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 of the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association (SYVWC) have planned a gala passport event. Wine Fantasy in February, slated for Feb. 12 and 13, features tastings of rare wines and current releases, and presents an ideal opportunity to explore Valley wineries at a most affordable price.
Over the weekend, passport holders can choose from among 12 member wineries throughout Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, and Buellton, and map their own itinerary. Flexibility is key, leaving tasters free to come and go as they please.
On Saturday, each winery offers an array of reserve wines, barrel samples, and/or newly released wines for sampling. To enhance the experience, there will be a variety of complimentary hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats for tasters to nibble.
In addition to palate-pleasing wines and edibles, passport holders will receive discounts on both wine and related goodies, because participating wineries are determined to send everyone home with an array of consumable souvenirs.
An added feature of the event is that on Sunday, participants enjoy complimentary tastings with presentation of their passport. They can try more wines, and get a second chance to purchase vintages that caught their fancy the day before.
Participating wineries include Alexander and Wayne, Arthur Earl, Scott Cellars, and Daniel Gehrs Wines in Los Olivos; and Lincourt, Lucas & Lewellen, and Mandolina in Solvang.
At Imagine Wine Tasting Room and Art Gallery in Santa Ynez, taste Syrah and Viognier made from fruit grown in Paradise Mountain Vineyard, tucked in a scenic valley just off San Marcos Pass. To round out the roster, the winery also pours Santa Ynez Valley Merlot, Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, and Central Coast Chardonnay.
On display in Imagine’s tasting room, the vibrant paintings of Robert Karl Vogel take viewers into the beautiful landscapes of the western United States. Tasters can get lost in Vogel’s renderings of the stunning scenery of California’s Sierra Nevada and lush views of Hawaii.
To qualify for a 10-percent discount on wine purchases at Imagine, simply bring a homemade or store-bought Valentine card to the tasting room—or go wild and create your own in their art gallery—and then post it on the Valentine Card display.
At Presidio Winery & Vineyard, visitors can graze tasty snacks while sipping new releases, such as 2009 Estate Syrah Rosé and 2009 Gewurztraminer. Other wines include 2008 Estate Pinot Noir and 2006 Estate Syrah, made from certified organically and biodynamically farmed grapes grown just west of Santa Rita Hills in Presidio’s own vineyard. Located in the heart of Solvang, the winery’s tasting room is warm, welcoming, and always a fun place to linger.
A little north, on Alamo Pintado, Buttonwood Farm Winery offers its signature bounty of stylish wines and elegant edibles, all presented at the charming tasting room, complete with an airy patio and beautiful landscaping.
Out Highway 246, on Buellton’s Valley Station Drive, Casa Cassara opens its art-filled tasting room to Fantasy ramblers for a sipping experience that may even include a sensory exploration of that passion provoker: dark, dreamy chocolate. The winery’s rich Syrah and Old Hoe Merlot make fine companions for an afternoon outing or Valentine’s Day meal.
Extend the weekend of Valentine fun through Feb. 14 and 15 by taking advantage of Wine Around the Santa Ynez Valley, hosted by three prominent wineries gathered under the aegis of the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association. Indulge your senses in exclusive wine and barrel tastings paired with gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and chat with the winemakers about the tricks of their trade.
The event’s participants include Bridlewood Estate Winery, Fess Parker Vineyard, and Foley Estates Vineyard, as well as Santa Ynez Valley’s Chumash Casino Resort. Ticket holders will enjoy entertainment and receive gift amenities, such as dining certificates redeemable at the Chumash resort.
Organizers of Wine Around the Santa Ynez Valley provide deluxe transportation services from location to location, so tasters can enjoy the day of tasting without worrying about driving.
With Valentine’s Day looming as the next great reason for a gathering, area wineries have got tasters covered. Whether the goal is to find a mate, party with a sweetie, or simply taste some fine wines, let the season of hearts and flowers begin in wine country.
K. Reka Badger is in the mood for wine. Contact her at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 3, 2011.
