2023 Wrapped

Spotify’s Wrapped has everyone reflecting on 2023, including us. While we did not become Swifties like the rest of the world, we did become huge fans of our Up in the Valley followers! We are taking the time to reflect on our successes: 9 interviews with fantastic members of central coast communities, 12 educational pieces, 2 epic in-person events, and countless bottles uncorked.

We are also taking time to set goals for the new year: conduct a whole lot more interviews, drink and share a wider range of varietals, and launch some exciting perks just for our subscribers!

Finally, with the holidays so near we can’t help but think of…PRESENTS! (And maybe we should have started sooner with only 11 days until Christmas?!) Whether you’re popping bottles at company parties, providing wine for the next family gathering, or looking for the perfect gift for a wine lover in your life, we have some holiday deals that we think are steals. Plus, there’s no better excuse to bust out a full case of Cab or a magnum of Pinot Noir than the holidays!

Uncorked

In the spirit of reflection, we’re looking back on our 3 favorite featured wines from the year. We paired these wines with some holiday classics and they’re sure to make your holiday that much brighter.

Dovecote Redtail

This was our favorite GSM blend of the year. Sourced from Thompson Vineyard, part of the new Alisos Canyon AVA established in 2020, and named after the hawks that rule the area’s skies. This wine was produced with partial stem inclusion, which can impart earthy aromatics and add texture to the wine. At $65, we love this wine for its slightly bolder nature compared to the other GSMs shared this week.

Nose: spices, cherry, blackberry, leather 

Palette: black cherry, plum, tobacco, white pepper

Pairs well with: roast duck with chestnut stuffing

Available at: only available at the winery in Los Alamos or on their website

Future Perfect Sauvignon Blanc

Nicknamed the “breakfast wine” for good reason, this wine comes from the Grassini Family Vineyards in Happy Canyon. It is aged for 6 months in neutral french oak and is a high acid, low alcohol Sauvignon Blanc. Winemaker, Sunny Doench Stricker, has a fresh approach to winemaking. As you can probably guess from her labels, she loves all things sparkly and soulful.

Future Perfect also has a lineup of bubbles for all your New Years Eve needs! Stop by the tasting room in Los Olivos or purchase online to snag your celebration bubbles.

Nose: passionfruit, honeysuckle

Palette: guava, melon

Pairs well with: perfect for your Feast of the Seven Fishes or a pomegranate salad

Available at: Future Perfect tasting room in Los Olivos or on their website

Piedrasassi Santa Barbara County Syrah

In one of our favorite interviews of the year we talked with White Buffalo Land Trust. If you’re looking to get a taste of what the quality of the JCR club wine will entail, then look no further than this Piedrasassi Wines Syrah. Made by Sashi Moorman, who is helping lead the wine making project at White Buffalo Land Trust, this label represents his love affair for Syrah along the central coast.

Nose: pepper, smoke, black cherry, leather

Palette: pepper, leather, blackberry, plum

Pairs well with: Beef Wellington or prime rib

Available at: Satellite SB, Goodland Wine Shop, or Meritage Wine Market SB

What’s happening? + Holiday Specials!

• $92 off a 6-pack of Roblar reds

• $183 off plus free shipping for a case of Roblar reds

• Use code ENDOF23 for 15% everything at Wine Cult

• $55 off a 3 year vertical of Demetria’s Wabi Sabi Pinot Noir

• 25% off Flying Goat Cellars 2013 Pinot Noir Magnums (automatically applied at checkout)

• Pinot Party with Priedite BBQ: The best BBQ in town is teaming up with Bell’s and Bodega to host a Pinot and BBQ party just in time for the holidays. Attendance is free and is happening TONIGHT in Los Alamos. 

• Holiday Hang at Buddy’s in Ventura: Drink some mulled wine and play some board games as you get into the holiday spirit at Buddy’s in Ventura. This Friday, December 15th at 5:30 pm.

• Meritage Market tasting with Amy Christine: Join Amy Christine, who holds a Master of Wine certification and is the winemaker for her label Holus Bolus, at Meritage Wine Market for their last tasting of the year. Tasting is free this Saturday, December 16th! (P.S. While you’re there you can get your holiday wine shopping done!).

• Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up Event at Wildflower Winery: This Saturday, December 16th treat yourself to a holiday present with Twelve Oh Three Permanent Jewelry at Wildflower Winery in Ventura. Noon-5 pm.

• Sip & Shop at Skyview in Los Alamos: Shop Adriana Lemus Ceramics and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a souvenir tote. Taking place from 6-8 pm at Skyview in Los Alamos on Saturday, December 16th.

Cheers!

Issue #22