VELKOMMEN TIL SOLVANG

This past weekend, I ventured up north to the Santa Ynez Valley to the little Danish town of Solvang. Located about 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara, Solvang is home to some good wineries, tasty pastry places, and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. In other words, libations, sweets, and culture... what more could you ask for on a Saturday afternoon?

The first stop on our way into town was Shoestring Winery. My favorite of the ones we tasted was the 2007 Sangiovese blended with Cab Franc. So smooth and amazing with dark chocolate. A close second was the Syrah Rose... perfectly refreshing for the summer. My Dad's birthday happens to be today so it was a good excuse to nab some bottles.

Grapes

Shoestring Tasting Room

After we had a few glasses, we decided to explore the grounds. Walking down this path in the valley sun was truly amazing

Making friends with the locals

After Shoestring, we drove a few minutes into the actual town and checked out Sevtap Winery. The vibe was totally different but just as fun. A little more Euro than Napa. Arturo, the owner, and his South African buddy cracked jokes and gave us one too many heavy pours. At one point, I was behind the bar, serving up the wine and, in a moment of wine jubilation, sipping from some random dude's glass. Arturo didn't appreciate that.

Here's Arturo and I in a prom pose. Obviously. 

Last stop was Sort This Out Cellars... a unique, 1950s pin-up inspired tasting room. Unfortunately, I have no photographic evidence of S.T.O.C., but I remember loving their
dessert wine.
Driving a few hours but feeling thousands of miles from the city is such a treat.