The Garagiste Festival is one of those great wine events where visitors can discover numerous super small brands. In some cases these winemakers only produce a few barrels of wine. It is also worth mentioning that many of these wines are not found in a tasting room, or store shelves due to such low production.

The Saturday seminar in Solvang (Santa Ynez Valley) kicked off with a much lessor known varietal, Mourvedre. The panelist included (left) Bob Tillman from Alta Colina in Paso Robles, Eric Mohseni (middle) from the long time famed Zaca Mesa of Santa Barbara County, and Mr ...

Wine Pairing Ideas for Valentines - 

If you want to avoid the crowds, bad service and "special menu" that is inflated for 24 hours, celebrate at home.

• Plank roasted copper river salmon    /     Hahn Family SLH Pinot Noir $30

Oysters on the half shell    /

     Montmassot Picpoul de Pinet $10(Ask Your Wine Shop For Languedoc Wines For Big Value)

Roasted rack of lamb        

Landmark Vineyards Overlook Pinot Noir $30

Steamed Lobster with drawn butter    

Balleto Sparkling wine $42

Balletto Rose is for drinking while you cook, light meals, salads, or aperitif. $20 

Pan seared filet mignon crusted with fresh ground pepper, rosemary ...