Again this year one of the highlights of the Wine Bloggers Conference (#WBC14) was a visit to a mystery location. This year the mystery trip at #WBC14 that I attended was an evening with six Santa Barbara County winemakers. For the wine bloggers who boarded the same bus as I did it was an evening at Sunstone Winery. Of course we did not know where we were going until we arrived at the winery. About 15 minutes after we were picked up at our hotel we arrived at Sunstone Winery. In fact, as we pulled into the driveway I recognized the winery. Since I had visited the winery previously I was initially a little disappointed that I ended on the bus to a winery I already knew. My disappointment however, was very short lived. We were soon directed to Sunstone's Villa up the hill. What happened that evening was indeed an evening/wine affair to remember.
A Wine Affair to Remember
Soon we were greeted by winemaker Michael D. Larner who explained the geology of the area. There was also a welcoming glass of Sunstone Viognier 2013.
After a welcoming glass of Sunstone Viognier 2013 we toured the beautiful Sunstone Villa. By the time Bion Rice, our host and the other winemakers arrived we were settling into exploring our new surroundings. Soon we began wine conversations as we sampled the wines brought by the winemakers.
Wine Conversations
Before dinner I enjoyed tasting the wines poured by the winemakers.
One of the first wines I tasted that evening were wines from Core Wine Company, a family winery owned by Becky and Dave Coorey. Before dinner I had the opportunity to taste both their white and red wines. I liked these wines.
Wines from Big Tar Wines (a virtual winery) were shared by Aaron Watty. As many young winemakers do these days Watty is making wines under his label, Big Tar Wines while keeping his day job at a winery.
There is no doubt about the passion that he brings to wine making. These are big, bold expressive wines.
The Larner Vineyard wines were indeed special. Over the course of the #WBC14 conference I tasted a number of Larner wines. There is no doubt that Michael D. Larner has established a name that is associated with good wines.
Kenneth “Joey” Gummere from Transedence Winery shared an impressive lineup of wines. This is indeed another winemaker to watch.
I could not help but notice the inviting wines there on the table.
I love exploring new wines this way. It was an ideal setting for great conversations about wine.
That evening on the lawn in front of the villa, overlooking Sunstone Estate Vineyard, we continued these great conversations about wine over dinner.
Shortly after dinner was served we began a discussion with the winemakers. The conversation was based on questions we had submitted earlier. Keith Saaloos of Saarloos and Sons was the Master of Ceremonies. Fellow wine blogger, Shawn Burgert, The Wandering Wino described the evening as "hysterical, interesting and might have been the most unpretentious funny wine discussion of the year". In reflecting back on the evening I realized this was the perfect introduction to Santa Barbara County wines (#SBCwine) by its winemakers. I cannot think of a better way to introduce Santa Barbara County wines than an evening with these winemakers. It was indeed a wine affair to remember.
Sunstone Winery, the host winery for the evening, is a stunningly, beautiful winery. It is important to note that their estate vineyard meets the requirement for organic certification by the California Certified Organic Farmers (C.C.O.F.). Drop by for a picnic and taste Sunstone wines. While in Santa Barbara Wine Country you will find that there are many excellent wineries to explore. In fact, according to the California Winery Advisor there are over 100 wineries in Santa Barbara County. You can also check out Santa Barbara County travel information on things to do and see in the area. I invite you to join me in my travels in Santa Barbara Wine Country and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood.
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| An Evening with Santa Barbara County Winemakers © Spaswinefood |
Soon we were greeted by winemaker Michael D. Larner who explained the geology of the area. There was also a welcoming glass of Sunstone Viognier 2013.
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| Welcoming Wine at Sunstone Vineyards & Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Sunstone Vineyards &Winery Viognier 2013 © Spaswinefood |
Wine Conversations
Before dinner I enjoyed tasting the wines poured by the winemakers.
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| Dave Coorey, Core Wine Company © Spaswinefood |
Wines from Big Tar Wines (a virtual winery) were shared by Aaron Watty. As many young winemakers do these days Watty is making wines under his label, Big Tar Wines while keeping his day job at a winery.
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| Big Tar Wines © Spaswinefood |
The Larner Vineyard wines were indeed special. Over the course of the #WBC14 conference I tasted a number of Larner wines. There is no doubt that Michael D. Larner has established a name that is associated with good wines.
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| Larner Vineyard Wines © Spaswinefood |
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| Kenneth J. Gummere, Transedence Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| An Evening at Sunstone Winery © Spaswinefood |
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| Tasting Wines at Sunstone Villa © Spaswinefood |
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| Dinner at Sunstone Winery Villa © Spaswinefood |
Sunstone Winery, the host winery for the evening, is a stunningly, beautiful winery. It is important to note that their estate vineyard meets the requirement for organic certification by the California Certified Organic Farmers (C.C.O.F.). Drop by for a picnic and taste Sunstone wines. While in Santa Barbara Wine Country you will find that there are many excellent wineries to explore. In fact, according to the California Winery Advisor there are over 100 wineries in Santa Barbara County. You can also check out Santa Barbara County travel information on things to do and see in the area. I invite you to join me in my travels in Santa Barbara Wine Country and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood.
Sharon
Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara Wine County
July 2014
© Spaswinefood
Yes, The Villa at Sunstone is awesome. Check it out. You might also be interested in the history of this fascinating winery.
Yes, The Villa at Sunstone is awesome. Check it out. You might also be interested in the history of this fascinating winery.
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