Discover music and wine in the Santa Ynez Valley

Smoke taint and wine.

The Hidden Impact of Wildfire

How Smoke Taint Alters Your WineIn recent years, wildfires have become an increasing threat to vineyards around the world, particularly in regions like California, Australia, and parts of Europe. Along with the devastation caused by fires themselves, the lingering smoke can have a serious impact on the wine industry. One of the most significant issues is smoke taint, which can severely compromise the quality of wine.

The 2024 Lake Fire in early July has had an impact on a few wineries due to their vineyard’s proximity to the fire. After extensive testing across various blocks, these award-winning winemakers have discovered high levels of smoke taint in some of their red grape varietals — leading to the unfortunate but necessary scrapping of some vintages.

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A Lager Lover’s Dream Destination: Lagerville 2024

Lager enthusiasts unite! Jack Nicholson once famously declared, “Beer is the best damn drink in the world,” and we couldn’t agree more. Get ready for a weekend of pure beer bliss at Lagerville 2024, the nation’s premier lager event happening right here on California’s central coast in Buellton. If you’ve never experienced a beer festival before, now’s the time to join over 1,500 like-minded friends for an unforgettable time in the world of craft beer.

With more than 60 epic craft breweries from around the globe, including Germany, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and across the United States, Lagerville is the ultimate showcase of the booming craft beer industry.

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Dream Big, Dream Pink!

Gentlemen, rosé is not just for the ladies! I’m a girl, and I adore men who drink rosé. And you know what? You boys go ahead and request it whenever you damn well please. Wet blankets, please hold the pink judgment!

Brosé bashing is simply absurd. It ain’t your granny’s white zinfandel, and your gender shouldn’t determine your wine selection. And let me tell you, men’s testosterone levels don’t diminish when they take in the fresh fruit flavors of red berry fruit with tropical twists that leads to the long, tangy finish of a pretty Santa Ynez Valley pink.

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Beyond the Bottle

How to Experiment with the Influence of Glassware on Wine PerceptionYou may have encountered wine aficionados discussing the significance of a quality wine glass, but have you pondered the reason behind all the commotion? We’ve outlined a fun, straightforward experiment that will demonstrate why Riedel’s varietal-specific glassware plays a pivotal role in influencing your wine tasting perception and experience.

But first, you already know how important it is to always use the right tool for the job. You wouldn't try slicing bread with a hammer. And you certainly wouldn't hammer a nail with a screwdriver, would you? Would you? Well, it's the same with wine glasses. They aren't made one-size-fits-all for the sole purpose of transporting wine from the bottle into your gullet. Every wine varietal boasts distinct characteristics and flavor compositions, and the dimensions and configuration of the glass you employ—whether it’s a Riedel glass or something more rustic—will modify how your senses interpret the wine.

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Savoring Rainy Days: A Unique Wine Tasting Experience

Santa Ynez Valley, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and award-winning wineries, takes on a different charm when raindrops grace the landscape. While wine enthusiasts often associate vineyard visits with sunny days, I enjoyed the mystical quality of exploring Santa Barbara County's wine country under a driving rain storm. Here's how I turned a rainy day into a memorable wine-tasting adventure.

Call AheadMany wineries close during an intense rain storm due to power outages, road closures, and low body count. Koehler Family Wines was first on my list because of their recent 2021 Petite Sirah release which I had been eager to try. I called ahead and the inviting voice on the other end, Derek Koehler, indicated they were indeed open, although their hours were reduced due to the storm. Petite Sirah, here I come!

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Musicians talk music with musician Arwen Lewis on the Arwen Lewis Show

Here at SYV Buzz, our goal is to spread the word about all the fantastic live music happening at the wide variety of venues in Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, and Buellton — and we love it when we find other passionate, like-minded people with a similar mission.

Arwen Lewis is one of these. Already well known around the Santa Ynez Valley as a musician and songwriter who performs regularly at Lost Chord Guitars, Dana V. Wines, and other hot spots, Arwen has also recently branched out into radio as the host of her own show in which she interviews upcoming and accomplished musicians, many with local ties.

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Feast and Festivity

Unveiling the Winter Wonders of SYV Restaurant Week 2024 Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week stands out as one of the most anticipated culinary celebrations on California's central coast. Traditionally, both locals and fortunate visitors clear their calendars, making reservations at esteemed establishments, ranging from classic favorites to new culinary gems, all offering exclusive deals not found throughout the rest of the year.

Across the valley, various destinations and wineries join in, presenting specially crafted menus with prix fixe selections for brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

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Ignite the Night

The Idiomatiques Red-Hot Gypsy Jazz Revelry at Lost Chord GuitarsThe Idiomatiques skillfully blend Django Reinhardt-inspired moments with straight-ahead grooves. They’re as irresistible as a glass of Rhône red, promising a bold and well-rounded musical experience.

Their sizzling heat and thrilling energy unfailingly ensures a fantastic night out. The quartet’s musical skills are exceptional, reflecting a profound passion and genuine joy in both their delivery and arrangements. The Idiomatiques set list is pretty “up” musically and is the kind of hug you need when you’re struggling through especially troubling times. Their performance is complemented by a witty sense of humor, making it a very entertaining time on the town.

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Heard Through the Grapevine

Can Music Alter the Taste of Wine? In the realm of SYV Buzz, where wine and music harmonize, the question arises: Can the right musical pairing amplify the gustatory essence of the wine in your glass and add an extra dimension to your tasting pleasure?

A study conducted by Oxford University revealed that imbibers can experience a 15% increase in pleasure from their wine when sipping and listening to well-matched music. Who knew!

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Monte Mills: Authentic Cowboy Icon of California's Central Coast

Monte Mills stands as a true icon of California’s Central Coast, a living testament to the dwindling legacy of yodeling cowboys. But Monte isn’t just any cowboy: he’s the epitome of authenticity—a farrier and auctioneer by trade, embodying the essence of the Wild West. Yet beyond his cowboy persona, Monte is an integral part of the local tapestry, breathing life into traditional western swing country music and sharing it with thousands of Central Coast residents and Cal Poly SLO students annually.

As the maestro of the Annual Barn Dance benefiting the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum on a recent Saturday night, Monte drew hordes of boot scooters, swing dancers, line dancers, and two-steppers, both novices and seasoned, into the infectious world of country music that adds a whole lotta old-timey soul to the Central Coast experience.

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