The Accidental Winemaker
I never dreamed that I'd be a winemaker! Several years ago, we came to California with our small herd of horses to escape the Florida summers. While my wife was fully involved with the horses, I became interested in the vineyards around our ranch. Met some good people, got interested. And now, in 2020, we've bottled the first of grapes that I helped source and blend, wines that have my input with the assistance of master winemaker, Steve Clifton.
Hopefully, you will enjoy drinking these wines as much as I've enjoyed making them.
Kent Mitchell
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
My First Journal Post
During the past few years of touring vineyards, crushing grapes, and tasting wine, I wasn't sure quite what to expect from our initial offerings at the tasting room in Los Olivos. Well, I realize that I like wine. I like people. And that I'm happier out in the vineyards or in the winery. Still, I swing by the tasting room at random times and open up for folks who happen to wander by, asking "are you open?". I try to go on the weekends...and hey, that's when we have pizza and live music (when it is allowed). Fall in Los Olivos is fantastic and I can spend hours in the garden behind the tasting room just enjoying conversation and some wine.
Oct 31, 2020 at 1:00 PM
Permalink