Our nation’s birthday calls for a grand celebration, and whether the party entails a backyard feast of burgers hot off the grill or a festive wine country excursion, the Central Coast is the place to be.
Since the July 4 holiday falls on Monday, there’s no excuse not to stretch the fun out over a long weekend. Ready to help make that happen, area wineries have put together a line up of events guaranteed to make it memorable.
Locals with a taste for expertly grilled top-block and all the fixings, paired with fine Cal-Italian-style wines, can satisfy their appetites at Mosby Winery’s annual Fourth of July bash. Held in the winery’s spacious piazza—right next to the historic de la Cuesta adobe (built in 18530), the event features live bluegrass music and a rousing bocce ball competition.
Guests will receive a souvenir crystal logo glass to take home, and at 3 p.m., owner/winemaker Bill Mosby will preside over an honorable flag retirement ceremony.
A few miles north, in Los Alamos, Bedford Winery will be host to a tribute to founding father Thomas Jefferson. Billed as “A Presidential Celebration,” the event takes place on the evening of July 2, in the winery’s airy tasting room and garden courtyard.
Co-owner/winemaker Stephan Bedford will prepare one of his culinary masterpieces, this time based on recipes favored by President Jefferson. In addition to assorted hors d’oeuvres, the All-American menu includes Monticello garden salad with candied pecans, Jefferson’s Paris gumbo, podrilla a la Creole (Jefferson’s famous red beans), South Carolina rice, Native American flatbread and corn muffins, and yummy plum pudding.
Renowned for serving meals that blended the best of Virginian and French cuisine, Jefferson was also a wine connoisseur who advised presidents Washington, Adams, Madison, and Monroe on the best vintages for executive functions. Bedford has selected favorites from his eclectic line-up of wines to pair with each dish, and will offer a reading of Jefferson’s Independence Address, followed by live music under the stars.
All weekend long, wine lovers who like to roam Santa Barbara County’s byways can take part in the Stars, Stripes, and Syrah passport event hosted by the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association (SYVWCA). For only $35, they can taste at 11 member wineries and enjoy a bounty of complimentary appetizers prepared to match each selection.
Participating wineries include Alexander and Wayne, Buttonwood Farm Winery, Casa Cassara, Carina Cellars, Daniel Gehrs Wines, Imagine Wine, Lincourt, Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, Mandolina (Toccata), and Scott Cellars. After checking in at a starting winery—which will be printed on each passport—tasters pick up a logo glass and begin the self-guided wine tasting tour.
“We are 11 boutique wineries that enjoy sharing their wines with everyone,” said Kurt Krummerfeldt, tasting room manager at Buttonwood Farm Winery and president of SYVWCA. “The annual Fourth of July passport event is a fun way to enjoy our premium wines.
“This is a real deal,” he continued, “in that tastings at individual wineries cost upwards of $10 to $15, and we offer 11 wineries for only $35. With the three-day holiday weekend, this event is a great way to relax and take in the wines and friendly wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley.”
Highlights of the tour include a summer picnic of grilled hot dogs in the peach tree-shaded picnic area of Buttonwood Farm Winery, while at Imagine Wine, the products of Sierra Madre Grocery will be featured. Created by Karen Swisher, the grocery will dish up proprietary goodies like roasted garlic and olive bruschetta salsa, black bean and corn salsa, caramelized onion and garlic spread, and olive crisps.
At Daniel Gehrs Wines, dig into assorted gourmet sausages—from sun-dried tomato/chicken to spinach Fontina cheese with roasted garlic. There also will be platters of watermelon, mint and feta salad, and fruit salad with lemon curd drizzle. For dessert, try basil cheesecake with crackers and port-topped brownies.
“We enjoy the day because those who choose the passport are looking for good wines and tasty treats,” said Terri Thielst, tasting room manager at Daniel Gehrs Wines, “and we deliver on both accounts. Our customers are very satisfied as they leave, having had a great wine and food pairing experience in our wine garden in the lovely Santa Ynez Valley.”
On July 3, participants eager to stretch the fun into another day can flash their passport or logo glass and receive complimentary tastings at the wineries they missed on Saturday.
Enjoying high spirits and summer weather (finally), wine country travelers can celebrate the Fourth of July in style. Whether staying home or venturing out, be sure to fly the Stars and Stripes, and raise high those glasses of local wine in proud salute to our nation’s birthday.
K. Reka Badger is a sparkler. Send her some at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Jun 30 – Jul 7, 2011.