While it doesn’t happen as often as I’d like, I really enjoy camping. Don’t get me wrong, I will take a fancy hotel any day, but there’s something rejuvenating about spending time out in nature. The campfire cooking, the late nights around the fire, and yes, even sleeping in a tent — it’s all part of the experience. However, I’m a firm believer that all camping experiences should include good food and good wine. Who’s with me? After I came across a few gourmet camping recipes, we decided we were due for a night of camping. So we called some friends up, packed our bags and headed out for a night under the stars.
While I’m all for cozy nights in curled up with a blanket (and red wine) in the winter, I am most definitely a warm weather person. So nothing makes me happier than the return of summer. Now that summer is officially here, I’m looking for every excuse to get outside and enjoy the season: al fresco dinners, beach walks, outdoor picnics – you name it! But nothing screams “summer is here” quite like a beach picnic. Recently, I teamed up with some savvy Santa Barbara ladies to throw the ultimate summer beach picnic, complete with local wine and coastal-inspired eats. It was the perfect way to kick off summer in Santa Barbara!
As you can probably tell from this blog, I am a big fan of summer and all that comes with it. Those long summer days just beg for us all to head outside and make the most of the season. That’s why I love finding time to eat outside in the summer months, whether it’s a summer beach picnic, an al fresco dinner or just a casual summer bbq. Add some wine and a few beers, and you’re set! Recently, a friend introduced me to Bucher Wines, a small boutique family owned winery in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. So, when I received a few of their wines in the mail, I decided to invite a couple friends over for a casual summer bbq to try them.
Located on The Riviera overlooking the city below, Belmond El Encanto has been a fixture in Santa Barbara for many years. In fact, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the hotel! To celebrate, Belmond El Encanto has been hosting a special Winemaker Dinner series all year long. Dining al fresco while enjoying gorgeous city views, delectable dishes and exclusive wines? Now that sounds like a great way to toast to 100 years if you ask me.
Last month I featured a recipe and wine pairing from The Lark cookbook, Around the Table: Recipes & Stories from The Lark in Santa Barbara. Today, I’m excited to share a few more recipes straight from the cookbook as part of a fun contest. That’s right, I’ve partnered with The Lark for an Instagram contest to help you get more inspired in the kitchen. The best part? One lucky winner will get their own signed copy of the cookbook AND dinner for two at The Lark!
Though there are plenty of great places to eat and drink in Santa Barbara Wine Country, I can really only recommend a small handful of places to stay the night. The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, located right in the heart of Los Olivos, is one of those places. Sure, it’s walking distance to dozens of tasting rooms — and just a short drive to the area’s larger wineries — but location aside, the inn itself is a worthy destination. Expect spacious rooms, a pool and day spa, plus a delicious onsite restaurant, The Bear and Star. It all adds up to a great place to rest your head in Los Olivos.
If you know me, you know that I have a thing for cookbooks. When I get a new cookbook I can’t help but read it cover to cover, contemplating which recipes I’ll vow to make. So, when one of Santa Barbara’s best restaurants, The Lark, came out with its own cookbook last year, I got excited. The Lark cookbook, Around the Table: Recipes & Stories from The Lark, is part cookbook, part love letter to Santa Barbara, filled with delectable recipes, beautiful photos and interesting stories that showcase The Lark’s team while paying homage to Santa Barbara’s winemakers, farmers and fish mongers.
Guess what? One of my favorite weekends of the year is just a few days away! That’s right, Pebble Beach Food & Wine is back for the 11th year, bringing with it top chefs, renowned sommeliers and enthusiastic oenophiles for a celebratory weekend you don’t want to miss.
A couple of months after our daughter was born, Nick and I decided to take advantage of free babysitting while we had family in town and ventured to the Santa Ynez Valley. First on our list was a visit to Crown Point Vineyard, the new(ish) kid on the block located in the Happy Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara. I had been hearing a lot about Crown Point and their estate Bordeaux wines and was eager to visit. Wasn’t too surprised to find that the place is beautiful… and the wines? Well, they are indeed impressive, too! While they normally only offer tours to those on the mailing list or to trade, if you can secure a tasting, you won’t be disappointed.
I love learning about wine. Yes, I’m that person who takes notes at wine tastings and enthusiastically dives into geeky wine books. Although I’ve done my fair share of wine education and training, wine knowledge takes practice and it’s easy to forget things if you don’t keep up with it. I admit that after being pregnant and having a baby, my wine savviness has fallen a bit behind over the past year. So, I’ve made it a goal for 2018 to get back on track. Taste and study, study and taste! To help, I decided to join a few wine clubs that will introduce me to new wines from different regions, including two clubs from Les Marchands. I’m now on my second shipment and I have to say, it’s been a great educational tool!