Exploring Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone – Part 1

Exploring Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone – Part 1

In what was once an old, rundown industrial area just west of Santa Barbara's bustling shopping district, the Funk Zone has emerged as a hub of unique art, culture, food & artisan wine.  In my opinion, it's one of the best things to happen to Santa Barbara in a long time. With a number of shops, galleries, [...]

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery | Healdsburg, CA

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery | Healdsburg, CA

Over the last year or so, I've fallen madly in love with Sonoma County.  In particular, the area of the Russian River Valley encircled by the towns of Guerneville, Sebastopol & Healdsburg.  From the towering Redwoods to the rocky coastline and everything in between, the natural beauty in this area is unsurpassed. The more I [...]

Law Estate Wines | Paso Robles, CA

Law Estate Wines | Paso Robles, CA

During my last visit to Paso Robles, I had the honor of visiting the soon-to-be-open Law Estate Winery.  From the modern, architecturally stunning winery & tasting room to the impeccably crafted wines, I was blown away by the experience. Perched high above Peachy Canyon Road on the westside of Paso Robles, the Law Estate Winery [...]

Paraiso Vineyards | Monterey County, CA

Paraiso Vineyards | Monterey County, CA

There is something magical about the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County, CA.  Whether it's the cloudless blue skies, the cool breezes that float through the Salinas Valley or the sweeping views from the hillside vineyards, there's something truly intoxicating about the area. During my last visit, I spent an afternoon at Paraiso Vineyards.  Paraiso [...]

Dog Friendly Wineries in Paso Robles – Part 2

Dog Friendly Wineries in Paso Robles – Part 2

In my ongoing quest to have our dog with us on most - if not all - of our wine tasting adventures, I've uncovered more incredible, dog-friendly wineries in Paso Robles. As a rule of thumb when tasting with dogs, always bring a leash, make sure the dogs remain well-behaved, and remember to be respectful [...]

Terry Hoage Vineyards | Paso Robles, CA

Terry Hoage Vineyards | Paso Robles, CA

Tucked away on an idyllic parcel of land on the Westside of Paso Robles lies the Terry Hoage Vineyards and tasting room. In the rustic winery perched right across the small parking lot from his home, Terry Hoage and his wife Jennifer are hand-crafting some of the finest wines to come out of Paso Robles. [...]

Presqu’ile Winery | Los Olivos, CA

Presqu’ile Winery | Los Olivos, CA

Every time I head up to Los Olivos, CA, I feel like the town just gets better and better. With every trip, I seem to uncover an incredible new wine or a fun, new place to grab a bite. This past weekend was certainly no exception. I decided to try the wines of Presqu'ile and [...]

Wrath Wines | Monterey County, CA

Wrath Wines | Monterey County, CA

The Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County was yet-to-be-explored wine country for me until a couple of weekends ago. After spending two perfect days soaking up as much of the area as I could, I found it to be a unique and very special place. The SLH AVA sits in the Salinas Valley between the [...]

Dog Friendly Wineries in Santa Barbara Wine Country

Dog Friendly Wineries in Santa Barbara Wine Country

The wine country just north of Santa Barbara is hands down one of my favorite destinations for a weekend trip. Considering how often I visit the area, I've made it a point to find out which wineries are dog friendly. Just as I discovered in Paso Robles, Santa Barbara is full of wineries that welcome [...]