The document discusses upgrades made to Wine and Jazz magazine between issues. It details increasing the page count and binding the magazine to feel more like a coffee table book. A new columnist, Dee Dee Bridgewater, is announced to replace Cameron Smith. The publisher expresses his vision to create a magazine that stands out creatively for both wine and jazz audiences.

2. MMy original vision for Wine and Jazz
magazine was to produce a publication
that equaled and eventually surpassed
the quality of my family’s multi-award
winning Powerboat Magazine, which
we published from 1968 through
2005. Although WAJ has yet to receive
official accolades from our publishing
peers in the form of industry awards
(we are relatively new on the scene after
all!), the changes you see withVintage
2,Track 3 represent another giant step
closer to reaching that goal.
The first upgrades you’ve probably
noticed are that our magazine is thicker
and has a glued binding.We significantly
increased the number of pages by
including more editorial and photos.
I wanted to give you a magazine that
looks, feels and reads more like a coffee
table book—a magazine you’ll want to
display, enjoy at your own pace, show
off to your friends, and regularly refer to
for more information about this perfect
lifestyle combination.
You may recall Melissa Chavez,
whose first editorial contribution
to WAJ was last issue’s wine region
story on Sonoma County. She did
such a great job we not only invited
her back, but augmented her writing
responsibility five-fold. Looking
forward, in every issue of WAJ, Melissa
will bring us regional wine features for
each of California’s “top five”: Sonoma,
Napa, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and
Temecula. In future issues, WAJ will
be exploring other wine regions in
California, Oregon,Washington, and
NewYork, to name a few.
From our debut issue, Cameron
Smith took the reins of our “Jazz
Juice” column, giving us heaps of
fun insights into his globe-trotting,
jazz celebrity-filled lifestyle.Thanks
Cameron! I want to thank you for the
rollicking ride.You are one cool dude
and will be missed. After this fond
farewell to Cameron, I am ecstatic
to inform you we now have a new
columnist on board.To downplay it a
bit (then knock your socks off!), she is
one cool and musically talented artist:
the legendary jazz vocalist, two-time
Grammy-winner andTony-winning
stage actress, the great Dee Dee
Bridgewater. I am thrilled that such an
accomplished singer and actress has
agreed to write for WAJ.Whew, I need
to pause now to catch my breath.…
We’ve got something really good
fermenting here! And, we’re getting
close to developing the ideal blend of
wine and jazz and writers and editorial
and images to create what I hope will
be a magazine that, not only stands out
creatively with our own unique look and
voice, but stands head and shoulders
above the rest.This is a challenging
endeavor as, unlike other publications,
we have two discerning audiences to
inform and inspire—therefore, two
magazine genres to compete in rather
than one.This unique challenge is part
of what makes WAJ so rewarding for me.
The other part is the universally positive
feedback and encouragement I get from
both sides of the aisle—wine lovers of
all stripes, along with jazz aficionados,
both in the business and fans.
Lastly, recognition must go out to
a person who works quietly behind the
scenes, yet is as vital to the quality of
our final WAJ product as any of us. A
special thank you to our copy editor,
Diane Browning.
Enough said by me. Please enjoy
our enhanced WAJ magazine!
~ MIKE NORDSKOG
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
the ideal blend
PHOTO:HeatherVanGaale
www.WineandJazz.comLetterfromthePublisher
6
~ MIKE NORDSKOG
PUBLISHER’S PICK:
Dry Creek Vineyard 2006
Beeson Ranch Zinfandel
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Eleanora Fagan (1917-1959):
To Billie With Love From Dee Dee
{

3. apa Valley embodies all that is glamorous
about the world of fine wine. Extravagant
architecture, formal gardens, and uninterrupted
rows of meticulously tended vines suggest that California’s
spin on New World winemaking is not only tame, but a
terribly civilized business.
Though it boasts a supersized reputation, in terms
of actual size the Napa Valley is not nearly as large as it
seems. Little more than ten percent the size of Bordeaux,
the French winemaking region to which it is most often
compared, Napa Valley is less than five miles across at
its widest point and only 30 miles in length. Extending
diagonally northwest to southeast, this legendary valley is
delineated by the Mayacamas Mountains on the west and
the Vaca Mountains to the east.
Climate and soil variation along this 30-mile stretch
of terroir create a generous palette of wine flavors to
please even the most finicky artisan winemaker. The
climate here is warm by day, especially along the northern
sector of this valley which ends near the lively spa town
of Calistoga. Heat-loving grapes like cabernet sauvignon
and merlot flourish here and continue to excel down the
length of the valley. World class wines are crafted from
grapes grown in the soils surrounding the wine town of
Rutherford, only to be outdone by wines harvested from
the rarified mountain vineyards rising up, up, and away
from the valley floor.
Venture to the southern terminus of the NapaValley
AVA, and it’s a different story altogether. Here lies the
much cooler Los Carneros district, a sub-appellation shared
with neighboring Sonoma County. Even on the warmest
summer evening, a sweater is a necessity in Carneros
due to bracing winds and fog blowing inland off the San
Pablo Bay. In response to the chilly growing conditions,
this sub-appellation of the Napa Valley is planted almost
exclusively to cool-loving grapes that yield emphatic varietal
expressions of chardonnay and pinot noir.
Napa trailblazers
The NapaValley AmericanViticultural Area (AVA) was
formed in 1981, although historical records reveal winemaking
began in the early 19th century as missionaries and European
settlers established their own roots in this stunningly beautiful
valley. George CalvertYount secured a Spanish land grant back
in 1831, becoming its first white settler.The first commercial
vineyard was planted by John Patchett in 1858. Soon thereafter,
Charles Krug founded the first commercial winery in St.
Helena, followed SchramsbergVineyards, a Calistoga landmark
immortalized in by Robert Louis Stevenson in his lively
travel memoir, Silverado Squatters. H.W. Crabb, the botanist
of the bunch, experimented with 400 varieties in pursuit of
the perfect grapes (1868).There was Jacob and his brother
Frederick Beringer in Spring Mountain (1876), Captain
Gustave Niebaum’s Inglenook (1879), and Georges de Latour’s
BeaulieuVineyard estate near Rutherford (1900).
The NapaValley rose to international acclaim in 1976 as
a result of the “Judgment of Paris” blind tasting which pitted
the best of French wines against California finest vintages. In
both the red and white wine categories, NapaValley bottlings
emerged victorious, leaving the French feeling quite blue, while
affirming what the Golden State vintners already knew in their
hearts. Movie fans may want to revisit this stunning stateside
victory as depicted in the recent indie film “Bottle Shock”
(2008). Decades later, indignant French winemakers demanded
a rematch. At “The Judgment of Paris” 30th Anniversary
tasting, American wines once again took the top spots—five of
them this time —again, all from the NapaValley.
Certainly, Robert Mondavi deserves much of the credit
for advancing the reputation of Napa Valley wines. An early
supporter of technological advances, he created new brands
and provided major philanthropic donations to the region.
In 2007, the Culinary Institute of America inducted him
into the Vintner’s Hall of fame. A year later, the Robert
Mondavi Institute at University of California at Davis
opened, just five months after his death at age 94.Background Photo: Carneros Winescape PHOTO: Tom Moyer
Napa Valley

4. An enigmatic lifestyle
Small communities like St. Helena and Oakville
dot the NapaValley, where Ford pickups park com-
fortably alongside Ferraris. A pervasive sophistication is
unmistakable, but guardians of the
grape cannot afford to ignore make-or-
break realities.While sleepy tourists are still
counting sheep, local grape growers have already raced to
redeem their future harvests threatened by frost.
Here, one can find multimillion-dollar resorts, a
modern-day castle, decorative storefronts, a vintage wine
train, or a 150-year-old barn under towering redwoods.
There are top-rated restaurants, spas, world-class resorts, hot
springs, and galleries displaying works by talented artists.
When aromas of grilled meats and veggies mingle with
vintage cabernet beckons, a quick stop at a winery suddenly
becomes a day trip.
California’s NapaValley is rife with opportunities to
engage and indulge all the senses. Consider the brief
overview of possibilities before planning your next visit
(on the following page). Enjoy!
Carneros winescape
PHOTO: Tom Moyer
Small but mighty
It may come as a surprise that the NapaValley accounts
for only five percent of the total United States vineyard
acreage. From largest to smallest in volume, its grape varietals
include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay, sauvignon
blanc and pinot noir. Relative newcomers—sangiovese, syrah,
petite sirah, cabernet franc, pinot noir, petit verdot and
malbec—now collectively outnumber merlot vines. Most
wines from this prestigious AVA retail between $30 and $50,
but can easily ascend to hundreds of dollars per bottle. Not
unlike framed masterpieces, NapaValley’s “liquid art” is
often collected as such.
According toTerry Hall, spokesperson for the Napa
ValleyVintners Association, “Millennials are driving the
American wine industry.They are the first generation to grow up
with the Internet so they are information-savvy.They also grew up
knowing terms, like ‘organic,’‘sustainable,’ and‘heirloom,’ and are
wildly interested in the source of their products—food and wine.”
WITH SCENIC BEAUTY AND CLIMATE RIVALING THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE,
NAPA VALLEY REMAINS UNSURPASSED AS NORTH AMERICA’S PREMIER
LOCALE FOR THE CULTIVATION OF WINE GRAPES. IT’S ALSO THE MOST
VISITED, AND FOR A VERY GOOD REASON: SUPERLATIVE WINES.
Castello di Amorosa Winery turretin Calistoga, CA
PHOTO: Jim Gateley
CONTINUED ON PAGE 48
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47
WineRegion:NapaValley
4747

5. CELEBRATING
WINE AND JAZZ
Brannan’s Grill
Great food, award winning wine list
and live jazz
Calistoga: 707.942.2233
BrannansGrill.com
Downtown Jazz & Blues
Festival/ Blues in the Vineyards
November 1 (1-5 p.m.);
November 2 (12-4 p.m.)
Downtown venues and
participating wineries
Calistoga: 707.942.6333
Miner Family Vineyards
Winery and cave tours by appointment,
Benedetto Guitars concert in August
Oakville: 800.366.WINE, MinerWines.com
Napa River Wine, Crafts
& Jazz Festival
Celebrating handcrafted arts, live jazz
music and wine
Napa: 707.257.0322
NapaWineAndCraftsFair.com
Robert Mondavi Winery
Expansive mission-inspired winery,
art displays, open-air concerts
Oakville: 888.766.6328
RobertMondaviWinery.com
Silo’s Jazz Club
Dinner, wine, and live jazz Wednesday
thru Saturday nights
Napa: 707.251.5833, SilosJazzClub.com
WINERIES
Castello di Amorosa Winery
A modern-day castle and winery
Calistoga: 707.967.6272
CastelloDiAmorosa.com
Hill Family Estate Winery
Heirloom BLT Bar and 2008 Sauvignon
Blanc Release Party in August
Yountville: 707.944.9580
HillFamilyEstate.com
Sterling Vineyards
Tour, art gallery, and aerial tram ride
with admission
Calistoga: 707.942.3345
SterlingVineyards.com
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Artisan Wine Tours
Personalized luxury Napa Valley tours
Sonoma: 877.414.2021
ArtisanWineTours.com
Bonaventura Balloon Company
Napa Valley passenger flights
Napa: 800.FLY-NAPA
BonaventuraBalloons.com
Chardonnay Golf Club
Semi-private, 18-hole course meanders
through 150 acres of vineyard
Napa: 800.788.0136
ChardonnayGolfClub.com
Harvest Stomp
Hudson Vineyards in Carneros on
August 28, sponsored by Napa Valley
Grape Growers
Napa: 707.224.8644, NapaGrowers.org
Napa Valley Opera House
Constructed in 1879, 500 seats,
live concerts
Napa: 707.226.7372
NVOH.org
Napa Valley Wine Train
Three-hour, 36-mile trip in a 1915-17
Pullman dining car or 1947 Vista
Dome car
Napa: 800.427.4124
WineTrain.com
Oakville Grocery
Wines, picnic supplies and
specialty foods
Oakville: 707.944-8802
OakvilleGrocery.com
LODGING
Arbor Guest House Bed
& Breakfast
Garden setting, three-course
breakfast, WI-FI, fireplace, Jacuzzi
Napa: 707.252.8144
ArborGuestHouse.com
Best Western Elm House Inn
Well-priced hotel with amazing cookies
and “Napa” ambience
Napa: 707.255.1831
Book.BestWestern.com
Napa River Inn
Historical waterfront landmark with
all the modern amenities
Napa: 877.257.8500
NapaRiverInn.com
The Cottages of Napa Valley
Privacy, well appointed cottages, breakfast
baskets, Bouchon baked goods
Napa: 707.252.7810
NapaCottages.com
The Inn On First
San Francisco-style B&B, Cordon
Bleu-trained chef, dog-friendly
Napa: 866.253.1331
TheInnOnFirst.com
RESTAURANTS
ABC Bakery/Alexis Baking Company
Delicious breakfast and lunch,
decadent desserts
Napa: 707.258.1827
AlexisBakingCompany.com
Bistro Don Giovanni
Fresh pasta, brick oven pizza, terrace, views
Napa: 707.224.3300
BistroDonGiovanni.com
Tra Vigne
Italian-style Sunday brunch
St. Helena: 707.963.4444
TraVigneRestaurant.com
INFORMATION
Napa Valley Vintners Association
Non-profit trade association
St. Helena: 707.963.3388
NapaVintners.com
Our Napa
Valley Picks
Castello di Amorosa Winery art walls
PHOTO: Jim Gateley
3 guitars at
Gargiulo Vineyards
PHOTO: Artisan Wine Tours
The Cottages of Napa Valley
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47
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48
WineRegion:NapaValley

6. ave you ever wondered what the Napa Valley
was like before its current chic and gentrified
incarnation? The answer lies a mere 30-minute
drive west over the mountains. Once you drop down into
Sonoma County’sValley of the Moon, you’ll discover vineyards
unfurling at a more leisurely pace among gently rolling hills
punctuated by mossy ancient oaks that exude the solidity of
the ages. The Sonoma Valley is a quiet, peaceful, and romantic
place. Sound like the wine country of your dreams? In Sonoma
Valley, it’s your dream come true.
There’s a compelling reason why SonomaValley is the real
deal: it’s the birthplace of California winemaking.This is where
it all began, folks, and the imprint of the region’s wine history
is scattered all over the valley.
For starters, head on over to the City of Sonoma’s charming
and historic Sonoma Plaza, a gathering place for the city’s many
festivals andTuesday farmers markets. Begin your tour at the
Mission San Francisco Solano which anchors the northeast
corner of the plaza.The last built and most northern outpost
along California’s mission trail, when this structure was
dedicated in 1824 it was blessed with sacramental wines made
by Franciscan friars who planted their first vineyards here
back in the early 1800s.
Decades later, the Mission’s proliferation of rootstock
throughout Northern California made for another unseen
blessing.The friars’ wine grapes were laying the foundation for
an essential component of California’s agricultural economy.
The importance of SonomaValley’s wine grapes was not lost on
Agoston Haraszthy, a native of Hungary who wisely purchased
a Sonoma parcel in 1856 and named it BuenaVistaWinery the
following year. Armed with 100,000 imported European vine
cuttings, Haraszthy planted and grew both his vineyard and his
legacy, which remain intact in the present-day reincarnation of
the winery. For history buffs, a self-guided tour of the historic
BuenaVistaWinery is a must, second only to a visit to nearby
Bartholomew ParkWinery. Once known as “The Castle,” this
stunning old winery houses the SonomaValley’s History of
Wine in America Museum, a fascinating collection of regional
wine memorabilia.
BACKGROUND PHOTO: Artist in Sonoma Valley by Robert Janover
Sonoma Valley
NATURAL BEAUTY, SMALL-TOWN CHARM, AND HISTORY ARE THE HALLMARKS OF SONOMA VALLEY.
LITTLE WONDER THEN WHY SO MANY POETS, ARTISTS, FARMERS, AND VINTNERS LIVE HERE—AND WHY
WORLD-WEARY SOULS FROM OTHER PLACES SO OFTEN WISH THEY DID, TOO.
H
C

7. PHOTO: Sonoma Cty Tourism Bureau
Defined by diversity
The simple use of the name “Sonoma” often leads to
confusion in a wine growing region as large and scattered as
Sonoma County. “There are actually three ‘Sonomas,’” explains
Tina Luster of the Sonoma CountyTourism Bureau. “One of
is the City of Sonoma, located on the southwest section of the
county. Another is SonomaValley, referring to the 17-mile sub-
appellation off to the east and, finally, there’s Sonoma County,
which encompasses the town, neighboring towns, and the valley.”
The SonomaValley, encompassing the southeastern section
of Sonoma County, is the largest of the four viticultural areas in
the region. SonomaValley stretches from the populous county
seat of Santa Rosa, southward to San Pablo Bay.The valley
encompasses over 15,000 acres of fertile, loamy soil, but is also
arid, receiving an annual average of only 29 inches of rain.The
Sonoma Mountain and Mayacamas Mountain ranges also
help shelter the valley from westerly fog and precipitation.
In the upper warmer locations, zinfandel and cabernet
sauvignon thrive. Midway below, sauvignon blank and merlot
are grown. In the cooler areas, chardonnay, pinot noir, riesling and
gewürztraminer make for excellent still and sparkling wines.
Visiting
SonomaValley offers a colorful patchwork quilt of things to
do and see.Wine lovers, foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and shoppers
seeking relief from the same-old-same-old franchise scene will
all find plenty to enjoy in this charming and unique part of wine
country. Here, diversity harmonizes into a refreshingly unique
and enjoyable whole
experience.
A regional
highlight for readers
of all stripes is the
Jack London State
Historic State Park,
just minutes away
from the Sonoma
Plaza in the village
of Glen Ellen.
Surrounded by
redwoods, firs, and
oaks, visitors entering London’s well preserved
stone cottage called “The House of Happy
Walls” share an authentic experience while
browsing the museum dedicated to his beloved
“Beauty Ranch” in theValley of the Moon. A
lake, bathhouse, and ruins of the “Wolf House”
nearby also draw many to stroll the trails of this
historic park site dedicated to one of America’s cultural icons.
While in Glen Ellen, stop by the B.R. CohnWinery and Olive
Oil Company to sample fine wines and artisan olive oils pressed
from fruit harvested from ancient picholine olive trees planted back
in the 1870s. Music lovers may want to time their visit to coincide
with the winery’s annual Fall
Music Festival, to be held this
year on October 8-9. Proprietor
Bruce Cohn, manager of the
Doobie Brothers for 36 years, has not
yet announced his upcoming line-up of
artists, but last year’s star-studded event
spotlighted Journey,Taj Mahal and, of
course, his old pals the Doobie Brothers.
Venture further southeast and you’ll
arrive at the sleepy wine town of Kenwood.
Here, the fifth generation of a grape growing
family operates the Kunde Family Estate, begun
after their ancestors imported and planted grape cuttings from
France’s Chateaux Margaux and Lafite Rothschild in 1879. Drive
a few miles further, and watch for the sign to Chateau St. Jean, a
welcoming winery housed in a gracious old landmark mansion.
Foodies could spend days sampling every cuisine to be found
in the region, where fresh produce is showcased in almost every
offering. Or, take a bit of Sonoma home with you. A chunk of
mezzo secco jack from theVella Cheese Company will surely
provide a happy counterpart to that coveted bottle of local
chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon.
There’s something for everyone here—whether book readings,
golf, and jazz festivals, to sculpting, theater, or exploring
newfound trails. SonomaValley’s towns, wineries, and homesteads
seem to provide an artist’s palette for adorning vibrant swaths of
green. Amidst such diversity, everyone can enjoy soaking up the
intrinsic beauty and culture that is Sonoma. And who wouldn’t
want to toast to that?
CONTINUED ON PAGE 52
Count Agoston Haraszthy
Russian River
PHOTO: George Rose
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51
WineRegion:SonomaValley
Armstrong Woods Guerneville

8. C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
CELEBRATING
WINE AND JAZZ
Cline Cellars Dixieland
Jazz & Wine Festival
A salute to jazz, wine, and food July 17
Sonoma: 707.940.4025
ClineCellars.com
Petaluma Wine Jazz
& Blues Festival
Great jazz and blues on Sonoma
County’s southside August 7
Petaluma: 707.769.9650
PetalumaWineJazzAndBluesFestival.org
Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival
Amazing jazz weekend, great food, wine
tasting on the river, September 11-12
Russian River: 510.655.9471
OmegaEvents.com
WINERIES
Buena Vista Winery
Historic stone winery, California’s first
Sonoma: 800-926-1266
BuenaVistaCarneros.com
Bartholomew Park Winery
Stunning setting, wine history museum,
and exclusive winery-only wines
Sonoma: 707.935-9511
BartholomewParkWinery.com
B.R. Cohn Winery &
Olive Oil Company
Plenty of history, including rock
& roll greats
Glen Ellen: 800-330-4064
BRCohn.com
Kunde Family Estate
Sustainable winegrowing, eco-tours,
guided wine cave tours
Kenwood: 707.833.5501
Kunde.com
Chateau St. Jean
Gracious 1920s manse surrounded by
beautiful gardens
Kenwood: 707.833.4134
ChateauStJean.com
Tin Barn Vineyards
No-fuss tasting room and warehouse
winery, where the wine is the star
Sonoma: 707.938.5430
TinBarnVineyards.com
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
‘Bubbles & Brunch’ at
Estate Restaurant
Weekly Sunday brunch from 10-3 pm with
a $3 Prosecco Bar
Sonoma: 707.933.3663
Estate-Sonoma.com
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend
Throughout Sonoma Wine Country
September 3-5
800.939.7666
SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com
Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival
Patron’s Night Gala, festival with wine
tasting, food, art, Grape Stomp, local
bands, September 24-26
Sonoma: 707.996.2109
SonomaVintageFestival.org
LODGING
Beltane Ranch
Gorgeous two-story ranch farmhouse
inn. Farm-fresh produce, gardens, views,
chickens
Sonoma: 707.966.6501
BeltaneRanch.com
Inn at Sonoma
Close to Sonoma Plaza, breakfast, wine,
hors d’oeuvres, cookies
Sonoma: 888.568.9818
InnAtSonoma.com
MacArthur Place
Former 1850s Burris-Good estate with
64 rooms, gardens and pool
Sonoma: 707.938.2929
MacarthurPlace.com
Sonoma Chalet
Eclectic, unpretentious wine country
cottages with light breakfasts
Sonoma: 707.938.3129
SonomaChalet.com
The Hidden Oak Inn
Restored 1914 Craftsman-style bungalow
with nightly wine tasting
Sonoma: 707.996.9863
HiddenOakInn.com
RESTAURANTS
Harvest Moon Café
Seasonal food based on availability of fresh
produce, al fresco dining on large patio
Sonoma: 707.933.8160
HarvestMoonCafeSonoma.com
LaSalette Restaurant
Contemporary Portuguese cuisine
Sonoma: 707.938.1927
Lasalette-Restaurant.com
Santé
Michelin-rated restaurant at
Fairmont Mission Inn & Spa
Sonoma: 707.938.9000
Fairmont.com/Sonoma
Taste of the Himalayas
A refreshingly flavorful dinner
option in wine country
Sonoma: 707.996.1161
HimalayaNext.com
The Girl and the Fig
Brunch, cheese cart, and a
‘Rhone-Alone’ wine list
Sonoma: 707.938.3634
TheGirlAndTheFig.com
INFORMATION
Sonoma County Tourism Bureau
‘America’s premier wine, spa and coastal
destination’
Santa Rosa: 800.576.6662
SonomaCounty.com
Sonoma Valley Vintners &
Growers Alliance
Sonoma: 707.935.0803
SonomaValleyWine.com
Our Sonoma
Valley Picks
Beltane Ranch
Buena VistaWinery
Cline Cellars Dixieland
Jazz & Wine Festival
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51
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52
WineRegion:SonomaValley

9. BACKGROUND PHOTO: Paso Robles vineyards by Paso Robles Vintners’ and Growers’ Association
“AN ESTIMATED 58 PERCENT OF PASO ROBLES WINE GRAPES ARE SOLD TO WINERIES OUTSIDE THE AREA,
MAKING THEM THE ‘SECRET INGREDIENT’ IN OTHER CALIFORNIA WINES.”
– PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
he pioneer spirit is very much alive and well in
Paso Robles. Although cattle ranchers, almond
growers and grain farmers were more prevalent
here only a decade ago, their influence lingers
on in this colorful, up-and-coming wine appellation. But
don’t let the rustic and unpretentious feel of this oak-studded
region fool you. According to wine insiders, the Paso Robles
AVA, one of California’s fastest growing wine regions, has
“the right stuff” to one day challenge the NapaValley as our
nation’s premier red wine producing region.
Established in 1983, the Paso Robles AVA—located
equidistant from San Francisco and Los Angeles—is the true
center of California’s Central Coast. Bounded to the north
by the Monterey County line, sheltered by the Santa Lucia
Mountains to the west, the boundary of this sprawling new
wine region stretches past the remote outpost of Cholame—
where a James Dean roadside memorial marks this notorious
east-west highway intersection—before narrowing southward
toward Santa Margarita.Today, the fact that just 26,000
acres of the 614,000 acre region have already been planted
to wine grapes reveals the sleeping production potential of
this gangly young wine region, blessed by nature with equally
large reserves of quality.
Today, cabernet sauvignon is king among the 40 different
grape varietals grown in Paso Robles and vinified by its
approximately 200 wineries. Other leading varieties are merlot,
syrah, and zinfandel. In addition, the amount of acreage
dedicated to Rhone varietals is on the rise, drawing fervent fans
among self-proclaimed “Rhone Rangers.”According to Gary
Eberle, Paso Robles AVA co-founder, “As Americans become
more sophisticated, they’re branching out into Rhônes,
Cal-Italian, and Spanish varieties. People are looking for new
and interesting things, but cabernet, chardonnay, and pinot noir
won’t be replaced.With the proliferation of new labels and
marketing, it’s hard.You have to make good wine.”
Modern wine pioneers
Beginning in the 1960s, a new wave of pioneers
sparked the wine industry. Leading the charge in Paso
Robles was Dr. André Tchelistcheff, who planted the
first chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir
vines. Following his lead were more grape growers and
winemakers: Bob Young, Herman Schwartz and Gary
Eberle, Dave Caparone, Treana Winery and Chateau
Margene among them.
T
Paso Robles

10. Eberle Winery
Castoro Cellars gardens
It is Gary Eberle who is credited with planting the
region’s first syrah wines. In 1984, this producer’s leadership
was obvious when his winery’s cabernet sauvignon
accompanied President Ronald Reagan’s historic six-day visit
to President Li Xiannian in China. Arnold Schwarzenegger
followed suit by serving Eberle wine when President George
W. Bush visited Southern California. For all the fanfare,
Gary Eberle readily lauds both youthful and seasoned
vintners in his own “who’s who” of Paso Robles. A genuine
world apart from executive winemaker rock stars, these Paso
neighbors are quick to share a glass, viticultural know-how,
or even a tractor, long after the day is done.
“Tom Meyers at Castoro Cellars is truly outstanding.
Bill Sheffer (Halter Ranch) is another,” Eberle insists.
“Jason Haas (Tablas Creek) and Austin Hope (Hope
FamilyWines) are two guys I’m really impressed with.
Jason’s dad, Robert, was an icon when I was just starting.
He’s turning out some really nifty wines. KenVolk, L’Aventure,
Villicana, and Opolo make spectacular wines. So do Paul Hoover
(StillWatersVineyards), Calcareous, Saxum, andVic Roberts
(Victor Hugo).Vic’s the most underrated. He’s always been a good
winemaker, and he has no ego. Robert Nadeau turned out to be a
super talent, and CassWinery … wow!They all make really great
wine. Paso Robles doesn’t have to play second fiddle to anyone,”
Eberle says with a smile. “We can be really proud of what we make.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 56
True terroir and diversity
One defining feature of the Paso Robles AVA is theTempleton
Gap, a series of seven passes on Paso’sWestside. Fog and afternoon
breezes wind through these corridors, funneling relief where
50-degree spikes can swell thermometers by mid-afternoon.
“There’s a misconception that the hottest vineyards are on the
Eastside and the coldest are on theWestside.That’s not true,”
explains Gary Eberle, who says plenty of cooling breezes flow in
fromTempleton Gap, as “it comes whistling through” his Paso
Robles vineyards off Highway 46 East. “The coldest climate, in
fact, is in Santa Margarita. No one district is especially unique. It’s
all unique!”Vintner Steve Cass couldn’t agree more. “There’s no
stop sign for those breezes at Highway 101 (which divide west
and east).Westside properties significantly north or south of
the Gap receive even less of its benefit. Since it’s primarily west-
to-east breezes that fan out, the further inland it comes.”
“The best word to describe Paso Robles is diversity,” says
Joel Peterson of Hope FamilyWines. “We can grow a vast array
of grapes and make really exceptional wines. Many different
varieties grow well here.That diversity is our biggest strength.”
“With eleven defined microclimates that transcend our
region, it’s less of a story of east and west and more a story of
true terroir and diversity,” observes ChristopherTaranto of the
Paso RoblesWine Country Alliance. “There are 30 different
soil series across the Paso Robles AVA.That quality—combined
with the long growing season, large diurnal temperature swing,
and different microclimates—affords us the ability to create a
multitude of different wines that cannot be pigeon-holed into
one definable category. In Paso Robles, there’s so much for the
wine lover to discover while visiting.”
Why not pull out your travel planner and discover Paso Robles
for yourself … before the crowds arrive.To get you started, on the
following page are a few suggestions for things to do and see in
this wonderfully laid-back corner of California wine country.
www.WineandJazz.com
55
WineRegion:PasoRobles

11. CELEBRATING
WINE AND JAZZ
Castoro Cellars
Award-winning wines. Intimate, starlit
concerts among the vines; Concerts
this season: Café Musique, Peppino
D’Agostino, Karla Bonoff, Kenny Edwards
Templeton: 805.467.2002
CastoroCellars.com
D’Anbino Vineyards & Cellars
Winemaking musicians with live music
year-round
Paso Robles: 805.227.6800, DAnbino.com
WINERIES
Caparone Winery
Italian varietal specialists. Father and
son are winemakers by day, Usonia Jazz
Band musicians by night
Paso Robles: 805.467.3827, Caparone.com
Eberle Winery
Among Top 10 medal award-winning
U.S. wineries. Winemaker Dinner in
the Caves, October 15
Paso Robles: 805.238.9607
Eberlewinery.com
Hunt Cellars
Colonial-style wine tasting room
Paso Robles: 805.237.1600
HuntWineCellars.com
Sculpterra Winery &
Sculpture Garden
Family estate winery. Giant granite
sculptures, picturesque landscape
Paso Robles: 888.302.8881
Sculpterra.com
Tobin James Cellars
Award-winning wines, restored
stage coach stop
Paso Robles: 805.239.2204, TobinJames.com
Victor Hugo Winery
Templeton area winemaker with
a reputation for excellence
Templeton: 805.434.1128
VictorHugoWinery.com
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
80th Annual Pioneer Day Parade
and Celebration
Saturday, October 9; Free activities:
old-fashioned parade, bean feed in
City Park, antique/classic cars, gazebo
concert, kid’s pet show, more
Paso Robles: 805.238.2038
PasoRoblesPioneerDay.org
California Mid-State Fair
July 21 - August 1; Top-notch live concerts
and county fair, Jazz Night, Wine Plaza
805.239-0655 or 800.909.3247
MidStateFair.com
Harvest Wine Weekend
October 15-17; Winery-hosted activities;
130 wineries, 150 events
Paso Robles: 800.549.9463
PasoWine.com
Jack Creek Farms
Fifth-generation Barlogio family-run
farm, country store, bakery
West Templeton: 805.238.3799
JackCreekFarms.com
The Wine Line
Flexible ‘hop on, hop off’ tour to 60 wineries
Paso Robles: 805.610.8267
HopOnTheWineLine.com
The Wine Wrangler
Wine tour packages with knowledgeable
guides
Paso Robles: 805.238.5700
TheWineWrangler.com
LODGING
Adelaide Inn
Value meets quality
Paso Robles: 805.238.2770
AdelaideInn.com
Best Western
Black Oak Motor Lodge
Near Margie’s Diner and fairgrounds
Paso Robles: 805.238.4740
BestWesternBlackOak.com
Hotel Cheval
Equestrian-inspired luxury downtown
Paso Robles: 886.522.6999
HotelCheval.com
JUST Inn Bed & Breakfast at
Justin Vineyards & Winery
Exquisite wine country suites, fine dining
Paso Robles: 805.238.6932
JustinWine.com
La Bellasera Hotel & Suites
Luxury boutique hotel, Enoteca
Restaurant & Bar; Monthly concerts
in an intimate setting
Paso Robles: 805.238.2834
LaBellasera.com
RESTAURANTS
Artisan
Unique approach to the American Bistro
Paso Robles: 805.237.8084
ArtisanPasoRobles.com
Bistro Laurent
Casual elegance, Country French cuisine
Paso Robles: 805.226.8191
BistroLaurent.com
Hoover’s Beef Palace
Ranch-style breakfasts and décor to match
Templeton: 805.434.2114
Il Cortile Ristorante
Rustic Italian with quality ingredients
Paso Robles; 805.226.0300
IlCortileRistorante.com
Villa Creek Restaurant
Rancho Mission Cuisine, Villa Creek
Cellars wines
Paso Robles: 805.238.3000
VillaCreek.com
INFORMATION
Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
Appellation, winery and events information
Paso Robles: 800.549.9463
Experience Paso Robles
Directory of things to see and do
Paso Robles: 888.988.7276
TravelPaso.com
Our Paso
Robles Picks
Hotel Cheval
Downtown
Paso Robles
PHOTO: PRVGA
Castoro Cellars’
John Jorgenson Quintet
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55
www.WineandJazz.com
56
WineRegion:PasoRobles

12. BACKGROUND PHOTO: Temecula Valley Vineyards at Sunset
f you aren’t already familiar with this rising
star—located in the southwest corner of
California’s Riverside County, an hour from
San Diego and a mere half-hour east of the Pacific
Ocean—that’s probably because Temecula is among the
newest on California’s growing list of wine appellations.
Because of theTemeculaValley’s proximity to the sea,
its vineyards benefit from warm, dry days cooled at night
by brisk sea breezes flowing through the Rainbow Gap and
other points of entry carved out of the coastal mountain
range. In fact,Temecula’s dramatic diurnal temperature
swings closely mimic the grape-growing conditions in Napa
Valley. Little wonder then there are approximately 3,000
acres already planted, with plans for more in the future.
Similarities in climate aside, it is the unique soils that
anchor and nourish the vines that make wines fromTemecula
so unique. Here, decomposed granite provides distinction for
fruit grown in naturally well drained soils. Local winemakers
believe that the presence of red clay, dark loam, and sandy
components lend further complexity to the grape. Situated at
an average elevation of 1,500 feet,Temecula grapes flourish,
happily free of the threat of mold until harvest.
A rich history, steeped in sun and granite
Although literal translations vary, Temecula is derived
from the Indian word, “Temecunga,” meaning “place of
the sun” or “where the sun breaks through the mist.”The
surrounding hillsides were once home to the Temecula
tribe as early as 900 A.D. The various cultural settlements
that stretched clear to the coast were all known as
“Luisenos,” as many had become subject to influence by
nearby Mission San Luis Rey.
Trappers, hunters and explorers accessed several area
trails between 1820 and 1846, which later became the
root source of the Southern Emigrant Trail. Historical
records, such as field surveyor’s notes, newspapers, travelers’
journals, diaries, legal records, maps, and photographs help
corroborate their locations.
If those ancient trails could talk, one may imagine
the stories they could reveal from society’s growing pains:
California Gold Rush discoveries in 1848, the Butterfield
Overland Mail route between San Francisco and St. Louis,
CivilWar soldiers assigned to their posts, the influx of
railroad transportation before the turn of the century, and
thriving growth as a working ranch town.Today, modern-day
counterparts soldier through one of these trails on a less
treacherous commute: Highway 79 South.
An appellation is born
In 1968,Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo established the
first commercial scale vineyard (now BellaVistaWinery),
while BrooksideWinery began its own vineyard plantings.
A year later, CallawayVineyard andWinery was established,
followed by Mount Palomar in 1975. Nearly two-dozen
wineries followed. By 1984, theTemecula AVA was official;
a decade later, the appellation was renamed theTemecula
Valley AVA, which now encompasses 33,000 acres.
Planted acreage includes chardonnay, merlot, sauvignon
blanc, viognier, syrah, and pinot gris grapes. Cabernet
sauvignon, zinfandel, and pinot noir also thrive along with
smaller percentages of other varietals. The wineries, about
three-dozen and growing, are an easy drive from the center
of town. From large-scale operations to smaller, privately
owned boutique wineries, the open spaces around the area
enable many of the vineyards to be close by and accessible.
One of the smaller, well-established wineries is
Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery, run by Nicholas and
his wife, Cindy. Their 13-acre estate produces 2,500 cases
per year of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, and
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HAS LONG BEEN THE MAINSTAY OF AMERICAN WINEMAKING FOR MANY AN AFICIONADO.
AMONG THE NEWEST OF WINE APPELLATIONS IS TEMECULA VALLEY, TUCKED IN THE CORNER OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY,
AN HOUR FROM SAN DIEGO AND JUST THIRTY MINUTES FROM THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT
THIS NOSTALGIC LITTLE COUNTRY TOWN WOULD EMERGE TO GIVE THE SUPERSTARS A SERIOUS RUN FOR THE GOLD?
Temecula Valley
I

13. sangiovese, plus a new block of viognier and syrah. Nicholas is a
big believer in what he finds are “two basic ingredients in
making fine wines—the fruit itself and the barrels they age in.”
Phil and Carol Baily are the owners of BailyVineyard &Winery.
These modern-dayTemecula winery pioneers have crafted estate
wines from vineyards planted in 1982 and currently produce
5,000 cases annually. Specializing in red Bordeaux varieties, their
efforts have yielded an impressive array of gold medals from State
Fair competitions that include California, San Francisco, Los
Angeles and Orange County, as well as the San FranciscoWine
Competition. Regardless of the accolades, Phil doesn’t take himself
too seriously. He attests, “So what makes a good wine and what
makes a bad wine? Basically, it’s simple.There are really only two
things to consider,” he says. “A good wine is a wine that smells
good with no disagreeable odors, a wine that is smooth in the
mouth, and a wine that leaves a pleasing and lingering aftertaste.”
Want to pull out all the stops in wine country? No problem.
Temecula knows how to do fancy without the pretense at South
CoastWinery Resort and Spa.The Grapeseed Spa andVilla
accommodations are first-rate. But beyond the grand fountain
entrance and rustic-beamed ceilings, a statuesque bobcat also
provides a memorable tasting room welcome. Beyond pleasant
décor, South Coast possesses a dizzying array of nearly 1,000
regional and international awards for their wines in only six year’s
worth of production, with two dozen awards in 2008, alone.To top
it off, South Coast was awarded the distinction of “BestWinery in
California” in 2009, its second consecutive year to win this honor.
Owned by Jim Carter, wines from South CoastWinery’sWild
Horse Peak vineyard speak volumes. Here, afternoon breezes
wield their way through vineyards of largely syrah and sangiovese
grapes, which helps to produce healthy berries for irresistible
wines for 50,000 cases. Not jaded by success, Jim still takes a
simple, but refreshingly enthusiastic approach to wine grape
cultivation: “All we do as a farmer is we work with what we know
the grape is trying to do, and then we guide it to get the very
best fruit that we can get to make our wine.” Master winemaker
Jon McPherson and winemaker Javier Flores share a similar
philosophy. Jon says, “It’s about letting the grapes speak. Javier
and I simply listen and then carefully nurture the process.”
Preserving Old Town Temecula
“OldTown”Temecula originally served as a supportive hub for
Vail Ranch, an 87,000-acre cattle and agricultural operation from
1904 to 1964. Later, the community experienced a revitalization
that initially began in the 1960s, but proceeded in earnest in the
1980s. A sense of history has been integral to what has become a
rapidly growing and thriving community of more than 100,000
residents. Careful planning has prioritized centrally located access
to performing arts, historical and children’s museums, downtown
small businesses, and neighborhood restaurants. A large-scale civic
center construction project is in the works, geared to meet the
needs of a population that has doubled over the last decade.
A walk through town is pleasant, and one is challenged to tell
new construction from old.The City Council offered incentives for
business owners to create storefronts that look a century or two
old, even up close.When hunger strikes, locals and visitors enjoy
old-fashioned juicy burgers, real-deal milkshakes, root beer floats,
and house wine by the glass at Mad Madeline’s Grill on Front
Street, where 18 hamburger choices and indecision collide.Water
misters also provide welcome summertime comfort during the wait
for half-pound Blue Cheese Burgers with bacon,Texas Burgers
with grilled pastrami, and Buffalo Burgers.There’s even a dog-
friendly patio, ideal for travelers with man’s best friend. At Public
House, generous eight-ounce pours of red, white, or sparkling
wines accompany buttermilk-soaked calamari steak strips and Pile
O’ Pork Shanks. If there’s room for dessert, a decadent S’More
Brownie or farm-fresh Berries, Cake ’N’ Cream might do the trick.
Add live music, a flickering fire on the patio, a harvest moon, and
you have one pleasant sensory overload.
There’s much to do in theTemecula wine region in summer,
fall, and year-round. Music lovers can groove to eight bands in
three locations at theTemecula International Jazz Festival, go hot
air ballooning or golfing, visit antique shops and malls, or simply
enjoy the clippety-clop of horse-drawn carriage rides through the
vineyards.The variety only adds to all the fun.
Meanwhile, vintners at wineries large and small seem to
share a collective approach to keeping winemaking enjoy-
able and uncomplicated. If this translates to great
wine,Temecula is a region that’s sure to become
more avidly pursued in the years to come.
Temecula Valley Balloon
& Wine Festival
conTinued on page 60
www.WineandJazz.com
59
WineRegion:Temecula

14. Celebrating
Wine and Jazz
baily’s Fine dining
California cuisine in the heart of Old
Town. Live music on weekends
Temecula: 951.676.9567
OldTownDining.com
Falkner Winery
Winery, restaurant, weekend jazz concerts
Temecula: 951.676.8231
FalknerWinery.com
Keyways Vineyard & Winery
“Wine Down Fridays” - mellow music,
wine and dinner
Temecula: 877.539.5297
KeywaysWine.com
thornton Winery
“Champagne Jazz” concert series
Temecula: 951.699.0099
ThorntonWine.com
Wineries
longshadow ranch
Horse-drawn carriage wine tasting trips
951.587.6221
LongshadowRanchWinery.com
Miramonte Winery
Hip vibe with live music on Fri/Sat,
from 7-10 p.m.
Temecula: 951.506.5500
MiramonteWinery.com
Palumbo Family Vineyard
& Winery
Intimate, family-run vineyard & winery
Temecula: 951.676.7900
PalumboFamilyVineyards.com
robert renzoni Vineyards
Tasting room featuring Italian style
wine portfolio; Picnic grounds
Temecula: 951.302.8466
RobertRenzoniVineyards.com
stuart Cellars
Family 40-acre estate vineyard with
360-degree views
Temecula: 888.260.0870, StuartCellars.com
Wilson Creek Winery
Home of the award-winning Almond
Champagne
Temecula: 951.699.9463
WilsonCreekWinery.com
aCtiVities and eVents
temecula Valley international
Jazz Festival
Honoring Ella Fitzgerald on July 9-11, 2010
951.678.2517
TemeculaJazzFest.com
‘taste of Winemaking’
seasonal seminars
July 24, 2010 and October 23, 2010
Callaway Vineyard and Winery
951.676.4001, CallawayWinery.com
Peltzer Pumpkin Farms
Open daily: September 18 to October
31, 2010; Mini-railroad tides, pony rides,
petting farm, tractor collection, pig
races, and pumpkins!
951.695.1115, PeltzerFarms.com
temecula Outdoor Quilt show
October 2, 2010; Hundreds of quilts
displayed in Old Town
PMB 435, 27475 Ynez Road, Temecula,
CA 92591
ValleyOfTheMistQuilters.com
a grape escape balloon adventure
Year-round excursions, weather
permitting; Sip Wilson Creek Winery
Almond Champagne from mid-air!
800.965.2122, HotAirTours.com
the grapeline
Wine Country shuttle
888.894.6379, GoGrape.com
lOdging
south Coast Winery resort & spa
Luxurious villas, full-service spa,
restaurant, winery
866.994.6379, WineResort.com
temecula Creek inn
Relaxed and spacious, with sweeping
golf greens
877.517.1823, TemeculaCreekInn.com
inn at Churon Winery
Elegant French Country chateau and winery
951.694.9070, InnAtChuronWinery.com
Pechanga resort &
entertainment Center
Largest casino resort in California/
concert venue
888.732.4264, Pechanga.com
restaurants
Meritage at Callaway
Al fresco, vineyard view dining featuring
Tapas menu
Temecula: 951.587.8889
CallawayWinery.com
smokehouse restaurant at Ponte
estate Winery
Grape wood-fired food, small-batch
wines, vineyard views
951.252.1770, PonteWinery.com
Mad Madeline’s grill
Burgers, buffalo, and pork ribs
877.805.6653, MadMadelinesGrill.com
the great Oak steakhouse
Angus beef and more than 900
wine selections
951.770.8507, Pechanga.com
temecula Pizza Company
Inventive, fresh-crust pizzas, hot
sandwiches, wines
951.694.9463
TemeculaPizzaCompany.com
inFOrMatiOn
temecula Valley Convention
and Visitor’s bureau
951.491.6085, TemeculaCVB.com
temecula Valley Winegrower’s
association
800.801.9463, TemeculaWines.org
Our Temecula
Valley Picks
Stuart Cellars vista
Old Town Temecula
Gateway
Live music every
Friday & Saturday night
at Miramonte Winery
COnTinued FrOM paGe 59
www.WineandJazz.com
60
WineRegion:Temecula

15. Santa Maria Valley
& Sta. Rita Hills
f you’re looking for a truly “no-frills” wine getaway,
one that’s the real deal—no pinky fingers posing
in mid-air, no scents of framboises lurking in your
wineglass, no menus with ingredients you’ve never heard of, no
limos or Ferraris, and not a franchise in sight—then get thee to
the “far side” of Santa Barbara County.
Instead of taking the turn-off for Santa Ynez, keep heading
north to visit the sub-appellations of Santa Maria Valley and
Sta. Rita Hills, where you’ll discover a refreshingly unpretentious
slice of California wine country, along with chardonnays and
pinot noirs that are, hands-down, as good or better than many
French Burgundies selling at twice the price.
Continue north to Santa Maria Valley
It’s the lay of the land that makes this region so unique. Unlike
all other coastal valleys in California, instead of running north-
south, the Santa MariaValley runs directly west-east. Fog and wind
pour in freely from the sea across this broad and open inland plain,
sweeping across the City of Santa Maria and beyond, blanketing this
AVA which encompasses 80,000 acres of vineyard potential.
Established in the early 1980s, this AVA rises from elevations
barely above sea level near the Santa Maria River to as high as
3,000 feet atTepusquet Peak.Toward the west, the valley receives
copious morning fog and predictable afternoon winds, which blow
well into the eastern part of the region to cool hotter terrain
during occasional summer temperature spikes. Modest rainfall
provides for more hang-time on the vine, allowing concentrated
flavors to develop, a real qualitative advantage for the rows of
mostly chardonnay and pinot noir planted in this region. Although
the area is classified as Climate Region I, rivaling Champagne in
France and Rhine in Germany, a few Climate Region II conditions
may be found further inland.
The oldest, largest, and most widely respected vineyard in
the Santa Maria Valley is Bien Nacido Vineyards which grows
chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot blanc syrah, and merlot. This vast
I
BACKGROUND PHOTO: Sta. Rita Hills
IT MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO FANS OF THE
HIT FILM “SIDEWAYS” THAT ALL WINES FROM
SANTA BARBARA DO NOT HAIL FROM SANTA
YNEZ. UP THE ROAD APIECE, GREEN CARPETS
OF GRAPE VINES QUIETLY COEXIST WITH
SLOPING RANCHLANDS, ANCIENT RED OAKS,
AND MILES OF UNSPOILED EARLY CALIFORNIA
BEAUTY. IN PLACES SO REMOTE THAT CITY
SLICKERS CALL THEM “THE BACK OF BEYOND,”
WINE GRAPES HAVE BEEN GROWING WITHOUT
RED CARPET FANFARE FOR DECADES.

16. Santa Barbara Mission hallway
PHOTO: Anders Illum
operation sets a high standard for local wine grapes, and
numerous wineries scattered throughout the region—from
the San Rafael Mountains to the Santa Maria Mesa—line
up to buy its ultra-premium fruit.The vineyard’s first
plantings hailed from the early rancheros established in
1857. A century later, the fifth-generation Miller Family
bought this acreage and neighboring property to restore
the original RanchoTepusquet. It was the Millers who
named the property “Bien Nacido,” a Mexican expression
akin to “born with a silver spoon.”
One of the oldest wine producers is FoxenWinery &
Vineyard, established in 1985 by BillWathen and Dick
Doré on the historic 2000-acre RanchoTinaquaic.
Among the first to plant vines in the 1970s, they
continue growing chardonnay, syrah, and cabernet franc
on their small, hillside vineyard.Their newest offerings
include Bordeaux and Cal-Italian style wines which augment
their traditional pinots, chardonnays, and Rhone-style blends.
Certainly no expense is spared in the vineyard or cellar at
Cambria under the direction of proprietress Barbara Banke.
Cambria specializes in wines made from 100% estate-grown
grapes harvested from vines anchored in the unique soils of the
Santa Maria Bench. Cambria’s handsome and comfortable tasting
room is open daily. Be sure to sample Cambria’s Julia’sVineyard
Pinot Noir, which offers an exceptional quality-price ratio, along
with many limited edition wines sold only at the winery.
Before leaving this area, once ruggedly picturesque cowboy
country populated by Basque and Portuguese ranchers (many of
those who remain are steadfast in their preference for speaking
their own local idiom), do yourself a favor and watch for a
roadside stand selling local strawberries —the most tender and
aromatic, same-day picked strawberries imaginable.
Head for the Sta. Rita Hills
Established in 2001, this sub-appellation was previously
known as the Santa Rita Hills AVA until 2006, when the slight
name change came at the behest of Vina Santa Rita, a major wine
producer in Chile concerned about losing its thunder as a brand.
Sandwiched between Buellton, a pit-stop along Highway 101, and
blue collar Lompoc along the coast road, this region offers few
amenities to the visitor. But, it does offer rapturously fine wines
worthy of even the most demanding Burgundy connoisseurs.
Weather here is the coldest of the cold, and many growers shy
away from such marginal climatic conditions. Maritime fog and
breezes blow in from the sea through an expansive corridor that
tunnels between the northern La Purisima and Santa Rosa Hills.
Both the SantaYnez River and Santa Rosa Road run parallel across
the southern portion, where vineyards cluster in the lower elevations.
These coveted microclimates make ideal conditions for growing
ultra-premium chardonnay, pinot noir, and syrah, along with smaller
amounts of pinot gris, sauvignon blanc, grenache, and viognier.
Be sure to check
out the wines by
Fiddlehead, Sea
Smoke, and numerous
other small producers
in this region of
artisan-crafted wines.
Not all wineries offer
daily tasting, so you may
want to call ahead. But in the Sta.
Rita Hills AVA, odds are good that you’ll actually
get to meet the winemaker and even share a glass with him or her in
an unhurried pace with zero pretension. Here, vintners tend to let the
wine and the area’s natural beauty do the talking. Small wonder why
almost everyone who visits comes back for more.
Here, it is alma, explains Jim Fiolek, director of the Santa
Barbara CountyVintner’s Association. “It’s a Latin word,
meaning to ‘nourish or incite the spirit.’ I like that.When you
look up the hills, there’s nothing grand, yet there’s something
great. It’s this overwhelming force you’re drawn into. One can see
why the Chumash Indians held this land in such reverence.”
Speaking of reverence, nothing in this region, not even its
stellar wines, are held in higher esteem than Santa Maria-style
BBQ, perfectly seasoned slabs of melt-in-your-mouth tri-tip
served with another regional specialty, silky smooth pinquinto
beans—ahhh! It’s all served at its peak of perfection at the
Hitching Post—with two locations to choose from, in Buellton
or coastal Casmalia.
Where to stay during your visit? A posh sanctuary awaits
you at the Fess Parker Inn and Spa in nearby Los Olivos. But if
you’re feeling wacky enough for a fantasy retreat, check out one
of the kitschy theme rooms—your choice of Gypsy, Pirate, King
Tut, Roman, or French—atTheVictorian Mansion in the old
stagecoach stop town of Los Alamos, a charming rural village
that hearkens back to another era.
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17. CELEBRATING
WINE AND JAZZ
Rideau Vineyard
Iris Rideau’s New Orleans jazz roots
define this historical landmark tasting
room, with live jazz or blues on
weekends.
Solvang: 805.688.0717
RideauVineyard.com
WINERIES
Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards
Founded by veteran vintner
Richard Sanford; sustainable
practices in organic vineyard
Buellton: 805.688.9090
AlmaRosaWinery.com
Foxen Winery & Vineyard
One of the oldest Santa Maria Valley
vineyards; solar-powered operation
Santa Maria: 805.937.4251
FoxenVineyard.com
Cambria Winery & Vineyards
Estate-grown pinot noir,
chardonnay, syrah
Santa Maria: 888.339-9463
CambriaWines.com
Richard Longoria Wines
Wine tasting in the garden in
downtown Los Olivos
Los Olivos: 805.688.0305
LongoriaWine.com
Fiddlehead Cellars
Pinot noir specialists, plus
sauvignon blanc
Lompoc: 805.742.0204
FiddleheadCellars.com
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
California Wine Festival
Old Spanish Nights, Sunset Rare and
Reserve Wine Tasting, Beachside
Wine Festival
July 15-17
Santa Barbara: 866.273.4148
CaliforniaWineFestival.com
Chumash Casino Resort
Casino and Four Diamond resort, live
concert entertainment
Santa Ynez: 800.CHUMASH
ChumashCasino.com
Lotusland
Truly inspirational botanic garden of
exotic and native plants on 37 acres,
garden shop, informative docents
provide two-hour walking tours
Santa Barbara: 805.969.9990
Lotusland.org
Old Spanish Days Fiesta
August 4-8
Celebrates the history and culture
of the American Indian, Spanish,
Mexicans and early settlers.
Free and paid events: arts, crafts,
fiesta foods, music, dancing, horse
shows, rodeos, carnivals
Santa Barbara: 805.962.8101
OldSpanishDays-Fiesta.org
Old Mission Santa Barbara
‘Queen of the Missions’ was built in 1786
Santa Barbara: 805.682.4713
SantaBarbaraMission.org
Sustainable Wine Tours
Extensive tour services of Santa
Barbara appellation area wineries
Santa Barbara: 805.698.3911
SustainableVine.com
LODGING
Fess Parker Inn & Spa
Country elegance. Each room
decorated by Mrs. Parker.
Los Olivos: 800.446.2455
FessParker.com
The Victorian Mansion
Fantasy-themed rooms in an
old-fashioned village
Los Alamos: 808.344-1300
TheVick.com
The Ballard Inn
Charming country bread and breakfast
in wine country near Santa Ynez
Ballard: 805.688.7770
BallardInn.com
RESTAURANTS
Hitching Post Restaurants, I & II
Real-deal Santa Maria-style BBQ and
worth the drive
Casmalia (the original!) 866.879.4088
HitchingPost1.com
Buellton: 805.688.0676
HitchingPost2.com
Ellen’s Danish Pancake House
Where the locals go to enjoy breakfast
anytime. Huge crepe-like pancakes to
twelve-egg omelets.
Buellton: 805.688.5312
272 Avenue of the Flags, Buellton
Far Western Tavern
‘Home of the Famous Bull’s Eye Steak;’
authentic Santa Maria Valley red oak BBQ
Guadalupe: 805.343.2211
FarWesternTavern.com
Trattoria Grappolo
Country regional cuisine by Italian chefs:
Leonardo, Alfonso, and Giorgio Curti
Santa Ynez: 805.688.6899
TrattoriaGrappolo.com
INFORMATION
Santa Barbara County
Vintners’ Association
Santa Ynez: 805.688.0881
SBCountyWines.com
Our Santa Maria Valley
& Sta. Rita Hills Picks
The Pavilion at Lotusland
PHOTO: J. Brew
‘Billy Goat’ Merlot grows in Solvang
PHOTO: Travis S.PHOTO:RebeccaStanek
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