The Accidental Winemaker

Après Ski

Rona's time in Aspen was cut short by work obligations (hey, better her than me) but she's long distance arranging some "private wine tastings" to celebrate our new Colorado licensure approvals.  We'll both be on hand to host a group from Ocala Horse Properties and friends with our wines and snacks from my sister-in-law's restaurant, "Meat and Cheese" at this super cool house...

"It has become in vogue in today's Aspen real estate market to refer to a listing as a legacy property, but for the House on Little Nell, ''heirloom'' is perhaps more apropos. Envision Aspen of the 1950's and what comprised the fledgling ski and mountain resort experience. Flash forward to today, and what has remained a constant throughout the changing character of the decades is the irreplaceable location and appeal of the House on Little Nell. Nestled against one of the world's most recognized ski trails and literally in the shadow of the Silver Queen gondola, the expression ''if these walls could talk'' is delivered with the wink of an eye as memories of the original home have been transformed into Aspen Mountain's transcendent ski-in/ski-out property."

Mar 6, 2021 at 12:21 AM Permalink

Chasing Winter

First, thanks to all who participated with our "Groundhog Day Discounts".  We're able to send a check to Santa Barbara Wildlife Rehab for over $600.  Our March "Feel Good Discounts" will benefit the Wild West Wildlife Rehab Center in Amarillo, Texas. 

With two trips back to the Wellington Florida farm for horse show watching in February, now it is off to Aspen for a late season ski trip with first family and then a group of friends from Florida, Texas, and California. 

We will be relocating our retail operation from 2982 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos to another location closer to the ranch this month.  Online orders will continue to be available - contact us for free delivery and shipping options. 

Mar 1, 2021 at 10:02 AM Permalink

Wow, Time Flies!

Wow!  I cannot believe it has been over a month since I last checked in.  Holiday travel, ski trip, back to the Florida farm.  Thankfully, we've been able to open back up at the Los Olivos tasting room and it's great to have people coming in again. 

In honor of "Groundhog's Day" and in memory of Rona's pet prairie dog, "PD", we're offering a 10% discount to anyone who purchases and we're donating a portion of the proceeds to the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network.  We'll continue to do other such "donation discounts" throughout the year for various non-profit organizations.  While it has certainly been a difficult year for everyone, the non-profit sector has taken a double hit.  Not only do their individual volunteers and organizaers have a budget crunch, the sponsors and donations they count on are also down. 

Now, off to watch the horses at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida.  In addition to olympic riders from across the globe, we have friends and family competing as well (Sophie & Chevito this fall). 

Feb 11, 2021 at 9:12 AM Permalink

New Year New Plans

As we go forward into 2021, we're all hoping that things across the country are able to reopen and regain normalcy.  For us, the restrictions have limited our ability to do tastings and serve on our property.  However, there is a seating area across from us and people have been grabbing a bottle of wine and enjoying it "al fresco" during the holiday season.  We're also continuing as a "wine shop" retailer and making some changes to display more items and make things easy to "grab and go".  We spent some time with east coast family over the holidays, I'm heading out for a week of skiing in Aspen and Rona's happy to be back with the herd who enjoyed some time off for the holidays.  Don't be strangers - we're still around in Los Olivos and will be expanding hours in the next week or so to be available for our clients.  Also, Rona wants to be sure to remind the riders that there is a Hawley Bennett Clinic at CD Equestrian on Ballard Canyon Road next weekend. 

Jan 3, 2021 at 7:38 PM Permalink

A Different Holiday Season

With our tasting room in Los Olivos shut down (again) we're not seeing visitors trying our wines in the shop so we have to wait to hear from them after they're back home.  Had to share my favorite comment of the week - "Opened the GSM tonight - OMG.......absolutely phenomenal! It’s like drinking pure silk if there could possibly be such an experience!"  Thanks Mie & Mike for the kind words, Rona and I couldn't agree more. 

Dec 15, 2020 at 7:19 PM Permalink

Equestrian Afternoon

Well, Rona is super excited to be hosting a fun afternoon to celebrate the National Day of the Horse on Sunday, December 13th.  Starting at 2p and running until whenever, we'll be hosting local (and some not so local) equestrians with discounts, food, equestrian trivia, and maybe, depending on the mood of the county of Santa Barbara, some live music. 

If you are in our database, you'll be receiving a note about the event this weekend.  If you are not in the database, sign up to receive discounts!  Our Equestrians will receive additional discounts on that day for purchases of bottles of wine; to enjoy on site or to take home. 

It should be a fun afternoon for all.  Looking forward to it. 

Dec 4, 2020 at 6:00 AM Permalink

December Already?

In between family visiting, Thanksgiving Dinner with good friends, and walks on the beach, we opened the doors on Thanksgiving Day.  What a fun time!  We were busy all day, met lots of new people, had a great time and sold some wine. 

Quiet at the tasting room today, so coming up with some December specials, getting out emails and preparing for our first Wine Club Shipment.  If you haven't checked out the Wine Club, we offer 2, 4, and 6 bottle clubs shipping four times a year.  We'll be processing on December 11th so you have until the 10th to sign up. 

Back at the ranch, the horses enjoyed a three-day weekend for Thanksgiving and some extra treats.  Back to work today for the herd! 

Nov 30, 2020 at 1:54 PM Permalink

Happy Thanksgiving

I can't believe it is already the end of November!  I've been a little remiss in Holiday preparations so far since the weather has been great and surf has been good.  But one thing I wanted to get done was to offer some specials this week!  I couldn't find catchy phrases for each special but the bottom line is that we're doing 25% discounts on various wines all week in person and online. 

"Winter White Wednesday" - 25% off a two pack of our 2019 Semillon
"Black Friday Mouvedre Madness" - 25% off a two pack of our 2018 GMGb and 2018 GSM
"Small Business Saturday Steals" - 25% off a two pack of our 2019 GB and 2018 Malbec
"Cyber Monday Deals All Week" - two of each of our wines plus two additional bottles of our wine of your choice $300 - a 25% plus savings and great way to try all the wines.
 

Nov 21, 2020 at 6:00 PM Permalink

A Salute to Veterans Day

Just want to take a moment to say thank you to all who serve and those who served so we can all enjoy the freedoms of our great nation.  This Veteran's Day we salute you. 

Nov 11, 2020 at 8:00 AM Permalink

Fall time at the Ranch

Can't believe it is already November.  Back on the ranch, the horses are suddenly shaggy...until they're clipped and fancy looking; mornings are crisp, even with some frost on the ground some days.  Out at the beach the shorty wetsuit isn't quite as comfortable as it was just a few weeks ago and surf sessions are a bit shorter.  Over at the tasting room we're opening up a little earlier and closing a littler earlier too to take advantage of the daylight.  As dusk falls we often have folks gather by the firepit and enjoy a glass of wine before heading to an early dinner. 

Nov 1, 2020 at 4:56 PM Permalink