Show 445, October 2, 2021: Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini, Hitching Post 2 and Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines Part One

Frank Ostini of Hitching Post II

Buellton’s celebrated Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini is the grill master at Hitching Post 2 Restaurant and the Co-Winemaker at Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines (with Gray Hartley.) We’re talking Santa Barbara County wine and classic Santa Maria BBQ with Chef Frank Ostini.

“On the Central Coast of California BBQ has always meant grilling over an open fire of red oak, a style of cooking that is native to the area and goes back to the days of the Spanish Rancheros. By combining the old and the new, Hitching Post 2 has created an exciting cuisine with outstanding steaks, ribs and chicken, along with fresh fish and seafood and vegetarian options. They also create their own (world class) wines, Hartley – Ostini Hitching Post Wines, for sale and enjoyment in the restaurant and to the wider public.”

“Hitching Post Wines strives to create flavorful handcrafted wines that possess poise and balance, putting a slice of Santa Barbara in each glass, and a piece of their soul in every bottle of Hitching Post. The spacious Hitching Post Wines Tasting Room is located adjacent to Hitching Post 2 restaurant on Highway 246 and has ample parking.”

The Traditional Tasting at Hitching Post Wines priced at $15 per guest offers a flight of five Hitching Post Wines consisting of Pinks 2017; Hometown Pinot Noir 2016; Cork Dancer Pinot Noir 2015; Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2015; and Gen Red 2016.

A Reserve Tasting, priced at $20, includes five wines – Highliner Pinot Noir 2015; Perfect Set Pinot Noir 2015; Bien Nacido Pinot Noir 2015; Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir 2015; and Four Top 2012. The caveat of the Reserve Tasting will be its ever-changing menu featuring rare single-vineyard bottlings and special older vintages of Hitching Post.

“Hitching Post Wines Tasting Room would not be complete without the added flavor of Hitching Post 2’s Santa Maria Style BBQ food pairings to enjoy while tasting. Classic crowd-pleasing favorites served from the restaurant for Lunch (mid to late afternoon menu of appetizers & snacks, too) include HP Burgers; Triple-Fried French Fries; Santa Maria BBQ Artichokes; and Grilled Corn Quesadillas.”

Chef Frank also remembers acclaimed Santa Barbara County Winemaker Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year.

The Restaurant and Tasting Room are open Wednesday through Sunday. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.

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