Alma Sol Winery

Fun, energetic, vivacious, friendly, and really good wine — that just about sums up the Alma Sol Winery tasting room experience.

Winemaker John Shaw and wife, Lisa, became enamored with Paso Robles, its people, and its wines about 20 years ago. As they learned more about the region, the pair eventually decided to start making their own wine, about a decade later. Sourcing from personally selected, well-regarded Paso vineyards — in addition to using fruit from their estate Cuevas vineyard – John focuses mostly on Bordeaux single varietals and blends.

John’s enthusiasm is contagious as he pours you through the lineup of Alma Sol wines while explaining his winemaking process and philosophy. The wines are well-balanced, generally aged between 24 and 32 months, and upon release, are quite drinkable. Enjoy a selection of refined wines (especially the Cabernet Franc) while making new friends at Alma Sol’s tasting room, which is situated in the heart of Thousand Oaks. Whether you are new to wine or an experienced oenophile, you will be impressed by and enjoy these wines.

Alma Sol Winery is located at 1321 E Thousand Oaks Blvd. #108, Thousand Oaks, in the Sunland Vintage Winery tasting room. For more information and reservations (which are preferred), visit almasolwinery.com.

Explore, enjoy, and savor the many delectable food, drink, and new friend-making experiences in the Conejo Valley, right off California 101 Highway, El Camino Real (the Royal Road). You’ll be glad you did.

Author Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s Wine Country lifestyle and culture, from the Central Coast up through the Napa Valley and Sonoma. He may be reached at donsonderling@gmail.com.

Dates and times are subject to change. We encourage you to call ahead or visit the event’s website!

Ventura County

Simi Valley

Auschwitz exhibit at Regan Library

Opens March 24, 2023

The exhibition brings together more than 700 original objects of great historic and human value; objects which were direct witnesses of the horrors of Auschwitz and the Holocaust. These objects serve as the guiding thread of a rigorous and moving account on the history of the German Nazi camp Auschwitz and its dwellers, both victims and perpetrators. reaganlibrary.gov/exhibits/upcoming-exhibits

California Strawberry Festival

May 20-21, 2023

Delight in mouthwatering strawberry-inspired foods that will simply blow you away. There will be strawberry shortcake, chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry beer, and so much more that you’ll have to spend two days to take it all in. Work off your calorie intake with shopping, the Ninja Nation Obstacle Course, live music, and entertainment. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura castrawberryfestival.org

Ojai

Ojai Music Festival -

June 8 to 11, 2023

The Ojai Music Festival represents an ideal of adventurous, open-minded and openhearted programming in the most beautiful and welcoming of settings, with audiences and artists to match its aspirations. As its 75th anniversary approaches, the Festival remains a hallmark for groundbreaking musical experiences with a narrative thread guided by a different music director. These annual directors are more than conductors, composers, soloists, or musicians. ojaifestival.org

Ojai Wine Festival -

June 17th, 2023 from 12-4pm

The 35th Annual Ojai Wine Festival is the longest running wine festival in Ventura County, and they have it dialed! Overlooking scenic Lake Casitas in the Ojai Valley, The Ojai Wine Festival is an idyllic venue to taste award winning wines & amazing craft beers. A bountiful selection of wineries and craft breweries will be represented along with ciders, seltzer’s and spirits. Discover a tempting selection of gourmet food trucks selling delicious culinary cuisine. ojaiwinefestival.com

Santa Barbara County

Dana Adobe: NatureFest

Apr 15, 2023 10am - 4pm

All ages can once again connect with nature at the Dana Adobe’s NatureFest: from bird feeder building to owl pellet dissecting, the 2023 NatureFest will focus on naturecentered arts & crafts, guided hikes, LIVE animal presentations, face painting, local vendors, food booths, tours of the Adobe, and much more. NatureFest will help you rediscover a love for nature!

Tickets: $10/adult, $3/ages 5-17, free under 4 years old Dana Adobe, 671 S Oakglen, Nipomo danaadobe.org

Santa Barbara Fair & Expo

Apr 26 – 30, 2023

The family adventures never end with over 30 thrilling carnival rides that twist, twirl, and spin. For the little ones, there will be a separate kiddie rides and games area. Entertainment all day, live music, adorable farm animals, petting zoo, and delicious fair food. See all the creative projects made by youth and adults of all ages and skill levels in the exhibit hall. Meet us at the fair and create memories that will last a lifetime! Travel tip? Take the free trolley from La Cumbre Middle School or Bishop Diego High School and avoid traffic and parking hassles!

Earl Warren Showgrounds, Santa Barbara Presale Carnival Wristbands available until April 25th earlwarren.com/fair-and-expo/

Buellton

San Luis Obispo County

Atascadero’s 7th Annual Tamale Festival

May 6, 2023 11am - 7pm

Expect over 30 tamale vendors from across California offering many different tamales available to take home and/or enjoy at the event. From gourmet to traditional to sweet tamales, there will be many choices. Eventgoers can participate in the Tamale Eating Contest and the Chihuahua & Pet Costume Contest, so get those appetites and costumes ready! Entertainment will include your favorite Emcee, Francisco Ramirez, the Famous Dancing Horses, and the Folklorico Dancers, plus a wide variety of bands. Over 90 vendors will be on display offering everything from tamales to merchandise and crafts to adult beverages to a wide variety of food vendors beyond tamales to appease everyone’s palette and appetite!

6500 Palma Ave, Downtown Atascadero & the Sunken Gardens. For more, go to visitatascadero.com/events or atascaderotamalefest.com

Bruce Munro: Field of Light at Sensorio Mar 11 – May 13, 2023 5:30pm - 9:30pm

Field of Light at SENSORIO is larger in size than any other Munro exhibition internationally and is Munro’s first US exhibit entirely powered by solar. Featuring 100,000 stemmed spheres lit by fiber-optics which gently illuminate the landscape in subtle blooms of morphing color, it is complemented by a second work by Munro, Light Towers, located adjacent to the Field of Light. Featuring 69 towers composed of more than 17,000 wine bottles, illuminated with glowing optic fibers whose colors evolve to an ethereal musical score.

Tickets: $10-$112

Lagerville

April 15, 2023 at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Over 40 craft breweries will be pouring some of the best Lagers in the Country. Lagerville will take place at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. in Buellton from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Early VIP Entry at 11 a.m.) on Saturday, April 15th. eventsbyenfuego.ticketsauce.com/e/ lagerville-2023

Buellton Brew Fest:

May 6, 2023 at River View Park buelltonbrewfest.com/

The tenth annual Buellton Brew Fest is coming off its best year to date! Once again, we will feature over 50 breweries, wineries and spirits and live entertainment, food trucks, and lawn games.

The Buellton Brew Fest continues to be one of the best beer festivals on the Central Coast, and kicks off the Central Coast beer festival season.

4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles slocal.com/event or (805) 226-4287

Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival

June 24, 2023 – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The Atascadero Wine Fest experience will showcase premier wines from the Central Coast and beyond. Now celebrating it’s 26th year, this WineFest boasts over 100 wines from more than 50 wineries, breweries, food purveyors, and art exhibitors for attendees to enjoy while relaxing at the sun kissed, lakeside location. atascaderolakesidewinefestival.com

Central Coast Renaissance Festival

July 15 & 16, 2023

Step back in time and witness the grandeur of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign in England. Experience the era’s legendary characters like William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Sir Francis Drake, along with famous Dukes, Earls, Lords, and Ladies, all dressed in their finest attire, waiting to entertain you.

1238 COLINA VISTA, VENTURA - Welcome to Ventura’s Riviera. Custom Ventura Ondulando Villa, with Commanding Views. Views of ocean, island, mountain, & city lights. Reminiscent of an Italian Palazzo, this 3 BR, 4 full BAs, plus a bonus room home was built in 2003 w/ approx. 4432 sq. ft. & sits on an approx. ¼ acre lot. Brazilian Mahogany wood front entry door and most of the main level. Grand living room featuring a 10-12’ ceiling, and custom arched wood windows. Mother-in-law or extra guest suite downstairs w/ great room, kitchenette, 2 BRs & BA are located. Listed for $2,150,000 www.1238ColinaVista.com

756 MONTE VISTA AVENUE, VENTURA - Custom Built Spanish / Craftsmanstyle home Ventura Clearpoint. Views of the ocean, islands, mountains, city lights, sunsets & sunrise views. Single level built it 2020 w/ 4 BRs, 2.5 BAs w/ approx. 2350 sq. ft, & 10,014 sq. ft lot. Open floor plan, beautiful hardwood beams & custom hardwood & tile flooring throughout. A dream chef’s kitchen w/ high-end appliances. Entertainers’ backyard w/ pergola & built-in barbecue set-up. Outdoor viewing patios/decks. Top-of-the-line features throughout. Home built by elite architects and builders. Listed for $1,895,000 756MonteVistaAvenue.com

1776

180-Degree

Coastline View Home. Perched on the bluff, overlooking San Buenaventura State Beach & spectacular white-water views from almost every room. Watch the point break from your dining room table. Approximately 2408 sq. ft, 3 BDs, 2 BAs, & over -1/4 acre. Natural light abounds from this open floor plan, highly upgraded & remodeled street-to-street lot home. Best sunset views in Ventura. OFFERED AT $1,795,000 www.1776VistaDelMar.com

Island

359-363 POLI STREET, VENTURA - Two Ocean View Cottages Above Downtown Ventura. Street to street lot w/ room to expand. Built in 1914. The front cottage faces Poli Street & enjoys panoramic views. The upper cottage has Brakey Road access & 1 BD + 1 BA. Decks w/ panoramic views. Both units w/ updated kitchens & baths, refrigerators, & stackable washers/dryers in both units included. Possible additional ADU, check w/ City. Located in Ventura’s Historic shopping, dining & Art District.. LISTED FOR $1,395,000 www.359PoliStreet.com

KOENIGSTEIN, SANTA PAULA - Upper Ojai, 20 Acres Hilltop Home Site. Spectacular views of the Topa Topas and the valley below. Open spaces and peaceful surroundings. Access easement adjacent to 12096 Koenigstein Road. Temporary graded road to top of the hill. PRICE REDUCED TO $695,000 www.FredEvans.com

13320

13, CAMARILLO - Camarillo Del Mar Leisure Village. Highly upgraded 2 BDs, 2 BA home w/ tens of thousands in improvements. Built in 1976 w/ approx. 1108 sq. ft. Some upgrades are Travertine floors, a newer covered patio, remodeled Kitchen, newer dual-paned windows, wood/like flooring,& updated baths. Located close to the clubhouse and all the amenities.. LISTED FOR $575,000 www.13320Village13.com

1678 BUENA VISTA STREET, VENTURA - Ventura Ocean & Island View Lot. Vacant lot & buildable hard to find in the heart of Ventura with .75 acres. Located in the quiet, private cul-de-sac of the Buena Vista tract. Avocado trees. Soil & geological completed. Gas & power are available on the street. Views of ocean & mountains. Located close to parks, schools, and downtown Ventura.Listed for $475,000 www.fredevans.com

FRED EVANS-CO-FOUNDER OF RE/MAX GOLD COAST REALTORS NOW IN HIS 37TH YEAR OF SELLING REAL ESTATE fredevans.com global.remax.com

348 HADLEY DRIVE, VENTURA - Desirable Ventura Imperial Family MHP. Likenew Fleetwood Vogue II 3 BR, 2 BA coach w/ thousands in upgrades. Built-in 2015, approx. 1650 sq. ft. Open floor plan w/ high ceilings, updated kitchen, wood-like vinyl flooring, air conditioning, motorized skylight, security system, & custom-built 7 x 18 ‘storage/workshop/shed w/ electricity. Family Park includes a pool, spa, clubhouse, playground, & basketball court. Space rent is $664.15 per month plus utilities. Listed for $449,000. www.348HadleyDrive.com