Buttonwood wins big at state wine competition
Buttonwood Farm Winery in Solvang won big honors at the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, including double gold medals, 98 points and Best of Show Pink for its 2018 Syrah rosé.
Only five wines received Best of Show from among 2,811 wines entered.
One of the winery’s most popular wines, the Syrah rosé is crafted from a block of Syrah grown specifically for the classic, dry wine.
“We release this wine each year for Valentine’s Day weekend, because it is lovely and beautifully light pink, and as a toast to the coming springtime,” said Director of Sales Nicole Carnevale.
“The Commercial Wine Competition is not only the oldest wine competition in the country, but it continues to expand its prestige year after year. Winning top honors at the state fair is seen as a pinnacle achievement and honor for California wine makers,” said General Manager and CEO Rick Pickering of the California State Fair.
Buttonwood is a small family-owned winery and vineyard on Alamo Pintado Road. More information is available at www.buttonwoodwinery.com.
Dorwood Distillery wins bronze in world competition
Dorwood Distillery in Buellton won a bronze medal for its G7 gin at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, the first competition it has entered.
Established in 2014, the distillery on Industrial Way is owned by Jay Dorwood and his brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Joanne Lockwood.
In addition to gin, they make vodka from local wine, malt whiskey, limoncello and habapeño limoncello. All are distilled and bottled locally and served as cocktails in the company’s tasting room.
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition was founded in 2000 as a way to recognize exceptional products in the spirits industry. The 2019 competition was the biggest in its history, featuring almost 3,000 entries.
First & Oak to launch wine lounge
The First & Oak Restaurant at the Mirabelle Inn in Solvang will launch a new wine bar concept, the Wine Lounge at First & Oak, on July 8.
Open Monday through Thursday evenings, the wine lounge will feature an approachable, shareable mix of signature bar bites and “elevated takes” on classic wine bar fare. The accompanying wine offerings will have a heavy emphasis on imported “finds” and interesting varietals.
Wine Lounge food options, crafted with seasonal, local ingredients by First & Oak’s Chef JJ Guerrero, will start at $7 and include oysters, hand-cut truffle fries, and an artisan cheese plate, plus duck liver pâté, high-end tacos and seasonal dishes.
Wine options will include by-the-glass selections starting at just $9 per glass.
Reservations are not required but may be made by calling 1-800-786.7925.
First & Oak is at 409 First St. in Solvang. For more information, go to firstandoak.com, or follow the restaurant on Facebook and Instagram.
