Latest Posts and News...
Holus Bolus: Small-Lot Mastery in Los Olivos
Holus Bolus is a Sta. Rita Hills focused producer based in Los Olivos, led by co-founders and co-winemakers Peter Hunken and Amy Christine MW. The winery emphasizes vineyard-driven bottlings, restrained winemaking, and clarity of varietal expression, with particular strength in cool-climate Syrah....
Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
This 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon highlights the distinct terroir of the Knights Valley AVA. Crafted by Beringer Vineyards, it offers a concentrated profile of black fruit, savory herbs, and polished tannins. With a drinking window extending well into the next decade, it presents a structured yet approachable option for Cabernet enthusiasts.
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April 6. 2026 – Napa Wineries Are Closing and This Is Just the Start
In this week’s wine news, the long-dreaded wave of California winery closures has finally arrived, while the trade battles renewed tariff uncertainty. Plus, UC Davis tests a new spray against wildfire smoke, Chef Thomas Keller scolds Yountville over workforce housing, and we feature top Italian varietals and Spanish tapas....
Vaca Restaurant in Costa Mesa: Spanish Tapas, Wine, & Cocktails that Wow
Discover the allure of Chef Amar Santana's Vaca: A Spanish culinary haven in Costa Mesa. Celebrity chef Santana’s newest Orange Country restaurant has been a local hot spot for years, and that heat shows no signs of slowing....
This Week Uncorked
April 6. 2026 – Napa Wineries Are Closing and This Is Just the Start
In this week’s wine news, the long-dreaded wave of California winery closures has finally arrived, while the trade battles renewed tariff uncertainty. Plus, UC Davis tests a new spray against wildfire smoke, Chef Thomas Keller scolds Yountville over workforce housing, and we feature top Italian varietals and Spanish tapas....
March 30, 2026 – 50 Years Later the Judgment of Paris Still Defines Napa
This round-up highlights California’s shift toward accessible, experience-driven tastings and collaborative tasting rooms in Paso Robles. While France reduces vineyard acreage to combat oversupply, Scandinavia’s wine industry is rapidly expanding. Additionally, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Judgment of Paris....
March 23, 2026 – Spain Thinks the U.S. Wine Market Is Still Worth It
From the storied hills of Chianti Classico to the volcanic Canary Islands, this week’s news highlights a wine industry in flux. Producers are navigating leadership changes, environmental catastrophes, and shifting global markets with a blend of strategic innovation and site-driven precision, proving that great wine remains as much about people as terroir....
Wineries
Holus Bolus: Small-Lot Mastery in Los Olivos
Holus Bolus is a Sta. Rita Hills focused producer based in Los Olivos, led by co-founders and co-winemakers Peter Hunken and Amy Christine MW. The winery emphasizes vineyard-driven bottlings, restrained winemaking, and clarity of varietal expression, with particular strength in cool-climate Syrah....
Toccata Tasting Room
Toccata Tasting Room in Solvang provides a specialized focus on Italian grape varieties grown within the Santa Ynez Valley. Managed by the Lucas family, the cellar door emphasizes a casual, village-style atmosphere. The current portfolio highlights how traditional Mediterranean varieties adapt to the unique microclimates of Santa Barbara County.
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Stolpman Vineyards: Dry-Farmed Precision in Ballard Canyon
Stolpman Vineyards focuses on dry-farmed Syrah and Rhône varieties grown on limestone soils in Santa Barbara County. Founded by Tom and Marilyn Stolpman and now led by their son Pete, the winery combines high-density planting with a dedicated vineyard crew, La Cuadrilla, to produce vibrant and site-specific wines....
Restaurants
Vaca Restaurant in Costa Mesa: Spanish Tapas, Wine, & Cocktails that Wow
Discover the allure of Chef Amar Santana's Vaca: A Spanish culinary haven in Costa Mesa. Celebrity chef Santana’s newest Orange Country restaurant has been a local hot spot for years, and that heat shows no signs of slowing....
Cielo Morongo: High-Altitude Dining with Traditional Steakhouse Ambition
Perched on the 27th floor of Morongo Casino Resort in Cabazon, California, Cielo Morongo delivers American steakhouse cuisine through flame-grilled USDA Prime steaks, premium chops, and fresh seafood. The execution emphasizes precise technique and farm-fresh California produce, supported by attentive service and panoramic desert vistas.
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Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar: French Technique Meets American Primal Cuts
Bavette’s offers a dining experience that merges the American steakhouse tradition with the aesthetic and culinary sensibilities of a French bistro. The kitchen focuses on premium sourcing and consistent execution, delivering dishes characterized by rich textures and savory depth. Service is professional and well-paced, complementing a moody, atmospheric setting.
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Guides
The Ultimate Guide to Valle de Guadalupe Restaurants, Wineries, and Wines for the Perfect Long Weekend Escape
Discover the beauty and flavors of Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's premier wine country. From boutique wineries to exquisite dining, luxurious stays, and stunning scenery, this guide explores the best that the region has to offer. This guide is being constantly updated. Originally Posted On February 21, 2024...
