Santa Barbara

The Magic of ACHOK

The Magic of ACHOK

The Magic of ACHOK

F ashion world’s muse stays grounded here at home

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Edited by Gabe Saglie

Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter. Photographs by Mellon Studio

Written by Gabe Saglie. Photographs by Blake Bronstad

Photographs by Lauren Ross. Interview by Isabelle Bridges

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PALMA COLECTIVA was founded by Meredith MarkworthPollack, who also styled our feature on Achok Majak, “Cover Me in Sunshineˮ (page 90), and her husband, Daniel Pozas, to fill a space in the wellness community. The Victoria Court studio offers daily mindfulness practices, including Kundalini yoga, breath work, tea and cacao ceremonies, group Reiki, and more. “Working on the issue was a beautiful opportunity that reminded me of the creative power we hold as women,ˮ says Markworth-Pollack. “We worked with so many supportive shops and designers who helped make it all possible.ˮ PALMACOLECTIVA.COM.

Cover girls: Achok Majak, 2023; Isabelle Bridges (with her sisters, Jessie and Hayley), 2002. The friends share a history of spiritual work, meditation, and more. Read “Unfinished Business,” page 102.

“Laughter and sunshine filled the room and quickly became the theme of our shoot. The years of friendship, respect, and love shared by these two vibrant women is literally intoxicating. I felt so lucky to spend the afternoon with them.” —Dewey Nicks

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FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

conscious decision to live life here but travels for the right assignment. Yoga, meditation, and all things promoting a healthy lifestyle only add to her glow. We photographed her at Loon Point in Summerland for “Cover Me in Sunshine” (page 90) and listened in on a heartfelt interview with Isabelle Bridges (“Unfinished Business,” page 102).

A life lived with style is always achievable when it permeates every facet, from personal to interior. When a Canadian couple fell for a historic adobe abode in Hope Ranch, their first call was to design firm House of Honey to bring their common vision to life. The results are breathtaking: modern but still timeless, and all rooted deeply in Santa Barbara’s design codes (“Ranch Redux,” page 106).

As summer fades into fall and the temperature drops just a few degrees to signal a seasonal shift, our mind-set starts to celebrate all that autumn has to offer. Top of mind is the amazing viticulture in our midst. With the ever-blossoming Santa Ynez Valley in our backyard, we are spoiled by the world-class wines emerging from this region. And with great wine comes amazing food, beautiful vineyards, and tasting rooms and shops that encourage us to savor every last drop of the good life.

Ellen and Michael Dierberg are the sister-andbrother duo behind one of the great Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in the world. Their Star Lane Winery has a 25th anniversary this year, and in “Open Range” (page 118) we take a deep dive into their astonishing 8,000-acre property, which has begun to offer private tours.

Edit Letter

Speaking of tours, we also bring you an extensive winery guide (page 130) that will serve as your cheat sheet for exploring our abundant offerings. And if the DNA of our region is about living and loving the natural beauty that surrounds us, I can’t think of a better reason to raise a glass and toast to the good life on our shores. Cheers!

In this issue, we delve deep into the world of wine and some of the movers and shakers making their mark. From swoon-worthy tasting rooms to winemakers who are pouring their heart and soul into the process, you will be well versed on what to sip and tour the next time you are valley bound.

We start with a roundup of hot spots in Los Olivos, “Leisurely Vibes” (page 45), including tasting rooms galore, ranging from eclectic to rustic, masculine-leaning to lavender-fieldsbordering. Whether your wine tasting is paired with Japanese morsels or live music, the emphasis is on family, friends, and celebrations, as reflected in a lunch at Mattei’s Tavern (page 63) and recipes from Elizabeth Poett’s new cookbook (page 79).

What is also worth celebrating is our cover subject: the beautiful model Achok Majak, who was raised right here in Santa Barbara and continues to call it home—even though the runways of Paris, Milan, and New York consistently beckon to her. She has made a

Jennifer Smith

ON THE COVER: Achok Majak photographed by Lauren Ross at Loon Point, Summerland. Styled by Meredith Markworth-Pollack in Amazon leather top from Rocio G. Hair by Erik Hernandez. Makeup by Gina Brooke at The Wall Group.

CONTRIBUTORS

HANA-LEE SEDGWICK

LAUREN ROSS

“Achok is a force and I can’t wait to watch her career take shape,” says the Santa Barbara resident and photographer of our cover and feature story (page 90). “I am excited to watch her approach it with a new lens. I really enjoyed working with all the talented ladies for this issue.” S.B. MUST DOS • Saturday morning at the farmers’ market is definitely a highlight of my week. • I love picking up pizza from Bettina and sitting on the patio with no dishes to do and a glass of wine. • Daily walks on the beach with my dog.

MEREDITH MARKWORTHPOLLACK

Contributors

The stylist for “Cover Me in Sunshine” (page 90) has been a costume designer for film and television, designing the looks of The Afterparty, Impeachment, and Dynasty. She recently stepped back from production and moved her family to Santa Barbara to create PALMA Colectiva, a mindfulness studio with wellness events and conscious retail. She credits her personal style to laidback California with bits of worldly flair. S.B. MUST DOS • Loon Point beach days. • Botanic Gardens visits with my family. • El Encanto Sound Bath at the Lily Pond.

BLAKE BRONSTAD

The longtime Santa Barbara Magazine contributor, who shot “Open Range” (page 118), has a broad spectrum of work, ranging from commercial product photography to foreign landscapes and editorial endeavors. “I loved getting to tour the wine caves of the Dierberg estate and photograph their winemaker, Tyler,” he says. “I always enjoy getting to know the talent behind such amazing wines.” S.B. MUST DOS • Sunset photo cruises up on Gibraltar Road. • Stand-up paddleboarding around the harbor. • Lucky’s Bar on Friday night.

The fifth-generation Californian, who penned the roundup of Los Olivos hot spots (page 45), is a seasoned writer and editor born and raised in Santa Barbara and a certified specialist of wine and sommelier. Her work has appeared in many regional and national publications. S.B. MUST DOS • Smashburgers at Third Window Brewery. • Wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley. • Any show at the Santa Barbara Bowl.

GABE SAGLIE

The author of “Open Range” (page 118) and our comprehensive wine guide (page 130) has been covering the Santa Barbara and Central Coast wine industry for more than 20 years. He is also an on-air travel contributor and consumer advocate for nationwide TV stations. S.B. MUST DOS • Grabbing sandwiches from Montecito Gourmet and eating them while sitting above Butterfly Beach. • Family picnics at the Santa Barbara Mission. • Catching the views from atop the Santa Barbara Courthouse tower.

Leisurely Vibes

Once a quiet Western town, Los Olivos today is a wine destination worthy of more than just a day trip

WRITTEN BY HANA-LEE SEDGWICK

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARA PRINCE

Driven by the belief that all great wine starts in the vineyard, LIQUID FARM is dedicated to producing terroir-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that express the uniqueness of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Contemporary details and botanical accents highlight the tasting room, creating a casually alluring environment that owner Jeff Nelson explains was intentional: “Wine is all about slowing down and sharing the experience, so the tasting room needed to be relaxed—from the style of the décor to the eclectic seating arrangements that allow people to converse with other guests.” Following a tasting, be sure to browse the collection of culinary items and housewares, which Nelson regards as “natural extensions” of the food and wine lifestyle. Keep an eye out for new additions in the mercantile, including a line of furnishings, in the coming months. 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. 101, Los Olivos, LIQUIDFARM.COM.

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“Wine is all about slowing down and sharing the experience, so the tasting room needed to be relaxed.”

—Jeff Nelson, Liquid Farm

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A unique chandelier anchors a casual tasting area; a collection of corks on display; a view of the living room–like space; bottles of Champagne ready to be uncorked.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A collection of home goods and accessories in Liquid Farm’s mercantile; a popular bottling from Stolpman’s So Fresh label; the Love You Bunches decal on display; founder Tom Stolpman.

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Directly across the street, STOLPMAN

VINEYARDS’ spirited tasting room consistently draws wine enthusiasts seeking to sample estategrown wines from the Stolpman family’s Ballard Canyon vineyard. In addition to classic Syrah and Rhône wines, the family offers a range of refreshing, chillable reds and pét-nats as part of their So Fresh label developed by Pete Stolpman and his wife, Jessica. Sip and savor a flight from either brand in the convivial setting of the tasting room, complete with a dog-friendly patio, enclosed with a charming white picket fence. 2434 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, STOLPMANVINEYARDS.COM.

In their quest to venture into the culinary realm, longtime friends Randy Spendlove and Jennifer Wood discovered the perfect location to launch OLIVE + LAVENDER FARMS late last fall. Located at the former stagecoach stop at Lansing’s Crossing, just outside of downtown, the picturesque property—home to idyllic lavender fields and more than 100 olive trees—blends nature’s splendor with local flavor and a laid-back ambience. Here you can

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enjoy complimentary samples of estate-grown and locally sourced olive oils and artisanal vinegars, then stay to play a game of cornhole, indulge in a bring-your-own picnic, or wander around the dog- and kid-friendly farm. “Randy and I find great joy in curating an environment where people can immerse themselves in the property, savor our olive oils, enjoy a leisurely picnic, and simply unwind,” says Wood. “We’re thrilled to fuse our passion for food, music, family, and friends, and welcome people to experience our magical slice of Los Olivos.” 2450 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos, OLIVEANDLAVENDERFARMS.COM.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Lavender bunches hang to dry; an array of lavender products and oils in the shop; a view of the shop; a trio of estate-grown olive oils; handcrafted housewares and gifts available for purchase.

Helene Aumont

Photography by Matt Wier

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In downtown Los Olivos, BLAIR FOX CELLARS offers friendly vibes and quality wine bottlings. Pay a visit to the tastefully rustic-modern space to sip handcrafted Rhône varietals and blends from owner and winemaker Blair Fox. A Santa Barbara native, Fox, along with his wife, Sarah, can often be found personally pouring wines for visitors, a testament to the couple’s commitment to providing an authentic experience. “We’re an ultraboutique family winery, so everything we do is a reflection of us,” he says. “Our goal was to cultivate a space that mimics the rustic, laid-back vibe of the Santa Ynez Valley. So once you step through the door it feels approachable and inviting rather than intimidating or pretentious—a place where you know you’ll have fun, taste good wine, and be treated like family.” 2477 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, BLAIRFOXCELLARS.COM.

ONE TO WATCH

Family-owned DONNACHADH is set to unveil its inaugural tasting room this fall. Housed within a spacious, newly constructed building in Los Olivos, the tasting room will provide an ideal setting in which to sample the brand’s organically farmed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Gamay Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, each noted for its expressive minerality and depth of character. DONNACHADH.COM.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The rustic exterior of Blair Fox; the ever-changing tasting menu on display; Syrah from the Fox Family Vineyard; Fox pouring wine.

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When the pangs of hunger call, the newly unveiled MARGERUM offers a delicious reprieve. The space is charmingly quaint, stocking an array of wines crafted by owner and winemaker Doug Margerum that span his eponymous Rhônefocused label and the Burgundian varietals of his second label, Barden. Along with the wine, a medley of intriguing food pairings will delight the palate. Expect quintessential wine-tasting accompaniments, like cheese and charcuterie, as well as more unconventional offerings inspired by Margerum’s frequent travels to Japan, such as sushi-centered bento boxes featuring bites of tender unagi sashimi, bluefin tuna with avocado and shiso leaf, and Dungeness crab with fragrant vanilla-bean sauce. Also noteworthy are Kumamoto oysters, perfectly paired with a glass of bubbly Barden Blanc de Blancs. 2446 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, MARGERUMWINES.COM.

“The space is comfortable and casual, like going to a friend’s house.”

—Doug Margerum

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Margerum’s acclaimed M5 White blend; Doug Margerum; the unique wine pairings on offer; half bottles of wine.

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BEYOND THE GRAPE

Winemaker Jessica Gasca may be best known for producing nuanced single-varietal and single-vineyard wines for her label, Story of Soil, but her creativity expands beyond grapes with the recent launch of GOODS LOS OLIVOS. Situated inside a towering structure outside her tasting room, the small boutique is filled with local, eco-friendly goods curated for thoughtful living, from candles and jewelry to throw blankets and books. 2902 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos, STORYOFSOILWINE.COM.

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FOUR BROTHERS WINE CO. is a thriving hub of activity where wine, community, and curated events intersect. Born from a home grapegrowing and winemaking hobby, owner Chris Blasman and his three brothers have created a flourishing boutique brand dedicated to making Rhône varietal wines, as well as limited quantities of Pinot Noir, from vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County. Additionally, Four Brothers often hosts a diverse lineup of events, from art shows and live musical performances to comedy and trivia nights, drawing a steady stream of people to its rustic tasting room and spacious outdoor patio. 2935 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, FOURBROTHERSWINE.COM.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Western vibes permeate the interior of Four Brothers; cactus and family photos adorn a vintage piano; a snapshot of the brothers together; merchandise on display.

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Extend your visit into a weekend getaway at the FESS PARKER WINE COUNTRY INN, located in the heart of town. Since its acquisition by the late Fess Parker in 1998, the inn has become a cherished retreat for travelers looking for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Recently the inn unveiled a contemporary refresh that was guided by the vision of designer Oliva Villaluz. Now all 19 rooms and suites boast an elegant look and feel, with hardwood floors, wrought-iron four-poster beds, cozy in-room fireplaces, and a sophisticated country-chic aesthetic that enhances the inn’s appeal. “We wanted the rooms to be someplace you look forward to returning to after a day of wine tasting and exploring the Santa Ynez Valley,” says proprietor Ashley Parker Snider. “We hope our guests leave feeling rested and inspired by the beauty of the valley, the wines, and our little inn.” Complementing a stay are enticing amenities like a heated pool and gym, a boutique, and the on-site restaurant, Nella Kitchen & Bar, which has a loyal fan base for its perfectly topped pinsas and mouthwatering Italian fare. 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, FESSPARKER.COM/INNS-AND-CABINS.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Elegant décor creates a serene setting for a breakfast nook; the outdoor patio space; a relaxing sitting area inside the Marcella Suite.

Raise a Glass

Acclaimed sommelier-winemaker Rajat Parr recently debuted his latest project: the RAJ Glass. Designed by Parr in partnership with New York–based Glasvin, this universal wine glass—featuring a wide bowl, narrow rim, and short stem—was created to simplify the tasting experience by expressing the purest form of each wine, regardless of varietal, style, or vintage.

RAJPARRWINECLUB.COM.

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SAARLOOS + SONS is a family-owned and -operated winery that’s been four generations in the making. Their tasting room, which is situated inside a house built in 1886 (now refurbished and coated in sleek black paint), has long been a fixture in the Los Olivos wine scene. “Our tasting room is truly an extension of our living room, a place we get to welcome and host people daily,” says Keith Saarloos, a third-generation steward of the family business. “Our aim has always been to be a place where people can relax, have fun, and experience a sense of ‘nowstalgia,’ which I like

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Keith Saarloos represents the third generation in the family business; the exterior of the 19th-century house-turned-tasting-room; cupcake pairings on offer from Enjoy Cupcakes.

to describe as the feeling of being fully present but also having a nostalgic attachment to the moment.” On offer here are estate-grown Rhône and Bordeaux varietals, many of which proudly bear the names and faces of family members. In addition, Saarloos & Sons continues to delight guests with its famous cupcake pairing, part of a long-standing collaboration with local favorite Enjoy Cupcakes. 2971 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, SAARLOOSANDSONS.COM.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The inventory of branded gear available for purchase; estate-grown Grenache showcasing Keith Saarloos’ son on the label; the cupcakes display; bottles of wine paying tribute to family members.

WE STYLE IN PARADISE

Uncharted Waters

Hallstein is becoming the water of choice in the design and dining world

WStyle - Hallstein

hat’s the perfect water to serve at a wine tasting? Most sommeliers would say it’s one that doesn’t interfere with the palate’s sense of taste, which puts HALLSTEIN WATER at the top of the list.

Hallstein is sourced from a deep artesian aquifier at the base of the Dachstein Glacier near Obertraun, Austria. The entire Dachstein and Hallstatt-Salzkammergut region is a UNESCO World Heritage site based on its historical significance of prolonged human activity yet unblemished landscape. Plenty of stateside food and drink connoisseurs are beginning to see the appeal of this incredibly pure water, including Santa Barbara retreat San Ysidro Ranch.

The water’s purity is the result of a high pH level, a lack of sodium, a higher than normal amount of dissolved oxygen, low nitrate and carbon content, and a balanced ratio of calcium to magnesium. All

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these elements contribute to the water’s propensity for cleansing the palate and make it a great pairing for wine tastings.

Among the connoisseurs who understand the appeal of this pure libation are those at Artiste Winery in Los Olivos, which now offers the water along with its own limited-edition wines. One of Hallstein’s founders, Elisabeth Muhr, was in Los Olivos to explain why the product makes a difference when it comes to tasting chef-driven cuisine and fine wines and spirits. Leather-goods designer Kendall Conrad also hosted a lunch at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, where Muhr and CAP Beauty founder Kerrilynn Pamer discussed the importance of clean drinking water for overall wellness.

It’s still rare to find outlets that carry Hallstein in the states, but that’s another reason it’s a good fit for Artiste—the Los Olivos winemakers don’t sell their vintages to any other outlets or distribute them at all. These wines can only be found within their own tiny California community, and now Hallstein water is available there, too. It’s also available for one-time purchase or subscription through the brand’s website. HALLSTEINWATER.COM.

CAITLIN WHITE

CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE TOP: Scenes from the Hallstein Water luncheon; the new Gin’s Tap Bar patron courtyard; designer and host Kendall Conrad; Artiste’s Anna Rice; the barn space, which can be used for events; Cap Beauty’s Kerrilynn Pamer and Hallstein’s Elisabeth Muhr; Juna’s Jewel Zimmer and Dawn Moore.

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Vineyard Hoedown

For Paula Tabalipa, her latest venture, TABALIPA WINE CO., represents a major career shift. The Brazilian wardrobe stylist and costume designer recently moved to the Santa Ynez Valley with her husband, Michael Greenberg. The couple bought a home in Santa Ynez during the pandemic, and, shortly afterward, a historic vineyard down the hill from their house came up for sale. Getting into the wine world seemed to make sense, so the couple acquired the vineyard, and Tabalipa’s company issued its first vintage this summer.

Working with local winemaker Dragonette, Tabalipa began to learn the business. She describes her first release as “a pleasure-driven Santa Ynez Valley rosé,” designed for sipping on

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Paula Tabalipa and husband Michael Greenberg toast to the release of her first vintage of rosé; scenes from the blowout bash release party at the couple’s Living Life vineyards; bottles of Tabalipa’s Santa Ynez rosé on display.

“Autumn Kiss” 23 1/2”h x 30”w, oil on canvas

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We wanted people to not only try the wine, but also experience the vineyard and the land.”

“

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hot summer days. To get the word out and to convey a sense of the terroir behind the wine, Tabalipa hosted a release party at the couple’s Living Life vineyards. Themed as a hoedown, the event included activities like hayrides, an acoustic set from Donavon Frankenreiter, a rodeo, a hot-air balloon, Santa Maria barbecue, and, of course, plenty of rosé.

“We wanted people to not only try the wine, but also experience the vineyard and the land,” Tabalipa says. “We’re representing the region, so we had Santa Maria barbecue and Finley Farms had a station of incredible tomatoes with burrata and pistachios. We had Lucky Hen’s incredible charcuterie boards. It was almost a farmers’ market setup. It was also a celebration of love, because my husband and I got married this summer in a very small ceremony, but then we decided to throw this party. The launch of the wine was also a celebration of our happily ever after.” TABALIPAWINECO.COM. C.W.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Paula and Michael pose with party guests, including Pearson McGee of Santa Ynez General; young wouldbe cowboys wait their turn at the rodeo portion of Tabalipa’s wine party; Donavon Frankenreiter plays an acoustic set.

Ranching Out

Central Coast traditions run deep at ALISAL RANCH, which is set in an oak-studded landscape of rolling hills in the Santa Ynez Valley. Founded as a cattle ranch in 1843, the 10,500-acre property was transformed into a luxury working ranch almost 80 years ago. Today, along with the cattle and horses, there’s a determination to add some 21st-century attention toward women’s empowerment and wellness of mind, body, and spirit to the westernflavored hospitality.

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It all comes together October 1 through 4 with the experience of WILDWONDER, the latest installment of a women’s retreat that highlights the work of female chefs and winemakers along with yoga at Alisal Lake, trail rides, guided hikes, and other stylish activities, like floral workshops.

Those leading workshops, cooking demonstrations, chef dinners, and wine pairings include Claudette Zepeda, who has focused on regional Mexican and indigenous ingredients in her culinary career and is the woman behind Chispa Hospitality. Mirela Taribo and Tara Gomez, founders of Camins 2 Dreams, will present tastings from their winery, which sources fruit from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Culinary educator and cookbook author Jeanne Kelley will also offer insights and lessons from her newest offering, Vegetarian Salad for Dinner

For personal growth, participants will enjoy intention setting, meditation sessions, plant walks, and a wreath-making workshop, while the western theme will be carried out with horseback rides, axe throwing, some festive line dancing, and an opportunity to select a Lovely Bird hat and create one’s own signature hatband. Rates: from $820/night single occupancy; $1,240 double ALISALRANCH.COM.

JOAN TAPPER

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Activities at WILDWONDER include a trail ride, choice of a Jaime Haskell–designed Lovely Bird hat, and a festive chef dinner with courses listed on an elegant menu.

Mercantile Mood

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Asuperlative luxury goods boutique, SANTA YNEZ GENERAL STORE is a fever dream of ceramics, table linens, design books, candles, and local artistry amassed by proprietor Pearson McGee. But the first thing guests may notice when walking in are the hay bales. Covered with thick sheets of glass, the bales serve as makeshift tables to display the offerings, a country touch crafted out of necessity: A customer wanted to buy the display tables McGee had selected for the opening.

“There’s no rhyme or reason about what goes into the store besides I have to love it,” explains McGee, whose résumé includes former executive positions with Neiman Marcus and Giorgio Armani. He initially opened the shop in 2019 with husband Spencer Turnbull, a native of Santa Ynez Valley, but the couple quickly expanded to a new location where they could mix ready-to-wear clothing with the lifestyle wares.

Following renovations and expansions, the original shop reopened this spring—the clothingonly store remains nearby on Sagunto Street—with a focus on cookware, apothecary goods, housekeeping products, floriculture, and a vinyl selection curated by DJ Zane Lowe, a personal friend of McGee. There are also special touches, like custom Santa Ynez candles from Arquiste Parfumeur and Blacksaw blankets made from alpaca wool from Peru, that give the shop its cachet.

“The goal with the store, the scent, the music, and tactile items, was to be transportive,” says Pearson. “When you walk in, there’s a nod to Santa Ynez, but you could be anywhere.” 3630 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, SANTAYNEZGENERAL.COM. C.W.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Luxury linens and bespoke candles adorn a table at the front of the newly renovated space; the hay bales add an authentic sense of the valley’s farming roots to the otherwise high-end shop; Pearson McGee sources both new and rare vintage items to fit the mood of the store.

Child Care

Following up the incredibly successful Women's Heritage Sourcebook, authors Ashley Moore, Lauren Malloy, and Emma Rollin Moore have once again teamed up to offer a resource for guiding kids and teens in back-to-roots activities. With disparate backgrounds—Moore is an artist and herbalist; Malloy, a conservation biologist; and Rollin Moore, an educator and healthy lifestyle coach—the group is particularly well equipped to walk readers through all manner of self-care, education, and empowerment.

Their second release, THE CHILDREN’S HERITAGE SOURCEBOOK (Rizzoli, $37.50), also features 250 full-color photographs from frequent Santa Barbara Magazine contributor Sara Prince, who captures the spirit of freedom and empowerment in acquiring homesteading skills. “The main goal—for me as a photographer and for the girls as authors— was to make it feel like everybody’s book,” Prince says. “It’s not so specific that it doesn’t apply to you if you don’t live on two acres and have stables and goats. If you’re not like the Ingalls family, this book is still for you.”

Style - Children’s Heritage

With ideas and guides on everything from animal husbandry to mule packing, herbal skincare blends, and even making your own soap or drying your own flowers, both city dwellers and country folks can find inspiration. Flipping through the pages is like living vicariously through the subjects within—a testament both to the vividness of the activities and the power of Prince’s images. Available at Chaucer’s Books. C.W.

This second handbook from Moore, Malloy, and Rollin Moore seeks to educate children and young adults about their place in the world as stewards and caretakers.

GALA

Dinners, local and Spanish wines, fun cocktails

Tuesday through Saturday

705 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, California 93101 @galarestaurantsb www.galasb.com

WE TASTE IN PARADISE Family Flavor

Seventh-generation Central Coast rancher Elizabeth Poett gathers stories and regional recipes for her debut cookbook

Poett harvests tomatoes from a garden on Rancho San Julian, which has been in her family as a beef operation since 1837.

worldwide with the 2021 debut of the Magnolia Network’s Ranch to Table cooking show. That a full-blown cookbook would come next just made sense.

“I really wanted the book to be an introduction to the ranch and the region,” Poett says, crediting lifelong friend and the book’s co-author Georgia Freedman with “helping me put myself out there.”

“Like the show,” she adds, “I want it to teach people about agriculture and the ranching community here and how people have been working on the land to produce food for generations.”

After a short history of Rancho San Julian— owned by her family since 1837—she writes about ranch life and her cooking and hosting philosophies, then rolls out the recipes by season.

Taste - Ranch Table

For example, spring includes a Santa Maria–style tri-tip with pico de gallo, a centerpiece of Central Coast barbecues. Summertime grilled peaches are followed by beef empanadas and

Writing a cookbook, it turns out, is near and dear to the act of cooking itself. Both endeavors demand proper technique to combine just the right amount of ingredients. Good timing is critical, too, whether you’re pulling that brisket off the grill or serving up your writing project for mass consumption. And, of course, there’s presentation. Just ask seventh-generation Santa Barbara County cattle rancher and cooking-show star Elizabeth Poett, author of THE RANCH TABLE: RECIPES FROM A YEAR OF HARVESTS, CELEBRATIONS, AND FAMILY DINNERS ON A HISTORIC CALIFORNIA RANCH (HarperCollins, $40).

About 10 years ago, Poett started sorting the book’s main ingredients, a trove of handed-down family recipes, some handwritten in Spanish by her great-great-grandmother. Around the same time, she began hosting big country lunches centered on fresh local ingredients topped off with ranch tours and talks on the property’s history.

Poett then refined her techniques, from braising to baking to canning, for streaming audiences

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Growing up on Rancho San Julian, Poett learned early on that feeding friends and neighbors who help out on ranch projects is the customary way of saying thank you; dry goods, spice jars, and cookbooks take up a corner of the Poett family kitchen.

“I want the book to teach people about agriculture and the ranching community and how people have been working on the land for generations.”

Lemon Buttermilk Fried Chicken Drizzled with Honey

When I make fried chicken, I brine drumsticks in a mixture that has lots of rosemary and lemon to add a distinctive California flavor, then I drizzle honey on the chicken just before serving. If you’ve never deep-fried anything before, the process might seem intimidating, but once you try it, you’ll see that it’s very straightforward. The trick for me is to get my cooking station organized before I start: I prepare my flour mixture and pour my buttermilk in a bowl and set them on the counter next to the stove, and I have tongs and a potholder or oven mitts nearby. That way, when I start frying, I won’t have to walk away from the stove or go looking for something; I can just focus on cooking.

Excerpted from The Ranch Table

Taste - Ranch Table

her great-grandmother’s enchiladas. Fall dinners include veggies harvested from the garden behind the ranch’s 200-year-old casa. Winter favorites include a three-cheese grilled sandwich on sourdough with onion jam, plus Mexican wedding cookies and cowboy brittle. Poett closes with a classic New Year’s standing rib roast and perhaps a Golden State old-fashioned or two.

All said, the book is 320 pages filled with 120 recipes, plus more than 150 color photographs by B.J. Goolnick, who also serves as the director of photography for Ranch to Table, now in its fourth season. Talk about presentation: Goolnick’s eye sweeps from the maple drizzle on a stack of blueberry-yogurt pancakes to generational portraits and candid smiles that will be passed down as surely as those old family recipes.

“Being able to share this history and these recipes, it’s very personal,” Poett says. “It means a lot that my kids have the same flavors in their lives as their great-great-grandparents had. And having this connection to food, to cooking seasonally and cooking for lots of people—I love all those things.” Available at Chaucer's Books. KEITH

HAMM

Taste - Presqu’ile

Toasting a Decade

In its tenth year of welcoming guests to the tasting room at its hilltop Santa Maria Valley estate, PRESQU’ILE WINERY has much to celebrate. Drawing on their Southern hospitality roots, the Murphy family continues to provide spot-on service while keeping the greater good in mind. Presqu’ile’s admirable sustainability efforts, which include its certified organic estate vineyards, have

earned the winery the even more rigorous SIP Certified standing. Moreover, Presqu’ile is working toward its goal of being net zero, thanks in part to the estate’s 774-panel solar farm, which produces nearly 500,000 kilowatt-hours per year, an offset equal to the annual energy use of 45 average homes. The estate also includes a one-acre, organic vegetable-and-herb garden, which chef Julie Simon uses for her globally influenced, seasonal menus

Presqu’ile has expanded its offerings to five different tasting experiences: an Estate Tasting Flight, highlighting new and current-release estate wines; the Wine & Food Experience, featuring a curated tasting flight paired with a mezze picnic; the Estate Horseback Tour & Tasting, a trail ride through the 400-acre property, also culminating with food and wine; and the Wine & Food Tour, a private walk through Presqu’ile’s wine caves and winery, ending with a pondside food-and-wine pairing. For larger groups, there’s Wine & Bocce on a private terrace.

5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, PRESQUILEWINE.COM.

ANNA FERGUSON-SPARKS

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Presqu’ile Winery’s Mezze Picnic; the estate’s 10-year-old tasting facility; chef Julie Simon in the organic vegetable-and-herb garden; Wine & Food, one of Presqu’ile’s five different tasting experiences.

GREAT WINES

T CTomi Cellars

Awarded gold medals in 2022 and 2023 by the Sommeliers Choice Awards, CHAMPAGNE

ALEXANDRA SAINZ is a unique and exclusive Grand Cru Champagne. Alexandra Sainz’s vineyards are nestled in the rolling hills of Bouzy, one of the most renowned regions in Champagne, France. Sainz’s family has grown grapes, harvested crops, and made Champagne in the area, which is famous for its distinctive chalky soils, since 1741. Her Champagne honors hundreds of years of tradition, and she considers it her duty to preserve the terroir. All her Champagnes are produced sustainably, and her vineyards are High Environmental Value certified. The Brut Héritage is a luxurious blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay brought to California for our pleasure. This Champagne rests a minimum of four years on lees before disgorging. It makes a fine and elegant accompaniment for an aperitif, or you can serve it throughout a meal.

FOLDED HILLS

WINERY is a small family-owned winery located at the gateway to Santa Ynez Valley just off the 101 between Las Cruces and Buellton just 4.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The Folded Hills Vineyard and Ranch is situated in an idyllic landscape surrounded by mountain hillsides that fold into the landscape. Our Homestead tasting room features walkin tastings daily and exclusive guided tasting experiences on select days each week. Our Montecito tasting room is a cozy spot to enjoy your wine tasting among the shops and restaurants of Coast Village Road. Specializing in Rhône grape varieties, our Grenache, Syrah, and Marsanne varietal wines and blends express our unique cool climate terroir with vibrant, fresh, fruit forward aromas and flavors.

Great Wines

Folded Hills.com

LA LIEFF is a small, vibrant, women-owned wine company producing Rhône Varietals along the California Central Coast. We care about the earth and its people, land, and animals. We have chosen Gaia, the goddess of the earth, to represent our commitment to the natural world. Grown in San Luis Obispo County, our grapes continue to create our world-class wines. Their proximity to the ocean, orientation of the numerous canyons, and varying elevations produce diverse microclimates, allowing production of grapes that love both cool and warm weather. We opened a beautiful tasting room in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone in November 2022, and we aim to reach beyond the wine bottle by encouraging connection, communication, and collaboration. Together let’s try to make things just a little bit better for ourselves, our community, and our planet. 210 Gray Avenue, Santa Barbara.

TOMI CELLARS is the winery project from film industry veterans Boyd Shermis and Denise Davis. It is our driven passion each year to create the finest wines possible from some of the very best vineyards on the Central Coast of California. We’ve spent the past two decades learning what it takes to make world-class wines of distinction that evoke place of origin. We make wines that we want to drink—and we hope others will want to drink them, too. Since our first bottling in 2021, we’ve released 13 new wines from 2019 through 2022, including Pinot Noir, Syrah Reserve, Albariño Reserva, Viognier, Tempranillo, Grenache, Merlot, and Grenache Blanc/Roussanne blend. Call for an appointment or come visit our tasting room. 140 Industrial Way D2, Buellton, 805-862-7110.

Poetic Pours

Taste - Tripper Askers

When sommelier and wine director Hayden Felice was dealt the pandemic hand of a forced career shift, he partnered with friend and fellow wine enthusiast Andrew Fitzgerald to start TRIPPERS & ASKERS wines. Felice parlayed nearly 20 years of beverageindustry experience—including work in New York with chef Tom Colicchio’s Crafted Hospitality, in Los Angeles for chefs Roy Choi and Ludo Lefebvre, and at Acme Hospitality in Santa Barbara—into 200 cases of wine that would eventually increase to become the duo’s 1,200-case label.

Officially launched in the fall of 2022 with two vintages and six cuvées, Trippers & Askers focuses on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah from organically farmed, sustainable vineyards. The pair’s minimalist approach produces lighter, restrained, mineral-driven wines, all crafted by Felice in a downtown Santa Barbara winery.

The partners’ passion for winemaking is coupled with their collective interest in literature and photography, reflected in their labels and the names of each wine. “Trippers & Askers” is a nod to poet Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself #4.” The cuvée names are inspired by passages in cherished poems, and the label photographs were taken on the owners’ travels.

The pair’s commitment to the community is evidenced by the label’s donations to 13 different nonprofits within its first year, and both owners are active on local nonprofit boards: for Felice that is the Santa Barbara School of Squash, which mentors local underserved youth; Fitzgerald serves on the board of CALM, whose mission is to prevent childhood trauma, heal children and families, and build resilient communities throughout Santa Barbara County. TRIPPERSANDASKERS.COM. A.F.S.

lineup

Trippers & Askers wines; owners Hayden Felice (left) and Andrew Fitzgerald.

The pair’s commitment to the community is evidenced by the label’s donations to 13 different nonprofits within its first year.

Elevated Camp

Since 2018, Michelin-trained chefs Jamie and Jayson Poe have delighted the palates of Santa Barbara event-goers and busy professionals alike with their catering and meal-delivery company, Poe & Co. Now the talented husband-and-wife-team are bringing their culinary expertise to the great outdoors with the recent launch of FOLK FOODS, a small line of gourmet plant-based camping meals. Noting an untapped potential in the camping sector for nutritious, chef-created meals that are both easy and enjoyable to eat, the Poes embarked on a mission to fill the gap. With the goal of replicating the food they’d serve to friends at a dinner party— dishes that are approachable yet loaded with flavor—the duo developed three plant-based, just-add-water camping meals designed to elevate dining in the great outdoors. Current flavors include a Black Garlic Ramen Bowl, Coconut Chickpea Stew, and Quinoa Sweet Potato Skillet, and the Poes have plans for breakfast and pasta items in the coming year. Wherever your adventures take you, rest assured Folk Foods meals are as convenient as they are delicious. FOLK-FOODS.COM. H.L.S.

Taste - Folk / Maravilla

Campers can enjoy Folk Foods offerings as complete vegetarian meals or add in proteins like grilled chicken or fried eggs.

Easy Does It

Earlier this year, restaurant industry powerhouse and Montecito resident Sophie McNally began her mission to win the hearts and nourish the souls of busy families through the launch of her new culinary company, KITCHENETTE. In an effort to fight food waste, monitor its carbon footprint, and aim for sustainability, Kitchenette delivers tasty gluten-free, nutrition-packed, family-style frozen meals made with high-quality ingredients, ready to heat and enjoy later. The service started with a handful of meal options available for pre-order and recently expanded its seasonal lineup to include a plant-based Buddha bowl and a zero-refined-sugar, date-sweetened chocolate-chip-cookie roll, plus two-portion versions of its family-style meals, as well as separate sides and mains. A convenient gift program is now available, and Kitchenette items have debuted at Santa Barbara’s cool new corner grocery store The Eddy. GETKITCHENETTE.COM. A.F.S.

Taste - Kitchenette / Fabio

Kitchenette founder Sophie McNally uses quality ingredients, flash-frozen at peak freshness to preserve taste and nutritional value.

FALL 2023

Cover Me Cover Me Cover Me Cover Me

in in in

Achok MaJak embodies the Santa Barbara dream

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LAUREN ROSS STYLING BY MEREDITH MARKWORTH-POLLACK

Sunshine Sunshine Sunshine

Kamperett Meiere gown, Nina Runsdorf earrings, Kendall Conrad ring.

Amazon leather top from Rocio G, Hunter Bell skirt, UBS earrings and bracelet, Kendall Conrad ring, Lu Goldie sunglasses. OPPOSITE: Maria McManus brushed cape sweater and zip tube skirt, Leigh Miller earrings.

Feature - Achok Majak

Maria McManus brushed cape sweater and zip tube skirt, Leigh Miller earrings.

Sabine Brouillet Tahitian pearl necklaces from Coco Belle, Los Olivos.

OPPOSITE: Kamperett Verona midi dress, Ben-Amun earrings.

Bauhaus caftan from Le Fawnhawk, Leigh Miller earrings. OPPOSITE: Desert Mystic dress and Silver Coin 3 Moon Totem bolo from Le Fawnhawk, Luisa Ferne hat from Santa Ynez General.

Nakiyé Grand Bazaar gown from Jake & Jones. OPPOSITE: Kamperett Verona midi dress, Ben-Amun earrings.

Hair by Erik Hernandez. Makeup by Gina Brooke at The Wall Group.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DEWEY NICKS

INTERVIEW BY ISABELLE BRIDGES

Feature - Achok Majak

What if we told you that two young Santa Barbara girls formed a friendship that has lasted well into their adulthood—growing, thriving, regressing, rebounding, and ahhhh…expanding and exhaling into an extraordinary collaboration of the heart and mind. Meet best friends Achok Majak and Isabelle Bridges. Majak is our homegrown global face of Gucci, Tiffany, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, and many more fashion powerhouses, as well as a yogi, a real estate agent, and a community ambassador. Bridges is an empowerment coach for moms, a best-selling author, a mother of two, and the daughter of Jeff Bridges, Oscar-winning actor and coolest dude dad-granddad ever. Majak was embraced into the Bridges family after losing her own father, and the friends have been joined in their family values, spirit, and soul ever since. They dive into a little childhood 805 history, dig deeper into diversity and acceptance, and connect with a whole lot of gratitude and love.

Isabelle Bridges: Is there anything you want to say before we dive in?

Achok Majak: First and foremost, thank you so much for interviewing me. I love Santa Barbara Magazine so much, and I feel honored and blessed to be on the cover. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl, being born and raised here, and the timing couldn’t be better.

IB: Why is it so important to you and to Santa Barbara as a community?

AM: The first word that comes to mind is community and the connection of this community. I feel so grateful to represent my own uniqueness. The world is changing, and Santa Barbara is a beautiful community to anchor and cast light on that change. There’s so much beauty, from the land to the people to how connected the community is all over the world. This place is where everything started for me, and I was surrounded by so much love.

IB: Do you represent the diversity that Santa Barbara exhibits?

AM: When I was growing up, there weren’t many Black people in town. But today more and

“ There’s nothing like these mountains, the ocean, the food to make people feel the presence of ultimate beauty.”

Achok Majak (left) with Isabelle Bridges at PALMA Colectiva. Makeup by Tomiko Taft. All caftans and yoga wear available at PALMA Colectiva.

more creative people are being drawn here, which I find so beautiful. This cover lets people know we are a community of one; we acknowledge and love diversity.

IB: When did you know you wanted to be a model? How did you get where you are today?

and I moved to Oakland. When I moved, the first thing I had to do was learn who I was. After growing up in a community where no one looked like me, it was amazing to be in Berkeley, to go to San Francisco, to see different cultures represented. I met people with different financial backgrounds, physical sizes, orientations. I also got to spend a lot of time with you and your family, which was like having a piece of Santa Barbara with me. I spent a lot of time with your daughter, Grace, which was such a blessing. I got to see the world from her perspective, and she mirrored the different ways I was growing and realizing how I could do better. I was really committed to spiritual work: I asked you questions, I read books from your shelves, I was able to get grounded. As I was getting more grounded, modeling started to become clearer. I signed with an agent in San Francisco with the intention of getting to New York. On St. Patrick’s Day in 2015 I packed my bags, stopped through Santa Barbara, and flew out to New York with just two suitcases.

IB: I love that you honor the people who have supported you along the way. Other people will see you or see themselves through you, and it has a beautiful ripple effect.

Feature - Achok Majak

AM: My family is from South Sudan; I’m the only one who was born in the U.S. My father got a scholarship to get his Ph.D. He wanted a warm climate, so he ended up at UC Santa Barbara and later was a professor at Loyola Marymount. When my mom arrived, she had a third-grade-level education. She went to school and got her high school equivalency the day before my oldest brother graduated high school. My father died when I was nine years old, and his last words were, “Make sure my kids get a good education.” I ended up at Santa Barbara Middle School, and it changed my whole perspective on life. I felt safe, loved, supported. I lost my father, but incredible people came into my life, including your family. I was taught it’s okay to grieve, and it’s also okay to be a kid. I knew I was going to be a model from about age seven. But I had a lot of fear about going into the public eye and getting into an industry where there isn’t a union and you’re not really looked after. A lot of toxic people can influence your career, whether it’s a photographer or a casting director or an agent, so you have to be very careful. Eventually I decided to take the leap

AM: I want people to be inspired to have conversations regarding race diversity, even if it’s uncomfortable. I was at Savoy the other day, sitting alone at the table, and this woman said, “Excuse me, I don’t want to offend you, but I want to tell you that you have really beautiful skin.” And I said, “Thank you for being so brave to tell me how you feel about my skin.” And that’s the love, that’s what’s stronger than any of these other bad feelings. It just opened up the doors for a really great conversation.

IB: If you were to invite our readers to take a specific action, what would it be?

AM: Be open, reach out to each other, start to open up your spaces, lend each other a hand. Bring people together to sit down, to have conversations, to meet at the park, to join in a sound bath. Put together an intention of growing, being more inclusive, waking up to how you may be contributing to some of the issues. Awareness sparks change. If we start putting on events and making it known that we are an inclusive community, people will come and other communities will be inspired to do the same. If you go anywhere in this world and mention Santa Barbara, people know it and they love it. It’s a very rare, unique place. There’s nothing like these blessed mountains, the ocean, the food at our farmers’ markets to make people feel the presence of ultimate beauty.

Continued on page 142

“I want people to be inspired to have conversations regarding race diversity, even if it’s uncomfortable. Reach out to each other, start to open up your spaces, lend each other a hand.”

Feature - Achok Majak

Ranch Redux

Reviving

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MELLON STUDIO

WRITTEN BY LORIE DEWHIRST PORTER

Minimalist metal “ribbon” benches by Laun provide seating under the home’s generous veranda. OPPOSITE: A stone fountain welcomes visitors to a perfect example of California ranch architecture in Hope Ranch.

alifornia has more than its share of architectural styles, but the ultimate expression of the West Coast is undoubtedly the ranch house, with its single-storied terrain-hugging sprawl, open floor plan, and generous embrace of the outdoors. The idea of living life inside this kind of breezy setup is irresistible to many—including, most recently, a young couple from Canada who fell in love with an iconic example in Hope Ranch. They decided to purchase the house and move to Santa Barbara for good.

CFeature - Via Allegre

This pandemic story has a happy ending, thanks to the couple’s passion for architecture and their decision to select House of Honey (HOH), a full-service interior design firm, to put the finishing touches on their newly acquired dream home. They were drawn to the unique and eclectic spaces featured in HOH’s website portfolio—and the fact its founder, Tamara Kaye-Honey, is a fellow Canadian might have helped move the needle as well.

According to Kaye-Honey, what sets HOH apart from other design firms is “we really don’t prescribe to one style. We tailor it to the location and the clients. It’s about respecting what’s there and being able to do something unexpected that will stand the test of time.” In other words, for HOH, “style” results from a

FROM TOP: A round table from Restoration Hardware is surrounded by Ligne Roset chairs. In the office, an eye-catching chair from Forom is paired with a side table from Garde. OPPOSITE: A vintage woolly sheep from 1stDibs guards the hallway.

In the living room, a monumental sculpture by Canadian artist Martha Sturdy floats above the fireplace. Sofas by Lawson Fenning flank a coffee table from Crate & Barrel. The side chairs are by Menu and the side table is from Garde. The rug is from Blue Parakeet.

Wallpaper from The Cartelier makes a strong statement in the office. A graphic wall piece by Lawson Fenning is suspended over a credenza by Ethnicraft. A chair by Lulu and Georgia fronts a desk from Garde. The desk lamp is by Lawson Fenning.

close collaboration with the client; there’s no signature look to be imposed by the designer.

Feature - Via Allegre

Kaye-Honey’s design skills are part nature and part nurture: Her mother flipped homes and her aunts helmed an antique shop, and she studied at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and started her design business after furnishing her own home in Pasadena. She also has a knack for retail and was one of the earliest vendors on the 1stDibs e-commerce site that styles itself as an online version of a Parisian flea market. With studios in Montecito and Pasadena, Kaye-Honey now leads a collective of 14 creative women who work with her under the HOH umbrella.

As for the Hope Ranch project, it posed several challenges. First, nearly all meetings between HOH and the clients were virtual because of the pandemic. Second, the house had to be completed in four months so the couple could relocate from Canada and enroll their young son in school. “It was one of our fastest-moving projects,” Kaye-Honey admits. “It was kind of a Mission Impossible–type of task,” adds the client, “but HOH found a way to make magic happen.”

Several things conspired to make the endeavor a success. The house itself, which dates to the 1960s, already possessed the

qualities of iconic ranch architecture, including a glass-enclosed atrium at its center—an element that was retained during the extensive remodel expertly completed by Arnold Brothers Construction, Inc. Silvergreen olive trees were strategically placed around the 2.5-acre site by Chris Gilliland’s CommonGround Landscape Architecture to

In the primary bedroom, a wall hanging by Mary Little overlooks the bed flanked by nightstands (all by Community Manufacturing). A lounge chair by Forom and side table from Garde provide a reading spot with garden views. The dramatic black-andwhite powder room is covered in Cole & Son wallpaper.

provide shade for several outdoor dining areas. And because HOH is known for its close relationships with local artisans, many unique furniture pieces—including the minimalist metal “ribbon” benches lining the veranda—were quickly sourced and installed. The design firm avoided kitschy design clichés and obvious midcentury references entirely; instead, several rooms were adorned with graphic wallpapers that highlight the home’s overall eclectic vibe.

“House of Honey has that incredible ability to manage competing interests with respect to what we want, what the house wants, or the space needs, and come up with these gorgeous spaces,” says the client. “They know about all of these amazing California designers. They came in with incredible expertise.” HOH even managed to include work by Canadian artist Martha Sturdy, whose monumental metal sculpture floats majestically above the fireplace. “Bringing a little bit of Canada to California,” KayeHoney says.

Like a conductor leading an orchestra to a symphony’s finale, HOH deftly coordinated the ultimate reveal, and the couple arrived in person to see their new home completely finished after just four months.

Feature - Via Allegre

“What a special moment,” recalls the client, “To open the doors and say, ‘It looks even better than we thought it would.’” There’s hardly a more welcome accolade for a design professional and her team.

“A lot of my new friendships have come from clients in Santa Barbara, which is really fun,” says Kaye-Honey. In fact, HOH’s Montecito studio, which was established nearly nine years ago, is as busy as the Pasadena location.

The final result is a stunning testament to a creative collaboration that’s embodied in an iconic ranch house a family can now call home. As the satisfied client says, “There’s something really special about the house, and I think that’s what caused us to uproot our lives.” •

FROM TOP: The sleek bar is well equipped for festive libations; bar stools by Restoration Hardware; a whimsical art piece by L.A. street artist Plastic Jesus in the bar area. OPPOSITE: A colorful painting by Canadian artist Bobbie Burgers anchors the dining room. A chandelier by Apparatus illuminates the rectangular dining table surrounded by Cherner dining chairs.

Silver-green olive trees were placed around the 2.5-acre site to provide shade for several outdoor dining areas.

Table and benches are by Gloster; dining chairs are from Gubi.

Open Range

sibling synergy behind the Dierberg and Star Lane vineyards

WRITTEN BY GABE SAGLIE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BLAKE BRONSTAD

Star Lane Winery sits on an 8,000-acre estate in the Happy Canyon AVA.

on aesthetics alone, Star Lane Vineyard wows. The 8,000-acre estate straddles a canyon at the easternmost edges of the Santa Ynez Valley, right up against the Los Padres National Forest, with rolling terrain that stretches as far as the eye can see. In its 200-year history, the property has drawn horse ranchers and Hollywood titans. Today, thanks to the stewardship of siblings Ellen and Michael Dierberg, it’s become known as one of the great Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in the world.

“The caves on the property are the biggest on the Central Coast and among the biggest in all of California,” says Ellen. “And the views are majestic. People who visit it are floored.”

The siblings say that when their parents, Jim and Mary Dierberg, bought the land in the mid-’90s, it was a risk, a leap of faith. It was a very thoughtful move, though, based on decades of patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity.

“My parents got started in the wine business in 1970 in our home state of Missouri,” recalls Michael. Indeed, the Show Me State stands out in America’s history of viticulture, which dates back to before Prohibition, before other winegrowing discoveries were made as pioneers

Feature - Star Lane

OPPOSITE:

The 8,000-acre estate straddles a canyon at the easternmost edges of the Santa Ynez Valley, right up against the Los Padres National Forest.

Siblings Michael and Ellen Dierberg are the powerhouse duo behind two of Santa Barbara County’s premier wineries, Star Lane and Dierberg.

The castleinspired Star Lane Winery is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Feature - Star Lane

Star Lane Winery is now welcoming visitors for the first time. Winemaker Tyler Thomas inspects the vines. OPPOSITE: The new private Star Lane tours give guests a chance to visit the cellar and barrel room and to taste rare wines.

pushed west. “Hills were covered with vines,” Michael recalls of his Missouri youth. He’s the middle child; his sister, Ellen, is the youngest. Their older brother opted to bow out of the family’s wine business.

For the family, a decades-long search ensued, as the Dierberg patriarch traveled from France to California and back again, looking for a perfect piece of land for wine, specifically Cabernet Sauvignon.

“When we were in the kitchen one day, and he told us he’d finally found it, we said, ‘Come on, Dad, give it up!” says Ellen. “‘You’ve been talking about this for years!’”

Jim Dierberg, however, would be proven right. He bought Star Lane in 1996, 11 years before the Santa Barbara County pocket in which it sits was recognized officially as the Happy Canyon AVA and touted as a unique location for growing world-class Bordeaux grapes. “Focus and determination and patience finally paid off,” says his daughter.

Today, about 120 acres are planted to grapes like Merlot and Malbec and with a square focus on Cabernet. These grow on the top two thirds of the vineyard, where calcium-carbonate soils prevail. The lower third, replete with serpentine, allows Sauvignon Blanc to flourish. And the wines they create, with winemaker phenom Tyler Thomas at the helm, garner top-tier scores and widespread international acclaim, especially the Cabernet.

Feature - Star Lane

“Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon is world class, so yes, it is in the major leagues and on the playing field,” says Tyler. “I’ve tasted our wines with potential European importers as recently as this year, who find the characteristics of our Cabernet Sauvignon offer a fresh lens on what California Cabernet is. They are compelled by its lithe qualities that don’t seem to compromise Californian fruit—or its ‘sunshine,’ as one taster noted—and power.”

Already “half of our Cab goes to Japan, and our wine is in the best restaurants there,” says Michael. He loves the work trips there. “You eat so well!”

The Dierbergs acquired Drum Canyon Vineyard in 2008, an estate in the coveted Sta. Rita Hills AVA, where cool temperatures and ancient seabed soils offer prime conditions for premium Burgundian grapes. Sixty-seven acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are planted here, in the westernmost stretches of the Santa Ynez Valley. These wines also wow critics and oenophiles, and yet the push to elevate their caliber continues.

“After 18 years of growing Pinot across »

Star Lane features a state-of-the-art gravityflow winery, and the Dierberg family’s library of wines stretches back more than two decades.

Tyler Thomas is winemaker at both Star Lane and Dierberg Wineries. This year marks his 10th anniversary working with the Dierberg family. OPPOSITE: Star Lane’s subterranean caves are the largest on the Central Coast.

several different soil types present at the vineyard, we have learned where Pinot Noir is excelling and where Chardonnay deserves a look it never received,” says Tyler. “There is, therefore, opportunity for both to thrive as we discover these nuances.”

And just as the bookend vineyards create equilibrium for the Dierberg enterprise, so does the sibling dynamic that has Ellen and Michael sharing duties across both brands.

“We balance each other out,” she says. “My instinct is more, ‘just do it, and do it now.’ Mike thinks things through, takes his time, analyzes things a bit closer.”

Her brother concurs. “We get along well, and we complement each other.” He’s based in Missouri, while she splits her time between Jackson Hole and Santa Barbara, “so, many times, we’re not in the same place,” says Michael. “Running the business helps build our relationship and helps bring us closer together.”

The siblings are raising kids of their own—he has two teenage boys, and she has five children, ranging in age from seven to 23. Some are already expressing interest in the wine business, especially when it comes to “learning how to be stewards of the land,” says Ellen.

This involvement across the family fits nicely into a 250-year plan that Jim Dierberg drafted early on to manage the vineyards and produce premium wines. “He’s happy that so many of us are following through with it,” adds his daughter. And it ensures that Star Lane and Drum Canyon build on their iconic status for generations to come. •

Feature - Star Lane

Flanking both ends of Santa Barbara’s wine region—warm Happy Canyon and cool Sta. Rita Hills—gives the Dierbergs a unique vantage point for the region’s rich and diverse winegrowing potential.

“The area’s reputation continues to grow,” says Michael, who also admits that the ability to grow a wide range of varietals “can make getting the message out a challenge.” He adds, “We need to get [consumers] out to the properties.”

To that end, the Dierberg Drum Canyon Vineyard is open to the public, with tastings by appointment and with a $35-per-person tasting menu that features both labels. Star Lane, however, has just opened to guests for the first time, through a more private and curated series of experiences.

“We want to bring serious people who are really interested in wine and especially in Cabernet,” says Ellen. Aimed at creating a bespoke moment for serious drinkers, the private tours include visits to the subterranean caves and guided tastings from the family’s private library.

Flanking both ends of Santa Barbara ’s wine region gives the Dierbergs a unique vantage point.

The easternmost pocket of the Santa Ynez Valley, site of some of the region’s warmest temperatures, is home to the Happy Canyon. OPPOSITE: Star Lane grows red varietals at higher elevations on the vineyard, where soils are replete with calcium carbonate, whereas Sauvignon Blanc flourishes at lower elevations.

Terroir Tour

From cool-climate darlings like Pinot Noir to warm-weather stalwarts like Cabernet Sauvignon, and from Montecito to Lompoc and Solvang to Santa Maria, here’s your ultimate guide to Santa Barbara’s premier wine destinations

EDITED BY GABE SAGLIE

SANTA BARBARA

ARCHIUM CELLARS 805-233-8006, archiumcellars.com. This winery produces Rhône varietals made from tiny concentrated grapes with extremely low yields. Grapes are sourced from both Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

AREA 5.1 WINERY 137 Anacapa St., Ste. B, 805-770-7251. Labels here feature names that are intergalactically inspired and represent various unique blends. Located in the Funk Zone along the Urban Wine Trail.

AU BON CLIMAT 813 Anacapa St., Ste. 5B, 805-963-7999, aubonclimat.com. For more than 40 years, the late Jim Clendenen specialized in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His tasting room in the Presidio neighborhood downtown features more than a dozen varietals from ABC and his other artisan labels, including Vita Nova and Barham Mendelsohn.

BARBIERI & KEMPE 1114 State St., Ste. 26, 805-560-9562, barbieriwines.com. Paolo Barbieri and Erin Kempe pour their eponymous wines at one location. Barbieri spotlights Rhône varietals like Syrah, whereas Kempe focuses on Bordeaux wines such as Pinot Noir. This cozy locale at La Arcada Plaza also features myriad cheeses.

CARR VINEYARDS AND WINERY 414 N. Salsipuedes St., 805-965-7985, carrwinery .com. Situated in a Quonset hut built in the 1940s, Ryan Carr’s downtown cave is the source for wines primarily from the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley. Whites and reds by the glass and on tap.

DEEP SEA WINE TASTING ROOM

217 Stearns Wharf, Ste. G, 805-618-1185, conwayfamilywines.com. Located on Stearns Wharf, the Conway family’s nauticalinspired tasting room features sweeping ocean views and wines by the glass.

FESS PARKER FUNK ZONE 116 E. Yanonali St., Ste. A, 805-770-2041, fessparker. com. The new Funk Zone outpost of the diverse line of Fess Parker wines features a beautiful handcrafted tasting bar and modern décor. Taste Fess Parker and Epiphany wines, as well as Fesstivity bubbly.

FOLDED HILLS WINERY 1294 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-694-8086, foldedhills.com

A wine-inspired respite in the heart of Montecito, this sipping spot is the sister to Folded Hills’ Gaviota ranch, about 40 miles up Highway 101. The Rhône wines are grown biodynamically.

FOX WINE CO. 120 Santa Barbara St., 805-6996329, foxwineco.com. Sarah and Blair Fox share a passion for elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Their Funk Zone tasting room features wines by the glass as well as handmade organic cider and kombucha on tap. Wines from the sister Blair Fox Cellars label are also poured here.

FREQUENCY WINE COMPANY 804 Anacapa St., 805-770-3069, frequencywines .com. Zac Wasserman’s small family-owned and -operated winery produces Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay selections. The modern tasting room is in the historic Presidio neighborhood downtown.

with his wife, Kym, produces wines like Pinot Noir and Grenache. This elegant tasting room is across from historic De La Guerra Plaza.

KUNIN WINES 831 Santa Barbara St., 805-963-9633, kuninwines.com. The late winemaker’s love for premium Rhône blends and wines like Grenache and Viognier lives on at this dog- and kid-friendly tasting room in the Presidio neighborhood.

LA LIEFF WINES 210 Gray Ave., 805-8378582, lalieffwines.com. The newest addition to the Funk Zone scene, this label features various female winemakers and a logo inspired by Gaia, goddess of the earth. Grapes grow on the brand’s proprietary ranch in San Luis Obispo County, and the tasting room is dog friendly.

LONGORIA ON STATE 732 State St., longoriawine.com. Reservations are recommended at this new downtown tasting spot, featuring various Bordeaux and Spanish varieties. There’s plenty of natural light here, and the soothing blue color scheme is inspired by the Santa Barbara shore.

Wine Guide

GRASSINI FAMILY VINEYARDS 24 El Paseo, 805-897-3366, grassinifamilyvineyards .com. Grassini’s estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon wines are poured at the historic El Paseo complex downtown, with plenty of patio seating.

HAPPY CANYON VINEYARD 30 El Paseo, 805-232-3549, happycanyonvineyard.com. The Barrack family produces award-winning Bordeaux wines at their Santa Ynez Valley ranch. Tastings feature their Piocho and Barrack Family brands.

J. WILKES WINES 35 State St., Ste. B, 805-456-6376, jwilkes.com. Fruit is sourced from the Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, and Paso Robles Highlands to create blends representative of the diverse climates of the Central Coast. Find the tasting room at the Hotel Californian.

JAFFURS WINE CELLARS 819 E. Montecito St., 805-962-7003, jaffurswine.com. Well known for Rhône varieties like Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache, and Syrah, the brand has this location on Santa Barbara’s east side, which features a working winery.

JAMIE SLONE WINES 23 E. De La Guerra St., 805-560-6555, jamieslonewines.com. Jamie Slone is a former race car driver and radio exec who,

MAIL ROAD WINES 805-245-2006, mailroadwines.com. Winemakers Matt Dees, Michael Palmer, and Ron Piazza produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay organically grown on the Mount Carmel Vineyard, a 22.5-acre dry-farmed plot. Wines are available by allocation, so visit the website to get on the mailing list.

MARGERUM WINE COMPANY 19 E. Mason St., 805-845-8435, margerumwines. com. Sip your way through Margerum and Barden wines from vintner Doug Margerum. In the tasting room in the Hotel Californian, just steps from the beach, guests can also order seasonal salads, pizzas, panini, and cheese boards.

MELVILLE WINERY 120 State St., Ste. C, 805-770-7952, melvillewinery.com. This tasting lounge is part of the Hotel Californian property and features premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah grown on the Melville family’s Lompoc estate.

MUNICIPAL WINEMAKERS 22 Anacapa St., 805-931-6864, municipalwinemakers.com Located inside what was once a dive shop,

this funky tasting room puts guests just steps from the beach and features fun and approachable wines like Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel by Dave Potter.

NOTARY PUBLIC 530-409-1875, notarypublicwine.com. Notary Public features elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc by Ernst Storm. Select wines are sold at the Santa Barbara Wine Collective, next door to The Lark restaurant in the Funk Zone.

PALI WINE CO. 205 Anacapa St., 805-8692619, paliwineco.com. Cofounders Tim Perr and Scott Knight pay homage to their hometown of Pacific Palisades with their Pali brand, focusing on small-lot Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wines by Aaron Walker from sister labels Neighborhood and Tower 15 are also available.

PARADISE SPRINGS WINERY 210 State St., 805-690-3650, paradisespringswinery. com. Billing itself as the country’s first bicoastal winery brand (its original location is in Clifton, Virginia), this dog-friendly stop features Bordeaux varietals, Pinots, Chardonnay, and more from coveted AVAs like Sta. Rita Hills and Happy Canyon.

POTEK WINERY 406 E. Haley St., Ste. 1, 805-770-5105, potek.com. With a focus on producing elegant wines from prime Santa Barbara vineyards, this tasting room at The Mill, on the city’s east side, pours premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay by winemaker David Potter.

RINCON MOUNTAIN WINERY 4187

Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, 805-318-9264. This new space near downtown Carpinteria features wines from the brand’s estate vineyards in Paso Robles, with fruit from their estate vines in the Ventura County mountains coming online in 2025.

RIVERBENCH 137 Anacapa St., Ste. C, 805324-4100, riverbench.com. This quaint Funk Zone stop features Pinot, Chardonnay, and sparklers by winemaker Clarissa Nagy, all sourced from the Riverbench estate in the Santa Maria Valley.

SAMSARA WINE CO. 6485 Calle Real, Ste. E, Goleta, 805-845-8001, samsarawine. com. Winemaker Matt Brady is raising the bar on vineyard-designated Rhône varietals like Syrah and Burgundian wines like

Pinot Noir. This tasting spot is the sister to Samsara’s Los Olivos location.

SANGUIS 8 Ashley Ave., 805-845-0920, sanguiswine.com. This minimalist winery and tasting room features an outdoor tasting patio and tempting Rhône and Burgundian blends, with names like Bossman and Verve.

SANTA BARBARA WINERY 28 Anacapa St., 805-963-3633, sbwinery.com. Established in 1962 by the late Pierre Lafond, Santa Barbara Winery—the oldest in the county—produces award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah and features a variety of gourmet and home décor items.

SILVER WINES 31 El Paseo, 805-770-8121, silverwines.com. This quaint tasting room in the Presidio neighborhood is open daily (except Tuesdays) and features singlevineyard-designated wines and proprietary blends by Benjamin Silver, including Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, and Syrah.

WHITCRAFT WINERY 36 S. Calle Cesar Chavez, 805-730-1680, whitcraftwinery.com Whitcraft has been producing high-quality wines since 1985. Now Drake Whitcraft, son of late founder Chris Whitcraft, focuses on making unadulterated Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah at this small but mighty working winery.

SANTA YNEZ

BRAVE & MAIDEN ESTATE 649 N. Refugio Rd., 805-693-2989, braveandmaiden. com. The wines grown on the 46 acres of vineyard here, including Merlot, Cabernet, and Syrah, are poured by appointment only inside the sleek, modern tasting room. They’re made by newly promoted winemaker Victor Robaglia in conjunction with Joshua Klapper.

CARR VINEYARDS AND WINERY 3563 Numancia St., 805-688-5757, carrwinery.com

Wine Guide

SKYENNA 12 Helena Ave., 805-403-8085, skyenna.com. At their Funk Zone lounge, owners Lenny and Susanne Germano pay tribute to their daughters, Skyla and Sienna, with this boutique label, which includes their specialty Rhône wines.

SUMMERLAND WINERY 2330 Lillie Ave., Summerland, 805-565-9463, summerlandwine .com. This upscale yet comfy tasting room pours a wide selection of award-winning reds and whites from the Central Coast. Guests can also shop for wine accessories and gourmet food products.

THE VALLEY PROJECT 116 E. Yanonali St., 805-453-6768, thevalleyprojectwines .com. The brainchild of winemaker Magan Kunin and her late husband, Seth, this tasting room highlights wines from Santa Barbara County’s five AVAs. Regional soil samples help tell the story, and the massive topography mural by artist Elkpen is memorable.

VALLEY TO THE SEA WINERY 38 W. Victoria St., 805-770-3370, valleytotheseawinery .com. Wines grown throughout the Santa Ynez Valley are poured at this new tasting room, located inside the Santa Barbara Public Market. Varieties include Malbec, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Owner and winemaker Ryan Carr sources white and red grapes from a variety of Santa Barbara County vineyards. Visit the expansive wine-storage facility in downtown Santa Ynez and cozy up in a booth to a flight of Carr’s finest pours.

CROSSHATCH WINERY 1090 Edison St., Ste. 104, 805-691-9192, crosshatchwinery.com Ryan and Jessica Carr’s cofermented wines are the stars at this quaint tasting room.

CROWN POINT VINEYARDS AND WINERY 1733 Fletcher Way, 805-693-9300, crownpointvineyards.com. Roger Bower’s coveted estate wines are available only on a limited basis. Discover world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends—as well as estate olive oils—during a by-appointment tasting.

FALCONE FAMILY VINEYARDS 805350-0397, falconefamilyvineyards.com. The Cabernet and Syrah wines by John and Helen Falcone—named Mia’s Vineyard after their daughter—reflect the soils of their vineyard on the eastern corner of the Templeton Gap.

GAINEY VINEYARD 3950 E. Hwy. 246, 805688-0558, gaineyvineyard.com. This Spanishstyle vineyard, winery, and gourmet tasting room, set amid the vines, provide a relaxing place to spend an afternoon in the valley.

HORIZON CELLARS, miller.ken@gmail.com

Focusing on Rhône and Bordeaux varieties, this new project features an estate program located near the warm Happy Canyon AVA. Wines by Fidencio Flores.

KALYRA WINERY 343 N. Refugio Rd., 805693-8864, kalyrawinery.com. Australian-born Mike Brown started Kalyra (“a wild and pleasant place” in the Australian Aboriginal language) in 1989. Beyond the reds and whites, guests can sip various sparkling and dessert wines.

McKINNEY FAMILY VINEYARDS

1575 Edison St., 805-395-2093, mckinneyfamilyvineyards.com. This familyowned boutique label sources grapes from organic and biodynamic vineyards to create popular limited-production wines like Syrah, Chardonnay, and Rhône blends.

MEADOWLARK VINEYARDS 805-2454768, meadowlarkvineyards.com. Ownerwinemaker Ramon Guerrero founded this vineyard in 2002 and is committed to ecofriendly farming solutions. Wines include Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

ROBLAR WINERY AND VINEYARDS

3010 Roblar Ave., 805-686-2603, roblarwinery .com. With 40 acres of vineyards and grand oak trees, this viticultural stop offers reserve and classic wine tastings (think Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah), along with seasonal bites sourced from Roblar’s next-door farm.

SLOUCH HAT WINES 805-354-5377, slouchhatwines.com. Winemaker Matt Fowler sources fruit from various Santa Ynez Valley vineyards and offers tastings of his wines, which launched in summer 2023, by appointment.

STAR LANE VINEYARD 2121 Alisos Rd., 805-697-1459, starlanevineyard.com. This celebrated vineyard generates international buzz for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Home to some of the largest wine caves in the state, Star Lane is now offering private guided tours and tastings by appointment only.

SUNSTONE WINERY 125 Refugio Rd., 805-688-9463, sunstonewinery.com. This French-country-style property and villa is a lovely open-air respite that’s well known for winemaker Brittany Rice’s elegant reds

and bright rosés, as well as a new cannabisinfused spritzer.

WESTERLY WINES 949-289-1457, westerlywines.com. Handcrafted and limitedproduction wines highlight two of Santa Barbara County’s most revered AVAs: Happy Canyon and Sta. Rita Hills.

VINCENT VINEYARDS AND WINERY

2370 N. Refugio Rd., 805-691-4200, vincentvineyards.com. This family-owned winery focuses on Bordeaux grapes like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Guests can sip on the terrace overlooking the estate vines.

VOGELZANG VINEYARD 805-568-0900, vogelzangvineyard.com. With high-quality grapes sustainably grown on 77 acres in Happy Canyon, this vineyard produces palate-pleasing Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and more.

Solvang

ALMA ROSA WINERY AND VINEYARDS

the California Blackjack game (play goes to 22 instead of 21) in 1989, Roger Wisted opened Blackjack Ranch, which specializes in Bordeaux blends, Syrah, and Chardonnay.

BUTTONWOOD FARM WINERY AND VINEYARD 1500 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805688-3032, buttonwoodwinery.com. The 42-acre vineyard is surrounded by acres of olive trees, a herb garden, and 250 peach trees. Wines include Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as several blends.

CASA CASSARA WINERY & VINEYARD 1607 Mission Dr., Ste. 112, 805-688-8691, ccwinery.com. The Casa Cassara team has been making wine in the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley since 1998. Patrons get access to unique varieties, like Arneis and Nebbiolo, and can purchase a variety of gourmet foods.

CORDON OF SANTA BARBARA 1623

Wine Guide

1623 Mission Dr., Ste. M, 805-691-9395, almarosawinery.com. This premium label was founded by Santa Barbara wine-growing pioneers Richard and Thekla Sanford. The tasting room showcases vintages grown on the north-facing slopes of the celebrated Sta. Rita Hills region. Inquire about a guided tasting on the estate just a few miles away.

ARROWSMITH’S WINE BAR 1539 Mission Dr., Ste. C, 805-686-9126, arrowsmithwine. com. This watering hole with a European vibe is in the heart of Solvang. Beyond the proprietary Chardonnay and Petite Syrah, you can also savor unique, small-batch local finds, European beers and wines, espresso, pastries, salads, and panini.

BELLA CAVALLI FARMS & VINEYARD 959 E. Hwy. 246, 805-688-7108, bellacavallifarms. com. Bella Cavalli is a full-service equestrian facility that features one of the most beautiful show barns in California. The on-site vineyards produce Chardonnay, Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more.

BLACKJACK RANCH VINEYARDS AND WINERY 2205 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805-6864492, blackjackranch.com. After inventing, patenting, copyrighting, and trademarking

Mission Dr., Courtyard Ste. I-J, 805689-9441, cordonwine.com. Winemaker Etienne Terlinden produces refined yet approachable wines, including Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. Tastings are available in the spacious outdoor patio.

CRAWFORD FAMILY WINES 1661 Mission Dr., 805-698-3889, crawfordfamilywines. com. Mark and Wendy Horvath embrace a garagiste style, sourcing fruit from esteemed vineyards around the county for tiny lots of Pinots and Chardonnay, along with a Rhône program from Ballard Canyon.

DANA V. WINES 1588 Mission Dr., 805-6883488, danavwines.com. Enjoy a glass of rosé or any of the single-vineyard Santa Barbara County wines from winemaker Dana Volk at this family-friendly tasting room along Solvang’s main drag. Ask about Volk’s new value label, Happy Mommy Wines.

DASCOMB CELLARS 1623 Mission Dr., Ste. E., 805-691-9175, dascombcellars.com This boutique winery offers a variety of whites (Chardonnay, Viognier) and reds (Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah) and runs one of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in Santa Barbara County.

FELIZ NOCHE CELLARS 473 Atterdag Rd., 805-686-0001, feliznochecellars.com. Felipe Hernandez, a native of Jalisco, Mexico, began his viticultural career as a manager

of several Santa Barbara County vineyards. His Feliz Noche brand (meaning “happy night” in Spanish) reflects his passion for handcrafted, carefully sourced wines.

FERGUSON CREST fergusoncrest.com

Founded in 2006 and set on one of the highest points in Solvang overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley, Ferguson Crest features various unique blends.

JONATA 805-564-8581, jonata.com. Specializing in Bordeaux and Italian varietal wines by Matt Dees, Jonata (Chumash for “tall oak”) uses a polyface farming approach to integrate a variety of livestock, honeybees, and a communal garden into its farming model.

KAENA AT THE RANCH 800 E. Hwy. 246, 805-691-9555, kaenawine.com. The sister location to Kaena’s Los Olivos tasting room, this spot on a rolling ranch along Highway 246 features the Rhône-focused wines of Mikael Sigouin.

KIMSEY VINEYARD kimseyvineyard.com.

One of the most celebrated vineyards in the Ballard Canyon AVA, this pet project by Bill and Nancy Kimsey stretches across Solvang’s backroads. Kimsey’s unique soils and climate conditions generate premium Rhônes, like Grenache and Syrah; the wines are made by phenom Matt Dees.

KINGS CAREY WINES 1210 Mission Dr., 805680-7006, kingscarey.com. Kings Carey offers boutique, small-production, single-vineyard wines crafted by owner-winemaker James Sparks, featuring carefully curated grapes and pick times as well as little to no manipulation in the winery. Now pouring Sémillon, Syrah, Grenache, and Chardonnay, as well as newly released sparkling wines.

LINCOURT VINEYARDS 1711 Alamo

Pintado Rd., 805-688-8554, lincourtwines.com

Vintner Bill Foley named this winery after his daughters, Lindsay and Courtney. Grapes are sustainably farmed, and wines include Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, and Pinot Noir.

LIONS PEAK VINEYARDS 1659 Copenhagen Dr., Ste. A, 805-423-1134, lionspeakwine.com. Seek out the award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon or any of the library wines dating back to 1994.

LUCAS & LEWELLEN VINEYARDS 1645

Copenhagen Dr., 805-686-9336, llwine.com

Winemaker Megan McGrath Gates creates

wines from 400 acres of proprietary vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos, and Santa Maria.

McCLAIN CELLARS 1623 Mission Dr., Ste. B, 805-719-3900, mcclaincellars.com. This familyrun project focuses on reds and whites from the Santa Ynez Valley with creative names like Open Arms and Staycation Reserve.

PIAZZA FAMILY WINES 805-694-8046, piazzafamilywines.com. Organic vineyard practices prevail at the Piazza wine estate, located in the rolling hills of Ballard Canyon. Winemaker Gretchen Voelcker produces Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Grenache.

RANCHO BOA VISTA, ranchoboavista.com

Winemaker Matt Brady sources Rhône grapes from the estate vineyard nestled in Ballard Canyon, a property that also features more than 400 olive trees. Wines include Syrah and Petite Syrah.

RIDEAU VINEYARD 1562 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805-688-0717, rideauvineyard.com

SUPER REAL WINES superrealwines.com

Sourcing grapes from Ballard Canyon’s Rancho Boa Vista, the wines are unfiltered, unfined, biodynamic, organic, and vegan. Wines like Syrah and carbonic red blends, some of which are available in aluminum cans, are made by Matt Brady.

TERRA MÈRE WINES terramerewines

.com. Central Coast natives Caitlin Testa and Kara Ford named their label after the French phrase for “mother earth.” With a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, tastings are available by appointment.

TOCCATA 1650 Copenhagen Dr., 805-6865506, llwine.com/visit-toccata. The team behind Lucas & Lewellen showcases a love for Italian varieties in this picturesque downtown tasting room, including Pinot Grigio, Malvasia Bianca, and more.

TWENTY MILE WINERY 1603 Copenhagen Dr., Ste. 1, 805-686-5159, twentymilewinery. com. This boutique winery by The Olive House offers tastings of olive oil and wines.

buellton

Wine Guide

Originally a guest ranch on the stagecoach route between Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara, this property’s historic El Alamo Pintado Adobe is now a tasting room serving Rhône blends and more.

ROYAL OAKS WINERY 1687 Mission Dr., 805-693-1740, royaloakswinery.com. The focus here is on sweet wines with unique names like Birthday Cake and Cherry Amour. Guests can pair wines with chocolate, too.

RUSACK VINEYARDS 1819 Ballard Canyon Rd., 805-688-1278, rusack.com. Geoff and Alison Rusack’s tasting room and alfresco patio is a picture-perfect place for a picnic or for just sipping wine and enjoying the view. Try winemaker Steven Gerbac’s award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Patrons also get a chance to sip wines grown from grapes on the Rusacks’ vineyard on Santa Catalina Island.

THE SANGER FAMILY OF WINES 1584 Mission Dr., 805-691-1020, sangerwines.com

This elegant tasting room with a spacious wraparound tasting patio is set along Solvang’s main drag. Winemaker Brett Escalera’s penchant for robust, elegant wines is showcased across three labels: Consilience, Tre Anelli, and Marianello.

BONACCORSI WINE COMPANY

bonawine.com. Bonaccorsi Wine Company sources grapes from the cooler growing regions of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, producing wines of concentration and delicacy.

BRICK BARN WINE ESTATE 795 W. Hwy. 246, 805-686-1208, brickbarnwineestate. com. Once an Arabian horse farm, this 35acre estate vineyard grows premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache, and more. Taste their wine inside the former 36-stall brick barn.

BUSCADOR 140 Industrial Way, 805242-5206, buscadorwine.com. This unique boutique winery and tasting room in the heart of Buellton handcrafts limited-release Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Blanc, and more.

THE CENTRAL COAST GROUP

PROJECT 805-874-2316, ccgpwines.com. These super distinctive wines by Scott Sampler, with a focus on Syrah, are available by allocation. Private tastings are occasionally available by appointment.

CHOLAME VINEYARD 140 Industrial Way, 805-610-1122, cholamevineyard.com. Cholame, a Yokut Native American word meaning “the beautiful one,” features Syrah and Zinfandel grown on its 10-acre Monterey County vineyard, as well as wines sourced from Santa Barbara County.

DIERBERG VINEYARD 1280 Drum Canyon Rd., 805-697-1466, dierbergvineyard.com, starlanevineyard.com. Stop by this Sta. Rita Hills tasting room to sample selections like Merlot, Chardonnay, and Syrah from sister wine labels Dierberg and Star Lane. Advance reservations required.

DISKO WINES 805-868-8856, diskowines .com. Winemaker Sean Hogan embraces the natural winemaking approach, producing clean, low-alcohol offerings that include Vermentino, Gamay, and various creative blends. Fruit is sourced from throughout Santa Barbara County.

DONNACHADH VINEYARD donnachadh .com. This 285-acre property in the Sta. Rita Hills has 40 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Gamay Noir. The wines are made by Ernst Storm.

FOLDED HILLS 2323 Old Coast Hwy., 805694-8086, foldedhills.com. Located behind the coastal mountains of Santa Barbara County, the Folded Hills homestead offers a snapshot of ranch life; the estate Grenache, Syrah, and Rhône whites are grown biodynamically.

HARTLEY-OSTINI HITCHING POST

WINES 420 E. Hwy. 246, 805-688-0676, hpwines.com. Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini have been crafting best-selling wines since 1979. Made famous by the movie Sideways, their tasting room offers Pinot Noir and, yes, Merlot.

IMAGINE WINE 140 Industrial Way, 805688-1769, imaginewine.com. Winemaker Ross Jay Rankin established Imagine Wine in 2004. Made exclusively from Santa Barbara County fruit, the varied portfolio of wines includes Barbera, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

KEN BROWN WINES 157 W. Hwy. 246, 805-688-9400, kenbrownwines.com. The eponymous wine project by a true Santa Barbara County wine pioneer features a destination tasting room that pours Pinot

Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay from the Sta. Rita Hills and Los Alamos Valley.

LAFOND WINERY AND VINEYARDS 6855 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-688-7921, lafondwinery.com. Taste among the vines at this sustainably farmed estate. The focus here is Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and cool-climate Syrah.

MARTELLOTTO WINERY 100 Los Padres Way. Ste. 7, 619-567-9244, martellotto.com Winemaker Greg Martellotto focuses on producing delicious, distinctive Bordeaux varietals from the Happy Canyon AVA. Tastings by appointment.

PALMINA 9496 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-688-2415, palminawines.com. Winemaker Steve Clifton’s Palmina label produces Italian varietals grown in Santa Barbara County. Sip whites like Pinot Grigio and Tocai Friulano and reds like Lagrein and Nebbiolo. This new tasting room is located on the Vega Vineyards property.

Standing Sun winemaker and renaissance man John Wright crafts high-end Viognier, Chardonnay, Grenache, and Pinot Noir. The on-site gallery features the artwork of several multimedia artists.

THORNE WINE 7820 Santa Rosa Rd., 805693-1483, thornewine.com. Situated in the Sta. Rita Hills, Thorne produces small lots of sophisticated Pinot Noir wines. Private tastings by appointment.

TIPPING TREE WINE lieffranch.com. The 60-acre Lieff Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley is the springboard for this new project from Robert Lieff, with wines made by Doug Margerum.

TOMI CELLARS 140 Industrial Way, Ste. D1, 805-862-7110, tomicellars.com. For this new project from Boyd Shermis and Denise Davis, grapes like Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Grenache Blanc are sourced from several vineyards. The first wines were launched in 2021. Shop for wines through the website.

LOMPOC

Wine Guide

PEAKE RANCH VINEYARD 7290 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-688-7093, peakeranch.com. This sprawling ranch was once owned by famed artist Channing Peake and features a charming tasting room and lots of outdoor patio space. Sip Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rhône wines from the estate as well as neighboring vineyards.

PENCE VINEYARDS & WINERY 1909 W. Hwy. 246, 805-735-7000, pencevineyards .com. This beautiful 200-acre working ranch, vineyard, and winery in the Sta. Rita Hills is home to biotically farmed Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

SCOTTY-BOY! scottyboy.wine. This funky project by Scott Sampler spotlights natural wines that undergo no chemical manipulation and minimal human intervention, with names like Big Tang and Buellklong.

SEVTAP WINERY 805-944-5380, sevtapwinery.com. Sevtap is known for its small-lot, handcrafted blends. Owner Ertugrul (Art) Sevtap also serves up homemade breads and a bevy of seafoodinspired tapas.

STANDING SUN WINES 92 Second St., Unit D, 805-691-9413, standingsunwines.com

AMPELOS CELLARS 312 N. 9th St., 805736-9957, ampeloscellars.com. This vineyard was the first in the country to be certified organic, biodynamic, and sustainable. Owners Peter and Rebecca Work grow Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Viognier, and Riesling in the eastern stretch of the Sta. Rita Hills.

BABCOCK WINERY AND VINEYARDS

5175 E. Hwy. 246, 805-736-1455, babcockwinery .com. Since establishing the vineyard back in 1978, the Babcock family has been crafting some of the most celebrated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the country. The winery is a destination for its cool vibe and a collection of vintage finds and antique treasures.

CAMINS 2 DREAMS 1520 E. Chestnut Ct., Units C&D, 805-741-7047, camins2dreams.com This new tasting room, open on weekends, features wines sourced from the Sta. Rita Hills region by the wife-and-wife team of Tara Gomez, formerly of Kita Wines, and Mireia Taribó.

CEBADA WINE 4001 Forbidden Fruit Ln., 805-735-4648, cebadawine.com. Using grapes from Sandra Newman’s Forbidden Fruit Orchards, Cebada focuses on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines.

D’ALFONSO-CURRAN WINES 4457

Santa Rosa Rd., 805-736-9463, d-cwines.com

Bruno D’Alfonso and Kris Curran bring decades of winemaking experience to four different labels: BADGE, Di Bruno, Curran, and D’Alfonso-Curran. Taste their Viognier, Vermentino, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and more by appointment.

DOMAINE DE LA CÔTE 1712 Industrial Way, 805-500-8337, domainedelacote.com. On the far western stretches of the Sta. Rita Hills, this collection of five organically farmed vineyards focuses on Pinot Noir. The project is by the celebrated duo of Raj Parr and winemaker Sashi Moorman.

FIDDLEHEAD CELLARS 1597 E. Chestnut Ave., 805-742-0204, fiddleheadcellars.com Winemaker Kathy Joseph is a Santa Barbara County legend whose love for Pinot Noir spans two regions: Sta. Rita Hills and Oregon’s Willamette Valley. She also crafts Sauvignon Blanc from the Santa Ynez Valley.

FLYING GOAT CELLARS 1520 E. Chestnut Ave., Ste. A, 805-736-9032, flyinggoatcellars .com. With more than 40 years of winemaking experience, Norm Yost founded the first sparkling wine club in Santa Barbara County. His Flying Goat label, inspired by pet pygmy goats, features premium vineyarddesignated Pinot Noir wines.

FOLEY ESTATES VINEYARD AND WINERY 6121 E. Hwy. 246, 805-737-6222, foleywines.com. A former thoroughbred horse ranch, this sprawling estate, known as Rancho Santa Rosa, specializes in premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wines also feature fruit from sister Rancho Las Hermanas vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills.

GYPSY CANYON WINERY 805-705-1446, gypsycanyon.com. Founder and winemaker Deborah Hall has made a name for herself with the historic dessert wine Angelica, sourced from century-old vines, as well as premium Pinot Noir.

THE HILT 2240 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-5648581, thehiltestate.com. The estate ranch, known as Rancho Salsipuedes and made up of three distinct vineyards, features vines planted nearly 13 unobstructed miles from the ocean, with a range of altitudes, soil types, and microclimates. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are top notch. A range of

experiences at The Barn, on-site, are available by appointment.

J. DIRT WINES 805-448-2148, jdirtwines .com. With a focus on biodynamic and regenerative farming techniques, winemaker Brook Williams sources from Rhône and Burgundian grapes and offers tasting and vineyard tours by appointment.

KESSLER-HAAK VINEYARDS 300 N. 12th St., 805-743-4107, kesslerhaakwine.com. The focus here is on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown on the brand’s estate vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills.

LABARGE WINERY 2380 Sweeney Rd., 805-736-1108, labargewinery.com. The home vineyard features 12 acres of grapes. The label’s primary wines include Albariño, Grenache, Syrah, Viognier, and Pinot Noir.

Chardonnay. Taste wines from sister labels Tower 15 and Neighborhood Winery.

PIEDRASASSI piedrasassi.com. This project by celebrated winemaker Sashi Moorman focuses squarely on Syrah. His wife, Melissa Sorongon, bakes exceptional breads.

PRESS GANG CELLARS 805-291-3141, pressgangcellars.com. Small batches of Grenache, Roussanne, and more are made in the Wine Ghetto and inspired by a love of music, surfing, travel, food, and wine.

SANDHI WINES 1712 Industrial Way, Ste. B, 805-500-8337, sandhiwines.com. The Sanskrit word sandhi represents the union of man, earth, and vine; the label is a collaboration by dynamic duo Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman.

SANFORD WINERY 5010 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-735-5900, sanfordwinery.com. With winemaker Trey Fletcher at the helm, this family-owned winery, famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, is in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills.

Wine Guide

LONGORIA WINES 415 E. Chestnut Ave., 805-736-9700, longoriawine.com New proprietors Brooke and Lindsey Christian recently bought this label from Rick Longoria, who founded it in 1982. Winemaker Eric Wilson continues the focus on European-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as several Bordeaux and Spanish varieties.

LORING WINE COMPANY 1034 W. Aviation Dr., 805-736-0053, loringwinecompany .com. These premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from winemaker Brian Loring source fruit from vineyards in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, as well as the Santa Lucia Highlands.

MELVILLE WINERY 5185 E. Hwy. 246, 805-735-7030, melvillewinery.com. This popular Mediterranean-style family-owned estate in the Sta. Rita Hills is a beautiful setting for afternoon wine tasting. The spotlight here is on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

MONTEMAR 1501 E. Chestnut Ct., Ste. E, 805-735-5000, montemarwinery.com. Located in the popular Wine Ghetto, this project produces small-lot Rhône and Burgundian varieties. The 6,000-square-foot space features an outdoor patio.

PALI WINE CO. 1501 Chestnut Ct., 805735-2354, paliwineco.com. Pali crafts small lots of vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and

SEAGRAPE WINE COMPANY, seagrapecellars.com. Winemaker Karen Steinwachs focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sta. Rita Hills for her very personal boutique label. Steinwachs launched Seagrape with her late husband, Dave Robinson.

SEA SMOKE ESTATE VINEYARDS 805-7371600, seasmoke.com. Sea Smoke, named for the Pacific Ocean’s afternoon fog that blankets the estate’s vineyards, is committed to producing exceptional organically and biodynamically farmed wines that are available via allocation.

SPEAR VINEYARDS AND WINERY 6700 Hwy. 246, 805-737-1829, spearwinery.com. Spear Vineyards and Winery is a family-owned, sustainable, and certified-organic vineyard in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA that produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

STRANGE FAMILY VINEYARDS 1062 Drum Canyon Rd., 818-879-3951, strangefamilyvineyards.com. Reservations are required for private tastings here, featuring Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and bubbly from the brand’s estate Sta. Rita Hills vineyard.

SWEETZER CELLARS 308 N. 9th St., Unit C, 805-588-2291, sweetzercellars.com. A pet project

for Lisa Liberati and Michael Fogelman, Sweetzer Cellars seeks the perfect balance between fruit and earth to produce highquality Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and rosé.

TEMPERANCE CELLARS 1515 E. Chestnut Ave., Ste. B, 805-757-3121, temperancecellars .com. The name is a tip of the hat to Lompoc’s Temperance Movement of the 1870s, which tried to make the town booze free. You’ll definitely find alcohol in these wines, though, which include Chardonnay, Albariño, and Grenache.

TRANSCENDENCE WINES 300 N. 12th St., Ste. 1G, 805-455-9589, transcendwines.com. This small, family-run winery produces complex, elegant wines with the purpose of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. To that end, a portion of its sales is donated to several nonprofit organizations.

TURIYA WINES 321 N. D St., 805-4787016, turiyawines.com. A passion project for winemaker Angela Soleno, Turiya features small productions of unique, rare, handcrafted blends. Grapes are sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara and Paso Robles AVAs. Tastings by appointment.

TYLER WINERY 805-225-3395, tylerwinery .com. Delicacy and balance are Justin Willett’s key factors in creating the perfect Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Tasting experiences by appointment.

WENZLAU VINEYARD wenzlauvineyard .co. Organically farmed estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown on the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills.

LOS OLIVOS

27 VINES 805-691-2720, 27vines.com. Just over three acres of grapes—Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Vermentino—are under production, farmed organically under the direction of winemaker Steve Clifton.

AMEVIVE WINE amevivewine.com

Translating to “soulful,” Amevive features wines by Alice Anderson, who farms Los Olivos’ Ibarra-Young Vineyard employing regenerative organic and biodynamic practices. Wines include Syrah and Marsanne.

ANDREW MURRAY VINEYARDS

5249 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-686-9604,

andrewmurrayvineyards.com. Well-known winemaker Andrew Murray shows his exceptional artisanal Rhône varietals at his sleek tasting room and beautiful outdoor tasting and picnic areas.

ARTHUR EARL WINERY 2922 Grand Ave., 805-693-1771, arthurearl.com. Launched by winemaker Arthur White in 1992, this label features reds like Petite Syrah and Syrah, whites like Viognier, and several Italian varieties.

ARTISTE WINERY AND TASTING

STUDIO 2948 Grand Ave., Ste. E, 805-6862626, artiste.com. Wine as art: At this “tasting studio,” try vintages while you create your own painted masterpiece on canvases set around the room.

BARBIERI & KEMPE WINES 2369 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-688-8882, barbieriwines.com. Master Sommelier Paolo Barbieri worked in the restaurant business for 30 years before moving to California to handcraft Rhône varietals and red blends under the Barbieri brand. The second label, Kempe, is named for his wife and reflects her love for French Bordeaux wines.

Wine Guide

BECKMEN VINEYARDS 2670 Ontiveros Rd., 805-688-8664, beckmenvineyards.com The Beckmen family harvests Rhône-style and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from two separate biodynamically farmed vineyards in order to handcraft their diverse portfolio of wines. Plan on staying a while—the grounds are beautiful.

BLAIR FOX CELLARS 2477 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-691-1678, blairfoxcellars.com. After working at various wineries locally and in Australia, Santa Barbara native Blair Fox, who’s also the head winemaker at Fess Parker Winery, founded his eponymous brand to produce elegant and powerful Rhône-style varietals from his own estate vineyard.

THE BRANDER VINEYARD 2401 N. Refugio Rd., 805-688-2455, brander.com. Taste the famous Bordeaux wines—including Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon— by winemaker Fabio Bravo and founder Fred Brander, a Santa Barbara icon who has been growing wine with his family since the 1970s. This tasting room is a beautiful rendition of a French chateau surrounded by vines.

BREWER-CLIFTON 2367 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, 805-866-6080, brewerclifton .com. Greg Brewer, who was named Wine Enthusiast’s 2020 Winemaker of the Year, is responsible for some of the most soughtafter vineyard-specific Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in the state.

C5 VINEYARD 805-714-8892, c5vineyard .com. C5, the younger sister of Cinque Stelle Winery, produces small lots of carefully handcrafted, organic, sustainably farmed wines with a lineup that includes Albariño, Tempranillo, and Pinot Grigio.

CA’DEL GREVINO 2933 Grand Ave., 805-697-7625, grevino.com. Ca’Del Grevino is a signature wine brand that blends the highest-quality fruit with attention to detail to produce award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah wines.

CARHARTT FAMILY WINES 2939 Grand Ave., 805-693-5100, carharttfamilywines.com Voted “Best Valley Tasting Room” three years in a row from 2018 to 2020, this winery offers 20 seasonal varieties of premium wines. Be sure to stock up before you leave; it is the only retail space.

CARINA CELLARS 2900 Grand Ave., Ste. A, 805-688-2459, carinacellars.com. Carina Cellars is a small boutique winery that creates Rhône-focused wines from grapes grown in both Santa Barbara County and Paso Robles.

CARUCCI WINES 2923 Grand Ave., Ste. A, 805-206-3000, carucciwines.com. This tasting room in the heart of downtown focuses on Burgundian wines, like Pinot Noir, and Rhône wines, like Syrah. Appointments are recommended.

COQUELICOT ESTATE VINEYARD 2884 Grand Ave., 805-688-1500, coquelicotwines .com. The Rosenson family’s Coquelicot vineyard and winery, overseen by renowned winemaker Mike Roth, are both certified organic. Their tasting room, once a blacksmith’s shop, has a quaint garden for sitting and sipping a variety of reds, whites, and rosés.

DAFOE WINES 2901 Grand Ave., Ste. C, 805-429-0070, dafoewines.com. Rob DaFoe has a knack for crafting focused, complex, and delicious wines, and this tasting room features his two labels: Attic Salt, with unique

and sophisticated blends, and Rake, his outlet for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. If you find DaFoe pouring in the tasting room, ask him about his previous incarnation as a pro snowboarder.

DEMETRIA ESTATE WINES 6701 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-686-2345, demetriaestate .com. Established in 2005, this familyowned winery produces artful Rhône- and Burgundy-style wines using low yields, sustainable and biodynamic farming practices, and gentle winemaking procedures. Tasting and special events by appointment only.

DRAGONETTE CELLARS 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-693-0077, dragonettecellars .com. The Dragonette Cellars’ logo, a medieval alchemist’s symbol for “drinkable gold,” embodies the Dragonette brothers’ and partner Brandon Sparks-Gillis’ approach to winemaking. For a special tasting with some rare wines, book the Study Experience in a private alcove of the tasting room.

DREAMCÔTE WINE CO. 2933 San Marcos Ave., Ste. 107, 805-691-1200, dreamcotewines .com. This small-batch collaboration features carbonic wines and ciders fermented with hops, herbs, and fruit from the estate farm. The 800-square-foot tasting room is very dog friendly.

E11EVEN 2901 Grand Ave., 805-693-9644, e11even.wine. Fine wines by Andrew Murray meet a rock-and-roll vibe at this tasting room, which features wines like Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and various creative blends.

EPIPHANY CELLARS 2974 Grand Ave., 805-686-2424, epiphanycellars.com

Established in 1999 by Eli Parker and part of the Fess Parker family of wine brands, Epiphany focuses on premium Rhône wines from top Santa Barbara County vineyards. This tasting room is sleek and features an alfresco seating area that’s been newly renovated to include an outdoor bar. Want bubbles? Check out the on-site Bubble Shack.

EVAN’S RANCH 2901 Grand Ave., 805688-0558, evansranchwines.com. Introduced in 2006 by the Gainey family, four generations of farmers in the Santa Ynez Valley, the Evan’s ranch brand focuses on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah wines.

FESS PARKER WINERY AND VINEYARD

6200 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-688-1545, fessparkerwines.com. Founded by the late actor and entrepreneur Fess Parker, this vineyard and winery—a perfect spot for a picnic or private event—continues to be family run. The portfolio of wines by a team led by Blair Fox includes world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Fess’ favorite, Syrah.

FIRESTONE VINEYARD 5017 Zaca Station Rd., 805-688-3940, firestonewine.com. More than 50 years ago Leonard Firestone, the son of legendary tire maker Harvey Firestone, established the family vineyard and Santa Barbara’s first estate winery. Now owned by magnate Bill Foley, this tasting room features sprawling outdoor grounds and views.

FOUR BROTHERS WINE 2935 Grand Ave., 805-635-7550, fourbrotherswine.com. This family business, operated by four brothers, is a boutique operation dedicated to sourcing fruit from top-notch Central Coast vineyards. Their focus is squarely on Rhône wines like Syrah and Grenache.

five-acre estate in the Sta. Rita Hills. For their second label, Holus Bolus, the pair sources fruit from neighboring vineyards.

JALOPY WINE AND MUSIC 2933 Grand Ave., Ste. C, 310-920-5970, jalopywineandmusic .com. This fun label by winemaker Luke Sundquist spotlights Santa Barbara County AVAs, like a Sangiovese from the Los Olivos District and a red wine blend from Happy Canyon. Creating and enjoying music is a big part of the Jalopy experience.

KAENA WINE COMPANY 2890 Grand Ave., 805-688-4069, kaenawine.com. Inspired by the Hawaiian term for “potential for greatness,” Kaena is operated by Hawaiiraised Mikael Sigouin. Kaena produces about 2,000 cases of wine each year, with an emphasis on Rhône wines like Grenache.

KOEHLER WINERY 5360 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-693-8384, koehlerwinery.com. Situated on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail in the Santa Ynez Valley, Koehler Winery features a 100acre property and rustic tasting room. Estate wines include Grenache and Chardonnay.

Wine Guide

FUTURE PERFECT 2933 San Marcos Ave., Ste. 101, 805-697-7162, futureperfectwine. com. Winemaker Sunny Doench Stricker sources grapes from vineyards that are farmed sustainably, organically, and/or biodynamically. Seek out her Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo, and Sauvignon Blanc wines.

GRIMM’S BLUFF 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. 102, 805-691-9065, grimmsbluff.com. The Grimm family’s vineyard sits on their ranch, 300 feet above the Santa Ynez River in the Happy Canyon AVA. Their collaboration with winemaker Paul Lato focuses on biodynamically farmed Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

THE HIDEAWAY WINE CO. 2933 Grand Ave., Ste. F, 805-697-7892, thehideawaylo .com. This new tasting room, located above the popular Letter Shop in the heart of downtown, has a speakeasy vibe and features blends with unique names like Private Kiss and Chill AF Rosé.

HOLUS BOLUS & THE JOY FANTASTIC 2902 San Marcos Ave., Ste. B, 805-637-1005, holusboluswine.com. A collaboration between winemakers Amy Christine and Peter Hunken, this winery sources grapes for the Joy Fantastic Pinot Noir and Syrah from its

LARNER 2900 Grand Ave., 805-688-8148, larnerwine.com. Larner is a family-run boutique estate with a limited yearly production of Rhône wines like Syrah and popular GSM blends by winemaker Michael Larner. This vineyard in the Ballard Canyon AVA is well known and sought after by other winemakers for its premium fruit.

LIQUID FARM 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. 101, 805-697-7859, liquidfarm.com. A project from vintner Jeff Nelson and winemaker James Sparks, Liquid Farm focuses on aciddriven Chardonnay and high-end Pinot Noir.

MARGERUM WINE COMPANY

2446 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-504-1209, margerumwines.com. The new tasting room for the Margerum wine brand is open seven days a week. Book the Oyster and Sparkling Wine Pairing or the Bento Box Food & Wine Pairing, both of which are made to order and need to be reserved at least a day in advance.

MORETTI WINES CO. 2923 Grand Ave., 805-688-1900, morettiwines.com. Antonio and Jeni Moretti dedicate themselves to producing European-style wines that are both well balanced and food friendly, including Syrah, Grenache, and Pinot Noir.

REFUGIO RANCH 2990 Grand Ave., 805-6975289, refugioranch.com. The Gleason family’s 415-acre former cattle ranch focuses on Rhône varieties. The Los Olivos tasting room is housed in an early 1900s warehouse, featuring a VIP lounge and large outdoor patio. Ask about tastings by the vineyard pond.

RIVAHIL WINERY 2901 Grand Ave., Ste. C, 805-691-9951, rivahilwinery.com. Fred Williamson’s new tasting room features Syrah, Grenache, rosé, and unique blends.

SAARLOOS & SONS 2971 Grand Ave., 805-688-1200, saarloosandsons.com. This family-run winery focuses on handcrafted, limited-production reds and whites (Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Blanc), as well as creative blends that capture the essence of its two primary vineyards.

SAMSARA WINERY 2446 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805-688-8689, samsarawine.com. The name is Sanskrit for “the eternal cycle of life,” and Samsara produces vineyard-designated Rhône and Burgundian wines, thanks to winemaker Matt Brady.

SOLMINER 2890 Grand Ave., 805-6919195, solminer.com. Husband-and-wife duo Anna and David Delaski created the brand and vineyard after falling in love with Santa Barbara’s wine country shortly after meeting in 2009. As a certified organic and biodynamic farm, the winery produces Austrian varietal red and whites, orange wine, rosé, and more.

STOLPMAN VINEYARDS 2434 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-688-0400, stolpmanvineyards .com. Dedicated to sensible farming and winemaking, Stolpman creates vibrant wines like Syrah and Grenache using natural fermentation and minimal manipulation. Sister labels worth discovering include Combe and So Fresh.

STORM WINES 2948 San Marcos Ave., 850350-9456, stormwines.com. Winemaker Ernst Storm capitalizes on the climate similarities between the Western Cape of his native South Africa and Santa Barbara County with a focus on classically styled, well-balanced Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

STORY OF SOIL 2928 San Marcos Ave., 805-686-1302, storyofsoilwine.com. Winemaker

Jessica Gasca, a former apprentice at cult-

favorite Sangius, focuses on sourcing from premium vineyards to produce high-end Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and more. The tasting space is small, so reservations are recommended.

TASTE OF THE STA. RITA HILLS 2923 Grand Ave., 805-688-1900, tasteofstaritahills. com. The Moretti family seeks to highlight the best of the Sta. Rita Hills and the Central Coast, and their tasting room features several hard-to-find wines, like Sea Smoke and Paul Lato.

TENSLEY WINES 2900 Grand Ave., Ste. B, 805-688-6761, tensleywines.com. Familyowned Tensley Wines was established in 1998 and specializes in single-vineyard Syrah wines.

TERCERO WINES 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. 105, 805-245-9584, tercerowines. com. Larry Schaffer’s label focuses on handcrafted, small-lot Rhône whites and reds, as well as a variety of rosé wines and blends. Ask about his new venture into Pinot Noir wines.

to her grandmother with her boutique label, which focuses entirely on Grenache.

BEDFORD WINERY 448 Bell St., 805-3442107, bedfordwinery.com. This tasting room is the main source for Bedford Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir.

CASA DUMETZ WINES 388 Bell St., 805-344-1900, casadumetzwines.com. Owner and winemaker Sonja Magdevski produces vibrant wines under three labels: Casa Dumetz for Pinot Noir, Clementine Carter for Rhône varietals, and The Feminist Party for a red-wine blend.

DOVECOTE ESTATE WINERY 9229 Alisos Canyon Rd., 805-344-3440, dovecotewine.com These wines are farmed and made entirely by hand. Winemaker Noah Rowles crafts offerings like Syrah, Grenache Blanc, and Viognier. Tastings by appointment.

LO-FI WINES 448 Bell St., 805-344-0179, lofi-wines.com. Lo-Fi believes in natural wine growing—neutral barrels, native yeasts, and natural pH. Listen to records while sipping Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, rosé, and more.

Wine Guide

TERRE ET SANG 2982 Grand Ave., 805-3256063, terreetsang.com. A joint project from the mother-and-son team of Dalita and (winemaker) Duncan Harmon. The focus is on single-vineyard Syrah and Grenache, as well as unique blends. The new tasting room is comfy but modern, with plenty of outdoor seating.

WAYLAN WINE CO. 2963 Grand Ave., 805693-2193, waylanwine.com. Brothers Brad and Greg Saarloos have been cultivating wines since 2015, crafting unique varieties like Albariño, Chenin Blanc, and Malbec.

ZACA MESA WINERY 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-688-9339, zacamesa.com. This sprawling Foxen Canyon estate is home to the county’s very first Syrah vines. The focus remains squarely on estategrown Rhône wines. Also taste the newest offering, Tread Wines, which spotlights Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from select neighboring vineyards.

LOS ALAMOS

A TRIBUTE TO GRACE 490 Bell St., Ste. 5, 805-633-0598, gracewinecompany.com Winemaker Angela Osborne pays homage

LUMEN WINES 458 Bell St., 805-3504054, lumenwines.com. From winemakers Will Henry and Lane Tanner, Lumen features cool-climate wines, like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Grenache. Find the tasting lounge inside Pico restaurant.

MARTIAN RANCH & VINEYARD 805344-1804, martianvineyard.com. Martian Ranch & Vineyard offers a wide variety of wines, including Grenache Blanc, Gamay Noir, and Viognier.

SHOKRIAN VINEYARD 7910 Cat Canyon Rd., 805-250-9363, shokrianvineyard .com. A boutique winery where all fruit is handpicked, Shokrian Vineyard specializes in cool-climate Chardonnay, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Viognier.

SANTA MARIA

BYRON WINERY 5250 Tepusquet Rd., 805-264-6363, byronwines.com. A stalwart producer of site-specific Pinot Noir, Byron wines are available by allocation only. The wines are made by Jonathan Nagy.

CAMBRIA ESTATE WINERY 5475

Chardonnay Ln., 805-938-7318, cambriawines .com. Enjoy a slow-paced day of elegance filled with gourmet cheeses and other specialty items paired with estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The newly renovated visitor center features a tasting room and outdoor patio.

CHALLEN WINERY 2330 Westgate Rd., 323879-8081, challenwinery.com. This small Santa Barbara County producer features singlevineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah from winemaker Mary Bradley.

CNAGY WINES 145 S. Gray St., Ste. 103, Orcutt, 805-286-7228, nagywines.com Winemaker Clarissa Nagy sources grapes from various high-end Santa Barbara County vineyards to craft small-production Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

COLLUVIAL colluvialwine.com. Winemaker and certified sommelier Fernando Fernandez offers private tasting appointments; his wines, with a heavy focus on Pinot Noir from both the Santa Maria Valley and Sta. Rita Hills, are available for purchase online.

COSTA DE ORO WINERY 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., 805-922-1468, costadeorowines.com. Located beside a lush mountain and valley, Costa de Oro creates a friendly and warm atmosphere with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from winemaker Gary Burk.

COTTONWOOD CANYON VINEYARD AND WINERY 3940 Dominion Rd., 805-9378463, cottonwoodcanyon.com. Although small, this ultra-premium winery never fails to delight. The label specializes in Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot Noir.

EL VIÑERO WINES 130-A N. Broadway, Orcutt, elvinero.com. This brand’s inaugural releases are now being poured at this new downtown Orcutt tasting room, with wines focused on vineyard expression.

FOXEN VINEYARD AND WINERY 7600

Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-937-4251, foxenvineyard .com. The famous Foxen Boys, Dick Doré and Bill Wathen, remain loyal to their day-one goals: the creation of small-production, sustainably farmed, vineyard-focused Burgundian and Rhône wines, which remain among the most sought after in the county.

THE GATEHOUSE AT BIEN NACIDO 3503 Rancho Tepesquet Rd., 805-318-6503, biennacidoestate.com. For the first time in its 50-year history, this legendary vineyard is welcoming guests on-site. The new tasting room is airy and offers tastings outdoors, as well as guided ATV tours, all with access to premium Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills wines.

NIELSON WINES nielsonwines.com Sourcing grapes from what was Santa Barbara County’s first commercial vineyard when Uriel Nielson first planted it in 1964, winemaker Anna Clifford focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

PRESQU’ILE WINES 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., 805-937-8110, presquilewine.com. This popular label owned by the Murphy family focuses on estate production of cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Food-pairing options are available, and guided tours include a walk through the state-of-the-art winery and sweeping views.

TATOMER WINES 2705 Aviation Way, 805-325-5612, tatomerwines.com. Winemaker Graham Tatomer has garnered a cult following for his attention to Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. Tastings by appointment.

TRES HERMANAS VINEYARD AND WINERY 9660 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-9378451, treshermanaswinery.com. The Teixeira family planted a small vineyard on their cattle ranch in 2001, with a focus on Pinot Noir and Syrah. The label name means “three sisters,” an homage to the founders’ three daughters.

OJAI

CASA BARRANCA WINERY 208 E. Ojai Ave., 805-640-1255, casabarrancawines.com. Bill Moses’ certified organic winery is dedicated to winemaking practices without toxins.

Wine Guide

RANCHOS DE ONTIVEROS 805-694-8882, ranchosdeontiveros.com. Ninth-generation rancher and farmer James Ontiveros pays homage to his roots with stellar Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines grown on his Rancho Viñedo and Rancho Ontiveros Vineyards. There are intimate tours and tastings with wine expert Wes Hagen by appointment.

RANCHO SISQUOC WINERY 6600 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-934-4332, ranchosisquoc .com. Part of an 1852 Mexican land grant and 37,000-acre cattle ranch and farm, this winery features several varieties, including Malbec, Syrah, and Riesling. The on-site chapel, built in 1875, is a state historical landmark.

RIVERBENCH 6020 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-937-8340, riverbench.com. This tasting room at the long-standing estate vineyard that was planted in 1973 features Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines by winemaker Clarissa Nagy. The sister tasting room is in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.

RUNWAY VINEYARDS 4651 Santa Maria Mesa Rd., 805-264-2858, runwayvineyards.com

After growing fruit and vegetables on their farm, the Maldonado family devoted 16 acres to vineyards and now offer a range of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.

MAJESTIC OAK VINEYARD 321 E. Ojai Ave., 805-794-0272, majesticoakvineyard.com. A family-run operation, Majestic Oak Vineyard offers a selection of reds (Syrah, Sangiovese) and whites (Pinot Gris, rosé of Syrah) that make the charming tasting room setting even more tempting.

OJAI ALISAL VINEYARD ojaialisal.com.

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Upper Ojai Valley, the vineyard produces Malbec and Rhône wines like Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier.

THE OJAI VINEYARD 109 S. Montgomery St., 805-649-1674, ojaivineyard.com. This quaint tasting spot shines the spotlight on wine icon Adam Tolmach. The lineup features more than two dozen offerings, including vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

TOPA MOUNTAIN WINERY 805-640-1190, topamountainwinery.com. Beyond estategrown varietals, Topa Mountain Winery also sources fruit from vineyards in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

You can always access the complete wine guide online at SBMAG.COM.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Continued from page 104

IB: Don’t just wait for someone to invite you in—invite yourself. AM: Here’s a great example of how little actions can create big change. Meredith from PALMA Colectiva invited me to a beautiful cacao ceremony as her guest with the intention of connecting me to two other sisters she knows within the healing community. There were three Black women in a group of 17 total. I felt so strong and empowered to have women with similar skin color to mine within the community. Something lit up within me. Those little actions will last a lifetime. During the pandemic, I had different interactions with people and dealt with racism like I’ve never felt before—even in Santa Barbara, where I didn’t have these experiences growing up. I thought, “Okay, a lot of people who are locals aren’t that way. Some people have moved here; some people are just coming through. That’s not how we treat each other in this community.”

If you’re here, you’re welcome. We treat people with love, kindness, and compassion. The same day Meredith invited me to the cacao ceremony, I dealt with a racist situation. Racism has nothing to do with words. It’s a feeling, and it doesn’t change. I’ve reached a point where I decided I’m not going to let

this person ruin any more of my day—not another minute. I decided to meditate, which I learned from you and your family. I was able to send positive vibes for this person, to seek out forgiveness, to pray for this individual to find their own sense of happiness, their own sense of peace, to really find out who they are. Once you know who you are, you’re not going to lash out at people or project on them. Human beings can vibrate at a much higher level, but we need to do the work.

Runover

IB: Who else helped you get to where you are today?

AM: Santa Barbara Middle School is the gift that keeps on giving and will be with me forever. I’ve also had amazing experiences with your family. They have taught me so much about meditation and spirituality. Having a spiritual practice allows me to evolve. I’m able to seek out how to be better each day. Your family believed in me and supported my aspirations. When I went to New York, I knew I had a whole tribe back home supporting me and sending love. When I was 15, I got my first job at The Palace Grill, and those friendships have lasted for years and years. I was just there a few days ago for a meeting. The owners, Michael and Sandy DeRousse, have always been a big part of my life. John Thyne has always given me great legal advice, and he’s big in philanthropy and has opened up my eyes to being

involved in that. I’m also grateful to CorePower. We did a module on racial justice and inclusivity at their 300-hour teacher training. How do we open doors to the yoga space for everyone? What kind of words do we bring in? What do we eliminate? What can we do to bring in more color? How do we reach within out to the community? I was able to have conversations with management in CorePower and be heard and received. The owners have been very supportive. That’s how I’m finding my ways to be involved within the community and see how we can bridge the gap, bring more color within our community, awaken those of color already within our community.

IB: How does your work in real estate fit in to your modeling career?

AM: It’s been fun to shift from being a model on set to the real estate mindset. There are a lot of young kids in the community with very bright futures. I’d love to see us all doing our part through real estate. I love learning. I love all the insightful, incredible people in the real estate industry in this town. The portfolios are unreal. Each home I walk into is so unique. The buildings here are so sacred. Regarding modeling, after taking a break I just did my first major shoot back in New York. It was great to be back on set. I feel more driven, more energized, and like I have even more of a clear vision, which is to advocate in the modeling space. Models go through a lot, and we need a union. We need the community to wake up to what’s going on in the industry. Change is going to happen; it’s just a matter of when. I’m looking forward to creating more love, more support, more community, more change. ● Isabelle Bridges is founder and CEO of The Mother’s Empowerment Membership™ blog, book, and podcast. @isabellebridgesboesch. Look for Achok Majak’s return to the fashion world starting with New York Fashion Week in September. Follow her journey with us @santabarbaramag.

GREAT SCHOOLS

Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, ANACAPA SCHOOL is an independent, co-educational school for grades 7-12 that offers a high-quality education in an enriching environment. Anacapa empowers students to excel at critical thinking, creativity, integrity, and compassion through experiential and project-based learning that serves the needs of the whole student. Through its 5:1 student-toteacher ratio, the Anacapa approach fosters intelligent and complex discourse between students and their faculty. It is also designed to promote collaboration within the classroom and to optimize both independent and collaborative thinkers through community engagement with downtown Santa Barbara’s art, culture, and government organizations. 814 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, 805-965-0228; anacapaschool.org

Great Schools

LAGUNA BLANCA—your potential is our passion. At Laguna Blanca, it is impossible to fly beneath the radar. Here, deeper relationships, heightened learning, and greater achievement are the norm. The allencompassing support of teachers, counselors, and coaches ensures Laguna feels like a second home. Our teachers are innovators and provide more than a strong academic foundation. They guide students in the process of selfdiscovery to ensure success in fi nding happiness, health, and balance. Intercampus bus and tuition assistance available. Grades Early Kindergarten through Gr. 4: 260 San Ysidro Rd., Montecito; Grades 5 through 12: 4125 Paloma Dr.,Santa Barbara, 805-687-2461, lagunablanca.org

CRANE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL is a co-educational Kindergarten–8th Grade independent school located on 11 beautiful acres in Montecito, California. Founded in 1928, Crane delivers an experiential education characterized by a thoughtful balance of academic challenge and creative expression. Our time-tested tradition of active and collaborative learning challenges students to think critically, fi nd their voices, and care for one another and the world around them. At Crane, we understand that how we teach is just as important as what we teach. 1795 San Leandro Ln., Montecito, 805-969-7732; craneschool.org

Since 1965, MONTESSORI CENTER SCHOOL has developed children ages 18 months to sixth grade into independent, self-motivated, confident learners. We guide students’ love of learning through discovery and an adaptable curriculum that is responsive to students’ interests and needs. Our beautifully prepared environments, equipped with multi-sensory Montessori materials, support comprehension from the concrete to the abstract. Our Montessori-credentialed educators empower students by encouraging critical thinking and by curating opportunities for leadership and social-emotional learning. Enrichment programs include Spanish, music, art, drama, physical education, STEAM Lab, and computer science. As an extension to learning, we offer extracurriculars, after-school care, a summer camp, and an outdoor education program. Contact us today to learn more about how MCS empowers students through each stage of their educational journey. 401 N. Fairview Avenue #1, Goleta, 805-683-9383; www.mcssb.org

OJAI VALLEY SCHOOL is an independent boarding & day school for 290 students — Pre-K through 12th grade — on two campuses in Ojai. Our dedicated staff provide a balanced program of college-preparatory academics, fi ne & performing arts, sports, outdoor education, environmental studies, equestrian & character development. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, seek new ways to learn, & discover the complexity of the world around them. By the time they graduate, they will have developed the academic strength & intellectual curiosity to succeed in college and beyond. More importantly, they will have gained the confidence & character to meet life’s future challenges. 723 El Paseo Rd., Ojai, 805-646-1423; ovs.org

Founded in 1976, SANTA BARBARA MIDDLE SCHOOL is an independent co-educational day school specializing in grades 6-9. Our balanced approach to Academics, Creative Arts and Sports, Building Community, and Outdoor Education prepares students for their future by providing a transformative middle school experience. Our saying “Carpe Diem” could not ring more true as students embrace what it means to live in the moment. State standards, project-based learning, and experiential learning guide our academic program, supported by our unique outdoor educational program, which includes biking, camping, exploring the outdoors, and much more. Students become difference-makers by giving back to the local community and cultivating a love for arts and sports through daily electives. We base our approach on mutual respect and an exceptional understanding of the adolescent years. SBMS graduates are admired for their intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, creativity, and “can-do” confidence.

1321 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara, 805-682-2989; sbms.org

Equip your student to pursue a life of purpose with PROVIDENCE: Santa Barbara’s only Christian school serving preschool through 12th grade. Dedicated and dynamic educators teach students in an encouraging environment that nurtures critical thinking, clear communication, and whole-hearted service. In addition to college-preparatory academics, arts, and engineering programs, students enjoy opportunities to learn outside the classroom. Educational travel, ski/surf/river trips, ample service opportunities, and spiritual retreats foster character development and deepen relationships. Prepared for challenge and success, Providence students graduate ready to engage culture and impact our communities through service, leadership, and civic duty. Preschool through Grade 6: 3225 Calle Pinon, 805-962-3091. Grades 7 through 12: 630 E. Canon Perdido, 805-962-4400; providencesb.org

Great Schools

SOUTH COAST

MONTESSORI

offers an authentic Montessori program for children 3

months through 12 years old. Our bucolic campus features thoughtfully appointed indoor and outdoor classroom environments, where children move freely within the environment, following their own unique interests and curiosity. Our skilled teachers guide children in becoming the best versions of themselves, while fostering collaboration, community, and peace. We focus on individualized learning with lessons given on a one-on-one basis or in small groups. At SCM we instruct the whole child; social and emotional learning is as important as academic excellence. We instill love for learning, independence, and self-awareness. Please come join us to experience an utterly unique educational journey for yourself and your family. 7421 Mirano Dr., Goleta, 805-845-6555; southcoastmontessori.org

THE RIVIERA RIDGE SCHOOL provides studentcentered, inclusive and individualized learning opportunities for every student. Focused on academic excellence from Junior Kindergarten through the 8th grade, our students are inspired to develop their individual potential, seek purpose beyond themselves and are prepared to embrace the next phase of their journey with a uniquely diverse and global perspective. The Riviera Ridge School is a place where every opportunity is realized, every dream has potential, and every student matters. Our world-class faculty and staff partner with families to provide an education that nurtures every student’s academic, social, ethical, and creative potential. Since 1938, we have celebrated the Everyday Amazing at The Riviera Ridge School. JK-8th grade, 2130 Mission Ridge Rd., Santa Barbara, 805-569-1811; rivieraridge.org

WE LIVE IN PARADISE

Wild About Harry’s

The atmosphere is retro chic in the Ranchero Room of Harry’s Plaza Café, where the walls display more than 1,500 photos in an impressionistic vision of Santa Barbara’s past. The restaurant, opened in 1968 in Loreto Plaza by the eponymous Harry Davis, is itself an icon. When John Scott renovated some 20 years ago, he restored the décor just as it had been, down to the patterned wallpaper, the globe chandeliers, the classic red banquettes, and the inimitable photographic images. The menu is classic, too, with hearty entrées like prime rib and tri-tip with baked potatoes, iceberg lettuce salads, omelets, soups, and sandwiches. The bar and booths extend from the entryway, but the Ranchero Room is more private. It has been the site of countless welcome and farewell dinners, association meetings, and other celebratory occasions—all toasted with the other iconic element at Harry’s: a strong cocktail. Cheers! J.T.

Pictures of Santa Barbara’s horse-and-buggy days set the scene for a contemporary diner in Western garb.

OCTOBER 13–MARCH 10, 2024

During the Age of Sail, Europe’s most influential science museums built their collections with specimens from around the world. In this captivating exhibit, view rare original illustrations from the published reports of early expeditions.

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Natural History Exploration

John and Peggy Maximus Gallery

2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara 805-682-4711 • sbnature.org

Open Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM