Discover music and wine in the Santa Ynez Valley

Will Worden.

Will Worden: The Troubador Bringing Country Music's Golden Age Back to Life

When I think of Texas, I think of big boots, bigger skies, and that big ol’ American experience that cuts straight to my bones. Will Worden embodies all of that and more. A Texas native who's taken the West Coast country scene by storm, he's got a voice that Rolling Stone calls a blend of Elvis Presley and Gordon Lightfoot — a comparison that to me, feels both bold and spot on. But Worden isn’t one to ride on comparisons. With a sound rooted in classic country storytelling with honest vulnerability, he’s crafting his own legacy. Fresh off the launch of his debut LP The Only One & All The Others , Worden sat down with SYV Buzz to talk Texas roots, West Coast crowds, and why the '60s and '70s country sound still feels like home.

SYV Buzz: Texas roots run deep—how do you think growing up there shaped your vibe and storytelling style?

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Brian Sieve and Ryan Hannaford of Racines.

From Burgundy to the Santa Rita Hills: Chasing the Perfect Pour

Great wine starts with great land — and sometimes, finding it takes a good old fashioned road trip. When legendary Burgundian winemaker Etienne de Montille decided to make wine on the West Coast, he wasn’t about to settle for anything less than magic. He hit the road with winemaker Brian Sieve, searching for the kind of cool-climate vineyards that could rival Burgundy’s famed terroir.

Their journey stretched from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, down the Sonoma Coast, through Santa Cruz, and finally ended up in Santa Barbara. And it was here — in the Santa Rita Hills — that they found what they were searching for: a pocket of land kissed by ocean breezes, grounded in limestone-rich soils, and bursting with potential. That’s how Racines was born — the name is French for "roots," honoring both their Burgundian heritage and their new California home.

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Ellis Bryant.

From Tennessee Trails to Malibu Waves

Ellis Bryant Rides His Own Country Music Journey Ellis Bryant isn’t your typical country artist. He’s a Tennessee-born, horse-savvy songwriter who traded the Smoky Mountains for the Pacific breeze — and brought his Southern soul along for the ride. Now calling California home, he carries a bit of both worlds in his music: the raw, storyteller grit of his Tennessee roots blended with the laid-back, sun-soaked spirit of Malibu. Whether he’s writing songs from the porch of his ranch or strumming alongside his horses in the turnout, Bryant’s music is as authentic as the man himself — rugged, heartfelt, and unapologetically real. We caught up with him to chat about everything from campfire heroes and cowboy road stories to the surprising life lessons learned from living on a sailboat.

SYV Buzz: How has growing up in Tennessee and now living in California shaped your sound? Do you find one place sneaks into your songwriting more than the other?

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Benji Hughes abides.

Benji Hughes and Jon Lindsay Live at Lost Chord

Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang is gearing up for an extreme evening of live music with Benji Hughes and Jon Lindsay tonight. The concert, which will feature a pre-show interview conducted by actor Jeff Bridges, is already sold out. If you've got your tickets, you're in for a good one.

Of Benji Hughes, Lost Chord owner Chris Pelonis says "I’m so excited to have Benji at Lost Chord Guitars! I first met him years ago when we were playing his music with Jeff Bridges & the Abiders. It's a small world, and here's a fun fact: Jackson Browne—who actually came up with the name Lost Chord Guitars—introduced Benji to Jeff. What really moves me in an artist is that rare combination of being instantly recognizable and completely original. Just as important is being fearless and exposed, raw and honest. That’s Benji to a T!"

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The Winemakers are Taking Over the Tavern!

If your Wednesday plans don’t already include sipping incredible wines and vibing to live music, let’s fix that. Winemaker Takeover is happening tonight (March 12) at Mattei’s Tavern, and you don’t want to miss it. Each week, the bar is handed over to a rotating lineup of local wineslingers, giving you a chance to chat, sip, and discover some of the best wines in the world, right here in the Santa Ynez Valley. This week, Epiphany Cellars is in the spotlight, and they’re bringing two stellar selections:Grenache Blanc — A beautifully crafted white wine that’s part stainless steel, part neutral French oak, and—because why not—then aged in a concrete egg (it’s spring, after all) for seven months. We can’t wait to try this one.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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