Jamie Knee Named in the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Industry
By Montecito Journal   |   December 10, 2024

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 […]

A Country Weekend of Wine & Fire in Sta. Rita Hills
By Jamie Knee   |   September 24, 2024

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 […]

 

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20 Years Later, We’re Still Talking ‘Sideways’: Santa Ynez Valley to Spotlight Cult Film During Annual Feast
By Gabe Saglie   |   September 17, 2024

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 […]

Northern Exposure: Fess Parker Winery opens tasting room in Napa
By Gabe Saglie   |   September 3, 2024

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, […]

Sip and Savor: Summer Delights in Montecito
By Jamie Knee   |   August 20, 2024

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, […]

Go Sip It on the Mountain: Elevation is Secret to New Ojai Mountain Wines
By Gabe Saglie   |   August 6, 2024

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 […]

Bordeaux Bound: A Wine Lover’s Cruise Adventure
By Jamie Knee   |   July 30, 2024

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 […]

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  • White Wine Summer in Santa Barbara Wine County
    By Jamie Knee   |   July 16, 2024

    Sunshine, sandals, and sipping something cool – that’s the ultimate summer trifecta, right? As your proud Santa Barbara wine expert and self-proclaimed white wine enthusiast, I’m here to declare this the summer of white wine! Forget the stuffiness of reds – white wines are light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, the perfect partner for all […]

    Discovering Wine Treasures Along the Dalmatian Coastline
    By Jamie Knee   |   May 7, 2024

    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, […]

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    A Winery Takes on Mental Health: Alma Rosa to Host 5th Annual Fundraiser Walk
    By Gabe Saglie   |   April 30, 2024

    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. […]

    Picpoul de Pinet: Sipping the Maritime Charms of the Languedoc
    By Jamie Knee   |   April 9, 2024

    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. […]

    Vintners in Ventura 
    By Steven Libowitz   |   March 26, 2024

    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 […]

    Uncorking Rioja: A Wine Journey Like No Other
    By Jamie Knee   |   March 12, 2024

    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 […]

    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 […]

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