I rediscovered California again through wine, but this time, it wasn't in Napa. You don't need to trek up hours away from LA to be near vineyards. Our friends Becky and Geoff, who are veterans at wine tasting day trips, toted us along with them to Santa Barbara. Only 2 hours away in Buelton, we drove through rolling hillsides, had lunch in Solvang and then wine hopped through boutique vineyards. Richard and I are not "wine-Os" but we do appreciate getting out of our LA bubble for something different.
We visited a few wineries:
- Gainey: the more traditional stuffy winery complete with a "members only" room
- Buttonwood: a casual spot complete with a farm of season fruits and vegetables. This place is also dog-friendly!
- Foxen: It's a shack! You pull up on the dirt road, get into a little shabby but cute shack and hang out on the bartop and talk to the person next to you. Get one of their rub on tattoos too!
- Kenneth Volk: They hold tastings in their back shipping room where you can see their boxes and pallets of wine. It's a makeshift pouring area under fluorescent lights but they have an amazing selection
Here a few pics from our little LA getaway.
my new anchor tattoo!!
Geoff trapping a yellowjacket in the glass
Our rooftop view of Endeavour flying over the reservoir.
Happy Friday!
I love weddings.
This past weekend, a dear friend of ours got married on the hills of Malibu Canyon on what seemed to be the hottest day of the year! We arrived early at the venue, a private residence turned into a dream wedding venue, Rancho del Cielo, perched on Malibu hills with 270º of California ocean view. It was breathtaking up there.
I peeked in the bridal suite and saw 4 bridesmaids finding relief in front of a fan to try to keep their makeup in place. The groomsmen came with beers in hand to beat the heat under their 3 piece suits.
By sunset, well into the ceremony, we forgot about how hot it was and enjoyed the "magic hour." We watched the sun go down into the Pacific with the newlyweds taking pictures a few feet away. We had cake and champagne! We raised our glasses to love, and enjoyed every moment of Becky and Geoff's beautiful wedding!
