KAY'S WINE BLOG
Hand covered in grape juice and pulp during the winemaking process, squeezing grapes in a large container.
SIPS, SPIRITS, AND SPEAKEASIES: KAY SYRAH SIGNATURE SERIES EVENT IN PASO ROBLES
Hold onto your wine glasses, folks, because I have some exciting news. For the first time ever, I’m hosting my Kay Syrah Signature Series Event in Paso Robles! This isn’t just any tour; it’s a unique, one-time event where grapes, grains, and the glamor of the 1930s come together for a day you’ll never forget. Join us on the exclusive Grapes & Grain Tour to experience Paso Robles like never before. Our grape-laden journey begins at the illustrious J Dusi Wines, where the charming Janell Dusi herself will usher us into the world of “Grape to Glass.” Imagine stepping into a vine-strewn time ... Continue reading...
Weathered wooden wall with a white sign reading 'Four Brothers Wine Co.' adorned with icons of a heart, a rooster, an anchor, and a pickaxe, surrounded by white blooming flowers.
VINES AND VIBES: A SPIRITED JOURNEY THROUGH SANTA BARBARA COUNTY WINE COUNTRY
Hey there, wine lovers! Strap in and get ready to sip through the magic of Santa Barbara wine country, where the vineyards are vast and the vintages are vibrant. This isn't just any wine country—this is a 280+-winery wonderland, perfectly positioned just a couple of hours from Los Angeles and a scenic drive south from San Francisco. Picture this: rolling hills, fertile farms, and a wine scene so diverse, it’s like Disneyland for your taste buds. Welcome to the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country, which includes the quaint town of Solvang, where Danish charm meets California cool. The ... Continue reading...
Woman in a floral dress and wide-brimmed hat walking along a cobblestone path next to a lush garden with blooming flowers and a serene pond.
A WINE LOVER’S GUIDE TO PASO ROBLES
Did you know that Paso Robles is one of my favorite wine regions to visit? The variety of vineyards there truly crafts some unique wines. Renowned for its diverse microclimates and soils, Paso Robles allows an impressive variety of wines to flourish. What really makes this region stand out are its friendly, down-to-earth wineries, each with its own charm and exceptional wines. I decided it’s time to share my love of Paso Robles with you in true Kay Syrah fashion—by hosting my Signature Series here for the first time ever! To prepare, I visited some wineries over the past couple of days. I ... Continue reading...
Woman in a vibrant red hat walking through sunlit vineyard rows, her back to the camera, with lush grapevines stretching into the distance.
EXPLORE NAPA VALLEY THIS SUMMER
Usually, when someone thinks about California wine, Napa Valley comes to mind. It is a dream destination for wine connoisseurs and novices from all over the world. With its picturesque landscapes, world-class wineries, and delicious food choices, Napa Valley offers an all-around sensory journey into the world of wine. If you’re unfamiliar with Napa Valley, here’s the rundown — it’s more than just a wine-producing region; it's a cultural experience steeped in viticulture. Home to over 400 wineries, the valley’s climate and geography are ideal for growing a variety of grapes. The picturesque ... Continue reading...
Kay Syrah, the Wine Country Guru Gal, is holding a glass of wine in the vineyards of Temecula Valley, getting ready for Bubbles, Brunch, and Bourbon
BUBBLES, BRUNCH, & BOURBON: A KAY SYRAH SIGNATURE SERIES EVENT YOU CAN’T MISS!
Are you ready for Temecula’s first Kay Syrah Signature Series Event of 2024? I'm excited to present 'Bubbles, Brunch, & Bourbon,' an exquisite journey through Temecula's renowned wine country on Sunday, May 26, 2024, with Grapeline’s Chief Winos, John and Kim Kelliher. This tour will offer an unforgettable experience, combining the elegance of sparkling wines, the delight of a gourmet brunch, and the rich warmth of bourbon at Temecula's most beloved wineries. Our adventure begins at Carter Estate Winery and Resort, a gem in the heart of Temecula. Here, you'll indulge in their meticulously ... Continue reading...
Happy couple drinking red wine in Sonoma Wine Country
EXPLORING THE ELEGANCE OF SONOMA WINE COUNTRY
Are you yearning to embark on a journey through lush vineyards to the place where premium winemaking got its start in America?  In Sonoma Wine Country, every vineyard has a tale to tell, and every sip is a celebration of the region known for its history, diversity, beauty, and wine quality. When “Count” Agoston Haraszthy, known as the father of California viticulture, founded Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma in 1857, he became the pioneer of a wine region that is now home to more than 425 wineries.   A hallmark of Sonoma Valley is its diversity. From family-owned gems to avant-garde estates, ... Continue reading...
Image of barrels stored away
TIME TO ROLL OUT THE BARRELS!
Pouring your Syrah from a bottle?  Pshaw!  During Temecula’s annual Barrel Tasting event, coming up on February 3rd and 4th, bypass the bottle, and sample vino straight from the oak, just like a winemaker. A Barrel Tasting presents a rare opportunity to bypass the standard wine tasting, and sip wines that are still aging, before they are bottled and released to the public.  A nifty glass device called a wine thief retrieves the vino from inside its oaken home, and transfers it into your glass.  We non-vintners get to taste wine-to-be, while it is still maturing.  The young vino provides ... Continue reading...
Three women drinking wine and enjoying the beautiful winter in wine country.
THE WINTERY CHARM OF WINE COUNTRY
Yes, harvest season is over but that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy wine country. I absolutely love going to various wineries during winter. This season offers a unique and often underrated experience for several reasons.  During this time of year, crowds tend to thin out and tasting rooms are more free, offering a personalized and relaxed wine-tasting experience. The colder weather creates a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying full-bodied red wines often associated with winter. I personally enjoy the reds at Wiens Cellars in Temecula, specifically the 2022 Merrytage at this time ... Continue reading...
Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Women enjoying views at Vega Vineyard & Farm, red wine at Firestone Vineyard, and a tasting in the barrel room at Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard.
FOR THE 1ST TIME EVER IN SANTA BARBARA WINE COUNTRY
My Signature Series Tour, Bottled Poetry, is coming to the Santa Ynez Valley on Saturday, January 27, 2024! I’ve dreamt about this for a very long time, and I’m excited to finally share it with you. Santa Barbara wine country is, by far, one of the most beautiful and exquisite regions I’ve visited. It’s home to some of the best food, wines, and views in the world, and I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying several of them during my travels. With more than 275 wineries, seven approved American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), and 70+ grape varieties grown in the region, it’s hard to know where to begin ... Continue reading...
A Utility Terrain Vehicle at Foley Estates, a lush vineyard that offers world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
ENTER THE LAND OF CHARDONNAY AND PINOT NOIR AT FOLEY ESTATES
Are you going to Santa Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County? If you are, make sure to check out Foley Estates, if you haven’t already, because it’s absolutely breathtaking in so many ways. The vineyard, the views, the wines…I need a moment… My friends and I recently went on the UTV Vineyard Tour at Foley Estates, where we bounced along the rows of vineyards. In case you're wondering, a UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle), is an off-road vehicle tough enough to make us look like we were heading to the spring roundup at Yellowstone instead of to the next row of Cabernet. Billie, a Wine Educator ... Continue reading...