Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez, CA

Adding to the diversity of my blog, today I am reviewing a few of the wineries in the Santa Ynez area.

This adventure included a three-winery stop beginning at Rusack Vineyards in Solvang.  The grounds and views there were outstanding and they offered several terrific picnic and outdoor seating areas.

The tasting list of the day included a delicious Chardonnay, a Rose and several Pinot Noir’s.  I enjoyed the Chardonnay a lot, but couldn’t justify the $60/bottle price tag for a purchase.  A couple of the Pinot Noir’s were notable and all offered varying distinctions of flavor, however I arrived anticipating a taste of their highest rated Anacapa wine.  It is named after the island of Anacapa off the west coast of California because at high tide Anacapa is actually three islets, “East”, “Middle” and “West”.  As the Pacific recedes, however, the islets transition into one island.  Similarly, Rusack Vineyards’ well loved “ANACAPA” is sourced from three distinct grape varietals; Cabernet Franc (43%), Merlot (40%), and Petit Verdot (17%); as the juice is blended it too transitions to one entity; a stunning single Bordeaux-style cuvée.  The reviews I had perused touted Anacapa as being top notch, so we were disappointed to find out that it was not offered on the tasting menu and in fact, had been sold out in regular sized bottles.  We decided to take a leap of faith and purchase a magnum of Anacapa for a mere $72, seemingly a bargain for it’s size and quality.  The jury is still out on this one until we get the opportunity and hopefully the pleasure of tasting it ourselves!

Next on the winery trail was a stop at Beckman Vineyards in Santa Ynez.  

Wow, I barely met a wine here I didn’t like!  I opted for the reserve tasting and we decided to try their patio seating outdoors so we could indulge in our picnic of cheese, fruit and charcuterie while enjoying our tasting.  In comparing the regular tasting list (including at least one 90+ rated variety) to their reserve tasting, I found as expected; the reserve wines to be a large step above.  I selected to purchase their 2012 PMV Viognier, 2011 PMV Grenache (91 pts) and 2010 PMV Block Six Syrah (94 pts).  PMV standing for Purisima Mtn Vineyard.  All were delicious!

Being the “foodie” that I am, I couldn’t resist adding a cupcake and wine pairing selection for our final stop!  I had heard about Saarloos and Sons in Los Olivos from several different sources and just had to try it.  The tasting room was delightful and it was very well appointed.  Although it was dripping with charm, everything was very tastefully done.  I loved all of the accouterments and design ideas that they incorporated and the staff was friendly and entertaining.  I am not sure that the cupcakes had any validity in pairing with the wines, but they were adorable and delicious in any case.  The wines were tasty and I especially favored their Cabernet Sauvignon which I decided to take along to add to my collection.

Select any photo to zoom in for a closer look!