Santa Ynez Valley Oak Tree © Cori Solomon

The Best of Santa Ynez Valley Restaurants

The terrain of the Santa Ynez Valley is diverse, with its green pastures dappled with horse ranches and vineyards. The landscape is studded with oak trees that signify one has landed in Chumash country. It is an agricultural area surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains on the south and the San Raphael Mountains on the

ForFriends Inn Santa Ynez Bed and Breakfast © Cori Solomon

ForFriends Inn: The Best Santa Ynez Bed and Breakfast

Just as the Central Coast beckons as one drives north along Highway 101 and the road turns inland from the ocean, ascending into Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara Wine Country, so does the Santa Ynez Bed and Breakfast, ForFriends Inn. The landscape changes to a pastoral setting filled with oak trees, letting us know

Dierberg Star Lane Winery

Dierberg Star Lane Winery: A Family’s Legacy

In 2011 I first visited the Dierberg Star Lane Winery winemaking facility. At the time, I was duly impressed with the grandeur of this iconic property. Several years after that visit, I traveled back to Hermann, Missouri, to observe Dierberg’s other production house and the philanthropy Jim Dierberg extended in revitalizing the history and the

Kitá Wines: The balance between earth and vine

The pursuit of balance in the winemaking process comes in many forms. For many wineries, it is the foundation behind the winery. Balance is very important to the philosophy of Kitá Wines. It is the central theme behind every facet of creating and producing wine from start to finish. The Chumash Perhaps it represents an

Buttonwood Wines

Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard: Harmonizing the vineyard to make great wine

Throughout April many wineries have been and will be participating in the Wine Institute’s Earth Month festivities celebrating the California Wine industry’s eco-friendly practices. One event that I was able to attend was the Buttonwood Farm Winery Scavenger Hunt and Brunch on April 13, 2014. The weather was gorgeously clear over the Santa Ynez Valley

Tenley Fohl Photography_The Willows_Chumash_2013_4

The Willows: Fine dining at its best

The Willows at the Chumash Casino is one of those very special dining experiences. One would think the restaurant would have the same bustle and environment of a gambler’s paradise, being located in the casino.  Contrary, The Willows Restaurant does not; it is Santa Ynez Valley’s best-kept secret. Named for the willow trees located around

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