For the '805' there has been some big news in the wine world within the past couple of weeks. Ballard Canyon is the newest recognized wine region inside of Santa Barbara County. 

What does this mean? 

A couple of things, starting with wine labels likely will show off the new AVA name, Ballard Canyon. In my view, on some level there is a science to this, and on the other hand, it becomes marketing.

(Above Single Photo - Taken by Lee Tomkow with my camera)

As Ballard Canyon is noted for producing stellar Rhones (like Viognier,Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache ...

Chef Michael Voltaggio was one of the many celebrity chefs at Sunset Magazines' Savor the Central Coast. Savor CC for short, is an annual food, wine, and cooking event held in September at Santa Margarita Ranch in Paso Robles. (More event details) 

It really is so much more, with four days of events, winemaker seminars, gardening demonstrations, live music, cooking demos from celebrity chefs, cookbook signings, and all loaded with wineries/breweries/restaurants from all over the central coast. 

The best analogy just might be a real life experience from the pages of Sunset Magazine, or maybe just a Disneyland ...

(Recently shared in my wine segment on air (1590 News-Talk) with the Tom & Sandy show)  (Riverbench mentioned on air, but not listed below) 

Visiting wine country in Santa Barbara County and Edna Valley, California, may fulfill wine tasting dreams for any wine fan. One can drive up the sun-filled coast in a convertible or at least lower the windows a bit. Not only is there great diversity in regions and wine, but the Central Coast has some of the most picturesque wineries. While hitting the wine trail can be so much fun, planning the trip can be almost as exciting ...

If you have had the pleasure of drinking wine from the famed Bien Nacido Vineyards in Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County, then you know the fruit coming out is exceptionally special. Winemakers from all over California are lined up just waiting for the chance to obtain some of the States very best fruit. 

"Earth Day." This particular day may not have a special meaning for some, however, there is a group that knows how to through a party, or shall we say wine festival. SIP, also known as Sustainable In Practice, is an organization dedicated towards promoting vineyards/wineries that practice environmental responsibility among other aspects. 

The 7th annual Earth Day Food & Wine Festival is held in Paso Robles at Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery on Saturday afternoon April 20th. The celebration will be inclusive throughout the Central Coast and showcase over 200 purveyors of award winning, sustainable produced food and wine. Growers, vintners ...

Calling all Pinot Noir fans! Saturday February 9th is the 6th annual Pasadena Pinot Fest to be held at Altadena Country Club.

This event will host many spectacular wineries and winemakers from Sta Rita Hills, Santa Maria Valley, Russian River Valley, Willamette Valley amongst several other regions. 

From my experience, having the opportunity to focus on one grape varietal can be a fun and an educational experience. For me, it has allowed the opportunity to focus on what styles I gravitate towards, what regions I prefer, and even dialed in my ability to taste the difference in clones on some ...

The 2011 Syrah "Tour les Jours" has been touted by major wine press for many years as being a consistent top value rated wine. From my memory the scores have typically been 89-91 and at a price point of around $16.00 there is a clear reason for the accolades and press he has received.

This 2011 vintage got my attention quick. The first thought I had was "wow, this is the front line?" That is a big deal. The first thought I had was "wow." From my viewpoint not much more matters. If someone told you that there was ...

Top wines of 2012 - There are wines to save up and splurge,wines to stand upright in your cellar when company visits to show off that '45 Bordeaux. Then there are the wines for the people in the villages…..like me. 

This is the Wandering Wino second edition of wines that blow up your skirt. As I stated in last years post, I am not a cross dresser, but this is a simply American phrase used to say these are wines I really like and stood out to me. These are wines that are mostly available without the need for ...

Santa Barbara wine country is known for its high quality wine and when it comes to wine tasting, the question nearly always arises of "Where is a good place to eat?"

Begining January 20-26, Santa Barbara or more specificly Santa Ynez Valley initiates restaurant week. 

(Photo - above Root 246)

Restaurants throughout the Santa Ynez Valley will offer a special 3-course tasting menus for $20.13 not including tax, tip or beverages. Some restrictions may apply and reservations may be required. This is a great opportunity to try some amazing restaurants for a fantastic price.

Chef Rick and Chef Alfonso Curti ...

The single most widely planted grape varietal in the United States is Chardonnay and it's not much of a surprise that it is also the most consumed wine. As Chardonnay is such a prized and sought-after wine, there's no better way to appreciate it than with a focused event celebrating the grape at this year's third annual Chardonnay Symposium.

The three-day event will commence on Friday, June 29, at Sierra Madre Vineyard (from 6:00-9:30) with a "BYOC BBQ." Bring your own Chardonnay and listen to live music, taste wine, and enjoy all with the comforts ...