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Sleeper Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021
Sourced from elite Napa Valley vineyards under strict non-disclosure agreements, the 2021 Sleeper Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rare access point to high-caliber winemaking. Crafted by Jean Hoefliger, this release balances the concentration of the 2021 vintage with polished tannins, delivering a structured, age-worthy profile defined by dark fruit and graphite.
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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....
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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Crown Point Vineyards
Crown Point Vineyards is a hillside Cabernet-focused estate in Santa Ynez defined by precision farming, low yields, and structured, age-worthy wines. During our visit, every wine tasted performed at a 95+ point level, reflecting a disciplined, site-driven approach from vineyard to cellar.
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Trefethen Dry Riesling 2021
This Napa Valley Riesling from the Oak Knoll District defies expectations with its bone-dry profile and vibrant acidity. Trefethen’s 2021 vintage offers layered aromas of white peach and jasmine; grounded by wet stone minerality. It is a focused; food-friendly white that highlights the serious potential of this often-overlooked varietal in California.
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March 16, 2026 – Are Wine Bottles Too Big for the Modern Drinker?
This week’s round-up explores a sobering market correction as winery buyers vanish and direct-to-consumer sales suffer historic declines. Meanwhile, modern consumer habits challenge traditional norms, sparking debates over the standard 750ml bottle and the rise of fine-dining water menus. Plus, we feature Santa Barbara’s Cordon winery....
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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....
March 16, 2026 – Are Wine Bottles Too Big for the Modern Drinker?
This week’s round-up explores a sobering market correction as winery buyers vanish and direct-to-consumer sales suffer historic declines. Meanwhile, modern consumer habits challenge traditional norms, sparking debates over the standard 750ml bottle and the rise of fine-dining water menus. Plus, we feature Santa Barbara’s Cordon winery....
March 9, 2026 – A “New” Turkish Grape That Isn’t Really New
This week’s round-up explores a deepening rift in the regenerative viticulture movement regarding organic certification. Meanwhile, Argentina’s wine industry faces a historic economic crisis, while French producers remain optimistic about long-term resilience. Plus, a DNA breakthrough links Turkish Kolorko to Hungary’s Furmint, and we profile Santa Barbara’s Dragonette Cellars....
Corkage
Wine
Sleeper Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021
Sourced from elite Napa Valley vineyards under strict non-disclosure agreements, the 2021 Sleeper Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rare access point to high-caliber winemaking. Crafted by Jean Hoefliger, this release balances the concentration of the 2021 vintage with polished tannins, delivering a structured, age-worthy profile defined by dark fruit and graphite.
...
Trefethen Dry Riesling 2021
This Napa Valley Riesling from the Oak Knoll District defies expectations with its bone-dry profile and vibrant acidity. Trefethen’s 2021 vintage offers layered aromas of white peach and jasmine; grounded by wet stone minerality. It is a focused; food-friendly white that highlights the serious potential of this often-overlooked varietal in California.
...
2022 Bouches-du-Rhône Blanc “Baume Noire”
This limited-production white wine breaks from local tradition as a pure Vermentino aged in sandstone amphorae. Grown on the sea-swept cliffs of Cap Canaille, it offers a distinctively saline and textured experience. It combines organic farming with precise winemaking to highlight the mineral intensity of the Mediterranean coast.
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Wineries
Crown Point Vineyards
Crown Point Vineyards is a hillside Cabernet-focused estate in Santa Ynez defined by precision farming, low yields, and structured, age-worthy wines. During our visit, every wine tasted performed at a 95+ point level, reflecting a disciplined, site-driven approach from vineyard to cellar.
...
Cordon of Santa Barbara Winery
Cordon of Santa Barbara offers a focused exploration of Santa Barbara County terroir from its tasting room in downtown Solvang. Founded by Etienne Terlinden, the winery emphasizes site-specific expressions of Rhône and Burgundian varieties. The portfolio highlights balanced winemaking and technical precision, delivering wines that reflect the diverse microclimates of the region....
Dragonette Cellars: Precision and Patience in Santa Barbara
Dragonette Cellars produces small-lot wines from Santa Barbara County's cool-climate vineyards, with a focus on Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. Founded in 2005 by brothers John and Steve Dragonette alongside Brandon Sparks-Gillis, the winery emphasizes vineyard management and minimalist cellar practices to express site-specific character and balanced structure.
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Restaurants
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.
...
Bar Le Côte: Coastal Cuisine and Spanish Influences in Los Olivos
Located in Los Olivos, this seafood tavern presents a menu rooted in Spanish and Portuguese traditions. While the "Dinner for Two" tasting menu showcases high-quality ingredients and strong sourcing, execution across the courses varied during our visit. The casual setting pairs well with its maritime focus.
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Classic Steakhouse Fare and Ocean Views at 21 Oceanfront
Perched right at the Newport Pier, 21 Oceanfront focuses on the kind of dining that never goes out of style: traditional steak and seafood. Chef Jesus Mendoza leads a kitchen that prioritizes great ingredients, think perfectly cooked filet mignon and fresh salmon, over complex trends. With an atmosphere that feels like old-school luxury, it’s a reliable spot for a structured dinner by the water....
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...
