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This story originally appeared in California Winery Advisor. The Best Solvang Restaurants And More... Planning a weekend getaway to wine country is not just about which wineries to visit. Trips to Napa and Sonoma center around where to eat. Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara Wine Country is no exception. Consisting of six small communities (Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Buellton, Los Alamos and Ballard), no matter where you are, there is somewhere great to eat! SOLVANG RESTAURANTS The town of Solvang is known for its Danish décor and aebelskivers but offers so much more. We put in the hard work finding the best Solvang restaurants for you. Whether you are looking for a gourmet dinner after a long day of wine tasting or need a quick jolt of caffeine to get the day started, Solvang's restaurants have you covered. Café Dolce 475 1st Street, Solvang There is something for everyone at this Solvang coffee shop. Café Dolce features a robust coffee and tea menu which includes Italian espresso, Turkish coffee, iced coffee drinks and more. Owner Sam, who is usually found behind the counter, spent some years living in Italy and can make a mean cappuccino. The espresso is weighed and tempered to an exact amount so that the espresso is perfecto. Fresh smoothies, protein shakes, and organic juices are available, as are acai bowls. And for the afternoon pick-up, enjoy house-make gelato or sorbet. Having expanded through the next-door space, Café Dolce offers coffee house seating as well as outside seating on a park bench.
10 April, 2018
This story originally appeared in California Winery Advisor.

Great Value California Zinfandel Finds

Who is making the best California Zinfandel wine? Can you find a great Zinfandel under $25? I set out to answer these questions. Finding a good value in wine is always a goal. But with value, we also want quality and character. Fortunately, all three can be found in Zinfandel, California’s grape! Sure, Zinfandel may have lost its popularity awhile back. The wines had become known more for their over-ripeness, high alcohol levels and notes of prunes and stewed fruit. But the pendulum has swung back and it is time to think about Zinfandel as a balanced wine. I am here to share some Zinfandel finds that hit all the points – quality, character, and value.

Artezin Mendocino Zinfandel 2016 ($18)

Winemaker Randle Johnson started Artezin wines in 2002 to honor the art of making California Zinfandel, a grape he has been working with for 30 years and says is “a lot of work for a great reward.” He considers making Zinfandel an art in many ways because it is a challenging grape. It is almost as difficult to grow as Pinot Noir, it has a tendency to over-crop and has a propensity for residual sugar. Zinfandel “should not taste like Smucker’s Jam or root beer,” expressed Johnson who focuses making the wine varietally correct. With red fruit aromas of pomegranate, cherry and boysenberry, as well as sweet brown spices. This Mendocino Zinfandel is soft and round on the palate with bright acidity and fine tannins. Check out current prices for Artezin California Zinfandel on wine.com. 

Easton Amador County Zinfandel 2014 ($22) AND Easton “E” Fiddletown Zinfandel 2012 ($25)

01 March, 2018
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