Bacchus and Me

I think I’ve said this before but I’m pretty sure that I should just create my own food and wine blog, the greater portion dedicated to the latter. Here's a preview....

I went wine tasting in Santa Barbara County over the weekend. Although non-work related, it was the perfect way to unwind and relax after a crazy, stressful week. Great food and wine, great company and beautiful, unending views of the California countryside. When I think of California, I don’t think of the beaches, or Hollywood, not San Francisco or Los Angeles- I think of the Central Coast and its golden, rolling hills. They look smooth and silky and are dotted with friendly, roaming cows and sapient oak trees who have seen sunset after sunset. I’d like their life. Just one month ago, the vineyards were teeming with diligent pickers who were trained to select the best grapes with the most tender of fingers. The air filled with the pungent smells of fruit and dirt and autumn…. Yah I wasn’t actually there but I WISH I was!! Doesn’t that just sound fabulous?

Anyway, back to my visit… if you’re looking for wineries to visit in the Central Coast area, please take my suggestions below….

-Tres Hermanas- this was my favorite winery of the day. A small-scale, family owned winery, Tres Hermanas produces vintages that are crafted after Italian and French style wines. Their sangiovesse (balanced well with the right amount of dryness and spice) and rose (mineral notes with a finish comparable to a pinot noir) were both highly complex and surprising- good surprising. Ended the flight with a vertical tasting of their 06, 05 and 04 Syrah’s- all completely different but dynamic and wonderful in their own ways. Purchased the 06 Syrah and enjoyed it with tender beef brisket, fresh greens and good company.
-Firestone- this is definitely the largest of the wineries on my list. Nothing outstanding, but a great place for starter oenophiles to get the basics of wine tasting. You can get your basic varietals down, understand the differences between each- all in all, a cautious winemaker who produces highly controlled, highly specific vintages, nothing edgy. Great picnic area and gorgeous views of those rolling, golden hills, perfect considering they were the first Estate vineyard in Santa Barbara County.
-Rancho Sisquoc- the jamminess of their wines will roll off your tongue just like their name does. Smaller winery and a little further off the beaten path, Sisquoc had a very personal and intimate setting. Get to know a variety of the tasting managers and you’ll earn yourself an extra pour, or two! Their meritage was wonderful, but their Cabernet revealed patience, appreciation and true handcrafted perfection.

Spots I LOVE but didn’t quite make it to this trip:
-Dierberg, Star Lane and three sisters- it’s a 3 in one deal and an absolute must!