Which central coast region suits you best?
Take the quiz to find out!
In addition to another fabulous wine rec and event lineup, this issue has an interactive quiz! We’re channeling our inner Cosmo Girl to pair your personality with one of the four main regions along the central coast of California. So step aside Buzzfeed, and be sure to let us know how you think our sorting hat did!
QUIZ: Which central coast region suits you best?
Q1: When choosing a winery to go to, what is most important?
A. A good view
B. Sunshine and clear skies
C. A cozy atmosphere
D. Lots of different varietals to try
Q2: What are you listening to on your way to the next wine tasting?
A. Something groovy that I can jam to like Casey Jones by Grateful Dead
B. I prefer the country classics…anything by Dolly, Straight, or Cash
C. Something country, but make it modern like I Had Some Help by Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen
D. An electronic beat with R&B vocals like places to be by Fred Again.., Anderson .Paak, and CHIKA
Q3: How do you like your reds?
A. Light and elegant
B. Big and jammy
C. Vibrant and spicy
D. Fresh and natural
Q4: Your ideal wine country picnic…
A. Fresh sushi
B. Tacos, por favor
C. Charcuterie board of local goods
D. BBQ tri tip sandwich
Q5: Crikey, mate! Which animal would you be most excited to spot in the wild?
A. The California condor
B. A wild boar
C. An elephant seal
D. A humpback whale
Q6: If you aren’t drinking wine, what’s filling your cup?
A. Uhm, sparkling wine?
B. A cocktail
C. Cider
D. Craft beer
Q7: Uh-oh, you’ve made a wrong turn on the way to your next wine tasting and now you’re lost. What do you do?
A. Take the scenic route and arrive a bit late to your appointment.
B. Continue on the road less traveled and find a new winery to try.
C. Retrace your steps and get back to the route.
D. Trusty maps will always reroute you, right?!
Q8: How are you spending your evening after a day of wine tasting?
A. Reading a book by the fireplace
B. Stargazing
C. Making s’mores around the bonfire
D. Live music out on the town
If you answered mostly A’s, you belong in…MONTEREY. Where stunning landscapes serve as a backdrop for classic wines. Monterey has a quintessentially laid back California vibe that welcomes a refreshing glass of wine. It’s difficult to leave after meandering through Carmel Valley or along the Santa Lucia Highlands.
If you answered mostly B’s, you belong in…PASO ROBLES. With its rural charm and warm weather, Paso has much to offer. Big wines with lots of corners to explore, it’s a region that will surely make you want to pull on your boots and cheers with your neighbor.
If you answered mostly C’s, you belong in…SAN LUIS OBISPO. It’s a place that manages to make everyone feel right at home. There’s heaps of local, creative energy amongst the rolling green hills of SLO and no fuss, genuine wines go down all too easy.
If you answered mostly D’s, you belong in…SANTA BARBARA. Diverse scenery and proximity to the city makes Santa Barbara an action packed wine destination. Multiple different microclimates means you’ll never get bored of drinking the same varietals and there’s always a new adventure just up the road.
Uncorked
Story of Soil Pinot Noir
Women owned and known for minimal intervention wines, this Pinot Noir from Story of Soil highlights the authentic style of head winemaker Jessica Gasca. Most of her wines are focused on single vineyards vs blends, which we think gives the drinker a unique sense of place with all of her wines. This Pinot Noir from Santa Maria is no different.
Nose: Oak, strawberry, cola
Palette: Raspberry, cranberry, cherry
Pairs well with: Grilled pork chops
Available at: Meritage Wine Market in downtown Santa Barbara, Story of Soil tasting room in Los Olivos
What’s Happening
Rosé and Oysters at Talbott Vineyards: Fancy yourself some oysters? Swing by Talbott Vineyards in Carmel to celebrate the release of their new rosé with some oysters. Tickets are $65 with the event taking place from 11AM - 6PM on Saturday, June 8th.
Los Olivos Lemonade Stand for Fishing Childhood Cancer: Hydrate between tasting rooms on Saturday June 8th while supporting children with cancer. Swing by Solminer on Saturday to support the cause. The linked Instagram post also allows you to donate if you can’t make it out.
Lunch with Ebony SLO: Dine at Center of Effort with Ebony SLO hosting a lunch pop up. The prix fixe menu is $65 per person with the event taking place Saturday June 8th.
Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival with Sea Creatures: Love to watch cool surf videos while sipping on fine wine (us too). Swing by downtown Santa Barbara for the annual Surf Film Festival Saturday June 7th - 8th where Sea Creatures will be pouring for the event.
Los Olivos Jazz and Olive Fest: One of the biggest events of the year in Los Olivos, the annual Jazz and Olive Festival this Saturday, June 8th. Tickets are $100 and there will be 20+ vendors pouring.
Alternative Tastes Wine Festival: Don’t like the usual varietals? Swing by the Alternative Tastes Wine Festival on Saturday, June 8th to try some more untraditional varietals from the Paso Robles region. Tickets are $75.
Allan Hancock West Coast College & University Wine Festival: Get a taste of some of the best west coast wineries at Allan Hancock college this Saturday June 8th. Each university will also be featuring their wine making programs for potential students.
Frequency Wines x Barbareño: Join Frequency Wines at Barbareño for some live music and tri tip sandwiches this Sunday, June 9th. There’s no cost to join.
Drake Whitcraft Tasting at The Good Land Wine Shop: Join Drake Whitcraft of Whitcraft Wines at The Good Land Wine Shop on Tuesday, June 11th at 6PM. The tasting is $25.
Cuyama Buckhorn Wine Diner with Marbeso: Fancy a quick road trip? Head over to Cuyama Buckhorn for a wine dinner featuring Marbeso Wines winemaker Colin McNany. The event is June 15th for $85 / person and you can always stay the night if you need to.
Summer BBQ Open House at Zaca Mesa: Join Zaca Mesa Winery for a Father’s Day BBQ meal and some bold reds. Cost is the price of a tasting ($25) and takes place all day Saturday, June 15th.
Papas and Polo: Celebrate fathers day with some Polo and wine. Flying goat cellars will be pouring at this event on Sunday June 16th from 10:30AM - 12PM.
Two Harbors Wine Fest: It’s the fucking Catalina wine mixer…sort of. On Saturday, June 22nd enjoy a beach side wine event at Two Harbors on Catalina Island. It’s sure to be a party. Tickets start at $89.