For you folks that live in California ... if you're ever looking for someplace to drive, I have a nice suggestion for you.
Back in the mi-80's I was stationed at Vandenberg AFB, north of Santa Barbara. We met some folks there that were (at that time) just getting a small winery going. They are located just off US101 at Buelton. Over the years, they grew slowly and at some point in time, they decided to grow and make more of an Italian style wine than the typical French styles. Although they remain small in size and capacity, their wines are excellent.
The name of the winery is the Mosby Vineyards, and it's owned by Bill & Gerry Mosby. Their website can be found at http://www.mosbywines.com.
I would suspect they would welcome a bunch of Italian car folks with open arms. I know that they occasionally sponsor weekend festivals and I would highly recommend attending one. (When I lived there, we used to help them on those weekends. They would have a "Santa Maria-style" BBQ and wine tasting that combined made for a wonderful day!!)
I am not much of a wine "connoisseur;" I just know what I like. Most French-style reds are just too sour for me, but Bill's Italian style reds, especially one he calls Dolcetto, are flavorful without being "sour." Hard to put into words.
Again, if you're used to the "Big Boys" wineries, this may not be the place for you. But for a great weekend outing where you can actually talk to the owner, I'd highly recommend it.
(And, of course, I am not an employee or anything!!)
Cheers!!
Ken
"Italian" Winery in Southern California
-
So Cal Mark
-
Jim DeShon