Los Olivos Tasting Rooms
Kailene Berghoefer tastes some of the precious Pinot Noir that brought Los Olivos international fame following the success of the film Sideways.
Photo by Laurie Parish
Los Olivos Tasting Room &
Wine Shop
www.losolivoswines.com
In tune with the artistic character of Los Olivos, the sign outside advertises “Consumable Art.” Established in 1987–California’s first independent tasting room–Los Olivos Tasting Room features the “artistic creations” of many wineries and winemakers in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties that do not have their own tasting rooms.
Owner Chris Benzinger will be happy to share some of the history of the quaint building that houses his tasting room. Wine festival posters brighten the walls, and at least nine wines are usually open for tasting on the antique, English oak, Irish pub bar.
Labels represented include Carhartt, Curran, Labyrinth, Lane Tanner, Ojai, Palmina, Westerly and more. To purchase wines directly from their website, email them, and they’ll get back to you within 24 hours to take your order.
Carina Cellars
www.carinacellars.com
Carina Cellars is the result of an avid wine collector with a dream meeting an accomplished winemaker with a vision. When attorney and businessman David Hardee and winemaker Joey Tensley met in 2002, they were quick to recognize the benefits of combining their passion. With Hardee’s talent for business, Tensley’s talent for wine making, and a shared belief in only the best, Carina Cellars was born.
The winemaking approach is traditional and minimalist, with the resulting wines rich in traditional varietal flavors and aromas– Viogniers full of tropical fruit and spring flowers, dark, spicy Syrahs and intense, black-curranty Cabernet Sauvignons. Tensley strongly believes in working with growers who share his philosophies on farming. That is to say, growers dedicated to canopy management, low yields and wine balance.
Carina Cellars produce Viognier, Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache as well as a blend of the best of two appellations - Santa Barbara County Syrah and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon known as “Iconoclast.” Check their website for events, they have winemaker dinners, art shows, and more.
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