Central Coast Daytrips

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    FALL/WINTER 2014

    SEVENWINE TASTING

    TRIPS

    from Malibu to Paso Robles

    THIRTYNINETASTING ROOM REVIEWS39

    DAY TRIPS

    Preferred Central Coast Wine Country

    A Publication of

    7Your Guide to Central Coast Wine Tasting & Events

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    5

    46W

    Pacific O

    cean

    46E

    41

    41

    58

    227

    166

    166

    246

    154

    1

    1

    1

    1

    150

    126

    Paso

    Robles

    Cambria

    PismoBeach

    Avila Beach

    Santa

    Maria

    Orcutt

    Lompoc

    Solvang

    Los

    Olivos

    Santa Ynez

    Santa

    Barbara

    San Miguel

    Templeton

    Morro

    Bay

    CHUMASH

    CASINO

    HEARST

    CASTLE

    San Simeon

    Cayucos

    San Luis Obispo

    Not to Scale

    Getting to Paso Robles TRAVEL TIMEFROM MILES Average)

    San Francisco 204 3hrs 15min

    San Jose 158 2hrs 30min

    Monterey 116 2hrs

    Los Angeles 208 3hrs 30min

    Getting to Santa BarbaraSan Francisco 326 5hrs 30min

    San Jose 280 4hrs 45min

    Monterey 238 4hrs

    Paso Robles 123 2hrs 15min

    Los Angeles 95 1hr 30min

    Getting to MalibuSan Francisco 400 5hrs 57minSan Jose 359 5hrs 25min

    Monterey 300 4hrs 59min

    Paso Robles 189 3hrs 15min

    Santa Barbara 66 1 hr 14min

    Los Angeles 37 51min

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    7 Central Coast Day TripsMalibu 6

    Foxen Canyon to Santa Barbara 14

    Santa Rita Hills/Solvang 20

    Los Olivos 24

    San Luis Obispo 34

    Paso Robles East 42

    Paso Robles West 52

    Paso Robles Wineries Map 32-33

    San Luis Obispo Wineries Map 40

    N. Santa Barbara County Wineries Map 13

    Dining Recommendations 60-61

    Varietals by Winery 62-63

    Andrew Murray Vineyards 28Bianchi Winery 50Brochelle Vineyards 50Broken Earth 50Chamisal Vineyard 38Cimarone Estate Wines 26

    Clautiere Vineyard 44Cornell Winery & Tasting Room 10Eberle Winery 50Eos Winery 48/50Firestone Vineyard & Winery 19Foley Wines 22Fontes & Phillips 18HammerSky Vineyards & Inn 55Hoyt Family Winery 8J Ludlow Vineyard 29J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery 49Jim Palmer Malibu Vineyards 9Kynsi Winery 39Laetitia Vineyard & Winery 36Lafond Winery & Vineyards 17Larner Vineyard & Winery 30Le Vigne Winery 50Lincourt Vineyards & Winery 31Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards 23

    Mitchella Vineyard & Winery 47/51Montage Vineyards 11Opolo Vineyards 56Peachy Canyon Winery 57Penman Springs 45Qup 27Robert Hall Winery 46/51San Antonio Winery 51Santa Barbara Winery 16SummerWood Winery & Inn 58Talley Vineyards 37Tobin James Cellars 51Villa San-Juliette 51Vina Robles 51

    Pasolivo Olive Oil 54

    DAY TRIPS

    Preferred Central Coast Wine Country

    39 Preferred Central CoastTasting Room Reviews

    PUBLISHER Mike Giangreco

    Direct 707-938-3734

    [email protected]

    MANAGING EDITOR Chandra Grant

    Phone 707-938-1783 / Fax 707-938-3674

    [email protected]

    OFFICE MANAGER Cathy Gore

    Phone 707-938-3494/ Fax 707-938-3674

    Email [email protected]

    ADVERSTISING REPRESENTATIVES Whitney Brem, San Luis Obispo CountyPhone 831-596-4945

    [email protected]

    Cathy Olson, Santa Barbara CountyPhone 415-816-1652

    [email protected]

    EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Michael Cervin, Sarah Doyle,

    Ronda Giangreco, Rachel Hommel,

    Jaime Lewis, Cathy Neushul, Lisa Pretty,

    Bethany Rhine, Carolyn Woodall

    LOOK FOR US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!

    The Magazine of California Wine Country

    Cover photo: Brochelle Vineyards

    Jill Hewston Photography

    A Publication of

    www.WineCountryThisMonth.com

    FALL/WINTER 2014

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    Introducing...

    Search wineries by Varietals Pouredor Winery Amenities

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    Do not be intimidated for

    any reason. That is rule number

    one (and there are very few real

    rules after that). For the most

    part, going wine tasting is about

    the easiest thing in the world,

    especially here in California

    where wineries and tasting

    rooms abound. You can find

    wineries specializing in red

    wines of all types, those that are

    famous for their white wines

    and others who pour sparkling wine. It is a matter of

    doing a little research and planning your day. Most tastingrooms open around 10 a.m. and close between 4:30 and

    6 p.m.

    Before you start off pack a few essentials:Water

    (plenty of water) and something to snack on crackers or

    a baguette. Many wineries have picnic areas and there are

    plenty of delis and bakeries that can make up a lunch for

    you, or make your own. Which brings us to eating and

    drinking, the kind that doesnt directly involve wine.

    Be sure to nibble during the day and make sure you

    make time for lunch. Two tips: drink at least twice asmuch water as you do wine, and remember that you

    dont have to drink everything poured into your glass.

    There is a reason tasting bars have dump buckets and a

    pitcher of water to wash out your glass.

    That said, here are some tips that have proven to be

    helpful and are designed to help make the sensory

    adventure of wine tasting all the more enjoyable.

    Dont be afraid to ask questions. Time and time again

    I have heard knowledgeable winery workers say that

    there is no such thing as a stupid question, and theymean that.

    You can drink what you want, in the order you want.

    If you only like reds, say so; if you dont like sweet wines,

    speak up. But the idea of starting with whites, then going

    on to reds and then sweet wines is a good guide.

    Zinfandel is red. I am sure you know that but it never

    hurts to remind everyone.

    If there is a particular wine you want to try and it is

    not on the list, ask. There might be a bottle around that

    was opened for a trade tasting or by the winemaker. Mosttasting rooms are happy to pour a little if you show

    enthusiasm.

    If you plan to take wine home with you, either in the

    car or on a plane, buy a

    cardboard box with Styrofoam

    wine inserts. Fill it during theday and this keeps wine from

    rolling around in the trunk.

    Check out the smaller

    wineries. It is a revelation.

    Take notes on the wines you

    most enjoyed.Take advantage of tours

    when the winery offers them,

    but keep in mind that they take

    anywhere from 20 minutes to well over an hour, so one a

    day is plenty.Buy wines that you can only find at the winery.These often include smaller (375 ml) bottles of limited

    production Ports or dessert wines. Dont buy a wine you

    can get at a supermarket back home. Youll pay more,

    and besides, whats the point?

    Look for tasting rooms in towns. Many of these are

    cooperative tasting rooms, where in one place you might

    find wines from a dozen or more small-to-medium

    premium producers. They are scattered throughout the

    area and more are opening all the time.Dont give too much thought to ratings and vintages.

    Its like art: if you like it, its a good wine. It is as simple as

    that.

    Remember that you dont have to do the driving. Ittakes no more than a phone call to rent anything from a

    Town Car or restored classic convertible to stretch limos

    and a 20-passenger bus. All have drivers that will stow

    your wine for you and the local companies know the

    area. As to taking that wine home, ten people sharing one

    of those impossibly long limousines is fine and fun, but ifyou all plan to buy a couple of cases the trunk which is

    no bigger than a normal luxury cars is going to fill up

    fast and youre going to find yourself filling the interior

    floor with boxes and using cases of Cabernet as footrest.

    Tell the transportation company what you have in

    mind and listen to their advice. They know the territory

    and the people and personalities.

    Know your limits. If you get close to it let others taste

    and you can listen. It beats ending the day in a blur, and

    if need be calling a taxi is cheaper than the alternative.And if at a seated tasting, dont be afraid to leave a

    gratuity. Its more than worth the five or ten dollars to getwisdom and wine and a great time. BY CHARLES NEAVE

    Heading to the Tasting Room

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    DINING

    Malibu & Vine American

    Located at the renowned and public Malibu Golf Club, Malibu and Vine Bar & Grille

    is a hand-crafted beer and wine bar with random acts of cooking.

    901 Encinal Canyon Road, Malibu

    818-889-6680, www.malibuandvine.com

    Tra di Noi ItalianIts all about the food! Tra di Noi's extensive menu features a wonderful variety of

    classic Italian dishes prepared from the nest, freshest ingredients available.

    And...all of the pastas are hand made daily.

    3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu

    310-456-0169, www.tradinoimalibu.com

    The Old Place American

    A local hangout with a colorful past featuring rustic decor with a modern menu.

    Here, you will enjoy very large portions of very good food accompanied by

    a heaping plateful of timeless history.

    29983 Mulholland Highway, Cornell (Agoura)

    818-706-9001, www.oldplacecornell.com

    Geoffreys Restaurant - Seafood/American

    A unique place, rich in its own history, while offering an invitation to everyone

    who cares to celebrate life what could be more classic? Located on the site of the

    former Holiday House, a resort/hotel/watering hole to the stars for decades.

    27400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

    310-457-1519, www.geoffreysmalibu.com

    Vs Restaurant & Bar American

    Owners Vassil Pertchinkov and Yassen Yoshi Tonev believe in living life to the

    fullest good food, good drinks and great times dont expect anything lessthan memorable.

    22821 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

    310-456-3828, www.vsmalibu.com

    Giovannis Italian

    Come experience the old world feel and enjoy the wonderful food and superior

    service at Giovanni's for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

    22235 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

    310-317-6769, giovannismalibu.com

    Nobu Malibu - Sushi Bar

    Views of the ocean are available from nearly every seat, with outdoor patio seating,an exterior lounge and oor to ceiling windows bordering our fourteen seat bar from

    the beautiful Pacic Ocean.

    22706 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

    310-317-9140, www.noburestaurants.com/malibu

    ATTRACTIONS

    Escondido Falls - Hiking Parks

    Accessed from Pacic Coast Highway about a mile south of Kanan Road in Malibu,

    the trail through Escondido Canyon Natural Area leads hikers, mountain bikers and

    equestrians 4.2 miles through oak woodland, riparian woodland and coastal sage

    scrub to the spectacular, multi-tiered 150-foot Escondido Falls the highest in the

    Santa Monica Mountains.

    27200 Winding Way, Malibu; 310-589-3200

    Circle X Ranch - Hiking, Campgrounds

    Tucked in the canyons above Malibu and nestled below majestic Boney Mountain,

    you will nd Circle X Ranch. This former Boy Scout camp offers many opportunities

    for exploration and adventure.

    2896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu

    Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak - Hiking

    An easy hike for intermediate beginners and novice hikers looking for a challenge.

    Great scenery, well-maintained trails and lots of opportunities to branch out andexplore. This is denitely a favorite trail in all of Los Angeles, and a fantastic way to

    introduce non-hikers to the joys of hiking.

    Yerba Buena Road, Malibu

    Malibu Coast WinesWhen conjuring up a vision of Malibu, an image of starlets dodging

    paparazzi and suntanned surfers is certain to come to mind. But for the

    wine lover, there is a much more fascinating attraction to this stunning

    section of the California coastline.The first documented vineyard in the area was planted on the Rancho

    Topanga Malibu Sequit by Jose Bartolome Tapia, who left it to his wife,

    Maria, in 1824. Matthew Keller, who purchased the land in 1857, planted

    hundreds of acres of grape vines in Solstice Canyon and named it the Rising

    Sun Vineyard and the first modern day vineyard, The Malibu Vineyard, was

    planted in 1985 by Michael and Kim McCarty. Since then, intrepid vintners

    have begun to take advantage of the marvelous growing conditions that the

    area offers and are now producing world class wines. From the luscious

    Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards overlooking the Pacific Ocean, to the

    bold and elegant Cabernets and Merlots of the canyons, the Malibu Coast is

    truly oenophiles paradise.The Malibu Coast wine region is bordered on the south by the Pacific

    Ocean and on the north by the Conejo Valley. The rich volcanic soil, coupled

    with cooling Pacific fog and the temperate Southern California climate, is

    producing award-winning wines and wooing visitors from around the

    world.Tastings rooms on the Malibu Coast offer a wide variety of experiences

    from picnics overlooking stunning ocean vistas, to rockin summer concerts

    and private tours. But perhaps the most enticing element to a day in the

    Malibu Coast wine region is the opportunity to meet the vintners and

    winemakers themselves. Most wineries in the area are family-run

    operations and they take great pride in their vineyards, relishing the

    opportunity to introduce you to their wines.

    So put the top down on the convertible and cruise up the Pacific

    Coast Highway to the Malibu Coast Wineries for a day filled with

    marvelous wines and the shimmering blue of the Pacific Ocean. It is a

    combination that will surely provide a lifelong memory of the best thatSouthern California has to offer.

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    Solstice Canyon - Parks, Landmarks, Historical Buildings

    A moderate hike to a ruined mansion in the Santa Monica Mountains,

    complete with waterfall!

    Corral Canyon Road, Malibu

    Adamson House - Parks, Landmarks, Historical Buildings

    The Spanish Colonial Revival style home today a National Historic Site, California

    Historical Landmark and a California State Park casts a magical spell, allowing

    visitors to evoke old California in a way few places can. Built in 1929, it occupies one

    of the most idyllic oceanfront spots in all of Southern California.

    23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

    310-456-8432, www.adamsonhouse.org

    Zuma Beach

    One of the largest and most popular beaches in the Los Angeles County,

    Zuma is known for its long, wide sands and excellent surf.

    30050 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

    El Matador State Beach

    One of the most beautiful beaches in Malibu, with sea caves and large rocks on the

    beach. El Matador State Beach attracts many beach goers on hot weekend days.

    32100 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

    Malibu Country Mart

    The Malibu Country Mart encompasses six acres of prime real estate in the heart of

    Malibus Civic Center. Its 90,000 square feet of high-end retail, dining and service

    offerings are housed in an eclectic mix of architectural styles displayingMediterranean, modern and rustic inuences.

    3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu

    310-456-7300, www.malibucountrymart.com

    Crumbs Bake Shop

    With more than 50 varieties baked fresh daily and a new cupcake of the week every

    Monday, Crumbs Bake Shop is an oasis of wall-to-wall deliciousness.

    3939 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310-456-3700 , www.crumbs.com

    Grom Gelateria

    Attention to quality and using the right raw materials is the origin of what makesGrom famous throughout Italy and the world with avors like: lemon from Siracusa,

    the Tonda Gentile Trilobata hazelnut from the Langhe, the Guatemala coffee and

    the Venezuelan Ocumare dark chocolate.

    3886 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, 310-456-9797, www.grom.it

    LODGING

    Malibu Beach Inn

    Located along the strip of seashore nicknamed Billionaires Beach, this unique

    boutique hotel offers you complete relaxation, from our 47 well-appointed rooms

    and suites, each with a private balcony, to the breathtaking views and

    magical sunsets.22878 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

    310-456-6444 , www.malibubeachinn.com

    Casa del Mar

    Oceanfront Hotel, housed within an Italian Renaissance Revival building,

    a restored 1930s Beach Club.

    1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica

    310-581-5533, www.hotelcasadelmar.com

    Shutters on the Beach

    Shutters on the Beach is a Santa Monica luxury hotel where you can look out your

    window and see theres really nothing else to do today. A glass of wine, fresh oysters

    perhaps, a massage, maybe a napits called relief.

    1 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica

    310-458-0030, www.shuttersonthebeach.com

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    CURRENT WINES2012 Chardonnay Classic drink it all day Chardonnay; estategrown and full bodied; taste butter, spices and oak with thedelicate fruit esters well preserved 91 points, gold medal

    2011 Pinot Grigio The latest summer in a bottle; light, crispand stainless aged with a touch of viscous oaked Viognier addedto the blendPinot Grigio with flair

    2010 Decoupage Santa Barbara County Pinot Gris andViognier aged in stainless steel and blended with oaky butteryChardonnaya party in your mouth!93 points, Wine Enthusiast

    2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Newly released delicious to drinknow or lay down for a while, 100% Cabernet, gold medal

    2010 Tempranillo Bold and intense with a delicate balance.Drink on its own or enjoy with food. Gold medal

    Dylema Red Blend Cabernet-based red blend, fabulous redtable wine, gold medal winner

    AVAILABLE AT RESTAURANTS: Tra Di Noi Bui Sushi Sunset Malibu Caf Caf Habana Dukes Boar Dough Geoffreys Malibu Farm Stonehaus Winery

    WINE SHOPS & TASTING ROOMS: Cornell Winery Vintage Market

    Hoyt Family Vineyardswww.hoytfamilyvineyards.com

    Carol and Stephen Hoyt have had a long-standing love forwine. Early in their marriage they visited a working vineyard inNapa and developed a desire to be vintners. A photographtaken of grapes in their kitchen reminded them daily of theirdream to have a vineyard of their own. They thought it wouldbe Napa, but the dream was realized when in 2001, they founda stunning piece of property in Malibu with a close proximity tothe Pacific Ocean, they knew they could plant there. With its

    cool mornings, hot days and followed by cool nights it becamea perfect environment for growing the award-winningChardonnay you find today. They had been sourcing grapesfrom Paso Robles and Santa Ynez for their other wines. So it wasnatural that when the opportunity to purchase additionalproperty in the heart of the west side of Paso Robles becameavailable, they jumped at it. There they now have 141 acres, 30acres planted with such varieties as Tempranillo, Cabernet,Viogner, Grenache, Syrah, Zinfandel, Muscat and Petit Verdot.

    Carol started her winemaking experience in her kitchenwith 100 pounds of Cabernet which yielded two cases of adelightful wine they called Carols Cab. Today, they utilize thecustom crush facility of Terravant Wine Company in Buellton.Carol and Stephen plan to build a small, boutique winery andtasting room on their Paso Robles property. They currentlyproduce 1200 cases annually and hope to triple that. But nowthey enjoy being exclusively small and were even selectedMicrowinery of the Year 2012 by the California State Fair, andtheir 09 Cabernet received 98 points and a double gold. Youwill find gold medals hanging from most of their wines.

    Hoyt Family Vineyards does not have a tasting room on

    their property in Malibu, but you can enjoy their wines atCornell Winery in Agoura, in addition look for their gold medalChard in most restaurants in Malibu.

    They do offer tastings by appointment only in Paso Robles.

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    VARIETALS

    Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,

    Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah

    AWARDS

    Best in class and gold medals at world-class

    wine competitions.

    WINES

    Syrah 100% Syrah

    Meritage Cabernet Sauvignon 75%,

    Merlot 15%, Cabernet Franc 10%

    Cabernet Franc 100% Cabernet Franc

    Sangiovese VORTEX Sangiovese 80%,

    Cabernet Sauvignon 15%, Cabernet Franc 5%

    FACTS

    Tasting at Cornell Winery and Tasting Room, located at

    29975 Mulholland Highway, Cornell (aka Agoura). The

    tasting room is open Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday,

    Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Jim Palmer Malibu Vineyards

    Email: [email protected]

    www.malibu-vineyards.com

    Malibu might be best known for surfing and the beach

    lifestyle, but it also a hub for vineyards and winemaking.

    Visitors to the area will find that the local tasting rooms offer a

    variety of choices for sampling, including Cabernet Sauvignon,

    Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Youll also find

    the fruits of Jim Palmers Malibu Vineyards, which you wont

    want to miss.

    Jim Palmer is one of Malibus original winemakers. Hisvineyard is located in the hills of western Malibu, at an

    elevation of 1200 feet, and receives the benefits of long days of

    sunlight and the cool ocean breezes. It is the perfect climate for

    the production of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,

    Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah varietals that are blended into the

    artisan style Bordeauxs and Super Tuscan style wines produced

    by Jim Palmers Malibu Vineyard.

    Wines from Jim Palmers Malibu Vineyard are available for

    tasting and purchase at the Cornell Winery and Tasting Room.Here is a list of the featured wines:

    Meritage a classic Bordeaux blend (Cabernet Sauvignon

    75%, Merlot 15%, Cabernet Franc 10%).

    Sangiovese VORTEX (Sangiovese 80%, Cabernet

    Sauvignon 15%, Cabernet Franc 10%)

    Syrah (Syrah 100%)

    Cabernet Franc (Cabernet Franc 100%)

    You can also find Jim Palmers Malibu Vineyards wines

    featured at some of the best restaurants in the area, including

    Spago and Bouchon in Beverly Hills, and Nobu in Malibu. Thewines are also on wine lists in restaurants in France.

    By Cathy Neushul

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    FUN FACTSThe Cornell Winery exhibits local artwork from the likes ofDouglas Tharalson and William Thoren.

    The Peter Strauss Ranch, located across the street, was oncehome to Lake Enchanto, a resort and amusement parkcontaining a 650,000 gallon swimming pool with the capacityfor 2,000 people.

    Seminole Hot Springs, located up the road, was once adestination for the elite in Los Angeles as it was an upscalenatural mineral and hot springs resort. Now, the property is anupscale mobile home park.

    NEXT DOOR TO THE OLD PLACECornell Winery & Tasting Room is next door to the historicalrestaurant, The Old Place, which was once frequented bySteve McQueen.

    The Old Place offers half off the corkage fee for any wine boughtat the Cornell Winery.

    Looking to host a private event? The Cornell winery canaccommodate 24 people for dinner catered by The Old Placekitchen.

    Cornell Winery & Tasting RoomHours: Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

    Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.(if a private party is not booked, the winery will

    remain open until 9 p.m.)

    29975 Mulholland Hwy, Cornell (Agoura)(818) 735-3542 | www.cornellwinery.com

    Follow us on Facebook!

    The Santa Monica Mountains stretch from the

    Hollywood Hills to Point Mugu encompassing 500

    miles of picturesque trails offering numerous

    recreational and scholastic opportunities. Among these

    mountains, between Malibu and Agoura Hills, is the

    community of Cornell, home to the Peter Strauss

    Ranch, the famous Rock Store and the delectable OldPlace, all residing in close proximity to Malibou Lake.

    The area has had an extensive history connected to

    Los Angeles elite since the late 1800s and today, Tim

    Skogstrom is proud to call Cornell home to the

    Cornell Winery & Tasting Room, where you will find

    one of the most exclusive wine selections in Southern

    California.

    Tim Skogstrom owns and operates the Cornell

    Winery with the goal of bringing the best of wineculture home. Tim had been managing prestigious

    wineries for over twenty years when he came to

    Cornell looking to recreationally make wine and soon

    decided to provide an outlet for people to not only

    drink the local wines of the Santa Monica Mountain

    area, but to offer an unparalleled experience rich in

    the surrounding history and culture. Now, Tim sees

    Cornell as the trailhead to the Central Coast and offers

    an exclusive education on the various microclimatesand unique practices of the growers and winemakers

    from Malibu to Paso Robles. By Bethany Rhine

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    Its a good idea to plan to visit several wineries as every

    wine-tasting experience offered is different. With so many

    distinctive viticultural areas, one can easily taste many of

    the worlds best varietials and winemaking styles without

    learning the region. Listed below are five basic types oftasting experiences. The experience will vary in style from

    winery to winery.

    Wine Bar TastingThe most common tasting experience is a Wine Bar

    Tasting. You step up to the bar where typically a list of

    wines being poured is displayed. Expect to pay a tasting

    fee between $10-$40. Some tasting bars will offer you the

    option to taste a library or reserve wine. Exercising this

    option increases the fee, but will allow you to taste veryunique, old or rare wines.

    Sit Down TastingA Sit Down Tasting usually requires an appointment

    and there may be a slightly higher fee than a wine bar fee.

    Seated in an elegant room, you are poured several wines

    by your winery host. Expect your host to describe the

    unique characteristics of each wine and how it was made.

    Table Service TastingA Table Service Tasting, popular at sparkling winefacilities, is a tasting experience where you are seated at a

    table and the tastings are brought to you.

    Walk Around TastingA Walk Around Tasting is a combination of a tour and

    a tasting. Your host brings along several bottles of wine

    on your tour, and may take you to a garden area of the

    winery to pour the first round. Then you move to another

    place within the winery to sample the next wine. This

    experience continues until all the wines are tasted.

    Barrel TastingAnother popular tasting experience that can be part

    of a tour or a Walk Around is a Barrel Tasting. Your guide

    takes a wine thief, a special siphon placed into a hole

    in the top of a barrel to extract tasting samples of amaturing wine. The sample allows you to taste what the

    wine is like in the middle of developing its full potential.

    Why make an appointment?Some wineries are so small that they need to know

    when you are coming so someone will be there to greet

    you. Other wineries have permit restrictions that limit the

    number of guests that can visit each day. Others have sit-

    down tastings that start and end at specific times. Its

    always a good idea to schedule your appointments well

    in advance of your visit because some of the more popular

    wineries fill up their appointments weeks in advance.

    WWW.LEGENDARYNAPAVALLEY.COM

    Notes on Wine Tasting

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    SANTA BARBARAWine Tasting in Northern

    County

    Not to scale

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    14 Foxen Canyon to Santa Barbara

    DINING

    The Ballard Inn & Restaurant

    The quaint restaurant inside the historic inn, has only

    12 tables ensuring an intimate dining experience.

    Chef Budi Kazali uses farm fresh ingredients in his French-Asian cuisine.

    2436 Baseline Avenue, Ballard

    805-688-7770, www.ballardinn.com/restauran

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    Foxen CanyonDriving Time: 51 minutesFrom Santa Barbara Wineryto Lafond Winery & Vineyards .5 milesto Fontes & Ph illips 30.2 milesto Firestone Winer y 9.9 miles

    Total 40.6 miles

    Not to scale

    The hit motion picture, Sideways, put the Santa Maria Valley viticultural

    appellation, including t he Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, on the map in 2004.

    Following the picturesque win ding roads of Tepesquet and Foxen Canyon

    will lead you to world-class wineries by way of sprawling vineyards androlling hills. In the more northern region of the appellation, Chardonnay

    and Pinot Noir reign due to the maritime climate. This ensures a long

    temperate growing season which the Burgundian varietals crave. In the

    southern region of the appellation, the trail moves a bit east resulting in

    hotter days and cooler nights. Bordeaux and Rhne varieties flourish in

    this more extreme climate. The wineries in this region boast a concentra-

    tion of Californias most well known winemakers; join th em year round in

    the tasting rooms or at the many weekend events.

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    15Foxen Canyon to Santa Barbara

    to Santa BarbaraTrattoria Grappolo

    Suppor ting local farmers with their authentic I talian cuisine, the restaurant is

    open for lunch and dinner most days. A large outdoor dining area is perfect for

    the warm summer nights.3687 Sagunto St # C, Santa Ynez805-688-6899, www.trattoriagrappolo.com

    LODGING

    Santa Ynez Inn

    This Victorian-style Inn offers luxury accommodations just 3 miles outside ofLos Olivos. Full gourmet breakfast and evening wine tasting and hors doeuvres

    are included with your stay.3627 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez, 805-688-5588, ww w.santaynezinn.com

    Zaca Lake Retreat

    19 unique cabins are available for families to rent. Many include full kitchensand lake views. Private and tranquil setting conveniently located just east ofthe Foxen Canyon Trail.8000 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos805-688-5699, ww w.zacalakeretreat.com

    The Ballard Inn

    The township of Ballard is home to this quaint 15-room inn. Only a few min-utes drive to the wineries of Santa Ynez, this is a lovely private residence to call

    home while youre visiting the area.2436 Baseline Avenue, Ballard, 805-688-7770, www.ballardinn.com

    ATTRACTIONS

    Horseback RidingTake a tour of the breathtaking Fess Parker property by horseback.Tours last 90 minutes and participants can decide to include lunchand wine tasting. www.vinovaqueros.com

    Chumash Casino

    Polish off a day of wine tasting with Blackjack, Roulette or Texas Hold Em!

    Big name acts perform.

    3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez800-CHUMASH, www.chumashcasino.com

    Rancho San Marcos Golf Course

    Golfers can play year round on Ranch San Marcos 300 acres with views of

    Lake Cachuma. The course is named one of Golf Digests Places to Play.4600 Highway 154, Santa Barbara805-683-6334, w ww.rsm1804.com

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    Not to scale

    Photo: Firestone Vineyard, Los Olivos, CA

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    16 www.WineCountryThisMonth.comFoxen Canyon to Santa Barbara

    VARIETALSOrange Muscat, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc,Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo,Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, PetitVerdot, Grenache and Lagrein

    FUN FACTWinemaker Bruce McGuire has been with Santa BarbaraWinery for over 30 years. He is known in local winecircles as the Yoda of Santa Barbara Wine Country forhis vast knowledge, inscrutable demeanor and oftencryptic phraseology.

    FUN FACTPrimitivo is the Italian name for Zinfandel, a grapewhose origins have been traced to Croatia. Wines madefrom vines brought to the US from Italy may be labeled

    as either Primitivo or Zinfandel.

    Santa Barbara WineryOpen Sunday - Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    202 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara

    (805) 963-3633www.sbwinery.com

    Follow Santa Barbara Wineryon Facebook and Twitter!

    Mention Day Trips for 10% discount on your purchase.

    Founded in 1962, Santa Barbara Winery is Santa Barbara's

    first commercial winery since the prohibition era. In fact, Santa

    Barbara Winery opened its doors ten years before any other

    winery in Santa Barbara County. Today, the winery and tasting

    room are at the heart of Santa Barbaras Urban Wine Trail, just

    blocks from the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

    While Santa Barbara Winery is best know for their Santa

    Barbara County Chardonnay, which can be found nationwideand abroad, they specialize in a multitude of varietal wines

    made from French and Italian grapes of both fame and

    obscurity.

    Santa Barbara is home to four separate American

    Viticultural Areas (AVAs), each with its own distinct climates

    and soil types, which allows local growers to grow a variety of

    different grapes throughout the county.

    Santa Barbara Winery offers award-winning wines made

    from such familiar grapes as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignonand Sauvignon Blanc, as well as less commonly encountered

    botrytized dessert wines, the very rare deep, dark Lagrein, and

    more. All of the grapes used are sourced from estate vineyards

    and neighboring vineyards in Santa Barbara County.

    The tasting room is located in the winery itself. You can

    enjoy a flight of the current vintage while watching the next

    vintage being made. Santa Barbara Winery also offers wines by

    the glass and private, candlelit VIP tastings* in the barrel-aging

    room, accompanied by a gourmet cheese platter and the

    undivided attention of your own personal sommelier.*Requires 24 hour advanced reservations.

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    17www.WineCountryThisMonth.com Foxen Canyon to Santa Barbara

    VARIETALS

    Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Riesling

    FUN FACTS

    Bruce McGuire has been Lafonds winemaker for 33 years!

    Their beautiful wood cabinets were custom-made right

    here in Santa Barbara. Their Funk Zone location is a former computer repair shop.

    Lafond not only owns Lafond Winery and Santa Barbara

    Winery, but two restaurants (located in Santa Barbara and

    Montecito), a home dcor boutique and a dress shop!

    Lafond Winery City Tasting RoomOpen Sunday Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Open Friday Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    111 East Yanonali Street, Santa Barbara 93101

    (805) 845-2020 www.lafondwinery.com

    Lafond Winery & VineyardsOpen daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    6855 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton 93427

    (805) 688-7921 www.lafondwinery.com

    Receive half off wine tasting at Lafond if you visit Santa Barbara Winery rst and bring your receipt.

    Theres nothing like wine and waves and Santa Barbaras trendy

    Funk Zone; just two blocks from the beach is the location of the

    Lafond City Tasting Room. Sitting near its sister winery, Santa

    Barbara Winery, Lafond offers a small but classy environment to

    sample world class wines including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and

    Syrah. A $10 tasting fee includes five to six different tastes and you

    get to keep the logo wine glass.

    It was 1962 when Pierre Lafond opened the very first winery

    in Santa Barbara County since prohibition and these days Lafond

    is still an industry leader. They were one of the first to plant grapes

    in what would become the Santa Rita Hills area, now known for

    stellar Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Being distinct in its climate

    and geography permitted long hang time, which maximizes the

    flavors in the grapes and results in wines of structure and balance.

    Their Santa Rita Hills appellation wines immediately started

    winning awards. Sure, there are quite a few wine tasting rooms

    down by the beach to choose from, but what sets Lafond apart isthat many of their small lot production wines are under 200 cases,

    so they have very limited availability.

    The City Tasting Room also has local art and shelves laden

    with unique gift items. And Lafond has an additional tasting room

    located at their vineyard site in Buellton as well, offering tours at a

    traditional vineyard. The wine lists at both tasting rooms vary so

    its best to consider visiting both places to get the full Lafond

    experience. Better still visit Lafond near the beach, take a stroll by

    the water then visit Santa Barbara Winery and youll have an epicSanta Barbara wine and waves experience! By Michael Cervin

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    18 www.WineCountryThisMonth.comFoxen Canyon to Santa Barbara

    VARIETALSChardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Ros(my personal favorite)

    FUN FACTS

    Truly a labor of love, even the bottling and packagingof their wines is done by hand as each bottle is

    personally labeled by Alan and Rochelle with pewterhand-made labels from South America. Rochelle hada successful career in wine compliance andaccounting when she met Alan. Their Panky wine wasso named because Panky means anything that s reallycool. While working in Napa, Alan worked withwinemaking Pinot Noir legend Andr Tchelistcheff!

    Fontes & PhillipsOpen 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday

    Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment

    3630 Sagunto Street, Suite A1Santa Ynez, CA 93460

    (805) 688-2200

    www.fontesandphillipswines.com

    Check them out on Facebook

    x

    Bigger is not always better in the wine industry. A case in

    point is Fontes & Phillips who make less than 1,500 cases of

    wine, amounting to about 300 to 400 cases each of Chardonnay,

    Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Ros. Owner and winemaker

    Alan Phillips works together with his wife, Rochelle Fontes-

    Phillips, to create a portfolio of small-lot wines from world-class

    Santa Barbara County vineyards including a single vineyard

    designate Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills.

    But prior to calling Santa Barbara home, Alan, who worked at

    wineries in the Napa Valley, eventually moved into winemaking

    consulting which led him to New Zealand, Germany, France,

    Spain and Portugal, giving him the opportunity to make wine

    and view the wine business from a global perspective. Together

    Rochelle and Alan have been involved in the wine industry for

    35 cumulative years and in 1998, they moved to Santa Ynez to

    help Bill Foley launch Foley Estates and Lincourt Vineyards.

    While establishing Foley, Alan was working quietly on hisown label, preferring smaller scale production where he could

    focus his energies on his wines. His personal favorite is actually

    Panky, a classic Ros made from equal parts of Grenache,

    Cinsault and Syrah from Santa Ynez. And, lucky for us, Panky is

    a terrific wine and it actually opens the door for wine lovers to

    better understand Ros. This dusty rose-colored wine is whole

    cluster pressed which helps to preserve the natural vibrancy of

    the grapes. It is then stainless steel fermented without a

    secondary malolactic fermentation and then bottled in Decemberfollowing the harvest. Small lots, big flavors which shows that, at

    Fontes & Phillips, smaller is better. By Michael Cervin

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    19www.WineCountryThisMonth.com Foxen Canyon to Santa Barbara

    VARIETALSCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc,Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling,Gewrztraminer

    ACCLAIMMore than fifteen 90+ point scores in the last two years.

    FUN FACTWinemaker Paul Warson lives on the property with hisfamily and often frequents the winery and tasting roomsharing his enthusiasm and knowledge with guests.

    DONT MISSour complimentary tours and summer concert series!

    Firestone Vineyard & WineryOpen daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Tours daily at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

    5017 Zaca Station Road, Los Olivos

    (805) 688-3940 www.firestonewine.com

    [email protected]

    Follow Firestone on Facebook

    Large group private tour and tasting packages are available with a reservation: [email protected].

    Firestone is considered by many to be the Grande Dame of theSanta Ynez Valley. Founded in 1972, it was the first major estatewinery established in this pastoral Central Coast AVA. Over the past40 years it has evolved into one of the regions most popular andsuccessful producers thanks to a portfolio of wines that offer seriousquality at reasonable prices.

    The Firestone estate is situated near the charming little town ofLos Olivos, two hours north of Los Angeles and five hours south of

    San Francisco. Los Olivos is known for its old west feel, finerestaurants and homey lodgings. The local vibe is placid, casual andpeaceful. The surrounding countryside is typical of rural Californiawith rolling hills that morph seasonally from summer gold to wintergreen.

    The estate is in a unique cusp region of the valley that offersmoderate temperatures and an extremely long growing seasonenabling Firestone to successfully grow a staggering range of grapevarieties. Red wines have their origins in Bordeaux and the Rhne

    Valley. They include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, CabernetFranc and Syrah. White wines feature grapes from Burgundy, theLoire Valley and Germany and include: Chardonnay, SauvignonBlanc, Riesling and Gewrztraminer.

    Firestone boasts one of the most popular tasting rooms in SantaBarbara County. The lovely visitors center has an expansive islandbar backed by large picture windows that look out on the vines. Forprivate events, Firestone has a handful of indoor and outdoor areassuitable for weddings, receptions, corporate gatherings, birthdays oranniversaries.

    To make reservations or to get more information visitwww.firestonewine.com or call (805) 688-3940. Firestone is at 5017

    Zaca Station Road, Los Olivos, just a few miles east of Highway 101at the southern end of the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.

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    20 Sta. Rta Hills/Solvang

    DININGAvant Tapas and WineChoose tastes of wine from a assortment of 30different producers and pair your selection withscrumptious tapas or gourmet pizza from theirwood burning oven.

    35 Industrial Way, Buellton805-686-9400, www.avantwines.com

    The Hitching Post II RestaurantHome of Santa Maria Style BBQ, this is the

    second location to the world famous Hitching Post.406 East Highway 246, Buellton805-688-0676, www.hitchingpost2.com

    Root 246

    Highly acclaimed Chef Bradley Ogden has c reateda menu using the finest local and fresh ingredientsfrom the Central Coast.20 Alisal Road, Solvang805-686-8681, www.root-246.com

    LODGINGHadsten House Inn & SpaLuxuriously appointed rooms in the heart of Solvang.

    Great packages including stay, dine and taste.

    1450 Mission Drive, Solvang805-688-3210, www.hadstenhouse.com

    Wine Valley Inn & CottagesChoose from a quaint guest room or cottage.Spa treatments are available by appointment toInn guests and to the public.1564 Copenhagen Dr # 105, Solvang805-688-2111, www.winevalleyinn.com

    Embassy Suites Lompoc - Central CoastThis modern, full-service hotel boasts graciouslyappointed two-room hotel suites, designed toreect an inviting dcor reminiscent of the comfortsof home and the splendor of getting away.1117 North H Street, Lompoc, 805-735-8311

    Alisal Guest Ranch & ResortThe ultimate experience of early Californiais offered here. Golf, horseback riding,fine dining and relaxation.1054 Alisal Road, Solvang

    800-4ALISAL, www.alisal.com

    Avant Tapas and Wine

    Sta. Rita Hills/SolvangSanta Rita Hills, on Californias Central Coast, arguably produces the highest quality Pinot N oir from California. This relatively new appellation consists ofonly 100 acres and is located between the Pacific Ocean and the historic Danish town of Solvang. The two coastal east-west oriented valleys between the

    Sta. Rita Hills offer maritime climate and unique soils, which produces exceptionally concentrated flavors in the grapes from this region. Pinot Noir of thehighest acclaim has been made from vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills and visitors are welcome to taste the wines in the many tasting rooms along Highway 246.This wine and food destination of the Central Coast can be visited year round and is conveniently located halfway between Santa Barbara and San Luis

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    21Sta. Rta Hills/Solvang

    ATTRACTIONSFigueroa Mountain Brewing CoAward-winning beers from a father/son team.

    Tasting Room open until 9 p.m. daily.

    45 Industria l Way, Buellton

    805-694-2252, w ww.figmtnbrew.com

    La Purisima Golf CourseConsidered one of Americas best designed courses.3455 East Highway 246, Lompoc805-735-8395, ww w.lapurisimagolf.com

    Solvang, CAIn addition to wine tasting, activities inSolvang including dining, shopping,spa services and learning about the histor yof this Danish town. www.solvangusa.com

    River Course Golf CourseBeautiful 6,830 yard golf course at Alisal Ranch.150 Alisal Road, Solvang805-688-6042, ww w.rivercourse.com

    Old Mission Santa InesFounded in 1807 in the name of Saint Agnes,the mission offers river and mountain views.1760 Mission Drive, Solvang805-688-4815, www.missionsantaines.org

    La Purisma Mission State Historic ParkThis land, once home to Chumash people andSpanish settlers, is filled with 25 hiking trailsand a beautifully restored mission.2295 Purisma Road, Lompoc805-733-3713www.lapurisimamission.org

    Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

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    FOLEY

    Not to scale

    Driving Time: 17 minutesFrom Foley Winesto Lucas & Lewellen 11.2 miles

    Total 11.2 miles

    Photo: StaRitaHills.com

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    22 www.WineCountryThisMonth.comSta. Rita Hills/Solvang

    VARIETALSChardonnay and Pinot Noir

    ACCLAIMCreated from the very best blocks of Chardonnay fromCourtneys Vineyard and Pinot Noir from Lindsays Vine-yard, these wines are made in honor of Foleys twodaughters Lindsay and Courtney. Each bottle seeks toembody their combined strength, intelligence and femi-ninity, with wines that exemplify elegant bouquets andflavorful palates.

    FUN FACTFoleys Brand Series features six different high-endPinot Noirs and Chardonnays, created in recognition ofBill Foleys Texas Ranger and cattlemen relatives. Eachbrand represents a different trail taken to create theseunique wines.

    DONT MISS

    Wine and cheese pairings are available every day, withprior notice only. Make your reservation online at least48-hours in advance.

    Foley EstatesOpen daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    6121 E Highway 246, Lompoc

    (805) 737-6222www.foleywines.com

    [email protected] us: www.facebook.com/FoleyWines

    Mention Day Trips for 2-for-1 tasting.

    Over the past eighteen years, Bill Foley has worked hard to

    make his name synonymous with unique and quality wines

    from Santa Barbara County. After the successful creation of Lin-

    court Winery in 1996, Foley went on to found Foley Wines in

    2002, adding both Rancho Las Hermanas and Rancho Santa

    Rosa vineyards to his growing portfolio of high quality vine-

    yards.

    Located in the heart of the famed Santa Rita Hills AVA, thetemperate coastal climate, south-facing hills and limestone

    soils amount to the holy grail of elements for producing

    world-class Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Foley knew he

    needed a winemaker who could exemplify this fruit and create

    wines in their likeness, and so Lorna Kreutz joined the team.

    With Pinot Noir as her first oenophilic love, Kreutz continues

    the Foley tradition of producing high quality wines produced

    from some of the best vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.

    Foley focuses on creating wines that embody the unique-ness of the Santa Rita Hills, and hes also taken great care in

    creating a tasting room and event center that allows guests to

    enjoy being surrounded by the spectacular mountain ranges,

    coastal oaks and contoured hillside vines.

    In less than twenty years, Foley has watched his love of

    wine become a dream that hes been able to share with visitors

    from around the world. Wine Enthusiast magazines Man of

    the Year in 2010 is an honor that only further fuels Foleys

    commitment to creating quality wines worth sharing.By Carolyn Turner

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    23www.WineCountryThisMonth.com Sta. Rita Hills/Solvang

    VARIETALS24 different varietals including: Pinot Noir, CabernetSauvignon, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Muscat,Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petite Sirah,Late Harvest desert wines and more.

    AWARDS 2011 Cote del Sol Cabernet - 94 Platinum, 1 Gold,

    90 Wine Enthusiast 2010 Valley View Cabernet - 93, 92 Gold, 92 2009 Clone 6 Cabernet - 92, Gold 2012 Goodchild High 9 Pinot Noir - 1 Gold, 92 Gold,

    4 Star Judges Choice Gold, 90 Wine Enthusiast 2012 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay -

    91 Wine Enthusiast 2012 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir - 90 Gold

    FUN FACTIn the tasting toom, they have a table set apart for kids toplay and your canine friends are welcome, too.

    NOTELucas & Lewellen offers a fun list where guests enjoy onlyfun wines starting out with a sparkling wine and Rosand ending with decadent late harvest dessert wines andSilver King Port served in a dark chocolate cordial.

    Lucas & Lewellen VineyardsOpen daily 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Open later on Friday and Saturday nights1645 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang(805) 686-9336 | www.llwine.com

    Mention Day Trips for 10% off any regularly priced wine purchase at the tasting room.

    The Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards Tasting Room offers

    guests a wide variety of wines to choose from. They craft an

    impressive array of wines from 24 grape varieties that are

    grown on their 400 estate acres in Santa Barbara Countys

    three distinct micro-climates, creating a diversity of wine

    styles to suit every taste preference. All Lucas & Lewellen

    grapes are hand picked and grown using sustainable farming

    methods.

    Often, you will see owners Louis Lucas or Royce

    Lewellen pouring wine in the tasting room. The Director of

    Winemaking; Megan McGrath Gates is one of the few female

    winemakers who was educated locally and grew up in the

    Santa Ynez Valley, giving her an intimate knowledge of the

    growing region. Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards also produces

    one of the few local Mthode Traditionelle style sparkling

    wines on the Central Coast.

    On Saturday, October 11th, celebrate the Lucas &

    Lewellen grape harvest with a winemaker dinner at the Santa

    Ynez Valley Historical Museum which celebrates the Santa

    Ynez Valley AVA with a discussion by one of the founding

    Santa Barbara County grape growers, Louis Lucas, and

    award winning winemaker, Megan McGrath Gates.

    Or stop by the Lucas & Lewellen and Toccata Tasting

    Rooms from 5-8 pm for a Wine & Cheese Pairing, live

    music, barrel tasting and special pricing on featured wines.

    Visit www.LLwine.com/events for pricing and details.

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    DINING

    Petros

    Located within the beautiful Fess Parker Wine

    Country Inn, Petros offers a California-Hellenic

    cuisine with menu selections such as Moussaka and

    Fish of the Day a la Grecque. Even after a long day of

    wine tasting, your palate will be quite entertained.

    2860 Grand Ave, Los Olivos805-686-5455www.fessparker.com/restaurant

    Los Olivos Caf

    A Wine Spec tator Best Restaurant Wines winner

    since 2007, Los Olivos Caf offers a local, organicand sustainable taste of the Central Coast.

    Outdoor patio seating available.2879 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos805-688-7265www.losolivoscafe.com

    The Ballard Inn & Restaurant

    The quaint restaurant inside the historic inn,has only 12 tables ensuring an intimate dining

    experience. Chef Budi Kazali uses farm freshingredients in his French-Asian cuisine.

    2436 Baseline Avenue, Ballard805-688-7770

    www.ballardinn.com/restaurant

    Trattoria Grappolo

    Suppor ting local farmers with their authenticItalian cuisine, the restaurant is open for lunch and

    dinner most days. A large outdoor dining area is

    perfect for the warm summer nights.3687 Sagunto St # C, Santa Ynez805-688-6899www.trattoriagrappolo.com

    ACTIVITIES

    Clairmont Farms - Lavendar Farm

    A family owned Grosso lavender farm whichoffers essential lavender oils, soaps and other

    lavender products for sale.

    2480 Roblar Avenue, Los Olivos805-688-7505, www.clairmontfarms.com

    Windhaven Glider Rides

    A glider ride is an incredible way to v iew thevineyards and rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley.

    Available on weekends.Santa Ynez Airport805-688-2517, www.gliderrides.com

    Chumash CasinoPolish off a day of wine tasting with Blackjack,Roulette or Texas Hold Em! Big name acts perform

    in the Samala showroom year round.3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez800-CHUMASH, www.chumashcasino.com

    Rancho San Marcos Golf Course

    Golfers can play year round on RanchSan Marcos 300 acres with views of Lake

    Cachuma. The course is named one of Golf DigestsPlaces to Play.

    4600 Highway 154, Santa Barbara805-683-6334, ww w.rsm1804.com

    Los Olivos

    24 Los Olivos

    Santa Ynez is home to several of the most renowned Santa Barbara County wineries. Its ideal viticultural microclimate, with warm days and cooler nights,produces an extensive variety of wines. These bottlings include representation from win e origins around the world such as the R hne Valley, Bordeaux and

    central Italy. Nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley is the tiny town of Los Olivos. There are more than 20 tasting rooms within walking distance onand around Grand Avenue, each unique and delicious. In between these tasting rooms are world-class restaurants and artisan gift shops. The climate ismoderate year round and there is not an off season in this area. However, in autumn, the Sant a Ynez Valley offers near perfect weather and breathtak ingviews of multi-colored vineyards.

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    N

    MARC

    OS

    QUP

    ANDREWMURRAY

    CIMARONELARNER

    J LUDLOW VINEYARD

    Driving Time: 6 minutesFrom Cimarone Wines, Qup,Andrew Murray Vineyards,J Ludlow Vineyard andLarner Vineyardto Lincourt Vineyards 2.5 miles

    Total 2.7 miles

    Not to scale

    25Los Olivos

    LODGING

    Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa

    Located in the heart of downtown Los Olivos, this

    resort offers world-class dining and spa services.2860 Grand Ave, Los Olivos800-446-2455, www.fessparker.com

    The Ballard Inn

    The township of Ballard is home to this quaint 15-

    room inn. Only a few minutes drive to the wineriesof Santa Ynez, this is a lovely private residence to

    call home while youre visiting the area.

    2436 Baseline Avenue, Ballard805-688-7770, www.ballardinn.com

    Santa Ynez InnThis Victorian-style Inn offers luxuryaccommodations just 3 miles outside of Los Olivos.

    Full gourmet breakfast and evening wine tasting

    and hors doeuvres are included with your stay.3627 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez805-688-5588, www.santaynezinn.com

    Photo: Andrew Murray Vineyards

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    VARIETIES

    Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Cabernet

    Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot

    FUN FACTS

    Whats in a name? Well, Cimarones is quite simple: its

    the first two letters of their sons names, and Roger and

    Priscillas names Cilla, Mark, Roger and Neal.

    Priscilla has a PhD in physics from Cambridge

    University, was born in Zambia and raised in Kenya.

    Roger is from Yorkshire, England with a degree in

    aeronautical engineering.

    If you happen to see a black and white dog, his name is

    Mac, the winery dog.

    Cimarone and 3CV

    Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    2982 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos CA

    (805) 688-8011

    www.cimarone.com

    Find them on

    Twitter, Facebook,Pinterest, Tumblr and YouTube

    Bring in this article for a two-for-one tasting.

    Diversity is truly the spice of life and, with nearly threedozen tasting rooms in Los Olivos, how does a winery standout? For Cimarone thats easy. You see, Cimarones tastingroom is the first tasting room representing the newly formedHappy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA in all of Los Olivos.

    But what exactly does that mean? Well, it means thatHappy Canyon is becoming known for Bordeaux grapes likeCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, and this

    federally recognized growing area is unique in all of SantaBarbara since these grapes are less common here. Afterwalking countless properties, we were finally introduced towhat would become our Three Creek Vineyard, says ownerRoger Higgins. This site possessed all of the elements of anideal vineyard locale: rocky, well-drained soils, steep hillsidesand south-facing slopes, all within the Happy Canyon of SantaBarbara AVA. Here we could plant and grow a superb vineyardutilizing low-yields and sustainable vineyard care.

    Their goal is to always produce handcrafted, high-quality

    wines under two distinct labels Cimarone and 3CV, whosewines hover in the $20 range, both with an emphasis onBordeaux and Rhne varietals. Of course to make great wineyou need a great winemaker and the Higgins tappedwinemaker Andrew Murray who, as Roger says, embodiesour goal of making thoughtfully constructed serious wines.Currently they are making about 3,000 cases and its notuncommon to find Roger and his wife Priscilla behind thecounter in their tasting room pouring wine and chatting abouttheir project. They are truly hands-on in every aspect of thewinery and that translates to unique wines from a unique

    region making for a unique wine tasting experience.By Michael Cervin

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    VARIETALSChardonnay, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne,Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah

    ACCLAIMQup is known for accomplishing quite a few firsts inSanta Barbara County, including the first producer ofSyrah in 1982, Viognier in 1989, as well as the first

    Rhne-style blend called Los Olivos Cuve in 1988.Qup also lays claim to producing the first Marsanne inCalifornia in 1987. Qup was also named one of the top100 wineries in America for eight of the last nine years.

    FUN FACTWhen visiting Qup, you will also have theopportunity to taste Verdad and Ethan wines. Verdadis owned by Bobs wife Louisa Sawyer Lindquist, and herfocus is on creating Spanish-style wines, while EthanWines are made by Bobs son Ethan Lindquist, whofocuses on creating Sangiovese and Rhne-style wines.

    DONT MISSThe Qup winery is located on the famed Bien NacidoVineyard in Santa Maria and is not open to the publicexcept for the day after the Vintners Festival in thespring and the day after the Harvest Festival in the fall.

    QupOpen daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    2963 Grand Avenue, Suite B, Los Olivos

    (805) 686-4200 www.qupe.com

    [email protected] Qup and Verdad Wines

    Enjoy 15% off all wine purchases and a 2 for 1 tasting when you show this article!

    Over the last 30 years, Qup owner Bob Lindquist hasachieved a sort of legendary status in the wine world.Lindquist has been involved in the Santa Barbara County wineindustry since its beginnings as a modern wine region in themid 1970s and was an early advocate of growing Rhne grapesin the region, focusing specifically on Syrah. In 1982,Lindquist started Qup winery and today, he continues to help

    increase recognition of the region world-wide through produc-tion of his Rhne-style wines.

    The name Qup comes from the local Chumash Indianword for poppy, as it seemed only fitting to pay homage to theoriginal cultivators of the land. Lindquist wanted to convey hisdedication to growing and producing local wines, and so chosethe iconic California poppy to represent his brand. Each Quplabel is graced by yet another poppy. One of which was origi-nally a quilt design by the craftsman-era artist Gustav Stickley.

    The focus of the Qup wines has always been on producingwines that exhibit the unique flavors of both the terroir and thegrape varieties, which is why he chose to source from theworld-renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard. In 2002, Lindquistand his wife Louisa purchased an 80-acre property in Edna

    Valley near San Luis Obispo, and are growing both French andSpanish-style grapes Biodynamically.

    A visit to the Qup tasting room in Los Olivos will quicklyreveal that winemaking runs in the Lindquist family. Visitorswill often taste the Verdad and Ethan wines, made by Bobs

    wife and son, respectively. Youre sure to feel like one of thefamily, too, before you leave! By Carolyn Turner

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    BUZZAndrew is bringing back a couple of very special labelsnow that he is once again growing grapes on FoxenCanyon Roadlook for the very limited Roasted Slopeand Enchante blends to return this spring.

    FUN FACTAndrew started making wine (during an internship in

    Australia) when he was only 19 years old. He jokes thatwinemaking is all that he knows how to do, because it istruly the only thing that he has ever done.

    DONT MISSAndrew launched a label, E11even Wines. The name is a nod tothe rockumentary Spinal Tap and Murray plans to turn it up to11 by breaking away from Rhne varietals, and blending toachieve just the right melody and bust out a solo.

    Andrew Murray Vineyards

    Los Olivos Tasting RoomOpen daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.2901-A Grand Ave, Los Olivos

    (805) 693-9644

    Los Olivos Winery and Hospitality CenterOpen Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.5249 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos

    (805) 686-8999Email: [email protected]

    www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com

    Bring this story in for a 2-for-1 tasting.

    Andrew Murray Vineyards has been crafting Rhne inspired

    wines in the Santa Ynez Valley for over 20 years. It was a fateful

    family trip through the Rhne Valley in the late 1980s that led

    Andrew to leave his UC Berkeley studies behind, to pursue his new

    mistress, Syrah, with an internship in Australia. His three-month

    tryst evolved into a 15-month romance with the famed Australian

    Shiraz. Returning to the states, he earned a bachelors degree in

    viticulture and enology from UC Davis renowned wine program,then founded his eponymous Santa Ynez winery and vineyard.

    Andrews focus and dedication to his craft have culminated in

    what Robert Parker, Jr. calls, one of the shining stars in the Santa

    Barbara firmament. This youthful perfectionist has been named

    Tastemaker of the Year by Food and Wine Magazine, as well as,

    One of the most fearsome talents in food and wine. Still, despite

    myriad accolades, Andrew remains the same modest, approachable,

    contemplative man he was when he first embarked to Australia back

    in 1992.

    In January of 2014, Andrew was offered the chance to take over

    the former Curtis Winery location, along with the management oftheir 50 acres of estate grown Rhone varieties. Andrew and his team

    look forward to visiting with you at the newly updated hospitality

    and event center, and pouring you a glass of wine to enjoy on their

    recently completed Wine Club Terrace. They also now offer a full

    Wine Country Concierge service to help plan your visit. They can

    arrange anything from a reserved table at the winery to a fully

    stocked picnic basket and a chilled bottle of their Viognier. They are

    conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Los Olivos,

    where they have a second tasting room to serve you if you simply do

    not have the time to venture out Foxen Canyon Road. They lookforward to your visit.

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    VARIETALS

    Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio,Ros of Primitivo, Sauvignon Blanc

    FUN FACT

    J Ludlow Vineyard partners with the Koegel AutismCenter at UC Santa Barbara to drive awareness ofresearch into Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

    DONT MISS

    ...the 2010 Hudson Cabernet Sauvignon! This singlevineyard wine is made from grapes grown in thehighly regarded Eastern hills of the Santa Ynez Valley.It is a full Cabernet Sauvignon shows bright, berryfruit aromas with subtle oak tones from 18 monthsaging in French oak barrels. The flavors are layeredwith notes of blackberry jam, coffee and chocolate. It

    has good natural aciditiy and well balanced tanninsthat will help this wine age well.

    J Ludlow VineyardOpen daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    2890 Grand Ave, Los Olivos

    (805) 688-8989

    [email protected]

    Two-for-One Tasting when you bring in a copy of Day Trips!

    J Ludlow Vineyard, up in the idyllic Los Olivos area, is the

    home away from home for owners Allan and Jane Jones.

    Originally from Cardiff, Wales, the couple fell in love with the

    Santa Ynez Valley during one of their many trips to California.

    Stumbling upon a beautiful ranch in Happy Canyon, they

    quickly developed an interest in wine, purchasing Westerly

    Stud Farm in 2007. Keeping production small, their

    dedication to their craft is evident by their numerous awards

    and recent accolades.

    Their Los Olivos tasting room, opened April 2014, is a

    new player in the area, producing delightful and memorable

    wines unique to the Los Olivos region. It is the perfect place

    to grab a glass of their award-winning wine. Sourcing most of

    their grapes from Camp 4 and La Presa Vineyards in the

    Valley, the winery strives to keep things local and family-run,

    dedicated to great taste and a sheer enjoyment of wine.Family ties inspire each varietal, including their wine club

    aptly entitled The Old Ludlowdian. One of their most

    popular sellers, Kemsley Cabernet Sauvignon is named

    after Allan, who holds the prestigious title of Lord Kemsley in

    Great Britain. The winery itself is named after the street Allan

    was born on. And of course, the 2008 Jane Merlot, a gold

    medal winner at the Los Angeles International Wine

    Competition, is named after his beloved wife. Other unique

    wine club highlights include a Pinot Grigio and PrimitivoRos, perfect for any summer picnic. By Rachel Hommel

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    VARIETALS

    Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Viognier and Malvasia Bianca

    AWARDS

    2009 Estate Syrah, 92 points, Wine Enthusiast (WE)2009 Elemental, Estate GSM Blend, 91points (WE)2010 Estate Viognier, 89 points (WE)

    2009 Estate Grenache, 88 points (WE)

    FUN FACT

    The most intimate tasting room experience in Los Olivos

    Geology, Origins & Territory are the familys inspiration

    All wines produced from the acclaimed estateLarner Vineyard, praised as a Californian Grand Cruby Robert Parker, Jr.

    The winery is located in the Buellton Bodegas, the

    funkiest winery co-op

    When not in the vineyard or winery, Michael teacheswinemaking at the local Allan Hancock CommunityCollege and builds furniture/accessories repurposedfrom wine barrels

    Larner Vineyard & WineryOpen Thursday - Monday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.2900 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, CA 93441(805) 688-8148 | www.larnerwine.com

    Stop, sit, swirl and shop at a local favorite.

    Enjoy handcrafted elegant wines while basking in the sun at

    the center of the charming town of Los Olivos. Located in Santa

    Barbara Countys oldest filling station founded in 1901, this

    landmark was lovingly restored to include a tasting room, gift

    shop and art gallery. The gift shop, Los Olivos General Store, is a

    modern take on an old classic and features local artisanal

    products as well as artwork, including Christina LoCascio-Larner

    known for her paintings made with wine. With tabled seatingfacing the historic flagpole on the main intersection, the Larner

    Tasting Room offers estate wines, a friendly atmosphere and some

    of the best people watching in Los Olivos.

    The exclusive offerings made by winemaker Michael Larner

    can be savored outside with a picnic, inside the intimate tasting

    room, or while browsing the attached gift store. The geologist-

    turned-vintner received his masters in Viticulture and Enology

    from UC Davis, has made wine internationally including both

    France and Italy, and is a founder of the Ballard Canyon AVA themost prestigious winemaking subzone within Santa Barbaras

    Wine Country.

    Specializing in Rhne varietals such as Syrah, Grenache,

    Mourvdre and Viognier the boutique productions are

    accomplished with a signature world-class touch that truly

    bottles the unique expressions of their origins and territory. The

    organically farmed and family-operated Larner Vineyard is one of

    the most praised properties in California, comprised of 34 acres

    with chalky and sandy loam soils that make for mineral-driven,balanced, age-worthy wines.

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    VARIETALSPinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay,Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

    ACCLAIMThe Lincourt Pinot Noir from Lindsays Vineyard is anexample of the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County and

    Foleys love of Pinot Noir.

    FUN FACTThe yellow Craftsman-style house (currently the tastingroom) was originally ordered out of the Sears and Roebuckcatalogue in 1926. At that time, the railroad ran alongAlamo Pintado Road, the home was delivered in pieces thencarried up the hill and assembled. Now, nearly 100 yearslater, the home remains in much of the same condition!

    DONT MISS

    Lincourt is the perfect place to bring a picnic lunch andenjoy the serenity of the Santa Ynez Valley out on theveranda. I suggest grabbing a sandwich at nearby Paninosor Los Olivos Grocery to pair with your tasting.

    Lincourt Vineyards & WineryOpen daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    1711 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang

    (805) 688-8554 [email protected]

    Follow us: www.facebook.com/LincourtWines

    Mention Day Trips and enjoy 15% on all purchases of 12 bottles or more!

    When businessman and financier Bill Foley moved his

    family to Santa Barbara in 1994, he saw the realization of

    his life-long dream: to become a vintner of premier

    Burgundian-style wines. Foley founded Lincourt in 1996

    and named it for his two daughters, Lindsay and Courtney.

    Under the watchful eye of renowned winemaker Lorna

    Kreutz, the 50-acres of estate Sauvignon Blanc, CabernetSauvignon and Merlot are farmed vine by vine, with

    Kreutz taking the best blocks (or rows) of grapes to create

    each wine. Lincourt wines are always generous,

    approachable, elegant and sculpted blends from estate

    vineyards. Lincourt Vineyards also practices sustainable

    farming techniques in order to ensure the highest quality

    of wine from grape to glass.

    Drawing from years of experience working for wineries

    throughout California, Kreutz shares Foleys commitmentto quality winemaking. Each wine is aged in French Oak

    barrels with the focus on creating wines that exemplify the

    unique terroir and varietal-rich flavors.

    As you arrive at Lincourt, the iconic windmill that

    graces each of their wine labels will greet you as you enter

    the old farmhouse. The relaxing atmosphere and beautiful

    property offer something for the whole family wine

    tasting, picnicking or enjoying a bottle as you bask in thebeauty of the Santa Ynez Valley. By Carolyn Turner

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    34 San Luis Obispo

    Its no wonder the people here c all it SLO.

    No one is in any hurry in the cafs or on the

    sidewalks, and certainly no one is in any rush to

    leave. The vibe is relaxed but not sleepy in the

    two-college town of 44,000, which has four

    surf shops but also a resident symphony.

    Strangers are genuinely friendly, always ready

    to talk about their favorite hiking trail or

    barbecue joint, or to point the way to the

    winery with the best Pinot Noir. Its all part of

    the SLO life, that combination of good stuff

    that makes visiting here so nourishing to the

    soul. Theres plenty to go around, so come:Experience the SLO Life!

    San Luis Obispos unusual natural beauty,

    along with its gentle climate, first attracted the

    Spanish padres to the area in the 1700s. In

    1772 they built the fifth of Californias 21

    missions here, on the banks of San Luis Creek,

    and named it Mission San Luis Obispo de

    Tolosa. Today, many consider

    this the most beautiful of

    the Spanish missions.

    San Luis Obispo

    SanLuisObispoChamberofCommercevisitslo.c

    om

    SLOs once-dusty streets are now tree-lined and flanked by meticulously

    restored Victorian painted ladies. Old West buildings have been converted to

    bustling shops and restaurants, and Art Deco civic architecture stands downtown.

    A university and a college have brought cultural excitement in the form of

    numerous musical and performing arts groups; major touring shows regularly stop

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    VARIETALSChardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc,Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne,Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Grenache, Merlot,Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo, Sparkling,Port and Dessert Wines

    FUN FACTS At Laetitia, two rare European wooden basketpresses, made by the Coquard Company of France,are used to gently crush the grapes destined tobecome sparkling wines. Though very laborintensive to operate, these presses deliver superiorquality juice with exceptional clarity.

    The vineyard was named after the owners daughter,Laetitia, which in Latin is an expression meaning joyand happiness.

    A perfect family outing to Laetitia might include astroll through the vines on the vineyard walking trail.

    Laetitia Vineyard & WineryOpen daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    453 Laetitia Vineyard DriveArroyo Grande, CA 93420

    (805) 481-1772 | www.laetitiawine.comemail: [email protected]

    Mention Day Trips and receive a 2-for-1 tasting.

    Come discover Laetitia Vineyard & Winery located just

    minutes away from the charming village of Arroyo Grande

    with its antique and specialty shops, fine boutiques and

    restaurants. The tasting room is perched on a hilltop

    surrounded by vineyards and ocean views.

    Laetitia is well known for its high-quality sparkling wines.

    It produces seven sparkling wines two of which are

    available in stores nationwide: the Brut Ros and the Brut

    Cuve.

    Laetitia is passionate about producing estate wines that

    showcase the distinctive qualities of the Arroyo Grande AVA.

    From the Laetitia Vineyard come the sparkling wines, Pinot

    Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and

    Tempranillo. In addition, the Rhne and Bordeaux varieties,

    used under the NADIA label, are grown at the Santa Barbara

    Highlands Vineyard. Winemaker Eric Hickeys style is built

    upon balance, finesse and pure expression of the Laetitia

    Estate.

    Be sure to visit Arroyo Grande and stop by Laetitia where

    the knowledgeable staff will guide you through a selection of

    Laetitia Estate and sparkling wines and NADIA wines. Enjoy

    samples of limited-edition and winery-exclusive bottles, take

    a peek at the Coquard press, and learn first-hand what

    makes these award-winning wines so elegantly distinctive.Come to the hilltop estate for wine tasting, ocean views, a

    game of bocce and some of the most scenic picnic grounds inSLO County.

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    VARIETALSChardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir,Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Riesling

    BUZZGreat scores from The Wine Advocates Robert Parkerwho wrote, The one superstar for Chardonnay and

    Pinot Noir in the Edna Valley is Talley Vineyards.

    OUTDOORSTheir historic, scenic grounds feature three uniquepicnic areas in a serene rural setting.

    NOTEThe tasting room offers several varietals available on tap,sold by the glass and in gallon growlers.

    FUN FACTThey produce a wine called Mano Tinta, which benefitsthe Fund for Vineyard & Farm Workers, an endowmentcreated to support farm workers and their families.

    The Talley Vineyards Tasting RoomOpen daily 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.3031 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande

    (805) 489-0446www.talleyvineyards.com

    Follow Talley Vineyards onFacebook and Twitter

    Mention Day Trips for 10% off wine purchases and a two-for-one tasting experience.

    Talley Vineyards may be celebrating 28 years inbusiness, but they are still younger than Talley Farms,started in the 1940s. Though the farm is an integral part ofthe family-run business, producing specialty and organicvegetables, its the wine that has taken centerstage.

    Today, Talley has six estate vineyards in the ArroyoGrande and Edna Valleys. Their Mediterranean-styledtasting room rests in the middle of their historic Rincon

    Vineyard in Arroyo Grande, where cropland surrounds thevines. The comfortable tasting room has floor to ceilingwindows, a horseshoe tasting bar and vaulted ceilings. Theexpansive property also features three diverse picnic areasoffering beautiful views of the serene landscape.

    Talley has always strived for a personal approach to thewine tasting experience, therefore they offer a variety ofspecial tours and tastings. These tours are fun andinformative and can be customized to the size and interestsof any group. Guests are educated about what happens in

    all aspects of the winemaking process and can focus on thewinery, vineyards and barrel room. Choose from theinformative basic tour and tasting or indulge in theexclusive El Rincon Adobe Estate Tour and Tasting. Thistour includes a private, seated tasting in our historic ElRincon Adobe for groups of two to eight. Enjoy a samplingof the current release Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, withcustomization options available. Reservations are required.

    Talley is open daily for tasting of their Talley Vineyardsand Bishops Peak wines. Visit Talley Vineyards today and

    experience all of the unique and special offerings of almostthree decades in the Arroyo Grande Valley.

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    VARIETALSPinot Noir, Chardonnay, Grenache, Syrah, Pinot Gris

    STYLEChamisal Vineyards offers an upscale and elevated experi-ence while embracing the rustic beauty of the property andthe Valley. The tasting room staff helps its guests discoverthis beautiful gem through warm personal service.

    EVENTSIn additional to numerous wine club parties, Chamisal haswonderful events available to the public throughout theyear, such as Lobsterfest in August, (which sells out everyyear and requires an RSVP six months in advance!), a SpringRelease party in February and winemaker dinners through-out the year.

    Chamisal VineyardsOpen daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Reservations are required for groups of 6 or more.Picnic grounds available with wine purchase.

    7525 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo

    (866) 808-9463 or (805) 541-9463chamisalvineyards.com

    Email [email protected]

    Chamisal loves to Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!Follow them @ChamisalVyd or

    Facebook.com/Chamisal.Vineyards

    The historic Chamisal property, the first vineyard planted in

    the Edna Valley, has been producing wines of distinctive

    character bold, complex and intriguing since 1973. With

    the proximity to the ocean and cool climate, it is the ideal area

    for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winemaking philosophy

    reflects simplicity and purity allowing the natural

    characteristics of this remarkable estate to shine through.

    The vineyard is home to five different varieties planted on85 acres: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache and Pinot

    Gris. To add complexity to the finished wines, each variety was

    planted with multiple clones which were carefully chosen for

    the vineyards specific climate and soil type. The result offers

    winemaker Fintan du Fresne, 24 completely different parcels to

    blend into his bold, delicious and perfectly balanced wines.

    The Pinot Noir, for example, has 10 various clones which

    Fintan uses to layer flavor into all five of his estate grown Pinot

    Noirs.The Chamisal tasting room is in an updated, modern barn

    that opens up onto the beautiful back patio set in the Estate

    Vineyard. The nice quiet garden patio overlooks the La Panza

    mountain range. Director of Consumer Sales, Andrea de Palo

    sets the tone by bringing a warm and inviting feel, making

    guests feel like family. Andrea does a professional job of helping

    all visitors understand and appreciate the nuance of the various

    Chamisal wines. She and her staff are happy to cater to visitors

    of all types. With a wide range of varieties and styles, its not

    hard to find a Chamisal wine to fall in love with. The tastingroom prides itself on welcoming repeat visitors back again and

    again.

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    VARIETALS

    Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Ros,Pinot Noir, Syrah, Hutash Harvest Cuve,Nocturnum

    FUN FACTS

    ..."Kynsi" means talon in Finnish. The name wasselected to honor the Othman family's heritageand the barn owls who help control the gopherpopulation....A nesting pair of barn owls can consume 40gophers per night when feeding their young....Winemaker/proprietor Don Othman inventedThe Bulldog Pup. It has revolutionized howpremium wineries produce wine and has alsoled to a new industry-wide term for barrelracking, known as Bulldogin.

    Kynsi WineryOpen daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    2212 Corbett Canyon Road

    Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

    (805) 541-8461 www.kynsi.com

    Facebook: Kynsi Winery

    Bring in Day Trips for 2 tastings for the price of 1.

    Located on a historic ranch in the heart of Edna Valley, KynsiWinery is a family operation focused on producing limitedproduction, distinguished wines.

    Owner/winemakers Don and Gwen Othman got their start in theCentral Coast wine industry over 30 years ago with their specialtywine equipment business, Bulldog Manufacturing. Their most wellknown innovation, the Bulldog Pup, is a gas pressure racking wandthat transfers wine from barrels without agitation or oxidation. This

    device led to improvements in premium wine production and is soldworldwide today.

    Through Bulldog Manufacturing, the Othmans had theopportunity to work with some of the most respected winemakers inthe industry. They collected a wealth of knowledge and put that touse to craft their own wines. Their mission is to produce wines ofthe highest caliber while reflecting the unique terrior of nature'smost expressive sites.

    Knowing that quality wine begins in the vineyard, Kynsi wine ismade from grapes sourced from their estate Stone Corr