Noted for short days and chilly temperatures, winter on the Central Coast transforms golden brown hillsides into tree-studded blankets of green. As revelers gather over convivial meals and Valentine’s Day feasts, it’s no wonder the favored wines of the season tend to display warm nuances of earth and oak, as well as spring-fresh notes of […]
Fire up that lovelight and slip into the mood for romance with an evening of wine, roses, and utter indulgence on Feb. 11. For the second year in a row, Nipomo’s Trilogy at Monarch Dunes will open its doors for the gala Pre-Valentine’s Day Taste l’Amour, a wine tasting and gift expo that fills the […]
Cupid’s arrows will soon fly, especially at Santa Barbara County’s winery tasting rooms, where hearts and flowers rule the season. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, local producers aim to create beautiful magic by pairing their fine wines with the wonder of romance. To get Central Coasters in the mood for love, the members […]
If the arrival of January 2011 inspired a resolution to become a better cook, look no further for help than the Lucia Mar Unified School District’s Adult Education department. Delighting would-be kitchen wizards, local food guru Joe Seals offers a line-up of how-to classes guaranteed to fire the imagination, while polishing culinary skills. Seals, a […]
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company recently opened its doors on a sleepy street in Buellton, bringing pub fun and stylish beers to the Central Coast. To the delight of locals, the handcrafted brews honor regional lore with names evoking the colorful character of the Santa Ynez Valley. According to Jim and Jaime Dietenhofer, the founding father-and-son […]
As 2010 drifts away on a tide of rain, a recap of yesterday’s news evokes tasty memories of a year-gone-by. Here in the Eats column, we’ve learned cooking skills, explored farm-fresh ingredients, and sampled the fare at local eateries. We’ve dabbled in wine and art, planned wine country excursions, and kept up with the latest […]
What is it about the arrival of a new year that calls for a beverage alive with crystalline bubbles? Happy toasts delivered over spirits or still wine just don’t seem as festive as those made while lifting glasses teeming with ascending columns of sparkling light. With all the attributes of a fine wine, Champagne pleases […]
Between bouts of holiday shopping and fits of party planning, thoughtful minds turn to the mysteries of the season. They juggle not only the timeless wonders of Earth cycles and religious revelations, but also the questions surrounding peculiar food items traditionally dished up at this time of year. For instance, speculation abounds about mincemeat. What […]
Revelers move trees into their homes, plan gala parties, and prepare to lift their glasses high in praise of festive feasts. ’Tis the season for getting together, and thoughtful hosts are busy searching for just the right wine to complement their holiday fare. When carefully chosen, wines enhance each dish without swamping delicate flavors or […]
At this time of year, even die-hard humbuggers find it impossible to resist the tempting aromas drifting from kitchens up and down the Central Coast. Regardless of race, creed, or constitution, hunger strikes and tastebuds tingle at the mere thought of the delectable dishes connected with this festive season. There’s something about the heart of […]
Central Coast Wines on Higuera in San Luis Obispo has been dedicated to promoting the Central Coast’s fine wines for more than a decade. Vaughn and Sasha Taus founded the shop; two years ago, they sold it to Bob and Dianna Ritchie, formerly of Arizona. Interestingly, the Ritchies were vacationing here when they bought the […]
Just in time for holiday planning and gift buying, local wineries open their doors for a gala passport weekend. Hosted by Santa Maria Valley Wine Country, the event features the wares of four different wineries paired with small bites prepared expressly to match each vintage. This year’s event, called Flights and Bites, is slated for […]
Our weekly Events Wire newsletter is your guide to Northern Santa Barbara County concerts, arts, and local happenings—delivered every Friday.
