by Frank Mangio
California is truly a remarkable state for many reasons, but none more significant than its wines that make up about 80% of the country’s sales worldwide.
My home base in the San Diego area, has its own wine country that is beginning to awaken and realize what it can do, given the desert-like land and weather conditions, and many of the 80 some vineyards turn to Mediterranean style grapes. But the great majority of travelers to wine countries in California instead prefer to spend their days along the Central and North coasts, from Paso Robles up into Napa Valley and Sonoma. I am one of those that when I set out to see and experience the great vineyards, I choose the historic wineries from Paso north. It’s time now to consider that 100 miles of wine country between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obisbo, affectionately called “SLO LIFE.”
Fess Parker Winery in Los Olivos is one of the wineries on a must-see and taste list of premium properties in Santa Barbara County making many Rhone varietals including Syrah.
SLO is a cute little nickname for San Luis Obispo. This is another California town where wine making began in the mission era in 1772. Zinfandel was the first varietal to show up in the Arroyo Grande district. The area began to get a reputation just south of town in the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande areas in the late 1960’s when Chardonnay and Pinot Noir started earning a lot of attention.
A little further south on Highway 101, the main highway for these wine countries, you’ll find Santa Rita Hills and the Santa Ynez Valley, where it’s cooler and more coastal. Towns include: Santa Maria, Los Olivos, Buellton, Solvang and Santa Barbara. This was the area made famous by the quirky hit movie, Sideways.
Fess Parker, the movie legend of Davey Crockett westerns, built one of the biggest and best wineries in the Los Olivas district. The Fess Parker Winery makes high-end Syrah, Viognier, Pinot Noir and other varietals spanning 300 acres. The accompanying country inn and spa is a fashionable place to stay on a multi day tour. Another smart stop to make is Laetitia, making premium wines, especially Pinot Noir, just off the 101 in Arroyo Grande.
So think twice about your next road trip north to “wine country.” You may want to hang out in “SLO Country.” See www.slowine.com, and www.sbcountywines.com.
Love and Passion’s on the Menu at SOLARE
In Point Loma’s Liberty Station Shopping Center, SOLARE, an Italian Restaurant committed to the Italian lifestyle with a total dining experience. Randy Smerik applies his love of all things Italy with a menu of stunning goodness, embraced by Italian and other worldy wines.
The SOLARE team includes: Chef Accursio Lota, Owner Randy Smerik and Pizza Chef Brian Smerik.
“We have about 2,000 wines in our cellar, with over 40 by the glass,” he declared. “We believe in discoveries, with most coming from Italy. The rest come from coastal California.”
He opened a bottle I had not known, a Super Tuscan from the 2007 vintage, called Tenuta di Castel Giocondo “Lamaione”( $79.), from an area most known for Sangiovese. “This one is 100% Merlot and one that is as good as any in Bordeaux,” Smerik revealed. I was amazed!
The Chef, Accursio Lota’ from Sicily, uses menu dishes from his mother and grandmother, made with locally caught fish, farm-raised meats and fruit and vegetables from his own gardens. He has cooked in Milan Italy and catered for Oprah Winfield at Montecito, Santa Barbara. He has also more recently cooked with executive chefs at the Marine Room in La Jolla.
My recommendations: traditional lasagna, pork chop and pillow pasta with Sicilian sausage. The daily( closed Monday) Happy Hour is an unforgettable deal with 7 menu items for $5.00 each. Select wines are $5.00 per glass. Call for more information at 619-270-9670. Web site is www.solarelounge.com.
Wine Bytes
The 3rd annual Temecula Taste in front of City Hall in old town Temecula is Sat. Apr. 27 from 11 to 7pm. With the best of nearby restaurants, wineries and micro breweries, the cost is $10. admission and $2. taste tickets. Live entertainment. Information at 951-551-5352.
Wines from Australia are featured at Bacchus Wine Market downtown San Diego, Fri. May 3 from 4 to 8:30pm. Cost is $20. for Cabs, Shiraz, Riesling and more. Info at 619-236-0005.
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents its 1st annual Oyster Festival Sat. May 4th from 1 to 3pm. All you can eat, with a big list of wines included. $50. pp. RSVP a must at 760-479-2500.
The Junior League of San Diego holds its Food & Wine Festival, Sat. May 4 from 2 to 6pm, at Scripps Park in La Jolla, overlooking La Jolla Cove. Cost is $75. general admission, $125. VIP. Also beer and spirits with 50 restaurant samplers. Call 858-869-5771 for ticket info.
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