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More Wine Please… By lacredo84

April 20th, 2009

After recently watching the film Sideways, I must say the character Miles knew it all. Something about his knowledge and wine persona has created a sudden desire to drink more wine. Maybe it was the way he approached a glass of wine or just simply how he taught his buddy Jack the basics of tasting wine, particularly in the Santa Barbara region. Here is some of his basic definition of some of the most common wines found on Santa Barbara Conference and Visitor’s Bureau website:

Merlot is an easy-drinking red wine that has become extremely popular in the U.S.
Says Miles: Merlot, a quintessential grape, when left to its own devices almost always – Petrus notwithstanding – results in a bland characterless wine.

Chardonnay is a popular fruit-forward white.
Says Miles: Chardonnay is the most corrupted varietal in the world.

Pinot is considered the premiere red wine grape and is known for its complex, difficult-to-perfect flavors.
Says Miles:Pinot is a finicky, elusive, but rewarding varietal.

Champagne, the most famous sparkling wine, is named for its region of origin in France.  A process of double fermentation makes the tiny bubbles.
Says Miles: Champagne is a perfect transition between more serious wines, perfect when I didn’t want to sober up but didn’t want to goose-step into the void either.

Syrah is a dark, full-bodied, strong red wine that is best appreciated when served with food. Says Miles: We had abandoned the subtlety of Pinot for the pure unadulterated list of Syrah.

Cabernet is a red wine famed for its rich, fruity flavors and heavy tannins.
Says Miles: Cabs can be rich and powerful and exalting, but they usually seem prosaic to me for some reason.

Riesling is a sweeter white wine often served with dessert, though gaining in popularity as a dinner wine.
Says Miles: I used to think Riesling was indicative of an unsophisticated palate, lack of taste, but not anymore.

Sauvignon Blanc is a lighter white wine featuring herbal flavors; it is considered the new alternative to Chardonnay.
Says Miles: The Sauvignon was steely; mineral and gunmetal on the palate, but bright and citrusy.

With California accounting for a significant percentage of American wine production, it is almost imperative I must take a trip soon for a personal experience of wine tasting. Some of the filming locations of wine tasting in Sideways include:

Foxen Winery
7200 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Ynez
805.693.8864

Sanford Winery
7250 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton
805.688.3300

Andrew Murray Vineyards
Tasting Room: 2901-A Grand Avenue, Los Olivos
805.686.9604

Picnic Perfect By gabrielle

July 27th, 2008

Just when you thought wine tasting amidst the quiet serenity and picturesque scenery of Santa Barbara wine country couldn’t get more perfect, take a detour into one of the tranquil hillsides within the heart of it all. Tucked between the quaint towns of Los Olivos and Santa Ynez, Bridlewood Winery is a site to be seen, with lush, rolling pastures which make way for tours via horse-drawn carriages, and seem to spill endlessly across the land. Tiny, serene ponds are seamlessly folded into the property and are complimented by delicately placed weeping willow trees throughout. It’s the absolute perfect setting for a picnic of any occasion, especially if you are lucky enough to snag a coveted table placed perfectly beneath a weeping willow tree with it’s leaves folding over the table and trickling into the pond (trust me… its worth the wait).

Before venturing over to Bridlewood, I would recommend scouting out the local market and gathering a loaf of bread, your favorite cheese and any other morsels you’d like to savor during your picnic, for as much as Bridlewood has to offer, they unfortunately do not serve food. Once you arrive, enjoy a few tastings inside the winery and select a bottle to enjoy outside. Offering seven blends of a syrah, Bridlewood should have the ideal, distinct wine that peaks your palate. As you sit underneath the weeping willow, sipping on your wine and enjoying the unbeatable ambiance… you’ll wish you never had to leave.

Tasca, Tapas and Wine…Oh My! By bearic

July 27th, 2008

In a town where quaint wine bars are far and few between, Los Angeles is home to my newest discovery Tasca. Upon entering, romantic candlelight enchants this cozy atmosphere with alluring pieces of art and sleek mahogony mirrors adorn the walls. It’s a place where swank meets charm in the same way that wine lovers and tapas-takers alike gather to soak in the inviting ambience with a well deserved glass of wine. Want to test before you drive? Order a taste before committing to the glass and make sure the distinct flavor you’re pining for is exactly what you’re getting. The wide array of tapas featuring plates from spanish tortillas to braised shortribs allows for the perfect wine pairing for your craving of the night. With Tasca’s array of wine offerings paired with intimate seating aligning the main bar as well as cozy tables nestled along the wall, there’s not a bad - or dry - seat in the house.

8108 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 951-9890