Category Archives: Wine & Spirits
The Blue Blog: Exalting in a Bounty of Wine and Spirits in Woodinville
When I lived in Santa Barbara, I started to think I was pretty knowledgeable about the world of wine. I learned a lot while filling in at my friend’s wine shop – Vino Divino – when he went out of … Continue reading
Valentines Day Dining Guide: Ingredients for Romance
{Edited version published in Santa Barbara Magazine – Feb. 2008}A truly romantic Valentine’s evening often hinges on whether to venture out on the town or snuggle in at home. No matter where you are, this heart-throbbing holiday is a prime … Continue reading
Basking in Wine Nirvana – With relaxed ambience, distinguished wines and a family spirit, Demetria Estate has become a jewel of the valley
{Edited Version Published in Santa Barbara News-Press Scene Magazine on September 10, 2010} Behind the Scenes: Demetria Estate 6701 Foxen Canyon Road – Los Olivos, 686-2345 Hours: By Appointment Only When a winery is listed as “by appointment only,” one … Continue reading
Two Palates are Better than One – Chris and Drake Whitcraft are the father/son team behind one of SB’s oldest wineries
{Edited Version Published in “Behind the Scenes” column in Santa Barbara News-Press Scene Magazine – September 12, 2008} Pinot Noir is regarded as grape royalty in today’s Santa Barbara County. Regional pioneers like Chris Whitcraft have helped cement its status … Continue reading
Hot Spot of the Week: Cafe Luck
{Edited Version Published in Santa Barbara News-Press Scene Magazine – January 2, 2009} 18 East Cota Street, 962-5393 Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 … Continue reading
Perfect Palate – Worldclass oenologist lends her tastes buds to local winery
{Edited Version Published in the Santa Barbara News-Press – July 13, 2006} A few weeks ago while many of us were out in the sun celebrating 4th of July, Etienne Terlinden was holed up in his barrel-filled warehouse blending wine. … Continue reading
Fiddlehead Cellars – Making Music for the Palate
{Edited Version Published in “Behind the Scenes” column in Santa Barbara News-Press Scene Magazine – July 2007} If there’s anyone in the world with a well-aligned left and right brain, it’s Kathy Joseph. The founder, proprietor, and self-proclaimed “grape-herder” of … Continue reading
Giving Italian Wines a U.S. Passport – From ‘Wine Ghetto’ to White House
{Edited Version Published in “Behind the Scenes” column in the Santa Barbara News-Press Scene Magazine – 7/31/09} Behind the walls of a Lompoc industrial park, American winemaking is taking leaps and bounds. Amidst the mastery of French varietals, attempts to … Continue reading
Life’s a Peach at Buttonwood – Grapes take top billing on this sustainable farm
{Edited Version Published in “Behind the Scenes” column in Santa Barbara News-Press Scene Magazine – 9/25/09} The highest point on Buttonwood Farm’s 106-acre property offers a breathtaking panorama of the Santa Ynez Valley. Every afternoon a breeze rolls in while … Continue reading