California Dreamin!

The east-west trending coast of California is where I long to be heading! It is situated between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Who wouldn't want to be there! You've got the best of both worlds right? 
This coast is known as the "American Riviera" because of it's Mediterranean-like climate. Needless to say, it is a very popular destination for tourists with a few unique resorts that I will share with you later.

Butterfly Beach near the cottage

January 6, 2013 we headed to the quaint town of Santa Barbara! We stayed in a little cottage by the sea that belongs to our friends. They were so kind to let us stay in their home, which was in walking distance of the beach pictured above. 

Our friends' cottage

While visiting SB, we took a day to visit some wineries in this region of California. One of the places we visited was a boutique winery called Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez. It is said to be "the premiere destination winery on the central coast." We had a wonderful time there, picnicking on their property, tasting their wines, and viewing the 5,000 feet of caves built into the hillside. At this winery you can have weddings, private tastings, and other events in the caves, tasting room, or the courtyard. 

They also have their own dipping oils for tasting. We brought home a bottle of the Tuscan Style dipping oil. It is so delicious with warm yummy breads! 

 One of the wines we had shipped back to Dallas was the Soleil Blanc 2009. This wine is predominately Sauvignon Blanc with Pinot Grigio and sells for around $24 a bottle. It was stainless steel fermented and aged. The winemaker's notes are " bright citrus and exotic fruits with hints of lime zest." It is soooooo good! 

Until next time......more wine, less whine!