The Hitching Post, Buellton

Frank and Natalie Ostini founded The Hitching Post II in 1986, the first Hitching Post in Casmalia was established in 1952. A steak house that cooks on open fire over red oak. In somewhat recent years the family decided to try their hand at winemaking.

Adam and Oscar tended bar and I decided to skip the tasting and got right to pairing. They suggested the following with my meal selection:

2006 Pinot Noir, Saint Rita's Earth. Paired with grilled artichoke and Smoked Tomato Pesto (sold at the restaurant).

2006 Syrah, Big Circle. Paired with Filet Mignon, medium rare.

2007 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer. Paired with creme brulee.

I love to eat at restaurant bars. You meet the most fascinating people. A couple from Boston on a journey from LAX to Pismo Beach for a wedding stopped in and joined me at the bar for a little dinner. They were so much fun I hated to see them leave, but then another couple, the Beckers, who happened to be on their honeymoon took their place at the bar.

As Tom and Kristin and I were enjoying ourselves, a local artist Larry R. Rankin, sculptor, http://www.larryrrankin-sculptor.com/ sat at the empty seat between us. What a character! While we all carried on about art or the lack there of, Barbara Satterfield of the Santa Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance www.staritahills.com approached me with an invitation to visit the Lompoc wineries, which I fully intend to do! Tom and Kristin mentioned that they were married at a winery and hoped I would put it on my list to visit, which of course I will.

What a night! I want to thank Adam and Oscar for taking such good care of me and my new friends at the Hitching Post!

Rideau Vineyards, Solvang

Iris Rideau founder of Rideau Vineyards is my hero. After retiring at a very young age from a great business career, she moved up to the Santa Ynez Valley. In 1995 she bought a historic adobe on 25 acres and founded Rideau Vineyards in 1997. Iris, a New Orleans native, finds that the Rhone varietals pair best with her Creole dishes.

The winery is located on Alamo Pintado Road which is lined with apple orchards, and berry farmers. Right across the street from the winery is a ranch of miniature horses. Now, I could be wrong but I swear I saw several kangaroo grazing on another pasture on the way. I admit it was late in the day and I had been to a few other wineries, but I think I know a kangaroo when I see one. I mean if they can raise ostrich in Santa Ynez why not kangaroo?

Rideau's driveway is lined with what I like to call Christmas trees and as you round the bend you are blessed with the picture perfect view of the restored adobe, built in 1884, which is surrounded by a gorgeous flower garden with a very large tree covered picnic area that wraps from the front of the house to the rear. The vines are to the left. The tasting room is in the enclosed patio. The wine tasting bar is located in front of the floor to ceiling windows and French doors that overlook the vineyards. Rise was pouring wine and I decided to taste the Reserve & Estate Wines:

2009 Grenache Blanc - This balanced white wine is full of lush body, complex flavors and heady aromatics. Pair with chicken.

2009 Estate Viognier - Elegant notes of minerality and brine balancing a tropical fruit-laden mouthful. Rise had me pair this with the Rideau Feta & Pink Peppercorns and bread.

2006 Reserve Chardonnay - Bien Nacido Vineyards. Notes of chalky limestone, toasted coconut and flint. Pair with Swordfish.

2006 Iris' Chateau Duplantier - Syrah 60%, Grenache 28%, Mourvedre 12%. Hard spice and raspberries. Pair with steak.

2007 Tempranillo - A Spanish varietal. Lush and rich with minerality, mushrooms and black truffles. Pair with barbecue.

2007 Estate Syrah - The flagship wine. Rich flavors of backyard plums and leather. Pair with filet mignon.

Aside from pouring wine for Iris at the vineyard, Rise is a retired Ophthalmologist, and an accomplished artist, http://www.risedelmarochsner.com/. I had a great time talking to Rise about wine, food, and our dogs! Rise's dog Zeke was shading himself under a tree just outside of the tasting room when a couple from Orange County, California showed up with their two dogs. We all took our tasting glasses out on the patio to watch the dogs play and enjoy the fragrant scent of the vines wafting in the breeze.

What a wonderful time I had at Rideau Vineyards! I want to thank Rise, and wish her all the best!

Rancho Sisquoc Winery, Santa Maria

Rancho Sisquoc Winery is owned by the Flood Ranch Company. James Flood purchased the cattle ranch in 1952, planted grapes in 1968, started pressing grapes in 1972, and opened to the public in 1977. Of the 37,000-acres, 310 are dedicated to the vines which overlook the Sisquoc River.

Driving Foxen Canyon Road has to be one of my very favorite things to do. It's the Wine Trail that runs from Santa Maria down to Los Olivos. A two-lane road that winds its way through hills, trees, farms, ranches, and vineyards. It gives me something that I just can't adequately describe other than...pure joy.

Rancho Sisquoc Winery is on Foxen Canyon Road. You have to pay close attention because you can drive right by it simply because you are too busy taking in the view around you. A little tip, look for the historic San Ramon Chapel that overlooks the entrance to the ranch. The cutest little white church that sits on top of the hill.

The drive way to the winery is 2-miles long, just wide enough for two mid-size vehicles to pass each other...slowly. Lined with trees, brush, a farm, and the cattle ranch. As I drove into the parking area there was a large picnic area to the left and the cattle ranch to the right. The winery is housed in a cabin like structure surrounded by trees that completely shade the parking and entrance to the tasting room.

The tasting room is adorned with rich dark wood. Wine bottles and numerous award ribbons are displayed from counter to ceiling behind the bar. Alice was pouring and she suggested the following:

2009 Sylvaner - 17% Riesling. Unique to Rancho Sisquoc as the only producers of this varietal in California. Won Gold at the Long Beach Grand Cru! Citrus blooms, ripe apricot and hints of perfume. Great as a 1st course wine, pair with spicy foods, or even brunch.

2008 Tre Vini - 52% Sangiovese, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Syrah. Bright red with violet hues in color. Black licorice yields to cherry, plum and light caramel. Pair with red pasta dishes.

2007 Merlot - 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. Won Gold at the San Diego International, Chairman's Award Riverside International, Best Merlot Central Coast Wine Competition. Dense ruby red. Sweet currant, pomegranate and earthy cherry. Flavors of coffee and oak. A well rounded mid palate of cherry-espresso, chocolate and hints of anise. Pair with steak!

2007 Cabernet Franc - 20% Petite Verdot. It opens big with sarsaparilla, dusty earth and sweet cola. Flavors of wild read berries, thyme, redwood smoke and rich vanilla oak. Pair with roast or stew.

2007 Malbec - 100% Malbec. Rated 91 in Wine Enthusiast, Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Tasting. The bouquet opens with vanilla bean and honey and then gives way to strawberry pie filling, black jam and chocolate. The robust middle shows plum, blackberry, and floral notes. A toasty vanilla oak and dried black fruit finish. Pair with Filet Mignon, or char-Brazilian style meats.

2007 Cellar Select Meritage - 29% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petite Verdot, 13% Malbec. Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, Chairman's Award "Best of Class" at the Long Beach Grand Cru. Flavors of black cherry, bramble berry, blueberry with vanilla and toffee. Pair with Prime Rib.

Alice has been working at Rancho Sisquoc Winery for 4-plus years and it's evident that she likes it there. I learned that Alice's husband is in a Blues band called Pryor Baird & the Deacons, and were playing with Cole Fonseca in New York at the Annual Freedom Ride Festival. I happen to love the Blues and I could tell Alice was very excited and proud of her husband.

I want to thank Alice for her time and hospitality and wish her and her family all the best!

Longoria Wines, Los Olivos

Rick Longoria has been involved with local wine production since 1976. He and Diana Longoria established Longoria Wines in 1982. In 1998 they opened their tasting room in a very charming and historic building on Grand Ave. in downtown Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County.

Elizabeth was pouring the following wines:

2009 Pinot Grigio - Santa Barbara County. Refreshing, clean Italian-style.

2007 Chardonnay, "Cuvee Diana" - Santa Rita Hills viticultural appellation near Lompoc.

2008 Pinot Noir, "Lovely Rita" - Produced from acclaimed vineyards including Bien Nacido, Rancho Santa Rosa, and their own estate, Fe Ciega located in the Santa Rita Hills viticultural appellation.

2007 Pinot Noir - Fe Ciega Vineyard. Estate wine.

2007 Blues Cuvee - Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos area. Blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec.

2007 Tempranillo - Clover Creek Vineyard. Spanish varietal.

2006 Syrah - Los Alamos and Santa Ynez. Alisos Vineyard.

I felt special kinship to the Longoria family simply because we share a love for Blues music. The small gift shop featured some original art and lithographs of their Blues Cuvee labels. There is a small patio just outside, on the other side of a white picket fence where you can enjoy a little picnic with their wines.

I had a really great time chatting with Elizabeth and other tasters at the bar. Elizabeth discovered just how small the world is when it turned out that she and another taster attended the same school in Germany of all places! We all bantered about name suggestions for the baby girl that is due to Elizabeth and her husband in mid-October.

I have to give Elizabeth credit, it was her last day before going on maternity leave, she had been on her feet several hours, but you would never know it. By the way she talks about Longoria and the history of the winemaker it is obvious that she is proud to work at Longoria Wines.

I want to thank Elizabeth and wish her all the best with her new arrival!

Arthur Earl Wines, Los Olivos

Arthur Earl Wines were founded in 1996, 1st vintage in 1997. They produce about 2,500 cases a year, focusing on grape varietals native to Rhone Valley, N. Italy, aned Zinfandel. They are located in a very quaint and historic building on Grand Ave. in downtown Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County.

The tasting room is very spacious with two very large murals of vineyards painted on the back wall. The wine bar can easily accomodate 20 people or so. Natasha was pouring wine and she suggested the following:

2008 Malvasia Bianca - Santa Barbara County. Frity, off-dry wine native to Italy. Pair with spicy Thai, or India.

2006 A Genoux Silver Label - Central Coast. A cote du Rhone style bland. Grenache 20%, Counoise 30%, Cinsaut 20% Mourvedre 10%, Syrah 20%. Food friendy. I'm thinking fresh baked bread with cheeses.

2005 Nebbiolo - Santa Ynez Valley. Piedmont region of Italy. Pair with thin crust pizza.

2006 Barbera - Santa Ynez Valley. Plum, dark fruit, velvet. Pair with lamb, steak, red pasta dishes.

2006 Asevala Silver Label - Central Coast. A spanish Rioja style blend of Tempranillo and Grenache. Very big, intense, full-bodied. Pair with steak, red pasta dishes.

It was a quiet afternoon. Natasha and I talked about the current state of the California wines business, food pairings, life in general, and I had a very nice time.

I want to thank Natasha for her time and hospitality and I wish her all the best with her studies.

Daniel Gehrs Wines, Los Olivos

In 1990, Daniel and Robin Gehrs ventured into the wine business. Daniel Gehrs Wines is located on Grand Ave. in downtown Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County. Los Olivos was made famous in the Sideways movie, but it has been around since 1887! Daniel Gehrs Wines just celebrated their 10th anniversary at the Heather Cottage, built in 1904. The cottage is adorable, actually the whole town is adorable. It's like walking through the old wild, wild west!

I walked up the plank steps onto the cottage porch, swung open the screen door, and walked up to the bar. Mary was pouring wine and she suggested the following:

2005 Cabernet Franc - Santa Barbara County. Rich and ripe with blackberry, blueberry, ripe plum, black pepper, and fig aromas and flavors. Pair with Salmon with cilantro salsa.

2006 Sangiovese - Santa Ynez Valley. Hints of wild strawberries, raspberries, dried grasses, sweet moist earth and spicy oak. Pair with Mediterranean, Greek foods.

2008 Bandolero - Paso Robles. 60% Tempranillo, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Black cherries, black currants, purple plums, black pepper. Pair with steak.

2007 Fireside Port - Amador County. Traditional Ruby-style port made from all Portuguese varieties. Pair with dark chocolate.

I had a blast hanging out with Mary at Daniel Gehrs Wines. I hadn't laughed like that in quite awhile. It really felt good. I learned that Mary spent many years in the corporate environment prior to working at Daniel Gehrs Wines where she has been for 2 plus years. She loves wine so much she is taking the Viticulture and Enology Program at Allan Hancock College. I think Mary and I have a few things in common other than a love for wine, one of which is clumsiness!

I want to thank Mary for her time and hospitality, I look forward to hanging out with her again some day soon!

Cougar Vineyard and Winery, Temecula

Cougar Vineyard and Winery, established in 2004 and opened in Temecula in 2006 by Rick and Jennifer Buffington. They stick to the Italian varietals and produce about 3,000 cases a year.

Cougar Vineyard and Winery is located on the De Portola Wine Trail, which I was not even aware of until today. I have always aimed for the Rancho California exit off the I-15 for wine tasting in Temecula. In order to get to the De Portola Wine Trail you take the Temecula Parkway South exit. It's worth the few extra minutes. The trail is set in a nice rural area of Temecula. It is lined with horse and cattle ranches on either side of a two-lane road. It winds up through some really pretty hills.

As I drove through the entrance to Cougar Vineyard and Winery I was instantly charmed. The winery is located at the top of a hill and as I drove up the drive way I was so tickled by the vines bursting with fruit lined on either side. The view from the top of the hill standing outside of the winery was breathtaking.

As I walked into the winery I was awed by the racks of wine barrels very neatly and nicely placed throughout the facility. I loved the wine tasting bar. It had two very long and wide planks of wood set on top of wine barrels. Very practical yes, but also very inviting. Mike was pouring wine and he suggested I try the following:

2009 Estate Vermentino - 100% Italian varietal Vermentino. Flavors of lemongrass, green apple and lime. Pair with fresh seafood or grilled Mediterranean vegetables.

2009 Monte's Blush - 100% Montepulciano grapes done as a dry rose`. Fresh strawberries with flavors of ripe plums ending in a dry smooth finish. Pair with spicy food.

2009 Petizione Chardonnay - The wine club put together a petition to get this one back on the winery roster if that tells you anything! Slightly sweet and pairs well with salmon.

2009 Pink Cougar - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with 2% residual sugar. Guava and strawberry flavors. 2007 Orange County Fair winner. $1 per bottle is donated to Susan G. Komen for the cure Inland Empire affiliate. A picnic wine for sure, but Mike says it's just fine all by its self.

2008 Estate Sangiovese - very limited production. Pair with red sauced pasta or pizza.

2008 Sangio+ - The 2007 Super Tuscan Sangiovese is blended with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvested from their estate vineyard in Fallbrook (their backyard vineyard) then fermented and barrel-aged blended. Very limited production. Pair with red sauced pasta and pizza.

2007 Meritage - 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc. The blend was voted on and picked by the Wine Club Family. Enjoy with gouda, olives and hard salamies.

2009 Malvasia Bianca - 100% Malvasia Bianca. Flavors of granny smith apple and honey. Liquid dessert but at the same time great with a meal. Pair with seafood, antipasto dishes, grilled vegetables.

As we were touring the facility I was so intrigued when we stumbled upon Rick utilizing something like a giant potato masher hand "punching" the pinotage grapes in 3 large plastic tubs. The aroma was delightful.

In chatting with Mike I learned that aside from pouring wine at Cougar Winery he also works at Harrahs Casino and writes a website called www.tasteoftemecula.net which has a wealth of information about things to do, see, and experience in Temecula.

They sell a few Boar's Head products at the winery so I decided to have some salami and cheese with a glass of the 2008 Estate Sangiovese out on one of the picnic tables overlooking the vineyards. It was so serene I almost cried to be given such a special moment. As I was enjoying myself, Mocha the family dog stopped by to say "hi", but let's be honest, she couldn't take her eyes off my salami and cheese.

I feel like I had a mini vacation at Cougar Vineyard and Winery today and I would like to thank Mike for his time and hospitality.

Laguna Canyon Winery, Laguna Beach

Laguna Canyon Winery has been in operation about 6 years. Brothers, Marlowe and Darren Huber, vintners/proprietors originate from Canada and have been in the wine business approximately 20 years. The winery may be fairly young but they have consistently won awards at the Orange County Fair. The largest competition in the state.

They are located on Laguna Canyon Road just up the street from the Laguna Arts Festival. They will be opening another tasting room downtown Laguna Beach in the very near future.

The winery has a very intimate setting; nice dark woods, oak barrel aromas, the sweet scent of wine. Everything is done on the premises from wine making to corking. I stopped by once for a wine barrel tasting and was delighted with the aromas as I walked in.

For 30 years the Wyland Gallery (famous whale artist) was located in the building right next door to the Laguna Canyon Winery. A relationship was developed over the past 6 years...and wala! A new wine label is added to the menu. Wyland Cellars. Just gotta love fate!

Marlowe was tending bar yesterday and he poured the following:

2008 Sauvignon Blanc - Rutherford, Napa Valley. Citrus, lemon grass, guava fruit, gooseberry, flint. Pair with grilled poultry, marinated pork or smoked trout.

2008 Wyland Chardonnay - Pineridge Winery, Napa Valley. Orange County Fair award winner. Apple, pear, citrus, vanilla. Pair with seafood, turkey, crab cake, seaweed salad.

2006 Zinfandel - Russian River Valley. Boysenberry, cranberry, and black cherry, with hints of black pepper. Pair with outdoor grilled steak of chops, barbecued chicken or ribs.

2006 Wyland Organic Syrah - Los Carneros, Sonoma Valley. Orange County Fair award winner. Vanilla, sweet wood, spice, blackberry, black current, tannin. Pair with steak, sausage, lamb, venison.

2005 Wyland Inaugural Cabernet Sauvignon - Paso Robles. Orange County Fair award winner. Deep, toasted oak, earth, leather, spice, black currant, black cherry, tannins. Pair with fillet Mignon or rib eye steak.

Like most wineries in California, Laguna Canyon Winery does not have a restaurant, but what they do have is monthly dinners that are quite something. Reservations can also be made for any type of celebration event.

I enjoyed myself very much chatting with Marlowe about wine and food and I thank him for his hospitality. I wish the Huber family much success!