High above the sun-drenched vineyards of Paso Robles, DAOU Vineyards stands as a symbol of passion, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence. Since its founding in 2007 by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, this estate has become a cornerstone of California’s Central Coast wine country. Nestled in the renowned Adelaida District, DAOU has built a […]
“We’re not trying to put alcohol out of business,” says Vanessa Royle. “But there has been a big shift, generally, and more people are looking for non-alcoholic options in addition to alcoholic options.” Ms. Royle is a Santa Barbara entrepreneur who made the personal choice to quit drinking in May of 2020, just after COVID […]
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Think Napa and Tuscany have the wine world cornered? Think again! Imagine yourself savoring a crisp white in Switzerland’s jaw-dropping terraced vineyards or sipping bold, handcrafted reds high in Japan’s tranquil mountain wineries. As a Santa Barbara-based wine specialist, I’ve spent my life immersed in the art of wine, and while I’ll always sing the […]
The ballet, The Nutcracker, is a perennial holiday favorite for its recognizable melodies and a touching storyline set during the Christmas season. This story is an introduction to a multisensory concept that I just put to the test, and with delicious results: Does pairing Tchaikovsky’s sweeping music with wine heighten your enjoyment of it? Or […]
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 […]
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, […]
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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 […]
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 […]
As summer approaches, the allure of Sicily beckons more travelers, especially following the buzz generated by the show White Lotus. This enchanting island off the southern coast of Italy offers an intoxicating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. In the captivating setting of the shimmering turquoise Mediterranean Sea, fragrant citrus groves, and the dramatic […]
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 […]
