Escape the Fog

Roblar Winery 

It was a very foggy day in Santa Barbara and Phil (a very smart man) invited the three of us girls to a Wine & Food paring held at Roblar Winery (Phil is a member) for the vintner's festival. As we traveled over the San Marcos Pass, the fog disappeared and we entered into the beautiful valley of Los Olivos, sunny skies shined over the hills and vineyards.  We made the right decision to escape the fog! 

 The Roblar Winemaker, Dave Dascomb, was there to serve us our first tasting and food paring.  As we tasted wine and treats, we listened to the music of musician Owen Plant. 

Parings: 

2010 Block One Reserve Sauvignon Blanc with Santa Barbara Halibut Cevichi

2010 Estate Merlot with Barbaresco Crustini with Chipotle Sauce

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Barrel Select with Pita with ground lamb, hummus, onion, and blue cheese sauce

2010 Late Harvest Vioginer with French Vanilla Bean Cheesecake (Served by Chef Ryan)

After the parings we wondered up to the 2nd story porch to enjoy some more tastings and great views of the vineyard.  Where I tasted the 2009 Barrel Select Susich Syrah and the 2009 Triomphe (buy both here)

 

Bridlewood Winery 

We weren't ready to go back to foggy Santa Barbara, so we decided to do some tasting at Bridlewood Winery Estate.   The beautiful estate was very busy and there was a party going on.  I don't like when people have parties and I am not invited.  So we went into the tasting room and said, "How do we join the party?".  It was simple, it was a wine pick up party for members, so we needed to become a member and that is what I did.  I couldn't wait to join the pick up celebration that day and I can't wait to be cordially invited every 2 months to another pick up party, that sounds like my idea of fun, SIGN ME UP!

When we entered the barrel room where the festivities were being held we were greeted with a glass of wine, and had the option to taste the wines in the tasting room and tastings right from the barrel.  Don't worry, I did not pass up my chance to try....In addition to the wine, a few hors d'oeuvres were being served. 

Wines: 

Monterey County Chardonnay

Central Coast Syrah

Central Coast Reserve Viognier

Monterey County Pinot Noir

I bought a half case of 2007 Central Coast Reserve Syrah.  This is the first wine I have ever bought wine tasting that I actually love.  Usually my tastebuds are a little off after wine tasting. Great choice.

Hors D'oeuvres: 

Cheese plate

Veggie Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

BBQ Turkey Meatballs

Cheese Quesdillas with Salsa Verde

Find all my wine tasting adventures here!

Paso Robles Wine Time!

A few weekends ago my girlfriends and I traveled up to Paso Robles for some great wine tasting and fun!   Here is our adventure...

Started the day off right with some delicious mimosas at the Koke Lake House! 

Next stop: Summerwood Winery, with some great reds and photo ops!
 

Next stop: Castoro Cellers, known for DAM FINE WINE had cheap tastings and a great store filled with oils, vinegars, pasta, and gourmet treats!

Lunch: Farmstand 46 & Cypher Winery for some delicious eats and a bottle of wine! 

I highly recommend their pasta salad with sun dried tomatoes and turkey sandwich and while you wait for your food check out their olive oil and vinegar tastings.  

 

Next stop: Aronhill Vineyards Tasting Room, spectacular views to enjoy wine by the glass.   

 

Next Stop: Grassy Null, who wouldn't want to stomp on yo hay and take a few pictures.  I must say we were probably really feeling the wine, but I couldn't be happier that we made this stop!  

  

Next Stop: Turley Wine Cellers.  Great wine, but we were too much fun for them and moved the party to the parking lot! 

PICTURE COMING SOON

Next Stop: Rotta Winery This is what we thought of the wine and the cheese!

Next Stop: Downtown Brewing Co, for some beer and kamikazes... umm not the best decision... 

Finally Dinner: Sushi! Yanagi Sushi & Grill, was the perfect place to end our day.  Saki bombs and sushi were just what we needed... NOT, but we had a blast!

Yes, that is Deb and Ed, our chaperones.  BEST CHAPERONES EVER!!!!

Cupcakes & Champagne

So I am a wine club member at local beer and wine tasting room, Corks n' Crowns to be exact.  I know being part of a wine club sounds a little fancy, but for me it is to learn about wine and discover what I like.  My early experiences with wine included massive quantities of "Two Buck Chuck", boxed wine, and decanters of Carlo Rossi, which may have destroyed my palate more than anything.

Being a wine member at Corks (this is and how I will reference Corks n' Crowns from now on) gives me chance to try all types of wine from all over the world and really develop an appreciation of all types of wine and find my favorites.  In addition to the wine, it is just a really fun place to go.  I would highly recommend anyone in the Santa Barbara area to join, I have actually convince a few of my friends already.  All memberships include free tasting for you and a few friends every day you come in; who wouldn't love that!

My friend Bailey

A few months back Corks added Cupcakes and Champagne every Sunday to their weekly line up of events.  Our first visit was a blast, and if you asked me I would go every week.  The cupcakes are delivered to Corks, by Sugarcat Studios each Sunday morning.  I must say, the cupcakes were delicious, but do require an adventurous palate. 

The cupcakes included a Sharp Cheddar Cupcake with Honey Blue Cheese Frosting, Vanilla Almond Cupcake with Almond Buttercream and Granola Topping, and Egg Nog Cheesecake Cupcake with Brandy Cream Cheese Frosting.  They were all amazing, but the one I would love to have again is surprisingly the Sharp Cheddar Cupcake!  Ali Reide of Sugarcat Studios actually won Cupcake Wars with this treat the week before, and I totally know why.  It was so unique and tasty, anything that combines the sweetness of dessert and cheese always makes me happy.

Oh yea, the Champagne, it was good and who doesn't want to enjoy a beautiful Sunday morning sipping a glass of Champagne, or maybe three?

Check out some more wine tasting!