UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Day Two: 2014 Wine Blogger Conference In Santa Barbara Wine Country

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IMG_6920So many wines, so little time!  Yesterday was an amazing event-filled day at the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference.  The highlight of the day was the evening mystery excursion.  WIne Bloggers were loaded on small buses and taken to various undisclosed locations in the Santa Barbara Wine Country.

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I was beyond excited to end up at Melville Vineyards, off Highway 246 in Lompoc.  Chad Melville personally greeted 40 bloggers and gave us a working knowledge of the terroir of the Santa Rita Hills AVA.  I will write a separate blog highlighting this very special evening! [Read more…]

2014 Wine Blogger Conference Opens Today In Santa Barbara Wine Country!

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IMG_7018Day One of the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference is finally here!  Over 350 wine bloggers will kickstart the conference at the Marriott Hotel in Buellton this morning with Discover Portugal: Influences Around the World, A food and wine pairing brunch hosted by Wines of Portugal.

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Keynote speaker, Corbett Barr of Fizzle, will welcome the wine bloggers  to the pristine Santa Barbara Wine Country.   Other afternoon sessions include a panel of Santa Barbara Country Winemakers, Live Wine Blogging (whites and roses), Wine Discovery breakout sessions featuring Rutherford Hill and Duckhorn Wineries – #MerlotMe, Winebow‘s When The Sum Is Greater Than Its Parts:  Wine Blends From Around The World and Jackson Family Wines – How The Pros Taste. [Read more…]

Wine Bloggers Unite in Santa Barbara County July 10-13, 2014

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IMG_6726The excitement is mounting for the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference, which will take place in Buellton in the heart of the Santa Barbara County Wine Country this weekend.  Thank you to the WBC Scholarship Committee and to the WBC Sponsors for selecting me to participate as  a scholarship recipient.

IMG_7007 The Santa Barbara AVA is very dear to my heart as the region throws a diverse selection of varietals ~ from Rhone Blends, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more.  And, best of all, it is within easy driving distance! [Read more…]

Justin Vineyards & Winery Is Justifiably A World Class Act

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When it comes to world-class wines, Justin Vineyards and Winery is considered by many to be a forerunner.  Situated at the very end of the wine trail on the westside of Paso Robles, a Disneyland wine world awaits.  Just when you think you’ve driven too far, keep going.  The road will eventually end at Justin Vineyard and Winery.

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Planted in 1981 by founder and wine ambassador Justin Baldwin, most of the vines on the 160 acre estate are single varietal or Bordeaux varietals.  Today more than 13 select growers in the Paso Robles appellation supply grapes for Justin Vineyards and Winery.

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Opulence is quite evident at Justin Vineyards and Winery.  The tasting room at the first entrance to the property is open to the public and has been recently remodeled and expanded.  The Restaurant at Justin and the quaint Justin Inn cater to the discriminating wine lovers who wish to dine and stay in five-star comfort amongst the vines.

IMG_6826Wine club members are invited to venture down the road further to the members only tasting room, complete with a wine cave, a posh, yet inviting setting and a fabulous reserve tasting menu.  Stellar service is a guarantee and private tours of the wine caves and barrel room can be arranged. [Read more…]

Melville Vineyards & Winery ~ Santa Rita Hills AVA

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Head west out Highway 246 toward Lompoc and discover the Santa Rita Hills appellation, one of the newest and fastest-growing AVAs in Santa Barbara County.  Home to over 59 vineyards with more than 2,000 acres planted in Pinot Noir, 500 acres of Chardonnay, and over 140 acres planted in Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and other cool climate varietals.

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One of Santa Rita Hills’ crowning jewels is Melville Vineyards and Winery, a beautifully appointed Mediterranean-style winery that exclusively produces 100% estate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.  The unique microclimate of the Santa Rita Hills AVA is characterized by the cool temperatures, coastal winds and early morning fog, and is perfectly suited to growing these Burgundian grape varietals. [Read more…]