Tasting By The Rules

Posted on October 18, 2012 by SYVWCA

Angie Parks, Wine Club Manager, Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards

Rules, rules, rules. In traffic, in math, in parenting, in society – I could do with a few less rules! Wine, like art or stargazing, is best studied for its splendor, for its haunting mystery, for the miracle of its existence with such simple origins.

I’ve served many a taster who is clutching his scorecard, quoting wine punditry and trying to impress me with comments like “Quite obviously, this wine underwent 50% malolactic fermentation,” that he misses the point. Wine tasting is fun!

I was reluctant to issue The Rules to a shy young lady who phoned me last week. “Hi. This is a weird question, but how do you taste wine? I have a new boyfriend and he’s taking me wine tasting and I don’t how to do it. I was hoping that you
could tell me the rules.”

The Rules.
I’ve taken an informal poll of friends in the industry and they all agree: there is a place for The Rules within the wine-tasting experience.

So here is my list of unofficial list

DO:

Walk in like you own the place!
Enter the tasting room, have a look around, and approach the tasting bar, fully expecting to enjoy yourself. Take a look at the tasting list. If you like what you see, be prepared to pay $8-12 per person to sample the list.

If you know for sure that you only enjoy white wines, red wines, or even sweet wines, tell the tasting-room staff in advance. Feel free to share one tasting with a companion, bearing in mind that your pour will not be heavier than the standard ounce or so per wine sample.

Trust the progression
The staff knows their wines and has put some thought into the tasting order. Let your pourer decide which wine sample comes next. Take the chance that the winemaker has a style all his own, even if the Merlot is listed after the Cabernet.

Skip over any that you know that you don’t enjoy, but you shouldn’t expect that the tasting room will always have an open substitution.

Read the notes
Educate yourself, even if you know it all, by reading the winemaker’s tasting notes. Take note of grape varietals, vineyard designations, appellations, and styles of your favorites so that you may narrow down your list of choices the next time you’re shopping for a bottle of wine.

See, swirl, sniff, sip, swallow

See the color of the wine you are tasting. Compare the clarity and brilliant color of each wine. Hold your glass up to the light and look at the wine where it meets the glass. Gauge a wine’s age by using a color scale: purple around the edges tends to indicate youth in a wine and deep amber or brown tones tend to indicate some age.

Swirl the wine in the glass vigorously to increase the surface contact to air and release the aromas. If you’re not a practiced swirler, don’t despair! Place your glass on a flat hard surface and move the base in relatively fast and even circles, holding the stem firmly so that it doesn’t tip.

Sniff the wine from outside the glass, swirl again, and then put your nose inside the glass (you saw Miles do it on Sideways so you know that it rarely looks pretty!) and inhale sharply. Aromas refer to the odors of grape while the bouquet refers to the more complex odor which develops while the wine is aging.

What comes to mind?
Leather? Berries? Tropical fruit? Grass?

Sip. It’s sipping time! Let a sizeable sip roll around on every part of your tongue and hold it there for a moment. Is the taste consistent with the aroma? You can detect sweetness in the wine on the tip of your tongue, acids on the sides of your tongue, and bitterness in the back. Swallow and note the finish or the lingering sensations left in your mouth.

Tipping is optional.
Tipping is not required, but if you have had an exceptional time, learned something new, asked the pourer to recommend a restaurant, call for your reservations, and carry your cases to your car, by all means, tip! Wine bars are the exception. Generally speaking, if the tasting bar sells wine by the glass, tipping is the standard.

DON’T!
(Warning: this section should probably be titled: “Rantings of Frustrated Tasting Room Staffers!”)

It’s just not funny anymore.
Don’t quote Miles from Sideways when your Merlot is poured. Your pourer has heard it 750 times already that day. He or she might pour the dump bucket on your head and save you the trouble!

Light up near a tasting room.
Smoking before wine tasting will alter the taste of your wines and the lingering odor that follows you through the door may adversely affect the guest next to you.

Use perfumes or colognes.
You and your fellow tasters will have a harder time picking up subtle aromas and flavors if you bathe yourself in aftershave. At wine-tasting affairs, skip concentrated scents and let the wine have the spotlight.

Chew gum.
One would think this one was a given. Leave breath mints and chewing gum in the car.

Gab on your cell phone.
I’m guilty of this one. A friend told me a hilarious story about a visitor who perched herself near the crowded bar and gave her caller a loud commentary about her entire tasting. “Guess what? I’m in a Santa Ynez Valley wine-tasting room! Now I’m tasting the Sauvignon Blanc. Wow. Lots of melon and honey! Uh huh, now for the Chardonnay…” Please chat outside.

“Make out” at the bar.
Alcohol intake tends to decrease inhibitions of normally civilized adults. Enough said.

Confuse the crackers with a buffet.
Sometimes, crackers are provided to cleanse your palate between tastes, not to substitute for your lunch.

Pour your own wine.
You may think nothing of reaching across the bar and helping out the hassled tasting-room staffer, but the winery could be shut down for allowing you to pour for yourself. Never touch an open bottle at the bar.

Protest showing ID.
Even if you’re a senior citizen, be prepared to show ID. The winery’s license is at stake and the A.B.C. has taught them to take their responsibilities seriously. Along the same lines, if the tasting-room staffer tells you that you’ve had enough, simply walk away. Chances are good that they will call the police if you spend too much time trying to convince them otherwise.

Neglect to designate a driver.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this rule. It is foolish and dangerous to spend a day wine tasting and then slide behind the wheel of a car. Arrange for transportation, check any contraindications with medications that you take before wine tasting, and limit yourself to 4-5 tastes per winery and 4-5 wineries per day.

California’s best kept secret is out and the Santa Ynez Valley now has a reputation for producing some of the best and most interesting wines in the United States. Enjoy them, and taste by The Rules!

Imagine Wine Launches New Release with Casino Party

Posted on January 26, 2012 by SYVWCA

Imagine Wine winemaker Ross Rankin has added a new Red Wine to his portfolio with the release of “Panty and Boxer Dropper Reds”. Barrel aged for one year, Ross describes the Santa Ynez Valley Syrah as having spicy oak aromas, juicy blackberry flavors and a bright finish. “Just the ticket for those potentially romantic nights!” says Ross. The label alone is a “must see”!

Join the launch of this new release at the Casino Night Panty-Dropper/Boxer-Dropper Valentines Launch Party where “Sometimes you get Lucky.” “Lucky”, their new Bluebird Mascot, will be helping release the long awaited “Naughty” Panty Dropper and Boxer Dropper® Syrah at the liveliest and “funnest” Santa Ynez Valentines fake gambling party ever thrown! Enjoy a fancy “good time” evening of great wine (three glasses of wine included, additional wine may be purchased), fake-gaming (you will be given thousands in chips to win or loose at will), delicious appetizers, dinner catered by Polka-Dot, old movies, and the “Lucky Girls” hostesses who will keep the party hopping in their Roaring 20′s outfits.

Space is limited so DON’T Delay. Tickets are $60.00 per person if purchased before January 30th and $70.00 per person after February 1st. Tickets are available at www.imaginewine.com or call 805-688-1769. Saturday February 11th from 7 PM until 11 PM. 21 and Over Only.

Prizes will be awarded for the best “Panty Dropper, Boxer Dropper” themed costume (no idea what that might mean but remember it is COLD in February). For the rest of you Dressy Casual is the dress for the evening. The Party will be at the Imagine Wine tasting room 3563 Numancia Street in Santa Ynez from 7 PM to 11 PM. A portion of the Proceeds will benefit Santa Barbara Based Aeromedicos, a 30 year old Baja Mexico Medical Clinic www.aeromedicos.org.

So What Is a Vintner’s Festival Anyway?

Posted on April 14, 2011 by SYVWCA

Well according to the dictionary, the word “festival” is defined as follows:

festival [ˈfɛstɪv^əl] n

1. A day or period set aside for celebration or feasting

2. Any occasion for celebration, esp. one which commemorates an anniversary or other significant event

3. A time of revelry; merrymaking

Given that, let’s take a look at what the Vintner’s Festival is and what we’ll be doing here in the Santa Ynez Valley for the Santa Barbara County Vintner’s Festival:

The SB County Vintner’s festival is indeed an annual event with this being its 29^th year. Not so much one day but an entire Spring weekend set aside to celebrate wine, winemaking, winemakers, wine-lovers and most everything wine-related. Feasting is certainly a part of celebration with wine-country cuisine offered by some of the regions finest chefs from local restaurants and caterers.

The organized events are:

The main event; the Vintners’ Festival itself, a festive outdoor environment on Saturday, April 16th from 1pm to 4pm. Over 100 members of the SB County Vintners Association will be pouring their wines, accompanied by live musical performances, food and a silent auction. It will take place at the usual location – River Park in Lompoc, home of the now famous “Lompoc Wine Ghetto”.

Vintner’s Visa is a wine tasting passport for your choice of 12 area wineries good for 4 days, Friday through Monday. SYV Wine Country Association Members participating in the Visa program are:

Buttonwood Farm Imagine Wine

Carina Cellars Casa Cassara

Daniel Gehrs Lucas & Lewellen

Mandolina Scott Cellars

Many of the wineries will host special barrel tastings, food pairings and other specials throughout the weekend. Check in on your favorite winery to see what will be happening.

So come out and join us for much revelry and merrymaking throughout the weekend! Find more information and purchase tickets here.

Interview with The Winemaker: Lincourt Vineyards’ Leslie-Mead Renaud

Posted on March 27, 2011 by SYVWCA

Leslie Mead-Renaud

Leslie Mead-Renaud joined the Foley Family of Wines in August of 2010, and is currently Winemaker for Lincourt Vineyards, Foley Estates Vineyard and the Two Sisters brand. She currently lives here in the Santa Ynez Valley with her husband Tim and their two dogs. We had a nice afternoon chat on the lovely grounds of Lincourt Vineyard and Winery in Solvang:

SYVWCA: Everyone wants to know how a Winemaker got started, so tell us your story.

Leslie: Well, I received my college degree from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, with an emphasis in aquatic resource management which is basically studying water pollution and providing environmental education. Unfortunately, that was a long time age when people weren’t quite into the environment as they are now. There were not a lot of jobs available in that field when I got out of college so most of the positions I held then were in forestry. I worked for the Forest Service in Oregon, conducting spotted owls surveys and later worked as an urban forester with PG&E in Calaveras County in Northern California. I happened to see an ad for a Lab Technician at Ironstone Vineyards in one those free weekly newspapers. Since I had chemistry background in college I thought it might be a good fit. I absolutely loved it, though didn’t know anything about wine at the time. That was in 1999. I then I moved down to Sonoma and have been working in the wine industry ever since. I’ve loved it.

One of the things about this industry is that to get ahead you have to keep moving. I worked at several different wineries in a variety of roles, and then became an Enologist at Sonoma Creek Vineyards. I was later hired on as Winemaker for a small family owned operation. I really learned “by doing.”

SYVWCA: What is it about the winemaking experience that appeals to you?

Leslie: To me it’s this perfect blend of science and creativity. I‘ve always I loved to cook, to be able to create things by flavor, and I have always been interested in science. It’s a fascinating blending of the two.

SYVWCA: So what is a typical “Day in the Life” of a winemaker?

Leslie: It totally depends on the time of year. At this time of year, we’re watching the plants, hoping we don’t get a heavy freeze because we’re in the middle of a bud-break right now. Inside the winery we’re preparing for bottling, we’re putting blends together, stabilizing the tanks, and doing “market work”. This morning I was actually with several people who sell our wines throughout the country. I’ll go out to different markets, for example, I’m off to New York and Texas where we’ll meet with distributors, conduct wine tasting with sales people and visit with restaurants.

SYVWCA: What do consider one of your best vintages and why?

Leslie: 2007 and 2008 were probably the best; I don’t think it had anything to do with me, but favorable growing conditions. These were drought years where the plants didn’t grow as much and therefore the fruit was more concentrated. Because of the longer “hang time”, there were smaller clusters and smaller grapes which lead to really good concentration.

SYVWCA: What is your personal varietal preference?

Leslie: I’m partial to Pinot. I think Pinot expresses itself more differently than any other grape depending on where it is, what the climate is, what the root stalk is, whether it’s happy or sad. I think Pinot more than anything else tastes most differently within its own varietal.

SYVWCA: How did you come to the Foley Family of Vineyards?

Bill Foley actually called me on the phone himself. “Hi, this is Bill Foley and I have a project I want you to help me with.” I was quite amazed that he called me himself as he is a very busy guy. It would have been a tough opportunity to turn down. That project was Linocourt Vineyards and I later went on to include Foley and then Two Sisters.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I really look forward to getting to know the area and working with some pretty amazing fruit.

Well Leslie, we welcome you to your new home here in Santa Ynez Valley and look forward to your future vintages .

You can meet Leslie in person, next Saturday, April 2^ndat Lincourt Vineyard’s Winemaker Barrel Tasting event. She’ll be offering a preview of Lincourt’s 2009 vintage wines, direct from the barrel! Reserve your spot here!

Wine Fantasy in February Weekend Wrap

Posted on March 3, 2011 by SYVWCA

Our Wine Fantasy in February on Valentine’s Day Weekend was both fun and a successful weekend for our member wineries. Everyone did a fine job of providing delicious nibbles accompanied by the premier wines selected for the occasion, and our attendees had a great time as well. I had the pleasure of speaking with many of you and appreciate the favorable comments you made regarding the passport weekend. As expressed by many, we have fans that return year after year to enjoy these events, and we do appreciate the loyalty.

So, here are a few highlights of the weekend:

The weather cooperated nicely, it was fine day with temperatures in the high 70’s for most of the afternoon. Great weather for cruising the Valley, convertible top down and favorite tunes on the iPod.

Buttonwood Farms’ Tasting Room Manager, Kurt, switched hats for the day and donned an apron and spatula to create both lovely and tasty heart shaped burgers – even the buns were carefully cut in the shape of a heart! A fantastic spicy tomato chutney on the side and brownies for dessert; I think Kurt earns the 2011 February Wine Fantasy Top Chef Award!

Not to be outdone, however, Tatyana, Hospitality Manager at Lincourt Vineyards put out a gourmet spread in the Barrel Room with a selection of gourmet cheeses, breads, meats, fruits, a great Chardonnay Mousse Pate and variety of truffles and chocolates.

Over in Los Olivos, the back garden at Daniel Gehrs Wines was bustling with patrons enjoying wines poured under the shade of the outdoor wine bar and sophisticated flavors of goat cheese, red pepper meatballs, cranberries, strawberries and chocolates.

A group of teachers, annual participants in this event, were enjoying themselves in the Arthur Earl tasting room amidst owner Nancy’s lovely Valentine’s Day décor and treats of meatballs, assorted dips, chocolate chip cookies & white chocolate.

Two young ladies found a romance with Scott Cellar’s wide selection of wines poured and enlightening conversation with owner and winemaker Peter Scott Fraser himself.

Back in Solvang, the crowds were in full swing. I could barely nudge my way through Presidio Winery’s tasting room where numerous patrons were enjoying the organic wines and hors’ de oeuvres while Chris, Tasting Room Manager, was attentively pouring and mingling with the fans.

The Lucas and Lewellen tasting room was similarly buzzing with wine enthusiasts and pasta lovers enjoying the fare and Mediterranean ambiance. Normally a place to preoccupy children, this couple dined in the only seat in the house.

At Casa Cassara in Buellton, Barbara entertained and educated a group of long time participants who flew in from Nevada to enjoy our event. “A brief trip but every bit worth it” they said. Barbara’s Sauvignon Blanc Spinach Dip and Merlot Meatballs were the perfect finish to the day’s samplings.

Meanwhile, Imagine Tasting Room and Art Gallery in Santa Ynez was a creative hub with owner LynDee’s Valentine’s Day card crafting a big hit. Many adults spent their time cutting, drawing and gluing that perfect card for their sweethearts (and the 10% discount on wines). LynDee’s homemade truffles were snapped up quickly, much to my dismay, as I didn’t get to try them but word was they were fabulous.

A big thanks to all the participants who joined us and we look forward to your return. For those who missed this one, you have plenty of opportunity to join in on the fun at the upcoming events during the remainder of the year. Visit our website www.santaynezwinecountry.com for more information. For more fun photos, visit our Facebook Page.

And don’t forget to “Like” our Fan Page to receive updates on our member wineries, events and special offers.

Save the Date! Stars Stripes and Syrah, July 2^nd, 2011.

Daniel Gehrs

Posted on February 10, 2011 by SYVWCA

In the quaint country town of Los Olivos, you will find what was once known as “Heather Cottage”, an historic residence dating back to the early 1900’s and now home to the Daniel Gehrs tasting room. Once a doctor’s office and subsequently a residence and boutique gift shop, the house welcomes you as if you were a long lost relative come to visit.

The building retains its original floor-plan with the offices in what once were bedrooms, the retail wine displays in the former parlor and the gift shop in what was once the kitchen. Here you will find a splendid display of French Country and English cottage-themed items and numerous wine-related gifts and books. The whitewashed wood flooring adds a special touch as does the classic wooden bar and brass foot railing of the tasting bar.

Meander out back and enjoy your tasting at the outdoor wine bar under the shade of the trees in the garden. The setting is rustic and charming with wood and wrought iron tables and chairs and early spring flowers planted in pots, old bathtubs and wine barrels. You might also find yourself rubbing the tummy of one of the resident cats during its afternoon nap.

Your servers not only pour your wine but educate you in the process carefully explaining the history or origin of the wines you are sampling. Often you’ll find that your host is one of the owners, or Daniel Gehrs himself. While his highly regarded red wines are most popular, he also produces Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Gewurztraminer.

What better way to celebrate the Valentines Day weekend than to join in on our Wine Fantasy in February and stop in at Heather Cottage, find a place under the tree, sip a glass of wine and enjoy the following delectable fare:

Goat Cheese Log with Red Pepper Jelly & Crackers
Meatballs with Cranberries
Red Pepper Tapenade with Baguettes
Fresh Strawberries with Sour Cream and Brown Sugar
Dark Chocolates paired with Port

Lucas and Lewellen

Posted on February 8, 2011 by SYVWCA

Louie Lucas’ experience began decades ago working alongside his family’s leading table grape growing operation in central California. Louie later went on to establish his own vineyards northern Santa Barbara County, defying convention at the time by applying his own methods and techniques learned during summers studying the vineyards of Europe. He is considered one the of the premier wine grape growers in California today. Louie paired up with retired Judge Royce Lewellen to expand their wine producing properties and establish the Lucas and Lewellen Winery and tasting rooms. Their vineyards are in the three primary Appellations of Santa Barbara County: Los Alamos Valley, Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. They produce a variety of full-bodied reds, fine whites and a wonderful sparkling wine.

Their tasting room in downtown Solvang claims the title of “The Best Tasting Room in The Santa Ynez Valley” by readers of The Santa Ynez Valley News. Louie’s European experience must have played a role in the ambiance here indicated by the warm colors, artwork and Mediterranean touches. If you enjoy browsing “wine décor” as I do, you will find a variety of cookbooks, pottery and an interesting array of wine related gift items displayed among fine furnishings and accessories. A bubbling fountain beckons you outside to the cozy patio out front overlooking Copenhagen drive, the main shopping street in downtown, Solvang.

Louie and Royce make a point of spending time in the tasting room to keep a pulse on what their customers are looking for. Both pleasant and friendly, you may find yourself chatting a while, learning a few things about the winemaking business.

For you parents, a “Kids” table in the tasting room conveniently allows parents the opportunity to sample the wines while the children are pre-occupied.

Lucas and Lewellen will be on your route for the Wine Fantasy in February and will be selling tickets for you last minute planners. You’ll enjoy your choice of wines for your complementary tasting accompanied by delicious French Pastas.

Lincourt Vineyard and Winery

Posted on February 7, 2011 by SYVWCA

As you travel up the long tree-lined driveway beside the vineyard that leads to the Lincourt Winery and tasting room, you might picture yourself 100 years ago, puttering home in a Ford Model–T, a home cooked meal awaiting you in the kitchen. Lincourt was once a working dairy farm with the original barn now filled with wine barrels and a tasting room and the farmhouse is now a charming tasting room. The house is a 1926 Sears “Craftsman kit house”. During the period between 1906 and 1940 many North Americans bought building plans for their homes from mail order companies such as Sears and Montgomery Wards. Some received the full house on a freight train with prelabled lumber and others were assembled by local builders. This house has been refurbished yet stays true to the character of the Craftsman era.

There are many ways to enjoy your tasting experience around the pastoral grounds. The expansive lawns surrounding the house are inviting, with beautiful views of the Santa Ynez Mountains in the distance. A private picnic area awaits you and your group any of the secluded nooks about the property. A table on the hillside shaded by a large oak tree invites you to sit down and stay a while, relax, and watch the ducks at play in the pond.

Should you decide to join us for Wine Fantasy in February, your Passport tasting will be held in the Barrel Room. You will be tasting 4 of the Lincourt wines – a Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet. Accompanying the wines will be Truffles, dipping sauces, and breads, Jelly sandwiches and a Chardonnay mousse pate. Come sit on the Veranda or porch and let your wine experience take you back to a simpler time

Wine specials for the day: a 4 pack containing 2 red wines and 2 whites will be available for purchase at a 25% discount.

Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard

Posted on February 4, 2011 by SYVWCA

Over 40 years ago an enterprising woman by the name of Betty Williams wanted to get out of the city life and find a place out in the country where she could connect with the land. The 36 acre land she chose on Alamo Pintado was previously a pig farm and horse ranch, but she had a vision of a self sustaining farm producing fruit and vegetables for the surrounding communities. She moved here with her children and began her life as a horse breeder and farmer.

By the early eighties she became aware of the growing interest in grape growing and began the plantings which have become the Buttonwood vineyard and winery you see today. Buttonwood’s mix of varietals include sauvignon blanc, semillon, marsanne, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and syrah. These reflect the preferences of founder Betty Williams and owners Bret Davenport, Seyburn Zorthian and Barry Zorthian, Betty’s son-in-law and daughters, for Bordeaux and Rhone style wines.

Still a working farm, Buttonwood grows peaches, almonds, pomegranates, olives and assorted vegetables and flowers, in addition to grapes.

The warm and inviting tasting room is light and sunny; you can enjoy your tasting either inside or out on the adjoining patio overlooking the gardens. Take a walk about the grounds where you will see Betty’s touch throughout the beautiful gardens, and the agri-scupture artwork in curious places.

Park yourself on a picnic table out back and take in the view, or spend some time perusing the original displays which Betty still oversees. These creative artworks use plants, sculpture, kitchen utensils and amazing flowers from the cutting gardens on the farm. You can also browse a wonderful selection of wine related accessories, books, art, clothing and home décor items. Pick up a copy Betty’s book “ Life’s a Peach”, a lovely account of her life developing the land and an account of all the people behind the farm and winery.

Bring your February Wine Fantasy Passport, relax and stay a while. You won’t want to miss the heart shaped sliders with tomato chutney, baguettes with goat chevre and Sauv Blanc jelly and for the sweet tooth, delicious Brownie Bites with Chocolate Wine Sauce!

Special discounts on Wine purchases for Passport holders will be available.

Tasting Rooms of Santa Ynez Valley
Imagine Wine and Art Gallery

Posted on February 2, 2011 by SYVWCA

Located in the small, historic Township of Santa Ynez, Imagine Wine and Art Gallery is an elegant reflection of the extraordinary small lot wines created by winemaker Ross Jay Rankin. In 2000, Ross and a group of friends dedicated themselves to the simple notion that a small, truly boutique winery could lovingly create and produce handcrafted, unique and surprising wines.

When you visit Imagine Wine you will meet Ross and his wife Lyndee, the only servers who will pour and discuss their handcrafted wines with you. Your experience will be greatly enhanced by the wine-making knowledge they share along with great conversation and wit. The pair develops a friendship easily.

Award winning Paradise Mountain Viognier and Syrah are two of the Imagine Signature Wines. You may also find the tasting to include a mix of Imagine Wines - award winning “ Pearl Viognier”, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Zinfandel or Pinot Noir (made only every 2-3 years) Merlot and Syrahs.

While savoring your wines you can peruse the beautiful Art Gallery where local artists display original fine art (which is for sale). Currently you’ll find fine stone sculptures by their son Blake Rankin, contemporary art and figurative painting by Karina Puente, and profound landscape paintings by Bob Karl Vogel. The tasting room is a work of art itself with beautiful wood floors and handcrafted cabinetry, a metal ceiling, and interesting contemporary furnishings and lighting.

So bring your Wine Fantasy in February Passport and join Ross and Lyndee for a complementary tasting, conversation and a bit of winemaking education, while enjoying a selection of Gourmet cheeses and your favorite chocolate pleasures…

Imagine Wine and Art Gallery is conveniently located in Santa Ynez just off of Hwy 246 and Edison at 3563 Numancia Street, Santa Ynez, CA.

Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country

an association of select boutique wineries in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley