My "Sideways" Adventure

Perhaps it is a bit cliche to recreate my own little experience of "Sideways" during a recent trip to Los Angeles. But when compared to Napa and Sonoma, Santa Barbara wine country is still less touristy. A short afternoon of four wineries and a restaurant may only amount to a fragment of an overall experience; however, each stop left a completely different impression on me.

Gainey Vineyards. The first stop was a beautiful winery on the southeast corner of Santa Ynez Valley. The tasting room opened up to a patio and garden overlooking the vineyards. $10 seems a bit pricey for tasting four wines (a riesling, sauvignon blanc, merlot, and cabernet franc). But the souvenir tasting glasses resemble Riedel Bordeaux stemware, so perhaps worth the price on their own. The better of the two reds was the cabernet franc. Interested buyers were told they would have to join the wine club to take one of those bottles home. The riesling was pleasant, but hardly worth the price. I didn't purchase a bottle. Summary: "A" for appeal of vineyard and tasting room; "C" for value of the tasting; "B" for friendliness/helpfulness of tasting room staff; "C" for quality of wine; and "D" for the value and availability of tasted wines.

Kalyra. I was excited to visit the Aussie-inspired Kalyra next, for it was featured in "Sideways." (Remember where Sandra Oh's character works?). The tasting room was completely different, looking more like a tiki bar than a winery. For $7 you get to taste a good number of reds, whites, dessert wines. The red wines were rather disappointing. Both the Riesling and Gewurtztraminer excelled and definitely a good value. The dessert wines were interesting, but not very appealing. Friendly staff overall, but at times they acted like bartenders and seemed to entertain groups of 20 year olds in such a manner. I purchased one bottle. Summary: "B" for appeal of vineyard and tasting room; "A" for value of the tasting; "B+" for friendliness/helpfulness of tasting room staff; "B" for quality of wine; and "A" for the value and availability of tasted wines.

Bridlewood Vineyards. I've since learned that Bridlewood is owned by Gallo of Sonoma and perhaps that explains some aspects of the experience. The most dissapointing part was the staff in the tasting room, for my friends and I were certainly treated like second-class tourists. I tried 6 wines for $7. The pourer was tending to another couple and kept his attention on them unless he need to fill our glasses with the next wine and quickly spurt out a few quick words. I can understand the crowds, but would have rather waited for a pourer who could devote a little more time to discussing the wines. My group and I soon noticed the couple next to us tasting wines not on the list. The next series of events went as follows: 1. I showed an interest in perhaps purchasing a syrah; 2. I inquired about tasting the Zinfandel the couple had; 3. We were told maybe if there is some left, and then no since it was gone and reserved for club members; 4. We were asked if we wanted to buy a bottle; 5. We left without buying anything. I can understand that wineries can't pour all their offerings in the tasting room; but, it seems a bit off-putting to do it in front of other customers. Furthermore, I was not even given information about how to join the wine club. That was a bit insulting, as if I didn't look the type. Summary: "A" for appeal of vineyards and tasting room; "C" for value of the tasting; "F" for friendliness/helpfulness of tasting room staff---Two Words: "BLOWS GOATS"; "B" for quality of wine; and "C" for value and availability of tasted wines.

Blackjack Vineyards. Thankfully a frustrating afternoon was quickly turned around with the best visit of the day. Despite some crowds, a tasting room staff member actually said "hello" and asked if we could wait a few minutes for her full attention. As I waited I looked around the simple, yet functional and warm tasting room. We were allowed to try any 6 wines of 12 on the list for $8. The quality was amazing across the board, with bottle offerings at all price points. Memorable were the 2004 "777" Edna Pinot and the 2002 Harmonie. I purchased 3 bottles. Summary: "B" for appeal of vineyards and tasting room; "B+" for value of the tasting; "A" for the friendliness/helpfulness of tasting room staff; "A" for quality of wine; and "A" for value and availability of tasted wines.