Allow me, the Sun’s Eats writer, to make a toast.
We’ve made it through a quarter of the century, and that alone is worth a bit of cheer. Gathering around a table to break bread is one of life’s great pleasures, and it’s even better with a fun drink in hand and a spoonful of something yummy. Before we get caught up in the swing of 2026, join me on a trip back in time to five memorable Eats stories of 2025.
We covered a wide range of new establishments, meaningful business anniversaries, and a fair share of wine festivals. We saw bartenders make their own spirits to create delicious cocktails and others who invented their own nonalcoholic selections. There was no shortage of sweetness either, including mid-afternoon treats from Drover’s Doughnuts and British-inspired tea and scones from a Lompoc café.
None of it would be possible without the brains behind each and every operation. I’m talking about the people who grow our produce, raise our meats, harvest our grapes, and take part in every hospitable step afterward.
LOTS OF LABELS
It was a memorable year for the Miller Family Wine Company. In early 2025, the winery was named Grower of the Year by the California Association of Winegrape Growers. Shortly after, the company launched an AI sommelier service online, which suggests wines based on a customer’s desired tasting notes. The Millers produce the wines of Bien Nacido Estates, J. Wilkes, Ballard Lane, and more.
FARM FRESH
Guadalupe’s farmers market is set to begin in February after community groups spent months straightening out fees and other details with the City Council. Organizer Shelby Wild explained that there are few opportunities for Guadalupe residents to buy locally grown food despite living in an agricultural region. The market will change that. “Our mission is equally local-food access, both in the community’s ability to access the food and in our farmers’ ability to sell the food to the community and make a living,” Wild said. The Cosecha Guadalupe Farmers Market is planned to pop up on Sundays at LeRoy Park.
SOME LIKE IT HOT
A Santa Maria couple, Michael and Diana Muranaka, celebrated one year of their hot sauce company called Sauce Baby. Hot Lil Mama is the brand’s signature product made with Fresno, serrano, and Thai chilis, plus the tang from hibiscus tea. “We tried it, and it perfectly rounded the hot sauce out,” Michael said. He’d been experimenting with recipes at home, leading to the inception of Sauce Baby. Look out for an even spicier version in the future.
ON A NEW MISSION
Jason Mergenov served in the military for more than 20 years and then found a therapeutic outlet in winemaking, which he turned into a second career. He makes rosé and sparkling pinot noir under his label Rockets Red Wines. Having experienced PTSD and intense therapy, the winemaker knew he wanted to share his story to help others. Mergenov now uses his online platform as a small wine producer to advocate for mental health support. “It’s not just about making wine anymore,” he said. “I’m making wine with a message.”
THE ONLY SPOT IN TOWN
As of November, Solvang is now home to a Thai restaurant. Born and raised in Thailand, owner Preaw Chamchoi opened Kanok Thai Cuisine to give locals and visitors some culinary variety in the famous Danish village. For lunch and dinner, her chefs whip up mouthwatering pad thai, drunken noodles, curry, fried rice, and more. Authenticity extends beyond the plate, too. The owner hand-selected décor and shipped it from Thailand to the U.S. so she could adorn her restaurant with golden accents.
Send more food and drink lore to Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in January 1 – January 8, 2026.