Show 517, March 18, 2023: Vega Vineyards & Farm with Proprietor Jimmy Loizides

Jimmy and Karen Loizides of Vega Vineyard and Farm

“Hospitality entrepreneurs, Karen and Jimmy Loizides, launched late last year the family’s newest Santa Ynez Valley venture, Vega Vineyard & Farm. The working winery, farm, and event venue, located on historic land most recently home to Mosby Winery & Vineyards, was renamed “Vega” in honor of the ranch’s initial identity, Rancho La Vega, and its important place in the heart and history of northern Santa Barbara County.”

“The 212-acre Vega Vineyard and Farm comprises the previously-Mosby property’s 21 acres of vineyards, currently covered in Italian varietals, as well as the property’s winery and tasting room, both of which have undergone extensive updates and a design overhaul. The tasting room, situated in a barn which was once the land’s circa-1880s carriage house, joins the likes of other historical structures on the ranch including the original adobe home, dating back to 1853, which continues to greet guests with a new garden and VIP area. Sitting atop one of the highest points of the mountainous parcel of land, a 216-square-foot adobe-style chapel, built in 2014 with pews salvaged from an Ohio church. The chapel is adorned with stained-glass windows and an expansive outdoor patio with endless views of the Santa Ynez Valley.”

“This property has an incredible, tangible history, and such energy of its own. But it was in need of some love, and we are overjoyed at the chance to be the people who inject new life into this important place,” said Jimmy Loizides, Vega Vineyard and Farm’s new owner.

Proprietor and hospitality veteran Jimmy Loizides joins us.

Show 517, March 18, 2023: Vega Vineyards & Farm with Winemaker Steve Clifton

Steve Clifton of Vega Vineyard

“Hospitality entrepreneurs, Karen and Jimmy Loizides, launched late last year the family’s newest Santa Ynez Valley venture, Vega Vineyard & Farm. The working winery, farm, and event venue, located on historic land most recently home to Mosby Winery & Vineyards, was renamed “Vega” in honor of the ranch’s initial identity, Rancho La Vega, and its important place in the heart and history of northern Santa Barbara County.”

“Leading Vega Vineyard and Farm’s winemaking operations is esteemed Santa Barbara County winemaker, Steve Clifton, known for his decades-long work with Italian grape varieties. Estate-grown Vega Vineyard and Farm bottlings will begin with vintages from harvest of 2022.”

“Reopened is the now-family-friendly winery tasting room for bottle sales and tasting experiences. Available wines include the winery’s existing library of inventory, as well as bottles under the Vega Vineyard and Farm label, made with grapes sourced from Santa Barbara County vineyards. Wines currently available for sale and tastings include red wines like Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Syrah, Barbera, and Pinot Noir, white wines such as Chardonnay, Bianco (a white blend), Albariño, Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, and Viognier, and a Rosato (rosé).”

“Guests may opt for an al fresco wine tasting experience with multiple seating areas overlooking the vineyards, with live music, lawn games, and other entertainment meant for leisurely, outdoor afternoons. Picnic-perfect spots located on the west side of the property welcome families.”

“Steve has worked as a winemaker on projects as far flung as Italy, Argentina and Walla Walla, Washington, but has always known that Santa Barbara County is where his winemaking roots and passion resides.”

Winemaker Steve Clifton is our guest to uncork all that is Vega Vineyard.

Show 509, January 28, 2023: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part One

Jonathan Rosenson of FIrst and Oak

Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier.

“Jonathan Rosenson, a level 2 sommelier, currently is director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang.”

“Jonathan is also the creative director and owner for Coquelicot Estate Vineyards and is heavily involved in their wine growing and wholesale practices. Past endeavors have included The Sky Room in Long Beach, Wine Cask, Santa Barbara, and Bernard’s Wine Gallery. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry Jonathan is a seasoned pro at creating a culinary experience. Crafting elaborate menus, exquisite tastings, and special events are his forte.”

Jonathan joins us to uncork all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.

Show 509, January 28, 2023: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part Two

Jonathan Rosenson of FIrst and Oak

Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier.

“Jonathan Rosenson, a level 2 sommelier, currently is director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang.”

“Jonathan is also the creative director and owner for Coquelicot Estate Vineyards and is heavily involved in their wine growing and wholesale practices. Past endeavors have included The Sky Room in Long Beach, Wine Cask, Santa Barbara, and Bernard’s Wine Gallery. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry Jonathan is a seasoned pro at creating a culinary experience. Crafting elaborate menus, exquisite tastings, and special events are his forte.”

Jonathan continues with us pulling the cork on all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.

Show 504, December 17, 2022: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Director of Innovation, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Part One

Victor Novak of Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company’s (Buellton) new Director of Innovation is Victor Novak (ex-Golden Road Brewing.) Victor also serves as Head Brewer for the company’s upcoming Los Angeles taprooms. Novak will help expand the brewing operations for Figueroa Mountain in Los Angeles, bringing his years of experience with brewing at all scales to the organization. Prior to this announcement, Novak served as Brewmaster at Golden Road Brewing, having joined them in 2014. Before that he brewed at TAPS Brewery, where he racked up 21 World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Fest medals as well as recognition as Brewer of the Year in 2010 and 2011.”

“Chief among Victor’s tasks will be to oversee the development of the three new Figueroa Mountain brewpubs in Los Angeles, including the upcoming Fig Mtn LagerHaus in Sherman Oaks, Agua Santa Cervecería in West LA, and Fig Mtn University in Westwood Village.”

“Asked about what makes him excited about those locations, Novak said, “Bringing the Figueroa Mountain identity to these brewpubs is going to do a lot to open more people’s eyes to the depth and breadth of what we can do in LA, and that’s really thrilling.”

The reconceived and revived brewpubs are expected to open under their new names early in 2023.

Victor Novak is our guest to tap the keg on all that is Figueroa Mountain Beer Co.

Show 504, December 17, 2022: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Director of Innovation, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Part Two

Victor Novak of Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company’s (Buellton) new Director of Innovation is Victor Novak (ex-Golden Road Brewing.) Victor also serves as Head Brewer for the company’s upcoming Los Angeles taprooms. Novak will help expand the brewing operations for Figueroa Mountain in Los Angeles, bringing his years of experience with brewing at all scales to the organization. Prior to this announcement, Novak served as Brewmaster at Golden Road Brewing, having joined them in 2014. Before that he brewed at TAPS Brewery, where he racked up 21 World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Fest medals as well as recognition as Brewer of the Year in 2010 and 2011.”

“Chief among Victor’s tasks will be to oversee the development of the three new Figueroa Mountain brewpubs in Los Angeles, including the upcoming Fig Mtn LagerHaus in Sherman Oaks, Agua Santa Cervecería in West LA, and Fig Mtn University in Westwood Village.”

“Asked about what makes him excited about those locations, Novak said, “Bringing the Figueroa Mountain identity to these brewpubs is going to do a lot to open more people’s eyes to the depth and breadth of what we can do in LA, and that’s really thrilling.”

The reconceived and revived brewpubs are expected to open under their new names early in 2023.

“Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. was founded in 2010 by father and son team Jim and Jamie Dietenhofer. Through their passion for craft beer, they’ve sought to share the beauty and the spirit of the Santa Ynez Valley with beer lovers throughout the state. Their beer can be found in bars, restaurants, and grocery stores throughout California, as well as in their taprooms throughout the region.”

Victor Novak continues as our guest to tap the keg on all that is Figueroa Mountain Beer Co.

Show 497, October 29, 2022: Gleason Family Vineyards, Santa Ynez Valley with Callie Gleason & Winemaker Max Marshak Part One

Callie Gleason Bieszard of Gleason Family Vineyards

Gleason Family Vineyards (GFV) is the corporate umbrella for 3, separate, distinct wineries located in the Santa Ynez Valley under the leadership of two generations of the Gleason Family. Their Winemaker is Max Marshak. The properties are Roblar Winery & Vineyard, Refugio Ranch Vineyards, and their most recent acquisition, the historic Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard. Director of Marketing Callie Gleason and Winemaker Max Marshak join us to pull the cork on both Refugio Ranch Vineyards and Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard. in Solvang.

“Located at 2990 Grand Avenue and Hwy 154, Refugio Ranch is a 415-acre estate located in the Santa Ynez Valley AVA of California’s Central Coast. Within the property, covered largely by old oak trees, twenty- six select acres were mindfully planted and have been well cared for by the Gleason Family. Refugio Ranch represents a centuries-old history of cowboys and cattle ranching. The native land has been left largely untouched but for the vines that the land itself nurtures and readies for harvest. The Gleasons believe it is “terroir” or that sense of place, that gives a wine its soul.”

“The charming town of Los Olivos, CA was founded in the late 1800’s as the southern terminus of the Pacific Coast Railroad. Many historic buildings from that era still stand in Los Olivos today, including the present home of the Refugio Ranch Vineyards Tasting Room. The building was built circa 1912 as the warehouse for the Pinal-Dome Refining Co. (later Union Oil) where the tank cars from the railway were filled.”

“The Gleasons have taken great care to preserve the structure and spirit of this slice of history. The early 1900’s warehouse is now home to Refugio Ranch’s two tasting bars, a VIP lounge and an expansive outdoor deck ~ making it one of the largest tasting rooms in Los Olivos.” There is convenient on-site parking as well as accommodating restrooms.

“Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard (and Farm) is a small gem set amidst the splendor of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley. The farm is a shining example of the vision of its late founder, Betty Williams. Betty was always ahead of her time, and in the 60’s set out to create a working farm based on good practices for people, animals and the earth. First there were horses, then organic vegetables and finally, a vineyard.”

“Today, the 42-acre vineyard (now owned by Gleason Family Vineyards) stretches across a sun-drenched mesa on the eastern portion of the 106-acre property. Buttonwood started planting in 1983 and now have 38,000 vines, small in the world of wine, but huge to Buttonwood. The on-site tasting room is surrounded by other bounty from the farm, including olives, pomegranates, peonies, herbs, summer vegetables and of course, their famous peaches!” Adding a farm-focused, limited menu under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Peter Cham is on the immediate horizon.

Show 497, October 29, 2022: Gleason Family Vineyards, Santa Ynez Valley with Callie Gleason & Winemaker Max Marshak Part Two

Gleason Family Vineyards (GFV) is the corporate umbrella for 3, separate, distinct wineries located in the Santa Ynez Valley under the leadership of two generations of the Gleason Family. Their Winemaker is Max Marshak. The properties are Roblar Winery & Vineyard, Refugio Ranch Vineyards, and their most recent acquisition, the historic Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard. Director of Marketing Callie Gleason and Winemaker Max Marshak continue with us to pull the cork on both Refugio Ranch Vineyards it’s Tasting Room in Los Olivos and Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard.

“Located at 2990 Grand Avenue and Hwy 154, Refugio Ranch is a 415-acre estate located in the Santa Ynez Valley AVA of California’s Central Coast. Within the property, covered largely by old oak trees, twenty- six select acres were mindfully planted and have been well cared for by the Gleason Family. Refugio Ranch represents a centuries-old history of cowboys and cattle ranching. The native land has been left largely untouched but for the vines that the land itself nurtures and readies for harvest. The Gleasons believe it is “terroir” or that sense of place, that gives a wine its soul.”

“The charming town of Los Olivos, CA was founded in the late 1800’s as the southern terminus of the Pacific Coast Railroad. Many historic buildings from that era still stand in Los Olivos today, including the present home of the Refugio Ranch Vineyards Tasting Room. The building was built circa 1912 as the warehouse for the Pinal-Dome Refining Co. (later Union Oil) where the tank cars from the railway were filled.”

“The Gleasons have taken great care to preserve the structure and spirit of this slice of history.  The early 1900’s warehouse is now home to Refugio Ranch’s two tasting bars, a VIP lounge and an expansive outdoor deck ~ making it one of the largest tasting rooms in Los Olivos.” There is convenient on-site parking as well as accommodating restrooms.

“Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard (and Farm) is a small gem set amidst the splendor of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley. The farm is a shining example of the vision of its late founder, Betty Williams. Betty was always ahead of her time, and in the 60’s set out to create a working farm based on good practices for people, animals and the earth. First there were horses, then organic vegetables and finally, a vineyard.”

“Today, the 42-acre vineyard (now owned by Gleason Family Vineyards) stretches across a sun-drenched mesa on the eastern portion of the 106-acre property. Buttonwood started planting in 1983 and now have 38,000 vines, small in the world of wine, but huge to Buttonwood. The on-site tasting room is surrounded by other bounty from the farm, including olives, pomegranates, peonies, herbs, summer vegetables and of course, their famous peaches!” Adding a farm-focused, limited menu under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Peter Cham is on the immediate horizon.

Show 477, June 4, 2022: Proprietor & Executive Chef Nathan Peitso, Sear Steakhouse, Solvang, CA Part One

Nathan Peitso of Sear Steakhouse

“Farmer and chef Nathan Peitso of Los Angeles-originated restaurant brand, Farmhouse (formerly located at the Beverly Center,) is now owner/executive chef at Solvang’s Sear Steakhouse. The Santa Barbara County wine country steakhouse, which initially opened in March 2021 under previous ownership, is located in the heart of the Danish-settled village (adjacent to the Landsby Inn) along California’s Central Coast.”

“Peitso’s plans for the restaurant include a rebrand and name change in the coming months to “Crawford’s Steakhouse,” in honor of his family name, and a variety of menu and service additions and expansions. Sear’s local farm relationships will continue to play a major role in the kitchen, as Peitso sources from Santa Ynez Valley farms in addition to his family’s Southern California-based Kenter Canyon Farms. Roan Mills, to which Peitso also has family ties, will supply all bread products bound for the steakhouse, which will also see an elevated Santa Barbara seafood presence on its dinner menu and an increase in vegetable-based dishes, in addition to multiple steak cuts and other proteins.”

“As a second-generation, Californian farmer – and now, a Santa Ynez Valley resident – Peitso intends to keep menu pricing accessible, relying on his close network of fellow farmers, fisherman, and ranchers.” There will be a fresh emphasis on showcasing local wines. Serving Dinner nightly except on Monday. For the future Weekend Brunch will be added as well as Monday night Dinner service.

Chef / Proprietor Nathan Peitso is our guest.

Show 477, June 4, 2022: Proprietor & Executive Chef Nathan Peitso, Sear Steakhouse, Solvang, CA Part Two

Nathan Peitso of Sear Steakhouse

“Farmer and chef Nathan Peitso of Los Angeles-originated restaurant brand, Farmhouse (formerly located at the Beverly Center,) is now owner/executive chef at Solvang’s Sear Steakhouse. The Santa Barbara County wine country steakhouse, which initially opened in March 2021 under previous ownership, is located in the heart of the Danish-settled village (adjacent to the Landsby Inn) along California’s Central Coast.”

“Peitso’s plans for the restaurant include a rebrand and name change in the coming months to “Crawford’s Steakhouse,” in honor of his family name, and a variety of menu and service additions and expansions. Sear’s local farm relationships will continue to play a major role in the kitchen, as Peitso sources from Santa Ynez Valley farms in addition to his family’s Southern California-based Kenter Canyon Farms. Roan Mills, to which Peitso also has family ties, will supply all bread products bound for the steakhouse, which will also see an elevated Santa Barbara seafood presence on its dinner menu and an increase in vegetable-based dishes, in addition to multiple steak cuts and other proteins.”

“As a second-generation, Californian farmer – and now, a Santa Ynez Valley resident – Peitso intends to keep menu pricing accessible, relying on his close network of fellow farmers, fisherman, and ranchers.” There will be a fresh emphasis on showcasing local wines. Serving Dinner nightly except on Monday. For the future Weekend Brunch will be added as well as Monday night Dinner service.

Proprietor Nathan Peitso takes a further break from his busy kitchen and continues with us.