A Santa Barbara County wine tasting program — the Wine Country Days Passport — is now available to the public. The coupon book is valid for one complimentary tasting at 17 wineries.

It’s available for purchase online starting at $75 and will be valid through Dec. 31, 2022.

Wineries in the passport include Brick Barn Wine Estate, SAMsARA Wine Co., Grimm’s Bluff, and many more. Tasting experiences range from beachside lounges to production facility tours and wines out of the barrel.

The operation is an effort by Wine Club Marketing, Inc. to increase tasting room visitors to local wineries following a challenging pandemic year for small businesses.

“Wineries get the much-needed visitors to their tasting room and potential wine club members and bottle purchases, and visitors get complimentary tastings at some of the best wineries in the county,” Marketing Manager Cynthia Kahn said. “It’s an incredible way to support the community and get everyone back out there after a tough couple of years.”

View the full list of wineries included in the Wine Country Days Passport at www.winecountrydays.com.

For more information about this topic, please visit www.winecountrydays.com or email info@winecountrydays.com 

The post Wine Country Days Passport launches in Santa Barbara County appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

The Solvang City Council unanimously adopted an urgency ordinance to allow restaurants, bars and wine tasting rooms in the TRC zone to expand outdoors in response to COVID-19 restrictions during their regularly scheduled meeting May 26. 

According to the staff report, the business community has suffered economic shut down and this would provide additional space for businesses to serve food and beverages and keep social distancing guidelines. Per the Governor’s recent ‘guidance’, allowing businesses to re-open and focus on outdoor space. 

“I whole heartedly support using outdoor spaces to accommodate more shoppers. We won’t get back to 100 percent for a long time, and this will allow restaurants to serve more,” said Councilman Robert Clarke. 

City Attorney Chip Wullbrandt stated it would be in several steps as this allows waivers of current rules related to outdoor expansions and the business owners need to come in an ask. 

The proposed Ordinance makes minor revisions to the City’s existing Code provisions as outlined are

– to clarify that the 300 square foot exception is for discretionary waiver of the Development Plan by the Planning Director rather than an additional right;

– that consistent with Section 11‐16‐4B the 300 square foot exception is for addition, alteration or replacement to an existing structure;

– adds provisions for the Planning Director to waive the Development Plan process for outdoor space for a restaurant, bar, cocktail lounge or wine tasting, including elimination up to two (2) parking spaces; and

– confirms that the business may request waiver of additional parking spaces by the City Council pursuant to the In Lieu Parking Fee provisions.

The ordinance will then go to the Planning Commission for their input and revisions before making a permanent ordinance, Wullbrandt added. 

Councilman Chris Djernaes said he thanked the staff and Wullbrandt for their hard work on this, and the motion passed unanimously. 

The council also extended the moratorium for evictions of residential and commercial tenants through July 31, 2020. The moratorium also uses a six‐month payback period following the emergency for tenants who invoke the protections of the moratorium.

The council also got an update on the County of Santa Barbara’s RISE Guide, which details the reopening of businesses per the Governor’s orders. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a new health order stating that places of worship can provide in person services with 25 percent attendance or 100 attendees, whichever lower. 

Hair salons and barbershops also may provide in-person services both the worker and customer wear face coverings for the entirety of the service.  Services that cannot be performed with a face covering on both the worker and customer or that require touching of the customer’s face are not allowed. 

Graduation make be provided by streaming or in person if it’s conducted outdoors. All inside ceremonies are prohibited. 

All outdoor activities must be conducted in vehicles unless the total number of all attendees is less than 100 people. Otherwise diplomas, certificates can be distributed to the graduates in a car. 

More guidance and the full Health Officer Order can be viewed here: https://publichealthsbc.org/health-officer-orders/

The post Solvang allows expansion of seating for service industry into outdoor spaces appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards is now offering private tastings at its historic ranch in the Santa Rita Hills, providing a unique alternative to the urban tasting experience available at their popular tasting room on Industrial Way in Buellton.

Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards was founded in 2005 by Richard Sanford, a pioneer winegrower in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA and a member of the Vintners Hall of Fame.

Dedicated to crafting vineyard-designated wines from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Alma Rosa focuses on pinot noir, chardonnay and other cool-climate varietals that thrive in the region. Under Sanford’s guidance, Alma Rosa’s wine program is led by Winemaker Nick de Luca.

“Our beautiful tasting room on Industrial Way offers a sit-down tasting experience,” said General Manager Debra Eagle, … “but we couldn’t be more thrilled to show a different side of Alma Rosa with the addition of our new private tastings at the ranch.”

Each guided tasting at the ranch lasts about 90 minutes and costs $55 per person. Advance reservations are required.

For more information, visit www.almarosawinery.com.

The post Alma Rosa adds private tastings at historic ranch appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

19

“Fences” presented by PCPA – Playing now through Oct. 1. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 Second St., Solvang. For tickets call 922-8313 or visit the box office Wednesday through Sunday 12:30-7 p.m. Visit www.pcpa.org.

20

Community Dinner – 5:30-6:30 p.m. Buellton Senior Center, 164 W. Hwy-246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Community Day –11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wildling Museum, 1511 Mission Dr., Solvang. Free admission on Solvang 3rd Wednesdays. Visit www.wildlingmuseum.org.

21

8^th Annual Buellton Vintage Trailer Bash – Now through Sept. 24. Flying Flags RV & Campground, 180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton. Public open house, parade, vintage appetizer and vintage fashion contests, and trailer glow contest. Visit www.vintagetrailercamp.com.

22

Los Alamos Days – Now through Sept. 24. Downtown Los Alamos. Free entertainment, parade and Peddlers Mart. Visit www.visitsyv.com.

Happy Autumn Eating Seminar – 12-1 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

Kenny Taylor Performance – 6-9 p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

23

Figtober Fest – 1 p.m. Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., 2363 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos. German food, music and contests. Free admission. Food and drink available for purchase. Visit www.figtoberfest.com.

The ABC’s to Avoid Breast Cancer Seminar – 1 p.m. Life Chiropractic, 591 Alamo Pintado Rd.  Suite B, Solvang. Call 693-1811.

Pain Party – 3-4 p.m. The Grange, 2374 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos. Learn how to gain comfort using properly distilled and cultivated Essential Oils and other chemical and drug free substances. Free.

“Owen Johnson” Performance – 6-7 p.m. Corner House Café, 2902 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos. Call 691-9015.

“Alex Muller” Performance – 7-10  p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

“The Harmed Brothers” Performance – 7 p.m. Standing Sun, 92 2nd St., Buellton. $12/standing room or $17/reserved seating based on availability. Visit www.standingsunwines.com.

25

Diabetes Management Options Seminar – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

26

Valley Hearing Center Special Event – Now through Sept. 28. 2027 Village Ln. Suite 204, Solvang. Free otoscopic examination of your ears, free demonstration of Widex Beyond Hearing Aids and free cleaning and repair of current hearing aids. Visit www.audiologicassociatesca.com.

28

Living Trust Seminar – 4-5 p.m. 1607 Mission Dr. Suite 107, Solvang. Lana Clark, Attorney at Law, will be hosting an informative seminar. Free. Reservation required. Call 688-3939.

29

Water and your Body-What’s the Big Deal? – 12-1 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

“The Caverns” Performance – 7-10 p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

Parent’s Night Out – YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez. Childcare available allowing parents to enjoy the evening on their own. Visit www.ciymca.org/stuartgildred.

30

SYV Master Chorale, Trinkets & Treasures Rummage Sale Fundraiser – 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Rd., Solvang.

22^nd Annual Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow Dance and Drum Competition – 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Live Oak Campground, 4600 Ca-154, Santa Barbara. Native American Dance competition accompanied by vendors selling food, beverages, arts and crafts. Free. $5 parking fee. Visit www.santaynezchumash.org/powwow.

Live Music and Dining – 5 p.m. Fresco Valley Café, 442 Atterdag Rd., Solvang. The Hummingbird Restaurant presents live Dixieland music along with a 4 course Caribbean cuisine meal. $35/person with reservations. $40/person for walk-ins. Call 403-7100.

“K.Phillips & Kathleen Sieck” Performance – 7 p.m. Standing Sun, 92 2nd St., Buellton. $12/standing room or $17/reserved seating based on availability. Visit www.standingsunwines.com.

1

Free Recycling – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 4004 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos. Free household hazardous waste and electronics collection event. For details, visit www.lessismore.org.

2

Diabetes Medications Seminar – 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, 2050 Viborg Rd., Solvang. Free. For information, call 694-2351.

Every Day

Cachuma Lake Recreation – Wildlife cruises and boat rentals, fishing, nature walks and Nature Center. Visit www.countyofsb.org/parks.

Zaca Creek Golf Course – Perfect little 9-hole course, daily from sunrise to sunset. No tee times. Call 691-9272.

Every Sunday

Bethania Lutheran Church Services 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.– 603 Atterdag Rd., Solvang. A time of worship and prayer in an inclusive and progressive community. Call 688-7927.

Every Monday

Weight Room – 6-8 a.m. and 1:30-8 p.m. Buellton Rec Center, 301 2nd St., Buellton. $3. Call 688-1086.

Senior T’ai Chi – 9:15 a.m.; Arthritis Class – 10:15 a.m.; Creative Coloring – 1 p.m. 2nd and 4th Mondays; Senior Issues – 1 p.m. 2nd and 4th Mondays at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Every Tuesday

Knitting – 9 a.m.; Computer class 9:30 a.m.; Bridge and Poker – 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Preschool Storytime – 10:30 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Preschool Storytime – 11 a.m. Buellton Library, 140 CA-246, Buellton. Call 688-3115.

Country 2 Step Dance Lessons – 6:30 p.m. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez. Visit www.mavericksaloon.com.

Every Wednesday

Yoga – 9:15 a.m.; Bingo – 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Wiggly Storytime – 10:30 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Knit and Crochet – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Solvang Farmers Market – 2:30-6:30 p.m. Between Mission Dr. and Copenhagen Dr., Solvang.

Reading with Dogs – 4 p.m. Reluctant readers can read practice reading aloud to a trained therapy dog. Buellton Library, 140 CA-246, Buellton. Free. Sign up required 30 minutes prior to event. Call 688-3115.

Music Under the Stars – 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Vineyard House, 3631 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez. Every Wednesday through Sept. 13. For reservations call 688-2886. Visit www.thevineyardhouse.com for a full list of events.

Trivia Night – 7-9 p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

Every Thursday

Chair Exercises – 10 a.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Arthritis Class – 10:15 a.m.; Poker – 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley – 12-2 p.m. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Rd., Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center is offering a support group for care givers and brain injury survivors. Visit www.jodihouse.org.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors – 3:30 p.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Reluctant readers can read practice reading aloud to a trained therapy dog.  Call 688-4214.

BBQ Out Back – 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Bear and Star, 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. Enjoy live music as you dine. Visit www.thebearandstar.com.

Line Dance Lessons – 6:30 p.m. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez. Visit www.mavericksaloon.org.

Every Friday

Pilates – 10:00 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Bingo – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Live music – 5 to 7 p.m. at Carr Vineyards and Winery, 3563 Numancia St., Santa Ynez. Ages 21 and up. For more information visit www.carrwinery.com.

Firkin Friday at Figueroa Mountain Brew – 5-10 p.m. Every other Friday at the Buellton and Los Olivos Figueroa Mountain Brewery locations. For more information visit www.figmtnbrew.com.

Every Saturday

Guided Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m.; Junior Rangers – 12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. All Ages. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

Cachuma Lake Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m. Call 688-4515 or visit www.sbparks.org.

Every Week

Crafting – Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 12-5:30 p.m. Buellton Library, 140 W Hwy 246, Buellton.

Summerset Farm You Pick Berries – 9 a.m. Daily. Summerset Farm, 3450 Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez. Call 245-0989.

Coming Up

Log onto www.cityofsolvang.com or www.buelltonrec.com to see the full schedule of programs and events from adult sports, youth sports, teen dances, field trips and excursions.

The post September 19 – October 2 Events Calendar appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Bouquet from Santa Ynez Valley Florist

Valley has plenty of Mother’s Day options

Staff report

If you need a place for hosting and thanking your mom on Mother’s Day (on Sunday, May 14 this year), the Santa Ynez Valley has plenty of options. You can find others, but here are a few ideas.

– Mother’s Day Breakfast at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School – This popular event features eggs, a breakfast meat and pancakes from 8 a.m. to noon on May 14. The proceeds  support Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation, which has provided recreational facilities and opportunities for local youth since 1955.

– Mother’s Day Brown Bag Sewing Retreat – The Creation Station in Buellton is hosting a Mother’s Day Quilting Retreat May 12-14. Work on whatever project you like in this open sewing session. Cost is $100 per person; call 693-0174 to RSVP.

– Mother’s Day Weekend Paint in the Vineyard – Gyspy Studios Art will be at Brander Vineyard on Saturday, May 13, to so you can indulge your creative spirit while sipping delicious wine. Cost is $65 per person. Call 688-2455 or log onto www.gypsystudiosart.com.

– Mother Hubbard’s Breakfast – Mother Hubbard’s at 373 Avenue of Flags in Buellton is offering a special Mother’s Day breakfast with free mimosas for moms. They use all fresh, local, organic ingredients. Call 688-3912 for more information.

– Root 246 Brunch – Root 246 in Solvang will be offering a Mother’s Day brunch buffet with a carving station, omelet bar, fresh pastries and more. Prices are $39 for adults and $19 for children under 12. Call 686-8681 to book a reservation.

– Santa Ynez Valley Marriott – The whole family will enjoy a hot buffet, chilled buffet, and desserts, while mom will also relish the champagne and Starbucks coffee. The first seating begins at 10 a.m. and the last one at 2 p.m. Call 688-1000 to make reservations.

– Succulent Cafe – A Mother’s Day menu of bourbon vanilla French toast, succulent biscuit benedict, short rib hash, Cobb salad, grilled vegetable sandwich, pastrami sandwich and dessert of lemon bars. Costs are $32 for adults and $15 for kids. From 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1555 Mission Drive in Solvang. Reservations are highly recommended; call 691-9444, ext. 104, or book online at www.succulentcafe.com.

n Alisal Guest Ranch  – Offering a delicious brunch buffet complete with omelet station and enjoy views of the golf course and Santa Ynez Mountains. The cost is $65; two seatings, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call Steve Cowdrey at 686-7644 to reserve a seat.

The post Valley has plenty of Mother’s Day options appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

By Raiza Giorgi

Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo does more for the community than forecasting the weather.

She and Emily Nordee have been named co-chairs for the 2017 Cooking Up Dreams, a “flavorful” benefit for at-risk youth on March 31 at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara.

“As a television personality I consider it a privilege to be on camera and that people look to us for … how to help others. I love that I can help make a difference in our community,” Garofalo said.

Cooking Up Dreams is a unique fundraising event featuring a culinary competition between leading chefs at local restaurants, including First and Oak in Solvang.

Guests will also enjoy complimentary wine provided by Grassini Family Vineyards and Touring and Tasting and beer, a full bar, music by DJ Scott Topper, silent and live auctions, a red carpet entrance, a premium photo booth, and much more.

Garofalo has been a meteorologist with KEYT Channel 3 in Santa Barbara for three years, after moving from a station in Sarasota, Fla.

“I knew I was supposed to be on the West Coast and jumped when this position came available. It’s been such a great time so far, and I look forward to many years in Santa Barbara and making this my forever home,” she said.

Her dedication to her craft recently earned her the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation. Radio and television meteorologists pursue the CBM designation as a mark of distinction and recognition.

To earn the CBM, broadcasters must hold a degree in meteorology or the equivalent from an accredited college or university, pass a rigorous written examination, and have their on-air work reviewed to assess graphical content as well as explanation and presentation skills.

In addition to the initial educational and test requirements, CBMs have to earn professional development points to maintain their certification by attending scientific seminars or meetings and similar activities.

“The society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation clearly recognizes that the holders have the educational background and have been tested in their knowledge and communication of the sciences needed to be an effective broadcast meteorologist,” said AMS Executive Director Keith Seitter.

A big perk of her job, she said, is that as a reporter she gets to do things like paragliding and taking surfing lessons to show the public. One of her memorable segments was an inside look with the meteorologists at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

“That was by far one of my favorite because, being a weather geek, I got to have an inside look at the forecasters’ jobs there, which are the deciding factors if a rocket launch happens or gets scrubbed,” she said excitedly.

Her typical day starts with getting ready for work at 2 a.m. and arriving at the station around 3 a.m. Then she prepares her forecasts and maps for the day by 4 a.m., does her own hair and makeup, and is on camera from 5 to 9 a.m. She does another mid-day forecast and then ends her day around noon.

In her free time she loves to work out or spend time with her boyfriend Scott Wallace, a real estate developer and amateur chef. They love to travel up and down the Central Coast, going wine tasting, walking on the beach or hiking.

Not only does Garofalo bring an informative outlook on the weather, but she also is a strong presence in Santa Barbara with all of her involvement in charitable events for organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, and Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties.

“One of my favorite events is ‘Cooking Up Dreams,’ a fundraiser for the Family Services Agency, which helps kids all over the Central Coast. We love that valley native Andrew Firestone is our emcee and he does such a great job,” she said.

This year’s “Cooking up Dreams” will be from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 31, at the Fess Parker Doubletree Inn in Santa Barbara. The fundraising event features a culinary competition with samples by leading local chefs and restaurants. The competition will be fierce as 300 guests and celebrity judges vote on the top dish that will win the People’s Choice or the Judge’s awards.

Proceeds from the event support Family Service Agency’s youth enrichment programs, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, school-based counseling, and youth behavioral health – all programs targeting low-income, at-risk youth.

For more information, read the March edition of Santa Barbara Family and Life Magazine or log onto www.cookingupdreams.org.

5 Things to Know About Meredith Garofalo

– She has sung the national anthem more than 100 times at various events. Her goal is to sing it at a Los Angeles Lakers game.

– Her favorite book is “The Great Gatsby,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

– Her favorite animals are horses, and she hopes to get back in the saddle soon.

– Her great-grandfather once worked with the Rockefeller family and built the Warsaw Tavern, famous in the Drew Carey comedy show.

– She is a longtime lover of the “Grey’s Anatomy” television series.

The post TV meteorologist found love in her own forecast appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Staff Report

Setting up happy hour for his guests at The Landsby’s Mad & Vin every day has become a favorite activity for General Manager Barry Prescott, but he is also looking forward to organizing Solvang’s Third Wednesday, as he has been named the new chairman of the event.

“What is important to me is doing something unique for our locals and unique for our visitors once a month. It really does excite me of the possibilities we can bring, and I enjoy being apart of the community,” Prescott said.

Solvang Third Wednesday is a promotion in partnership with the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, encouraging residents and tourists to “walk, shop, wine and dine” in Solvang. The next one will be March 15.

Wine tasting rooms and wine and beer bars offer special discounted tasting opportunities; participating merchants offer discounts on merchandise; the Farmers Market offers freshly harvested produce and gourmet goods; select Solvang restaurants offer dinner specials; and seasonal special events provide a variety of local entertainment.

The Third Wednesday Wine and Beer Walk starts at 3 p.m. and continues through 7 p.m. For $20, participants receive two wine or beer tastings at five venues of participants’ choice, a logo glass, and a map to guide them to more than 15 watering holes.

The post Solvang 3rd Wednesday names new chairman appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

“Some of my first experiences with Santa Barbara Wine, almost 30 years ago, were in Los Olivos with Bob Senn and the old timers. Bringing my own brand of hospitality and education (that made Clos Pepe famous) to the Los Olivos Tasting Room scene is thrilling for me,” said Hagen.

The J.Wilkes brand was launched in 2001 by wine industry veteran Jefferson Wilkes and after his passing in 2010, the label was relaunched by the Miller Family, a fifth-generation California farming family, as a tribute to Jefferson’s unwavering love of the region. J. Wilkes, under the guidance of accomplished winemaker Wes Hagen, is dedicated to producing wines from the greatest American Viticultural Areas (AVA’s) on the Central Coast.  Their new tasting room and education center in Los Olivos boasts an experience that gives insight into these regions and their wines.

Setting themselves apart from traditional tasting rooms, the J. Wilkes Tasting Room and Education Center provides visitors with information about the area’s AVA’s including Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills and Paso Robles. Guests will learn about the influence of each region through tastings, discussions and by way of detailed maps and soil samples. Another entertaining aspect for tasters will be the opportunity to participate in the J. Wilkes ‘quiz’ with answers found throughout the space and winners awarded with a discount on their purchase.

Perhaps the biggest, most unique highlight of this new tasting room will be the “Winemaker Office Hours” hosted by Hagen himself. Visitors will have the opportunity to make “an appointment” with the winemaker to gain a greater understanding of J. Wilkes wines and California’s Central Coast winegrowing region.

The wines being poured range from the core J. Wilkes production of current vintage Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, as well as some special tasting-room-only offerings including the J. Wilkes Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir and the Santa Maria Valley Late Harvest Pinot Blanc. A Paso Robles Highlands Zinfandel and Chanda’s Reserve Pinot Noir will be offered in the coming months.  To round out the experience, the tasting room will occasionally feature rare library wines made by Jefferson Wilkes himself.

“Come into the J. Wilkes Wine Tasting Room and Education Center and let us show you how we’re pouring some of the best wines in the county and providing fun and meaningful lessons on the history and breadth of the Santa Barbara and Paso Robles American Viticultural areas,” Hagen added.

The J. Wilkes Tasting Room and Education Center is located on the main street of Los Olivos at 2963 Grand Avenue.  Tasting Room hours 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

To learn more about J. Wilkes Wines and their new Los Olivos Tasting Room, please visit www.jwilkes.com.

The post J. Wilkes Wines opens in Los Olivos appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.