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
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
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
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
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
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
The latest Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant to open is the Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn. It is the latest project from Matt and Jeff Nichols and is currently the trendiest place to dine in the Santa Ynez Valley. After being open two weeks, with a group of friends, we decided to see how it