Show 415, March 6, 2021: Belden Barns Winery and Farmstead with Nate and Lauren Belden Part One

Lauren and Nate Belden

“Perched atop Sonoma Mountain, Belden Barns celebrates the totality of farmstead agriculture with a surprising range of exceptional, cool-climate estate bottlings for such a boutique property.  In addition to delicious, terroir-driven wines, they rely on resident farmers Vince and Jenny Trotter for their sustainably grown estate fruit and produce.” 

“Tastings normally take place in a charming old barn — a throwback to an earlier time in Sonoma County farm life. (Currently, all tastings are conducted outside due to COVID 19 restrictions).  Visitors to the (kid-friendly) winery are encouraged to meander around the vines or head downhill to the orchards/produce where they can also hang a wish on the “wishing tree.””

Belden Barns has a program of Spring Virtual Tastings including the launch of their Apple Cider. Nate and Lauren also offer custom virtual tastings for special friends and family celebrations and business gatherings.

“Belden Barns was recently voted one of USA Today’s Top Ten Winery Tours.  Proprietors Nate and Lauren Belden are an amiable couple and their wines (including some highly regarded Pinots, Sparkling Wine, Grenache and what may be the only commercially available Gruner Veltliner in Sonoma County, among other bottlings) are noteworthy.”

Show 415, March 6, 2021: Belden Barns Winery and Farmstead with Nate and Lauren Belden Part Two

Lauren and Nate Belden

“Perched atop Sonoma Mountain, Belden Barns celebrates the totality of farmstead agriculture with a surprising range of exceptional, cool-climate estate bottlings for such a boutique property.  In addition to delicious, terroir-driven wines, they rely on resident farmers Vince and Jenny Trotter for their sustainably grown estate fruit and produce.” 

“Tastings normally take place in a charming old barn — a throwback to an earlier time in Sonoma County farm life. (Currently, all tastings are conducted outside due to COVID 19 restrictions).  Visitors to the (kid-friendly) winery are encouraged to meander around the vines or head downhill to the orchards/produce where they can also hang a wish on the “wishing tree.””

Belden Barns has a diverse program of Spring Virtual Tastings including the launch of their Apple Cider. Nate and Lauren also offer customizable virtual tastings for special friends and family celebrations and business gatherings.

“Belden Barns was recently voted one of USA Today’s Top Ten Winery Tours.  Proprietors Nate and Lauren Belden are an amiable couple and their wines (including some highly regarded Pinots, Sparkling Wine, Grenache and what may be the only commercially available Gruner Veltliner in Sonoma County, among other bottlings) are noteworthy.”

Show 328, June 15, 2019: Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2019

Doug MinnickYou’ll find out why USA Today named The Garagiste Festival the “#1 Best Wine Festival in America” when you discover over 50 of the best, hard-to-find, high-quality micro-production wineries from all over California at The 6th Annual Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure held this year for the first time in Glendale, CA. on June 21st & 22nd.

“The majority of the Garagiste Festival wineries do not have tasting rooms, cannot be found on “wine country” maps, and their wines can be very hard to find on store shelves. We make it easy for you to find a world of new wine discoveries all under one roof.”

“As with all Garagiste events, only the winemakers and/or owners (often the same person) will be pouring the wines. Come meet the artists who are making some of the most exciting and innovative wines in the world. And no snobs allowed!”

Co-Founder Doug Minnick pulls the cork on all the quaffable particulars for us.

Show 318, April 6, 2019: Pechanga Sake and Beer Festival Preview with Pechanga’s Sommelier, Mark Amodeo

Mark AmodeoFor enthusiasts of Japanese beer, sake and sushi, a new festival comes to the calendar in April at Pechanga Resort Casino. The inaugural Pechanga Sake & Beer Festival takes over the Pechanga Summit Events Center on Saturday, April 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with VIP entry at 12 p.m. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

More than 40 premium sakes (daiginjo, ginjo, junmai and sparkling) including many award-winning brands and styles from all over Japan will be poured alongside Japanese beers. Brews include premium beers, reserve, super dry (European style) and black beers from the island nation. Guests can learn about sakes’ flavors and production styles from experts – the brewers themselves and those close to the brewing process. Pechanga chefs get rolled up in the festival as they prepare fresh sushi to pair with the sake and beer selections.

Chefs Kiyo Ikeda, head chef of Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar, Kok Che, executive sous chef of Pechanga’s Asian restaurants, and Duane Owen, Pechanga Executive Chef, will be on hand to meet with guests, present them fresh, made-on-site sushi, and allow visitors to find out their expert suggestions for matching sushi with sake.

Tickets are now on sale and available at Pechanga’s website, by calling (877) 711-2946 or at the Pechanga Box Office. General admission tickets are $75 and include a keepsake sake sampling cup. VIP tickets are $150 and include early entry at 12 p.m. and a wooden sake holder and cup. Tickets include unlimited samples of sake, beer and sushi. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.

The festival’s idea sprang from the popularity of beer and sake within Southern California, as well as the continued rise of sushi as a mainstay of sought-after fare in America. The 2nd place win for Pechanga’s Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar in USA Today’s Best Casino Restaurant readers’ poll also helped cement the festival’s possibility at the Temecula resort/casino.

Pechanga Resort Casino’s newly arrived Sommelier, Mark Amodeo, is our spirited guide.

Show 312, February 23, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a salivating preview of Saturday’s incredibly delectable show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience.

Thre Landsby Hotel in SolvangWe’re live from The Landsby boutique hotel in historic Solvang in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang has been recognized by USA Today as one of America’s Ten Best Small Historic Towns. It’s a delectable taste of Denmark without the long flight. Think Ableskiver, a popular Danish dessert (pancake balls) served with raspberry jam and a dusting of powdered sugar. Also artisan Danish chocolate confections along with mouthwatering, freshly-baked butter cookies with not even a hint of preservatives…

It’s hard to believe but before last year Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning, 2004 feature motion picture, Sideways, never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better last year when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered piping hot from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s Hitching Post 2 in Buellton. Gray & Frank pop the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

Our broadcast host is The Landsby, the newest and possibly the most innovative hotel in the Santa Ynez Valley. This stunning 50-room boutique hotel offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations. Hospitality veteran Barry Prescott, The Landsby’s meticulous General Manager, is our guest.

In the last three years the Chumash Casino Resort has expanded to 320 rooms and 58 suites. It’s a AAA Four Diamond rated property. The 135 foot tall Hotel Tower provides guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley. Food options range from specialty Tacos and fresh Sushi in the Food Court to formal dining with a deep wine list in The Willows Steakhouse. On the guest menu is Paul Hohe, the Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash.

Located in Solvang, California, the Danish capital of America, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolate Factory was first opened in 1961. The traditional chocolate recipes were first brought to Solvang by Ingeborg Larsen, a chocolate dipper in one of Denmark’s largest chocolate factories. Ingeborgs is now safely in the hands of Kim and Carol Jensen who have preserved the tradition of Danish artisan chocolate making. Kim joins us in sweet conversation.

Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, established in 1996, owns and farms three vineyards in Santa Barbara County. They have been supplying grapes to some of the finest wineries in California for decades. Lucas & Lewellen believes that quality begins in the vineyard, where all the work is done by hand and standards of uncompromising quality are maintained. Co-Proprietor Royce Lewellen is our guest.

Tracy Farhad is the Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau. “We are at your service.” “Whether you are a visitor trying to arrange for a family reunion or wedding; or a travel industry professional needing extra assistance while planning a trip to Solvang, the Solvang CVB can be your liaison for coordinating essential details.”

Tracy joins us with a preview of the upcoming 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang.”

Mad & Vin is the well-received, destination restaurant and bar at The Landsby. It’s farm-to-kitchen fresh ingredients for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner as Chef Beto Huizar shops at Solvang’s Wednesday afternoon Farmers Market. Chef Beto escapes the busy kitchen and is our guest.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

February 23: Live from the Landsby in Solvang

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Winemakers Gray Hartley and Chef Frank Ostini, Hitching Post Wines, Buellton
Segment Three: Barry Prescott, General Manager, The Landsby
Segment Four: Paul Hohe, Food and Beverage Director, Chumash Casino Resort
Segment Five: Kim Jensen, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates, Solvang
Segment Six: Royce Lewellen, Co-Proprietor, Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, Solvang
Segment Seven: Tracy Farhad, Executive Director, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Beto Huizar, Mad & Vin at The Landsby, Solvang

Now a salivating preview of this Saturday’s incredibly delectable show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience.

Thre Landsby Hotel in SolvangWe’re live from The Landsby boutique hotel in historic Solvang in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang has been recognized by USA Today as one of America’s Ten Best Small Historic Towns. It’s a delectable taste of Denmark without the long flight. Think Ableskiver, a popular Danish dessert (pancake balls) served with raspberry jam and a dusting of powdered sugar. Also artisan Danish chocolate confections along with mouthwatering, freshly-baked butter cookies with not even a hint of preservatives…

It’s hard to believe but before last year Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning, 2004 feature motion picture, “Sideways,” never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better last year when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered piping hot from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s Hitching Post 2 in Buellton. Gray & Frank pop the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

Our broadcast host is The Landsby, the newest and possibly the most innovative hotel in the Santa Ynez Valley. This stunning 50-room boutique hotel offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations. Hospitality veteran Barry Prescott, The Landsby’s General Manager, is our guest.

In the last three years the Chumash Casino Resort has expanded to 320 rooms and 58 suites. It’s a AAA Four Diamond rated property. The 135 foot tall Hotel Tower provides guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley. Food options range from specialty Tacos and fresh Sushi in the Food Court to formal dining with a deep wine list in The Willows Steakhouse. On the guest menu is Paul Hohe, the Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash.

Located in Solvang, California, the Danish capital of America, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolate Factory was first opened in 1961. The traditional chocolate recipes were first brought to Solvang by Ingeborg Larsen, a chocolate dipper in one of Denmark’s largest chocolate factories. Ingeborgs is now safely in the hands of Kim and Carol Jensen who have preserved the tradition of Danish artisan chocolate making. Kim joins us in sweet conversation.

Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, established in 1996, owns and farms three vineyards in Santa Barbara County. They have been supplying grapes to some of the finest wineries in California for decades. Lucas & Lewellen believes that quality begins in the vineyard, where all the work is done by hand and standards of uncompromising quality are maintained. Co-proprietor Royce Lewellen is our guest.

Tracy Farhad is the Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau. “We are at your service.” “Whether you are a visitor trying to arrange for a family reunion or wedding; or a travel industry professional needing extra assistance while planning a trip to Solvang, the Solvang CVB can be your liaison for coordinating essential details.”

Tracy joins us with a preview of the upcoming 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang.” 

Mad & Vin is the well-received, destination restaurant and bar at The Landsby. It’s farm-to-kitchen fresh ingredients for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner as Chef Beto Huizar shops at Solvang’s Wednesday afternoon Farmers Market. Chef Beto escapes the kitchen and is our guest.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Frank Ostini and Gray HartleyIt’s hard to believe but before last year Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning 2004 feature motion picture, Sideways,) never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better last year when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s Hitching Post 2 restaurant in Buellton.

Leading the Hitching Post Wines team are the creators and two long-time friends, Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini, who have been making wines in Santa Barbara County, California since 1979. Long before Hollywood discovered the winemaking landmark and its excellent wines, Gray Hartley, a former Alaskan salmon fisherman and Frank Ostini, chef and owner of the famed Hitching Post 2 Restaurant in Buellton, were brought together by their love of wine and winemaking. Over the years their backyard hobby has turned into a highly acclaimed winemaking enterprise.

Gray & Frank pop the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

Barry PrescottOur Solvang broadcast host is The Landsby, the newest and possibly the most innovative hotel in the Santa Ynez Valley. This stunning 50-room boutique hotel offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations.

The Landsby features a clean contemporary design, with a hint of traditional Scandinavian aesthetic. The completely remodeled, bright and open guestrooms are finished with blonde woods, brushed brass accents, and elegant but comfortable hand-crafted furnishings complete with updated bathrooms, 47-inch flat-screen HDTVs, minibars, and stunning artwork commissioned from regional artists.

Hospitality veteran Barry Prescott, The Landsby’s General Manager, shows us around.

Paul HoheIn the last three years the Chumash Casino Resort has expanded to 320 rooms and 58 suites. It’s a AAA Four Diamond rated property. The 135 foot tall Hotel Tower provides guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Under the supervision of Executive Chef Peter Sherlock the food options range from specialty Tacos and fresh Sushi in the Food Court to formal dining in The Willows Steakhouse. There is also The Buffet, the well-stocked Grains and Grounds grab & go (24 Hours,) the Pool Bar & Grill and The Café.

On the guest menu is Paul Hohe, the Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash.

Kim JensenLocated in Solvang, California, the Danish capital of America, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolate Factory was first opened in 1961. The traditional chocolate recipes were first brought to Solvang by Ingeborg Larsen, a chocolate dipper in one of Denmark’s largest chocolate factories. Ingeborg’s is now safely in the hands of caretakers Kim and Carol Jensen who have preserved the tradition of Danish artisan chocolate making with some contemporary touches.

“A perfect accent for fine wines, champagnes, and coffees, Ingeborg’s chocolates are made with absolutely the finest, fresh ingredients and no preservatives or additives. As the seasons change, the boxes and wrappings may vary, but never their commitment to quality.”

“No matter what the season, or the occasion, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or any day, Ingeborg’s specialty Danish chocolates are sure to delight the palate of the most discriminating chocolate lover. Their light and dark chocolate Cornucopias make stunning centerpiece displays, elegant for any time of year, and are filled with their handmade luscious soft centered Truffles and now our new award-winning “Sea Salt and Butterscotch Sea Salt Caramel Chocolates.””

“Ingeborg’s also features a wide variety of unique molded chocolate items as well as our Orange and Peppermint chocolate sticks. All items are individually boxed and beautifully wrapped. Please note that we now also feature an expanded array of sugar-free chocolates, sweets, and assorted candies.”

Kim joins us in sweet conversation.

Lucas LewellenLucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, established in 1996, owns and farms three vineyards in Santa Barbara County. They have been supplying grapes to some of the finest wineries in California for decades. Lucas & Lewellen believes that quality begins in the vineyard, where all the work is done by hand and standards of uncompromising quality are maintained.

“This philosophy was carried on through the opening of the winery in 1999, with the goal of consistently producing estate wines of extraordinary character, reflecting the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County wine country. Megan McGrath Gates, winemaker since 2007, responds to the varying conditions and challenges that each year brings in the vineyard in order to express the natural individuality of each grape varietal grown.”

Co-proprietor Royce Lewellen is our guest.

Tracy FarhadTracy Farhad is the Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau. “We are at your service.” “Whether you are a visitor trying to arrange for a family reunion or wedding; or a travel industry professional needing extra assistance while planning a trip to Solvang, the Solvang CVB can be your liaison for coordinating essential details.”

The 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang” food and wine events are offering delicious delights and savory flavors from Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17, 2019. From iconic sweets and award-winning wines, beers, and spirits plus farm-to-table, rustic wine-country cuisine to New American and modern Danish fare, this popular celebration features a variety of food and beverage experiences featuring Solvang area chefs, bakers, farmers, winemakers, brewers, distillers and artisans showcasing the bounty of the region since 1993.

Tracy joins us with a preview of the upcoming 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang.”

Beto HuizarThe Landsby’s signature restaurant is Mad & Vin showcasing wine-country inspired cuisine. The executive chef is Beto Huizar. It’s honestly “farm-to-kitchen” fresh ingredients as Chef Beto shops the weekly Wednesday afternoon Solvang Farmers Market.

Each dish is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients from California’s Central Coast. Seating for breakfast, lunch or dinner is in the welcoming dining room or dine alfresco on the outdoor patio overlooking the striking interior courtyard.

Happy Hour at the popular Lobby Bar (soon to expand) is seven days a week. It’s a favorite with the locals for quick, chef-driven bites and quality libations.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Winemakers Gray Hartley and Chef Frank Ostini, Hitching Post Wines, Buellton
Segment Three: Barry Prescott, General Manager, The Landsby
Segment Four: Paul Hohe, Food and Beverage Director, Chumash Casino Resort
Segment Five: Kim Jensen, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates, Solvang
Segment Six: Royce Lewellen, Co-Proprietor, Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, Solvang
Segment Seven: Tracy Farhad, Executive Director, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Beto Huizar, Mad & Vin at The Landsby, Solvang