Tag archives: wine
At the beginning of November, the Friendship Center held its 12th Annual Wine Down at the Arlington Theater with a special twist – this year’s event included a ghoulish costume theme given its proximity to Halloween. This sold-out event brought food, dancing, and much more to a crowd of 130 guests, raising nearly $60,000 in […]
Founder of Petite Wine Traveler, Montecito Wine Society, and MJ contributor, Jamie Knee was named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in the Alcohol Beverage Industry by the Women in Wine & Spirits Awards (WINWSA). Jamie blends her love for travel and storytelling by hosting wine tastings at luxury resorts, restaurants, and private […]
The MJ had a seat at the table, and we witnessed the power of giving back. The Santa Barbara Wine Auction was back at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta this past weekend, drawing hundreds of oenophiles who dressed up, showed up and raised their paddles up. This is a biennial party put on by the […]
This summer I reveled in the opportunity to traverse the vine-strewn expanses of Santa Barbara Wine Country, a treasure trove of over 300 wineries, each catering to a diverse palette of taste buds. As a dedicated Santa Barbara wine writer, each visit to these local vineyards is both a discovery and a homecoming. The region, […]
Winemaker Steve Clifton is pretty familiar with the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival. His attendance later this month will be his 34th. “You get a chance to talk to the principals – the winemakers, the owners – and you’ve got all these wonderful wineries coming out from all over Santa Barbara County,” he told me recently […]
This past month the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance showcased its annual Wine & Fire Weekend, highlighting the rustic charm and viticultural prowess of Santa Barbara County’s celebrated wine country. Nestled within the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Sta. Rita Hills is acclaimed for its unique maritime climate, a key factor in producing stellar pinot […]
Actress Virginia Madsen got an Oscar nomination for her role in the 2004 film, Sideways. Twenty years later, she’s still feeling the impact, and enjoying it. “It changed my life,” she told me during a recent conversation. “And it’s still so alive, this movie. It became a cultural phenomenon, and there are very few movies […]
The newest wine experience in Napa is giving guests a taste of Santa Barbara. Fess Parker Winery, the well-known brand along Foxen Canyon Road that’s celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, opened the doors to its brand-new tasting room earlier this month. It’s located right in the heart of downtown Napa, along popular First Street, […]
Montecito, a picturesque retreat where the mountains meet the ocean, offers a sun-drenched setting that encapsulates the quintessential summer lifestyle. As both a local and a global wine communicator, I’ve savored the world’s most prestigious wines and spirits. The charm of returning to Montecito’s warm embrace is unmatched. Here, where many people come to vacation, […]
Santa Barbara winemaker Doug Margerum celebrated the launch of his new sauvignon blanc with a boffo bash fieldside at the Santa Barbara Polo Club where the new label is being sold. His “all white” party for 150 guests at the weekend, featured all of his labels, including his popular Rhône varietal M5 and a host […]
It’s not just the views that impress from atop Sulphur Mountain in Ventura County. It’s the wines, too. Ojai Mountain Winery is one of the newest wine projects on the Central Coast. Its first releases hit the market just last year, and the buzz around them has been swift and upbeat. Their acclaim stems from […]
Having just returned from hosting an enchanting wine river cruise in the heart of Bordeaux, I am brimming with stories and memories. This famed wine region, celebrated for its luxurious offerings, revealed itself in all its glory as we navigated the picturesque Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Each bend in the river opened a new chapter […]
Oenophiles and gourmands were out in force when the sold-out California Wine Festival, which was comprised of two different events, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a rare and reserve wine tasting at the Hilton’s Plaza del Sol, kicking off the event for 350 guests sampling 200 wines from more than 70 vineyards and 30 eateries […]
Dust off your beret and get ready for a week of pure epicurean delight! The Taste of Santa Barbara, presented by the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, is back, promising a whirlwind adventure for your taste buds from May 13 to 19. Imagine this: basking in the golden glow of the Santa Barbara sun, sipping on […]
After focusing on galleries and food purveyors above the 1000 block of State Street in last year’s Downtown Santa Barbara LIVE Art & Wine Tour, the super popular springtime sampling soirée saunters for several blocks south of Carrillo for the May 16 event. The curated tour of museums, other art spots and sundry various venues […]
Picture yourself anchored off the breathtaking Croatian coastline, surrounded by waters so clear and azure that they defy belief. As the warm sunlight caresses your skin, you raise a glass of local wine to your lips, its crispness a delightful contrast to the Mediterranean air. Before you, the horizon unfolds revealing a tapestry of islands, […]
Winemaker Samra Morris and I are sharing wine, and the conversation soon turns to mental health. “It’s a common human experience,” she tells me, “and yet people are still scared to share their struggles with it, for fear that they will be judged.” We agree that COVID exacerbated mental health issues for many of us. […]
Embarking on a recent escapade to the sun-kissed Languedoc region in southern France was like stepping into a masterpiece painted with historic cities, awe-inspiring landscapes, and a cultural tapestry woven with richness. The Languedoc AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) wine region has transformed from a hub of bulk production wines to a powerhouse crafting high-quality gems. […]
The Ventura Spring Wine Walk & Vendor Fair showcases wineries and craft breweries as well as merchants and other businesses in historic downtown Ventura this Saturday, March 23. The event kicks off with a free Vendor Fair from 11 am – 6:30 pm where local shops, artisans, and other sellers fill Main Street amid continuous […]
As I set foot into the legendary Rioja wine region, I knew I was about to embark on a journey like no other. After enduring countless delays, my long-awaited adventure – to Rioja, Spain, for the prestigious Rioja Wine Educator Certification Course – felt like a triumphant victory. Nestled in the heart of Spain, Rioja […]
