KAY'S WINE BLOG
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...
Vega Vineyard & Farm Picture Collage
ARE YOU READY FOR THE 39TH ANNUAL SANTA BARBARA VINTNERS FESTIVAL?
I sure am! If you haven’t been, the Vintners Festival is a food and wine lovers’ paradise. There are over 30 chefs and restaurants offering tasty delights AND more than 50 wineries ready to tickle your taste buds with their finest concoctions. Not only will you sip and savor all the exquisite wines and mouth-watering foods that Santa Barbara County has to offer, you will actually meet winery owners and winemakers, get front-row seats to food and wine demonstrations, and groove to live music!  As a professional wino, I am really looking forward to checking out the wines this region has to ... Continue reading...
Beautiful Entrance to Melville Winery
HOLD ONTO YOUR GLASS! MELVILLE WINERY IS ON TRACK FOR GLOBAL DOMINATION!
If you didn’t know the name Melville Winery before, then get ready to know it now. In a thrilling two-step, blind tasting process that probably had sommeliers sweating in their wine cellars, Wine & Spirits Magazine combed through thousands of wine wizards from every nook and cranny on this planet to see who should be named a Top 100 Winery for 2023. And guess who made the cut? Melville Winery of Santa Barbara wine country! This family-owned and operated winery crafts some seriously spectacular Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, which are cultivated exclusively within their private estate ... Continue reading...
Fazeli Cellars Brunch
DISCOVER NEW FLAVORS AT FAZELI CELLARS, A TEMECULA VALLEY JEWEL
As someone who enjoys going on wine tours, I always look forward to indulging in the latest and greatest reds, whites, and rosés each winery has to offer. There's an undeniable thrill in uncorking a bottle, knowing that each sip will tell a great story. While I love discovering new and innovative blends, savoring a well-aged vintage, and reveling in those nightcaps after a long day, my journey through the world of gastronomy has shown me that the pairing of wine and food is where the real magic happens. One of my favorite places for the perfect pairing is none other than Fazeli Cellars in ... Continue reading...
Enchanting Elixir: Unveiling the Allure of Sonoma Valley Wine Tours
Enchanting Elixir: Unveiling the Allure of Sonoma Valley Wine Tours
Enchanting Elixir: Unveiling the Allure of Sonoma Valley Wine Tours — Kay Syrah | Wine Country Guru Gal Indulge in the best Sonoma Valley wine tours and experience the breathtaking views, diverse varietals, and delightful flavors of the wines. Join me, a sassy female sommelier, on an immersive journey through the captivating vineyards, igniting your senses and unveiling the vibrant wine culture of Sonoma Valley. Introduction: Hey there, fellow wine enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on a seductive escapade through the captivating landscape of Sonoma Valley, where the wine flows as smoothly as ... Continue reading...
Graveyard Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles
Graveyard Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles
Graveyard Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles — Kay Syrah | Wine Country Guru Gal Delve into the captivating world of Graveyard Vineyards in Paso Robles. Explore the unique origins of their name, the delightful views adorned with a wisteria-adorned pergola and a picturesque lake, and the award-winning wines that have garnered recognition at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Discover the passion and artistry that set Graveyard Vineyards apart, creating an extraordinary experience for wine enthusiasts. Step into a world where passion and history intertwine, where vineyards ... Continue reading...