s most famous region, the Willamette Valley, home to arguably some of the most food-friendly Pinot Noirs in the world. Emceed by Joshua Greene, the editor of Wine & Spirits Magazine, and Master of Wine Bree Boskov of the Oregon Wine Board, the evening will feature a long list of award-winning wines and their winemakers. Saturday, March 3, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY DINNER NO. 3:
 Vintage Burgundy Dinner with the Guild of Sommeliers – $450
The World of Pinot Noir is thrilled to present an extraordinary wine dinner hosted by the Guild of Sommeliers. Jay James, Master Sommelier, will present vintage Burgundy wines from the Guild’s extensive cellar in this six-course gourmand experience. This intimate, one-of-kind dinner experience is limited. Saturday, March 3, 7 p.m.

Hope to see some of you there! 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 February 16, 2018.