Recently my hubby and I made 2 trips up to Santa Barbara County. These two trips were back to back weekends. These trips were our first trips up to Santa Barbara Wine area because we were not looking forward to the drive. I am not sure where I stand now as I am not a fan of a long drive, but I do have to say- Santa Barbara County is exactly what I expected. I would simply describe it as something between Temecula and Sonoma. As a final clarification, it was closer to Sonoma, but uniquely.

So we tried a new recipe last night inspired by a local San Diego restaurant, Solare. I went a Junior League meeting last week and we visited the Old Marine Training Center in San Diego. The land since is not being used as a marine facility any longer has reverted in ownership back to the city (original owners). Well the city has leased the property for $1 a year to a non profit promoting the arts in San Diego. They are rebuilding the area with shops …

So this day didn’t start off as planned. We flew into Oakland which always has worked out for us, but not this time. We landed at 9:30 and by 12:30 we had gone less than 20 miles. I’ll skip past the rest of our frustrating morning but know that is why we only ended up going to 2 wineries. We were meeting my parents in Napa and they had to carry one while we sat in traffic. They visited Robert Keenan on Spring Mountain. …

So my family is going to Sonoma and Napa for the first time together.  My husband and I have been a couple of times.  We spend most of our time in Sonoma but usually one day in Napa.  There are so many neat wineries in both counties that is hard to decide which to visit.  One of our favorites in Napa last trip was Pride on Spring Mountain.  We are planning to visit Spring Mountain again this trip since my parents have toured any wine caves.  We also will be at Chateau …

I have not lived in California for very long.  When I moved here I thought I would love the beaches and sun.  But as it turns out- its the wine that has really made me love California.  Sure the beaches and sun are great but the wine to me is much more unique.
I am starting this site to help the new comers to California as San Diego has its fare share of comers and goers.  I have been to Temecula many times and now to Northern California (Sonoma, Napa) twice.  …