Discover music and wine in the Santa Ynez Valley

Stolpman Vineyards’ So Fresh! Garage Takes Over Mattei’s Tavern

Santa Ynez Valley is in for a buzzin’ treat as Stolpman Vineyards' So Fresh! Garage takes center stage at Mattei’s Tavern, bringing an evening dedicated to the art of fresh winemaking. Known for their minimalist, hands-off approach, Stolpman’s So Fresh! wines embrace whole-cluster, native fermentation, preserving the purity of the fruit while creating high-toned, vibrant flavors that are redefining California’s wine scene.

Rain or Shine! An Evening at Mattei’s TavernThe historic Mattei’s Tavern, a cornerstone of Los Olivos’ wine country charm, will provide the perfect setting for this unique takeover. Expect a dynamic tasting experience, featuring two of Stolpman Vineyard’s most sought-after So Fresh! wines, Love You Bunches (Sangiovese) and their brand new unfiltered Sauvignon Blanc. If you love exploring the world of natural-style winemaking, this event is for you.

click to read more

Picpoul Blanc from Four Brothers Wine Co.

Uncorking Something Rare

Four Brothers Debuts The Only Single-Vineyard Picpoul Blanc in Los OlivosAttention adventurous wine lovers! Four Brothers Wine Co., a boutique winery rooted in family and passion for the great outdoors, has unveiled its first-ever single-vineyard Picpoul Blanc. The grapes, sourced locally from Santa Ynez Vineyard in the Happy Canyon AVA, mark an exciting new chapter for this family-run winery known for their commitment to community, quality and innovation.

The Inspiration Behind the Bottle
The decision to produce Picpoul Blanc came after Carisa Blasman, wife of co-owner Chris Blasman, fell in love with the varietal during a wine-tasting adventure in Sonoma, California. "Carisa really wanted us to make Picpoul, so we started the hunt for a vineyard producing it," Chris shared. They found their perfect match at Santa Ynez Vineyard, acquiring three rows of grapes (about 3 tons), which roughly translates to 150 cases of white wine goodness.

click to read more

The Sound of Legends

Teddy Jack Live at Lost Chord GuitarsSYV Buzz music fans, secure your seats! On Friday, January 17, 2025, Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang will be buzzing with energy as Teddy Jack takes the stage. The son of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Leon Russell and soulful singer-songwriter Mary McCreary, Teddy Jack blends the timeless magic of his legendary roots with his own fresh, groove. This one-night-only performance is set to be an unforgettable celebration of music—don’t miss it!

The Legacy Behind the MusicTeddy Jack is more than just the son of legends; he’s a powerhouse of musical talent in his own right. Growing up steeped in the eclectic melodies and profound creativity of his parents, Teddy Jack’s artistry melds the influences of rock, soul, and blues. From his father Leon Russell's genre-defying compositions to Mary McCreary's soulful harmonies, Teddy Jack’s music is a heartfelt homage to his roots while adding his own contemporary twist.

click to read more

Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines.

Why California’s Wines — and Wine Spectator Magazine’s Top 100 — Deserve Your Attention

If you’re a wine lover—or even just wine-curious—California is a playground of flavors just waiting to be explored. Every year, Wine Spectator Magazine’s Top 100 Wines highlight some of the world’s best bottles, and in 2024, central and northern California winemakers once again prove they’ve got serious grape game.

“With the superb 2021 vintage, California occupies more than a quarter of the list.” —Wine Spectator Magazine.

click to read more

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.

click to read more

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.

click to read more

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.

click to read more

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.

click to read more

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!

click to read more

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.

click to read more