We in California are frig'n blessed; with such a large geographic variety in a general vicinity, there is a lot offered here. Although Napa Valley is what most around the world would think of when they hear a wine is from California, but it is us locals that have found some of the true gems from Temecula, Santa Ynez and Paso Robles... well that and the fact I can drive to these wineries in under two hours!
I spent the past weekend with my cousins up in Ballard, a small neighborhood in the Santa Ynez Valley. I have to say Chris and Patty ROCK! They bought a nice place last summer right in the heart of the wineries and spend most weekend entertaining friends, drinking wine in cellars or basking in the sun. The food was awesome, the wines were DE-LI-CIOUS, and the conversations will always make you laugh, cry or just be glad you were there.
So did you notice anything wrong with the title? I heard those exact words while wine tasting. Chris and I did a double take at one-another too. Poor guy, he did sound like he was trying to learn a few things, but TREES? Of course that one comment lead to this posting and was the center of many laughs over the weekend.
Well I don't have any pictures to share this time around, but here are some links to all the wineries and restaurants we went too. Started off Saturday afternoon at Riverbench, a winery I had never been to; they only have Chardonnay and Pinot Noir's. Then it was off to Foxen, the site of the infamous blog title. Our final tasting for the day was at one of all of our favorites Rideau. We hung out in the back with Cate and I ended up joining the club too. LOVE the Reds... mmmmmm! That night we had reservations at Mattei's Tavern in Los Olivos and what a dining experience. I highly recommend this place and make sure to substitute your side for the Potato Gratin!
Sunday started off with breakfast burritos and some awesome Bloody Mary's made by Patty. Dang that was good. We continued our tasting at Gainey, another new spot for me. Of course Chris and Patty are members at this one so we sat in the private tasting room where our pour-er gave us some large samples. Our final tasting was at Roblar. What an beautiful place and it is more than another winery. Two years ago we did a luncheon for +40 group and it was incredible... and so is the Cabernet Franc! Lunch was at Trattoria Grappolo. Some of the best Italian food I have ever had; the pizza was da boom! After a nice siesta and walking the dog we headed out for our final meal at the Firestone Taproom. If you have never been, you have to go even if you do not like beer. The food is incredible.
Get out and savor!
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