Show 562, January 27, 2024: Winemaker Paul Warson, Warson Wine Co., Santa Barbara County

Paul Warson of Warson Wine Company

“Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co. grew up in Los Angeles, attended UC Davis where he eventually studied Fermentation Science. Before his final year he worked at a sparkling winery in Carneros when he decided he would spend his career doing what he did for his summer vacation. Upon completion of his degree, he was invited back to see, “the other side of things.””

“Feeling he needed a change of perspective, Paul traveled to Australia, where he lived and worked for six months. With the change in varietals, climate, and overall attitude to winemaking, Paul discovered a different approach to the craft he studied and trained in for so long. Desiring to seek outside perspectives to winemaking, when Paul returned to California, he worked at Chateau Potelle, back when it was owned by both Jean-Noel and Marketta Fourmeaux and sat atop Mount Veeder. It was here Paul integrated his schooling, his experience from Australia, along with what he learned from the owners: that with each wine that is created, the winemaker has an intimate commitment to both the wine and the consumer, to craft wines that are distinctive and true to their place.”

“After working an additional nine years in Napa Valley, a conversation with Bill Foley brought Paul to Firestone Vineyard, in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he was winemaker and General Manager for nine years. By this time, estate vineyards had become Paul’s specialty, and he was able to elevate all of the tiers for each winery he worked for.”

Warson Wine Company started as a need Paul felt he had to fulfill. An inner call, to again make wine on his terms, for people to enjoy, but now with the fruit he chooses.” At present Paul is primarily sourcing fruit from familiar, esteemed vineyards in Santa Barbara County.

Paul has a special, limited time offer for listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” When you go to Warson Wine Co. and order wine when you get to the payment area type in “830AM” in the discount/offer code box for a 15 % discount! Nice…

Paul Warson joins us to uncork all that is Warson Wine Co.

Show 525, May 13, 2023: Larry Schaffer, Winemaker and Proprietor, tercero wines, Los Olivos, CA Part One

Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines

Larry Schaffer the founder and winemaker of tercero wines went back to school later in life to pursue his passion, taking classes at community colleges with kids who literally could have been his kids, and then received his MS in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He moved to the Santa Barbara County wine region, and that is where he has remained since 2005, starting on the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery and then eventually branching off to start and run tercero wines.”

“Larry is especially adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. He’s also a serious and accomplished home bread baker. Visit his tasting room in Los Olivos or follow him on social media to see for yourself.”

“tercero wines concentrates on small lot, hand crafted wines using grapes exclusively from leading Santa Barbara County vineyards and works with grapes from nearly every AVA within the county. Though his main concentration is working with Rhone varieties, Larry remains curious and therefore also works with Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and a few other fun and interesting grapes. And therein lies the beauty (and diversity) of Santa Barbara County.”

“Larry’s winemaking philosophy is still evolving, and the more vintages under his belt, the more he understands the variables at play. He also understands that a pragmatic approach is necessary to work with the unique dynamics of each and every vintage.”

“When you become a member of the tercero wines wine club, you ‘join the journey’ that Larry has been undertaking for nearly two decades. He continues to be more curious than ever, and the variety of wines produced and offered is greater than ever as well! Larry values his wine club members and treats them as his ‘best’ customers – because they are!”

Winemaker Larry Schaffer joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is tercero wines.

Show 525, May 13, 2023: Larry Schaffer, Winemaker and Proprietor, tercero wines, Los Olivos, CA Part Two

Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines

Larry Schaffer the founder and winemaker of tercero wines went back to school later in life to pursue his passion, taking classes at community colleges with kids who literally could have been his kids, and then received his MS in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He moved to the Santa Barbara County wine region, and that is where he has remained since 2005, starting on the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery and then eventually branching off to start and run tercero wines.”

“Larry is especially adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. He’s also a serious and accomplished home bread baker. Visit his tasting room in Los Olivos or follow him on social media to see for yourself.”

“tercero wines concentrates on small lot, hand crafted wines using grapes exclusively from leading Santa Barbara County vineyards and works with grapes from nearly every AVA within the county. Though his main concentration is working with Rhone varieties, Larry remains curious and therefore also works with Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and a few other fun and interesting grapes. And therein lies the beauty (and diversity) of Santa Barbara County.”

Winemaker Larry Schaffer continues with us to further gently pull the cork on all that is tercero wines.

Show 495, October 15, 2022: Peter Cham, Executive Chef, Roblar Winery & Vineyards, Gleason Family Vineyards, Santa Ynez Part One

Peter Cham of Roblar Winery and Vineyards

“Nestled in an oak tree-studded 40-acre vineyard located in the heart of Santa Barbara County, Roblar Winery and Vineyards reflects the spirit of Santa Ynez Wineries — rustic, authentic, and bold. Their philosophy is to showcase the variety and beauty that only Santa Ynez vineyards have to offer. With their diverse lineup of delicious wines, Roblar’s truly farm-to-table paired delights, a locally sourced food menu, and the uplifting estate-driven experiences, there’s truly no other Santa Ynez winery quite like Roblar.”

Some of the produce used on Chef Peter Cham’s weekly changing menu is sourced (and harvested daily) from the adjacent Roblar Farm. Also all the fresh eggs used at Roblar Kitchen come from the Farm. The Farm Bites Menu changes weekly. Thursday night Suppers at Roblar feature classic favorite dishes from Roblar’s menu along with some hearty supper dishes. Pizzas from the wood-fired oven are available on Weekends.

Chef Peter Cham takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us. He also serves as the Executive Chef for the other area Gleason Family Vineyard properties which include Refugio Ranch Vineyards and Buttonwood Winery and Vineyard.

Show 495, October 15, 2022: Peter Cham, Executive Chef, Roblar Winery & Vineyards, Gleason Family Vineyards, Santa Ynez Part Two

Peter Cham of Roblar Winery and Vineyards

“Nestled in an oak tree-studded 40-acre vineyard located in the heart of Santa Barbara County, Roblar Winery and Vineyards reflects the spirit of Santa Ynez Wineries — rustic, authentic, and bold. Their philosophy is to showcase the variety and beauty that only Santa Ynez vineyards have to offer. With their diverse lineup of delicious wines, Roblar’s truly farm-to-table paired delights, a locally sourced food menu, and the uplifting estate-driven experiences, there’s truly no other Santa Ynez winery quite like Roblar.”

Some of the produce used on Chef Peter Cham’s weekly changing menu is sourced (and harvested daily) from the adjacent Roblar Farm. Also all the fresh eggs used at Roblar Kitchen come from the Farm. On the Roblar Winery & Vineyards parking lot is their well-stocked Farm Stand with Roblar Farms produce and local specialty food products.

The Farm Bites Menu changes weekly. Thursday night Suppers at Roblar feature classic favorite dishes from Roblar’s menu along with some hearty supper dishes. Pizzas from the wood-fired oven are available on Weekends.

Wine tasting is a great accompaniment to the cuisine at Roblar. There is a refreshing Sparkling Rose to start and an ample selection of Roblar varietals to pair with the meal.

Chef Peter Cham takes a 2nd break from his busy kitchen to continue with us. He also serves as the Executive Chef for the other area Gleason Family Vineyard properties which include Refugio Ranch Vineyards and Buttonwood Winery and Vineyard.

Show 470, April 16, 2022: Samra Morris, Winemaker, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards, Solvang, CA Part One

Alma Rosa Winery is situated on the north-facing slopes of the Santa Rosa Hills in Santa Barbara County. The wines are layered, vibrant and balanced, and they reflect the special terroir of the Sta.Rita Hills, which benefits from cool Pacific Ocean breezes funneled inland through the unique transverse mountain range of the region.”

“Alma Rosa wines — most produced in small batches of less than 400 cases — represent the best of the Sta. Rita Hills. Guests are invited to try their selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, as well as some of their Rhone varietals, including Syrah and Grenache in their new Solvang Tasting Room.” There are also guest experiences available at the Alma Rosa Ranch.

“The Winery produces 5,000 hand-crafted cases per year focused on Estate and Single Vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards located on a four mile stretch along Santa Rosa Road. Sta. Rita Hills has a large reputation for extraordinary Pinot Noir yet this small area is 6 per cent the size of Napa Valley vineyards and 8 per cent the size of Paso Robles.”

“Founder and Winery Ambassador Richard Sanford planted the first Pinot Noir in the region in 1971. He provides invaluable experience in guiding Alma Rosa’s focus on excellence and balance in all Alma Rosa does. Winemaker Samra Morris (born and raised in Bosnia) brings sensitivity and technique inspired by great winemakers in California and Burgundy to wine growing and wine-making.” Samra had been the Assistant Winemaker at Alma Rosa and when the former Winemaker abruptly departed right before the 2019 harvest was promoted with confidence by Proprietors Bob and Barb Zorich and General Manager Debra Eagle.

Winemaker Samra Morris joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards.

Show 470, April 16, 2022: Samra Morris, Winemaker, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards, Solvang, CA Part Two

Alma Rosa Winery is situated on the north-facing slopes of the Santa Rosa Hills in Santa Barbara County. The wines are layered, vibrant and balanced, and they reflect the special terroir of the Sta.Rita Hills, which benefits from cool Pacific Ocean breezes funneled inland through the unique transverse mountain range of the region.”

“Alma Rosa wines — most produced in small batches of less than 400 cases — represent the best of the Sta. Rita Hills. Guests are invited to try their selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, as well as some of their Rhone varietals, including Syrah and Grenache in their new Solvang Tasting Room.” There are also guest experiences available at the Alma Rosa Ranch.

“The Winery produces 5,000 hand-crafted cases per year focused on Estate and Single Vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards located on a four mile stretch along Santa Rosa Road. Sta. Rita Hills has a large reputation for extraordinary Pinot Noir yet this small area is 6 per cent the size of Napa Valley vineyards and 8 per cent the size of Paso Robles.”

“Founder and Winery Ambassador Richard Sanford planted the first Pinot Noir in the region in 1971. He provides invaluable experience in guiding Alma Rosa’s focus on excellence and balance in all Alma Rosa does. Winemaker Samra Morris (born and raised in Bosnia) brings sensitivity and technique inspired by great winemakers in California and Burgundy to wine growing and wine-making.” Samra had been the Assistant Winemaker at Alma Rosa and when the former Winemaker abruptly departed right before the 2019 harvest was promoted with confidence by Proprietors Bob and Barb Zorich and General Manager Debra Eagle.

Winemaker Samra Morris continues with us pouring a glass of Alma Rosa Estate Pinot Noir, El Jabali Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills.

Show 468, April 2, 2022: Chef Michael Cherney, peasants DELI & MARKET and peasants FEAST, Solvang

Michael Cherney of Peasants Feast

“California Central Coast Chef Michael Cherney and his wife, Sarah Cherney, owners of the Solvang, California restaurant, peasants FEAST, have launched peasants DELI & MARKET, also in downtown Solvang. The new space is located at 473 Atterdag Road, across the lane from the duo’s first restaurant, peasants FEAST.”

“peasants DELI & MARKET offers classic and not-so-classic deli sandwiches filled with thoughtfully-sourced, artisanal cured and smoked meats, served on specially-commissioned sesame French rolls from Santa Ynez Valley bakery, Bob’s Well Bread. A focal point of peasants DELI, featured front and center, is a sizable leg of 5J Jamón Ibérico Bellota Cinco Jotas, a rarely-found Spanish import, considered the finest cured ham in the world. Chef Cherney’s renowned and Instagram-famous pastrami smoked salmon is on the menu, as well as house-roasted Kobe roast beef sandwiches; an “Italian” sandwich version, “The Godfather,” with Alle-Pia coppa, Barolo and Sopressa salami, and La Quercia prosciutto; house-roasted turkey breast; veggie options; and, eventually, Cherney’s house-made porchetta sandwich, all finished with house dressings and condiments.”

“Most of my memories of my dad revolve around food, and some of the best of those were from the times he’d take me to hole-in-the-wall delis all over Los Angeles,” said Chef Michael Cherney, owner of peasants FEAST and now, peasants DELI & MARKET, with his wife, Sarah.”

Chef Cherney continued, “We’d sit out on the curb to eat whatever that day’s haul might have been. peasants DELI and MARKET is my recreation of those memories, right down to the scant sidewalk seating in front of the shop.”

“The Cherneys’ 2-year old debut restaurant, peasants FEAST, is now known up and down the Central Coast for its seasonal, scratch-made comfort food with a Santa Barbara County wine country twist. The eatery originally opened for business just two weeks after the start of the March 2020 pandemic shutdowns.”

Show 446, October 9, 2021: Dierberg Estate Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard, Santa Barbara County Part One

Chris King of Star Lane Vineyard

Dierberg Estate Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard were founded in 1996. Owners Jim and Mary Dierberg started this project with the intent of creating World-Class wines from three different AVA’s in Santa Barbara County. They began by planting vineyards in both Santa Maria Valley and at the beautiful Star Lane Ranch in Happy Canyon. Finally, with the addition of the Drum Canyon Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Jim and Mary were able to accomplish their goal of crafting unique, terroir-driven wines that capture the best of these three distinctive sites.”

“Under the Dierberg label, the focus is on the delicate and elegant Burgundian varietals; whereas, at Star Lane, the focus is on the more robust and powerful Bordeaux varieties. Their dedication to producing the highest quality wines can be seen from the care in the vineyards, through the winemaking process, to the wine in your glass!”

Winemaker Tyler Thomas started with Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyards in the Summer of 2013. His affinity with the Central Coast started early, with his first full-time harvest job, at Fiddlehead Cellars. Though his career later steered him up to Sonoma, his return has been welcomed. “The entire valley made its imprint on me back then as I sampled vineyards in both Happy Canyon and Sta. Rita Hills.””

“Thomas is responsible for the day-to-day details of winemaking, from harvest to the final blending of the wines. He completed his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Botany at Colorado State University, and received a masters in Viticulture and Enology at U.C. Davis.”

Dierberg Estate Vineyard’s and Star Lane Vineyard’s Hospitality Director, Chris King, joins us to uncork all that is Star Lane Vineyard and Dierberg Estate Vineyard.

Show 446, October 9, 2021: Dierberg Estate Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard, Santa Barbara County Part Two

Chris King of Star Lane Vineyard

Dierberg Estate Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard were founded in 1996. Owners Jim and Mary Dierberg started this project with the intent of creating World-Class wines from three different AVA’s in Santa Barbara County. They began by planting vineyards in both Santa Maria Valley and at the beautiful Star Lane Ranch in Happy Canyon. Finally, with the addition of the Drum Canyon Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Jim and Mary were able to accomplish their goal of crafting unique, terroir-driven wines that capture the best of these three distinctive sites.”

“Under the Dierberg label, the focus is on the delicate and elegant Burgundian varietals; whereas, at Star Lane, the focus is on the more robust and powerful Bordeaux varieties. Their dedication to producing the highest quality wines can be seen from the care in the vineyards, through the winemaking process, to the wine in your glass!”

“The Dierberg’s and Star Lane Vineyards’ Tasting Room (by Appointment only) is located on their Sta. Rita Hills property, Drum Canyon Vineyard. Set towards the back of the property on Drum Canyon Road, the Tasting Room offers a flight of 5 wines featuring Dierberg • Star Lane wines for $25.”

“This tasting showcases the incredible diversity of their three estate vineyards located in Santa Barbara County. The unique climates of each of the three vineyards allows Dierberg & Star Lane to produce: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah.”

“Star Lane Vineyard itself is a Private Estate and is available for privately hosted tours and tastings by appointment only. The curated Estate Tour and Tasting Experience showcases the splendor of the Santa Ynez Valley and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the magic and beauty of the Star Lane Vineyard, Winery & Caves. The 120-minute signature journey begins with a tour of Dierberg’s expansive wine-making facility where guests will experience awe-inspiring views of one of Santa Barbara County’s most historic private ranches.”

Dierberg Estate Vineyard’s and Star Lane Vineyard’s Hospitality Director, Chris King, continues with us to uncork all that is Star Lane Vineyard and Dierberg Estate Vineyard.