Tag archives: wine

Sipping Season: High-Profile Events Target Wine Lovers
By Gabe Saglie   |   March 5, 2024

It’s never too early for great wine. Each year, March marks the start of what I call the Sipping Season. In the vineyards, bud break will begin – dormant vines waking up to welcome what’ll become the year’s harvest. And across the Santa Barbara area, high-profile wine events will begin, too – unique opportunities for […]

In the Name of Love: Experts Choose Seductive Wines for Valentine’s Day
By Gabe Saglie   |   February 13, 2024

I blurted out the word “seductive” to my wife recently, though I was actually describing a wine we were sharing. The 2014 Pas de Deux ($65 at kukkulawine.com) from the Kukkula winery in Paso Robles’s Adelaida District is a 50-50 blend of syrah and grenache, a combination I love. This bottling was extra special, though, […]

Crafting Red Wines and Sipping Santa Barbara’s Pinot Noir
By Jamie Knee   |   February 13, 2024

As winter sweeps into Santa Barbara, its crisp touch ignites an irresistible craving for soul warming meals, and the perfect wines to match. Embracing hearty pastas, savory stews, and dishes that stick to your ribs, this season demands the company of bold, full-bodied red wines. Many of us savor the richness of red wine, understanding […]

Exploring the Enigmatic World of Balkan Wines in North Macedonia
By Jamie Knee   |   January 16, 2024

I’ve just returned from the captivating landscapes of North Macedonia, brimming with excitement to unravel the hidden marvels of this Balkan gem. Picture a land where time slows down, where over 50 lakes sparkle like gems against a backdrop of 34 towering mountains, ranking seventh among the 10 most mountainous countries in the world. Traversing […]

Mexico’s Hidden Wine Treasures
By Jamie Knee   |   December 26, 2023

As I reflect on my recent journey through the captivating landscapes of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, a vibrant tapestry of wine, food, and travel experiences weaves itself through my memories. This region, rich in natural beauty, unfolds a compelling invitation to explore at every juncture. Its picturesque beaches tell stories of tranquility and wonder, providing serene […]

Lombardy Unveiled: An Adventurous Escapade of Wine, Elegance, and Enchantment
By Jamie Knee   |   December 19, 2023

Maybe you’ve seen everyone’s Facebook and Instagram feeds covered in pictures of this summer’s European travels. Well, mine was no exception as I recently returned from a wine, food, and travel extravaganza in the Lombardy region of Italy. I genuinely believe that wanderlust is a part of my genetic makeup. There’s an unparalleled exhilaration in […]

Santa Maria Valley: A Wine and Fun-Filled Weekend Escape for Santa Barbara Locals
By Jamie Knee   |   December 12, 2023

As a wine and travel writer, I’ve had the privilege of exploring some of California’s most charming wine regions. However, I recently stumbled upon a hidden gem a mere hour’s drive from Santa Barbara but a world away in terms of experiences: Santa Maria Valley.  With 34 tasting rooms, over 50 restaurants, and unique attractions […]

The 12 Wines of Christmas: Local Corks to Pop This Holiday Season
By Gabe Saglie   |   December 5, 2023

With last week’s Thanksgiving feasting behind us, the season of holiday eating has officially arrived! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing meals that will run the gamut in terms of flavors and textures, and that means our lineup of wines will need to be just as diverse, to match. Here are 12 wines […]

Sipping Success and Inclusivity A Toast to Central Coast Women in Wine
By Jamie Knee   |   November 21, 2023

On Wednesday, November 1, the inaugural event of Central Coast Women in Wine (CCWW) at La Lieff Wines unfolded as a remarkable evening of celebration and empowerment. The event was hosted by Founders Gretchen Lieff, La Lieff Wines and myself, Jamie Knee (Petite Wine Traveler), sharing a deep passion for the world of wine, and […]

A Wine Guide for a Joyful Season
By Jamie Knee   |   November 21, 2023

The holidays are upon us, and it’s a time of delightful chaos. There’s the turkey to roast, gifts to hunt down, parties to attend, and family clamoring for an invite to the American Riviera for the holidays. As a local Montecito wine specialist, clients often turn to me to curate their wine pairings for festive […]

Across the Valley: Presqu’ile Winery Announces Strategic Expansion
By Gabe Saglie   |   November 14, 2023

Presqu’ile’s just-announced land purchase will give it a footprint across two of Santa Barbara County’s most revered wine-growing sites. The family-owned winery has already made a name for itself with the wines produced at its Santa Maria Valley location. Founded in 2007 by the Murphy family, the 123-acres estate just north of Highway 101 is […]

La Lieff Wines: A Community Gathering Spot for All
By Jamie Knee   |   November 7, 2023

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone is La Lieff Wines, a place where wine meets community and everyone is welcomed with open arms. I had the pleasure of sitting down with my close friend Gretchen Lieff, the proprietor and owner of La Lieff Wines, to delve into her journey, the challenges […]

How I Fell in Love with Chardonnay A Journey Worth Savoring
By Jamie Knee   |   October 31, 2023

As a wine educator, I’ve often encountered wine enthusiasts staunchly proclaiming their allegiance to the “Anything but Chardonnay” (ABC) camp, convinced that chardonnay is simply not their cup of… well, wine. But what if I told you that a transformative experience awaited you in France in a quaint corner of northern Burgundy? Here, in the […]

Harvest Party Santa Barbara Vintners Bring Back Annual Feast
By Gabe Saglie   |   October 3, 2023

Santa Barbara Vintners, the group that represents and advocates for most of Santa Barbara County’s wine companies, is once again hosting its annual fête of record. This year’s Santa Barbara Vintners Festival is slated for Saturday, October 14, from noon to 4 pm, at the new Vega Vineyard in the town of Buellton. Dozens of […]

The Friendship Center’s 11th Annual Wine Down
By Joanne A Calitri   |   September 26, 2023

The Friendship Center held its 11th Annual Wine Down fundraiser at its Montecito location on Thursday, September 14 from 4 to 7 pm. The support for this homespun event was large, with over 200 guests and volunteers stopping by to sip and mingle with friends, and enjoy the charcuterie table, especially the freshly baked sweets […]

Party in the Valley Culinary Fête Aims to Impress
By Gabe Saglie   |   September 19, 2023

Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley makes its grand return this month, though you could really say this will be the feast’s true premiere. The pandemic put on the brakes after the event’s first year. And while last year marked its official post-Covid return, all signs point to the 2023 rendering of this multi-day, multi-city, […]

Summer of La Lieff
By Richard Mineards   |   September 19, 2023

Animal activist and winemaker Gretchen Lieff threw an end of summer bash at her La Lieff winery in the Funk Zone for 50 guests. “It has been a wonderful summer,” says Gretchen. “We hosted events for Planned Parenthood, the Wildlife Care Network, C.A.R.E.4Paws, the Adopt-a-Pet program, UCSB Arts & Lectures, and the Teddy Bear Cancer […]

An Enchanting Viticultural Voyage through Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula
By Jamie Knee   |   September 12, 2023

My husband and I were thrilled when I was chosen to be a judge at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, hosted this year by Vinistra, the Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers of the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia. Returning to Croatia, one of our cherished travel destinations from a decade ago, was a dream come true. […]

Central Coast Cabernet: Summer’s End Calls for a Big Red
By Gabe Saglie   |   September 5, 2023

McPrice Myers has long been a fan of Central Coast syrahs and grenaches. But in the two decades since he launched his eponymous wine label in Paso Robles, the self-dubbed “Rhône guy” has been lured by the ultimate Bordeaux darling. And now, he’s set off to make “the ultimate expression of cabernet sauvignon.” Myers dumped […]

Petite Wine Traveler. Unveiling the Treasures: Discovering Tri-Valley
By Jamie Knee   |   August 29, 2023

With summer in full swing, my husband, our chihuahua, and I embarked on a thrilling road trip from Santa Barbara to the Tri-Valley area. The Tri-Valley is a triangular-shaped region just 35 miles east of San Francisco. From the top of Mount Diablo, you can see the three valleys that give the region its name, […]