Small Sips

Wines, Beers and Everything In Between

ON MONDAYS, SUNDAYS AND EVERY DAY IN BETWEEN

WORDS BY Emily Choi

M

STEVEN BROWN

Tu

The post-pandemic age. Two years ago, that term felt like a wavering end of an exhaustingly long, dark tunnel as we struggled with concepts such as N-95 masks and Zoom. However, whether it be by seeing each other’s mask-less smiles in conversations or the recent swelling of crowds in the farmers markets, it is clear that we are now slowly re-familiarizing ourselves with what we used to take for granted, albeit with good caution. In other words, although we haven’t fully reached the unforeseeable postpandemic age yet, we have now entered a time where we are learning to cope and live with the enemy.

With warmer days approaching fast, it’s time to explore new places all over Santa Barbara County or perhaps visit your old favorites. So go put on your favorite outfit and message your loved ones to see if they’re free tonight, because here is a list of places that you can explore with your friends and family, no matter what day—or night—of the week it is!

Be sure to check their Instagram and website for information about their specials, latest news and operating hours.

STEVEN BROWN

W

Monday Island Brewing Company

@islandbrewingcompany | 5049 6th St., Carpinteria www.IslandBrewingCompany.com One of life’s simplest joys is arguably a refreshing, crisp pint of beer, and where else is a more blissful way to end your Monday night than at Island Brewing Company? While their delightful Shaka Seltzers are my personal favorites, the well-loved local brewery has endless options of ales, IPAs and more for everyone to enjoy just a couple blocks from Carpinteria beach.

Tuesday Draughtsmen Aleworks: Weekly Trivia Night

@draughtsmen | 53 Santa Felicia Dr., Goleta www.DraughtsmenAleworks.com While being a firm believer in how Tuesdays are the new dreary and dreadful Mondays, I also strongly attest that a fun, chaotic night of trivia—especially at Draughtsmen—can cure any and all cases of Tuesday Blues. If anything, who could resist sipping on a pint of Bangers and Mash while being quizzed on which Bowie song is playing?

STEVEN BROWN ROBB KLAUSSEN

Th

F

AMANDA MULVIHILL

Wednesday Santa Barbara Wine Collective: Weekly Trivia Night

@sbwinecollective | 131 Anacapa St., Suite C, Santa Barbara www.SantaBarbaraWineCollective.com However, no need to fret if you’re too busy on Tuesday nights, as SB Wine Collective also offers weekly trivia nights to those looking for brain teasers with friends and loved ones. With their commitment to reflecting the bountiful winery culture of Santa Barbara County’s six AVAs, join the excitement in the Funk Zone while inevitably stumbling upon your new favorite wine.

Thursday Wylde Works: Weekly Live Music Night

@wyldeworks | 609 State St., Santa Barbara www.WyldeWorks.com Located in the bustling center of State Street, Wylde Works has quickly become a local hot spot with its delicious hard kombucha and meads. Aside from their Live Music Nights, they are also planning on hosting exciting events such as Open Mic and Short Story Nights throughout the summer. This is your sign to go enjoy a sip of their elderberry hibiscus hard jun kombucha while being surrounded by joyful and heartwarming individuals.

Friday Melville Winery

@melville_winery | 120 State St., Suite C, Santa Barbara www.MelvilleWinery.com After a long, grueling week, a visit to Melville Winery’s Santa Barbara Tasting Lounge may be just what you need to wind down and enjoy the rest of your evening. Dedicated to crafting cold-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah at their estate vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills, it’s clear that Melville doesn’t disappoint even the most passionate wine enthusiasts. Their tasting room is located near the Funk Zone—a high-spirited, ever-evolving district that makes for a great stroll spot after your tasting. S

ZACA MESA

Su

Saturday The Good Lion

@thegoodlionbar | 1212 State St., Santa Barbara www.GoodLionCocktails.com As the first certified Green Business craft cocktail bar by the California Green Business Program on the Central Coast, you can always count on The Good Lion to beautifully capture the luscious taste of Santa Barbara with their cocktails. Their fierce commitment to reflecting our region through sustainable practices, from their space design to their local natural wine selections, is truly inspiring—and delicious. Try their Strawberry Fields Forever cocktail, a blanc vermouth and rosé wine–based drink with notes of citrus, strawberry, mint and rhum agricol: a bright summer afternoon captured in one sip!

Sunday Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards

@zacamesawinery | 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos www.ZacaMesa.com Sunday: the end of the week, time for rest and recreation. And last but not least, a perfect day to visit Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards, one of many beautiful spots along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Enjoy a tasting flight with your friends by the terrace or share a bottle while picnicking with your family. Zaca Mesa offers an idyllic experience for everyone. The spectacular landscape, however, becomes an even more meaningful sight after learning about their rich history and terroir-driven, Rhône-style winemaking approach. Fun fact: Their first winemaker, Ken Brown, planted the very first Syrah in Santa Barbara County, making their Black Bear Block the oldest remaining Syrah vineyard on the entire Central Coast!

Emily Choi is currently an intern at Edible Santa Barbara and a recent UCSB graduate.