Let's Drink Wine in Santa Barbara

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Listen. I was going to add this to the SB travel diary buuuuut I realized I had a lot to talk about because well… I drank a lot of wine. Sorry not sorry.

When I tell you I drank more wine than I had in almost 5 years, I am not kidding. And it. was. excellent. Here’s a quick rundown of all the wine I drank… yes I kept track and yes I am impressed with myself.

Here’s everything I drank in SB over 4 days and what I thought about them.

Pali Wine Co.

The first night there was a welcome party at Pali Wine Co. and let’s just say I had a great time. The wine was flowing, the couple had a pizza oven and McConnels ice cream. It was basically my perfect night.

Reds:

Neighborhood, 2019 Red Wine Blend ‘Swell’– This was my favorite of the night. A perfectly smooth red blend with a super fruity flavor. It’s the kind of wine that I feel would go with anything be it greasy pizza or light fish (true winos- go ahead and pick your jaws off the floor). I bought a bottle and have already finished about half of it.
Pali, 2020 Pinot Noir ‘Huntington’– I loved this one as well. If I’m not going for a blend, typically a pinot is my go to. Pali calls this “an entry-level Pinot Noir priced accordingly”- rude- and I say it’s above an entry level. This is another wine that I bought a bottle of and we sipped on while we got ready for the wedding that weekend.

Whites:

Pali, 2018 Chardonnay ‘Pali Vineyard Reserve’– I mean if you like chardonnay go for it. I don’t, but had a mini tasting of this anyway. Dumb. This shiz is waaaay too buttery for me. The kind that you can feel on your tongue and teeth- not for me.
Pali, 2017 Chardonnay ‘Charm Acres’– After the failure above, I tried the chard in the steel barrel. Less buttery, but still too buttery for me.
Neighborhood, 2021 White Wine Blend ‘Harvest Moon’– This wine was very yummy. It’s definitely a summer wine- perfect for a hot day. I found it to have a nice citrus flavor that was light and crisp. Blends are also generally so smooth and this as no exception.

Sweets:

Pali, 2021 P.C.H. Rosé of Pinot Noir– Oooooh a pinot rosé! Best of both worlds! What else could you want. I definitely would’ve bought a bottle had I not already bought 2 😬.

Margerum Wines

I HAD to stop by this place. It is nestled right next to the Hotel Californian and has a patio where you can people watch and enjoy the beautiful weather. I LOVE a lunch wine tasting and charcuterie board and that’s exactly what I did! Margerum has 2 different tasting flights as well as by the glass and bottle. I opted for the Man Tasting Flight ($20) which included all the wines below except the rosé which a friend had and I tasted.

Reds:

2020 Estate Cinsault– I bought this bottle after tasting it. It was that good. It is the perfect summer red. Like, warm summer nights around the fire pit perfect.
2020 Grenache– I believe the server used the word “jammy” to describe this wine and I’m not going to lie, it was jammy!
2020 Santa Barbara County Syrah– Definitely the deepest/ richest wines I tasted at Margerum. A classic Syrah IMO. It was yummy but I not quite right for a warm spring lunch al fresco.

Whites:

2020 Barden Fonte– I love when I have never heard of a wine. It’s my favorite way to taste new things. Everyone knows a Chardonnay, ya know? This is a Chardonnay blend. As you’ve seen, I don’t like Chard but this was actually really good. Not buttery at all (yay!).

Sweets:

2021 Riviera Rosé– Light, crisp, perfect to drink on a summer day. Everything you want in a rosé.

Various
wines from other meals & tastings

Reds:

Laetitia, Pinot Noir– I had this glass with Mexican food at the rehearsal dinner and it was a darn perfect paring. In theme with my deepening love for pinot for this weekend.
Justin, Cabernet Sauvingnon– Meh. I wish I had more to say on this one, but it just wasn’t for me.
Banshee Pinot Noir, Sonoma County– This was the wine I refilled over and over (and over) at the wedding. Ofc course it got better as the night went on lol.
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County– Honestly, I had this at the wedding after other beverages so my memory of the flavor is a little less than clear. Let’s just say I ended up going back to the pinot. 🤣
Cambria Tepusquet Vineyard Syrah, Santa Maria Valley– Lol. Same as above.

Sweets:

Domaine Chandon Rosé Brut NV, Napa Valley– This was passed out at the wedding ceremony upon guests arrival. Such a lovely start to the wedding and perfect for the rooftop outdoor ceremony.
Château Gassier Le Pas Du Moine Rosé, France– Served at the wedding as well. Perfect pair for the rooftop appetizers after the ceremony.