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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 — 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 — 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...

Thacher Winery & Vineyard — Kay Syrah | Wine Country Guru Gal Indulge in the seductive flavors of Thacher Winery & Vineyard in Paso Robles. Experience the breathtaking views, tantalizing varietals of grapes, and the vibrant wine culture that make it one of the best destinations for a wine tour. Get ready to embark on a passionate adventure through the world of Thacher's delicious wines. Join us and uncork the secrets of pleasure at Thacher Winery & Vineyard! Introduction: Welcome, wine lovers, to Thacher Winery & Vineyard, where passion flows as richly as the velvety nectar we pour. Nestled ... Continue reading...

25 Things To Do in Temecula California — Kay Syrah | Wine Country Guru Gal Hello, darling!  It's time to spill the wine, the secrets of the enchanting Temecula Valley. Nestled among rolling hills and beautiful vineyards, this Southern Californian gem is a paradise for wine lovers and adventure seekers. So, wear your chicest outfit, grab sunnies, and dive into Temecula, California's 25 best things to do. Old Town Temecula: Step back in time in this charming town that sprung up around the California Railroad in 1882. Today, it's a treasure trove of art galleries, boutiques, and independent ... Continue reading...