Stretching across a large portion of Santa Barbara County, the Solvang wine tours Santa Ynez Valley has transformed from a sleepy ranching and wine-growing region into a premier dining and accommodation destination that's challenging Sonoma and Napa. For the previous fifteen years, usually to take in the exceptional wine environment and see how ancillary wine tourist services, such as restaurants, hotels, and boutique stores, have caught up with its bottled offering. Such ru
Stretching across a large portion of Santa Barbara County, the Solvang wine tours with Santa Ynez Valley has transformed from a sleepy ranching and wine-growing region into a premier dining and accommodation destination that's challenging Sonoma and Napa. Over the past fifteen years, I have been there several times, usually to investigate the exceptional wine scene and see how ancillary wine tourism services, such as restaurants, boutique stores, and hotels, have caught up w
Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley is a wine lover’s paradise, boasting picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and a climate ideal for cultivating a diverse array of grape varietals. While the region is renowned for its world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, there are two hidden gems waiting to be discovered by wine enthusiasts: Verdot and Primitivo. Verdot, also known as Petit Verdot, is a Bordeaux varietal typically used as a blending grape
Albariño Let’s explore the sun-kissed vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley, where the grapes bask in the California warmth, and the terroir whispers tales of passion and craftsmanship. Nestled within the rolling hills of Santa Ynez Valley, the Albariño vineyards thrive. The coastal influence caresses the vines, infusing them with salty sea breezes and sun-kissed mornings. The soil, a patchwork of sandy loam and limestone, cradles the roots. Here, Albariño dances to the rhythm o
Barbera Wines New To The Santa Ynez Valley. If you are a fan of red wines with bright acidity, low tannin, and dark fruit flavors, you might want to explore the Barbera wines that are being produced in Santa Ynez wine country. Barbera is a grape variety that originated in the Piedmont region of Italy, where it is still widely grown and appreciated. However, Barbera has also found a new home in the Santa Barbara area, where some wineries are crafting excellent expressions of
Santa Ynez Valley is home to over 120 wineries, most of which are boutique operations. The area features several quaint towns that dot the valley and can provide a great base to get to know the area’s wineries. Each year, more than 1 million cases of wine are produced in the Santa Ynez Valley. This wineries is located in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley offers a unique experience with its French-inspired chateau and vineyards. They offer tours and tastings of their wines, wh
Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, Los Olivos is a small town with big flavor. With over 50 wineries to choose from, it's no wonder that this charming destination has become a favorite among wine enthusiasts and weekend travelers alike. But what makes Los Olivos stand out? Perhaps it's the unique microclimate that produces some of California's best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Or maybe it's the laid-back vibe of its tasting rooms and vineyards, where vis
Valentine's Day is a special occasion for couples to celebrate their love, and what better way to do that than with a romantic getaway at a luxurious hotel? From spa treatments to candlelit dinners, these properties have everything you need to make your Valentine's Loved-up wellness seekers are drawn to most romantic boutique hotel, The Reeds at Shelter Haven. The property is premiering a sexy new package for Valentine’s Day: Boudoir by the Bay. Couples can indulge in a glamo
The best of the eternal City’s classic dishes are deceptively simple: they are made with only a handful of ingredients. However, all of them are pristine. It is much like any other regional Italian food: streamlined. When I first moved back to New York from Rome my first Italian editor told me that if a dish has more than four or five ingredients, it is not really Italian. Those are words to live by. Thankfully Rome is a pretty international city when it comes to wine. Most o