For Dad's present last Christmas, Kat and I decided that we would take him wine tasting up in Santa Barbara. He loves to drink wine and none of us had been wine tasting up there, so we thought it would be a fun experience for all. It was a great idea, but somehow, most of 2008 came and went and we never got around to going. Time just flew--scheduling conflicts and such occurred and before we knew it, we passed up Christmas this year without following through with Dad's gift from last year! So we finally decided that it was time to go before another Christmas came along. We ended up going yesterday and it was a lot of fun.
Our first stop was in the Santa Rita Hills area, at Lafond Winery and Vineyards. We were the first customers and opened the tasting room--drinking at 10am, can't remember the last time (ever?) I've done that, haha. I'm usually not a huge fan of white wines, but their Chardonnays were good and may turn me into one.
Next stop was up the road at the Sanford Winery tasting room. They had an excellent Pinot Noir. Unfortunately, at $60 a bottle, it is a bit out of my price range. Ah, who am I kidding, I'm po' right now--it's not just a bit, it's completely out of my price range. After the tasting, we grabbed the lunch we packed and enjoyed it in the sunshine on the back patio of the tasting room. Crisp air, beautiful view, quiet and peaceful area, it was a nice place to lunch at.
Before heading home, we made a last stop in the city of Santa Barbara, at the sister winery of Lafond, Santa Barbara Winery. Tasted more good wines that were a little easier on the pocketbook there, then drove back to LA.
A very fun way to spend a day!
That was such a fun day! Dad was so funny with his picture-taking out the car window. Makes me want to do Napa.
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