SantaBarbaraWine.com Home Wine Store
Search Site for Products
 
 
  CATEGORIES Show Category List MY ACCOUNT Show My Account Information ORDER STATUS Show My Order Information VIEW CART Show My Shopping Cart CHECKOUT Go to Shopping Cart Checkout
 
 
New Arrivals   |   Santa Rita Hills Wine   |   California Wines   |   Santa Barbara County Wines
 
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
 
 

       
To reach our store Home Page at
www.buysantabarbarawine.com. . .

November 2007
Issue


. . .Click our new logo to the left!
You Don't Want To Miss, In This Issue:
 
Welcome to the Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Cafe, where you can taste the central coast!  Stock up on great wines for the Holiday's with the coupon in this newsletter!  Read on to discover the excitement that lies within the Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Cafe
 
We were voted as "Best Restaurants for Wine for 2007" by the Wine Spectator.  Our wine specialists are waiting to happily assist you with your wine selections!
Save 10%
Attention Holiday Shoppers!  For the month of November save 10% on all retail wine!
This applies to all wines you buy online, by phone, and/or in the Wine Merchant.  The Discount Code for this special offer is:  NOV200715. 
Be among the first to get our best wines for your holiday parties and gift-giving at this great 10% off DISCOUNT RATE!  Buy your holiday gifts at our one-stop wine central online at
Buysantabarbarawine or at our Wine Merchant retail shop at 2879 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA.  You'll be pleased with what we have to offer! 
 
*Discount does not apply to shipping and handling.
*When ordering in person, bring a copy of the newsletter or bring the special offer code to give to the cashier in the Wine Merchant Store.
 
 
In the Beginning... 
  Sam Marmorstein bought the restaurant in 1995 and converted it from a deli to what the restaurant is now.  Sam decided to expand the cafe by adding the addition of the Wine Merchant, which was built in 2001.  Sam has actually been a winemaker longer than he has been a restauranteur.  He started making wine with friends (who are all now prominent winemakers) in a garage back in 1992.  Sam's Bernat wines are all unique because he uses old world methods of hand pruning and natural fermentation.  No pesticides or herbicides are used in the process.  The grapes are grown from Sam and Shawnda's 3.5 acre vineyard in Los Olivos.  Sam is mainly producing a Syrah and Chardonnay, however Nebbiolo is also on it's way.  Come by the Wine Merchant and Cafe to taste some of Sam's booming Bernat wines! 
 
 
 
Meet the Management Team!
 
Anthony Endy, Director of Operations
"I always believe to fully grasp a profession one should start from the ground floor, as I always made sure it was mopped spotless!"
Anthony is a native of the Santa Ynez Valley and is thankful for the inspiration and support the area has provided.  He has an extreme passion for food and wine and feels blessed to be raised in an area bountiful in both.  Anthony began his ten years of restaurant experience here at the Cafe as a busboy.  At the time a high schooler, Anthony enjoyed every facet of the industry, especially cooking.  He moved from every position in the dining room, to the kitchen and after five years at the Cafe, he went on to pursue different styles of cousine from other chefs.  Including in his tenure, he spent time in the kitchen's of Chef Rick's and the Wine Cask.  In May of 2006, Anthony was thrilled to return to The Los Olivos Cafe as the General Manager.  Endy brings a philosophy to the Cafe that puts the guests at top priority; which will not only provide them with a solid meal, but with a great experience.
 
Nat Ely, Executive Chef
"We are fortunate to be surrounded by such quality farmers and product.  I am constantly amazed at the little boxes of goodies that come in my kitchen door!"
Nat has been working with the Los Olivos Cafe almost 5 years.  He has been cooking professionally for 15 and started by cracking eggs in his mothers kitchen.  He enjoys the many aspects of cooking, especially the adventure of new things for his guests and co-workers.  Nat loves that food nurtures and heals our bodies, minds, and spirits.  He feels that in a world of disconnect, food and wine brings people together and forces them to celebrate.  The Chef's ingredients of choice includes the use of star anise, smoked paprika, and whole vanilla beans.  Nat loves to see his co-workers lives improve through the creative process.  Oh and yes, he loves to eat-Delicious!
 
Priscilla Vazquez, Wine Merchant Manager
"Life is to short, enjoy life to its fullest!"
Priscilla has always enjoyed wine and has embraced her love for wine with knowledge.  She has taken many classes as well as continually self educating herself.  Priscilla takes much into consideration when deciding the wines that will be placed on the shelf.  She is greatly aware that everyone has a different palate and perhaps there is something to admire about every wine out there.  Being able to cater to all different types of people and preferences is one of the greatest challenges in wine buying.  Priscilla has recently just taken the intro to the Court of Master Sommelier class and passed, so that is a work in progress. She has traveled quite a bit including New Zealand, Napa Valley, Washington, Oregon, and Monterey, to taste the specific wines of the area.  There are over 500 wines in the store, about 90% are central coast and the rest are international as well as national.  She has been with the Los Olivos Cafe and Wine Merchant since September of  2006.  
 
Christina Prell, Special Events Coordinator
"There is always a reason to party, let me plan yours!"
The most recent member to join our management team-Christina brings with her an enthusiastic charm that wants to be a part of your next special function!  She manages all catering events that are handled off premise, as well as our 30 seat private dining room.  In addition to catering, Christina handles all of our specialty products for purchase in the Wine Merchant Store.  Christina brings a vast array of knowledge and experience to the Cafe and Wine Merchant.  She was recently tasting room manager of Cambria Winery, and she also has worked in the restaurants of Chef Rick's and Biba's in Sacramento.  We are pleased to have her on board!
 

 Sam's Picks
Sam's picks have been carefully selected by Sam to ensure you a great wine that will leave a long lasting memory on every occasion!  These wines are not to be missed and will go quickly!  Be sure to check out our Wine Merchant store (also accessible online at www.buysantabarbarawine.com) to reserve your excellent wines for the holiday season!
 
Do you want a wine that will make your date be yours forever?!  Then try the...
Napa Valley, California Wine, 750ml - 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Double Gold
Frank Family Vineyards 2005 Napa Valley Zinfandel is dense and inky black to the eye. Lavish aromas launch this potent Zinfandel, dark chocolate combines with raspberry jam, seasoned with freshly cracked black pepper. The palate is big and rich with ripe boysenberry wrapped around fine tannin, it finishes long with the essence of clove spice.
$36.00
Do you want a wine that will make your loved one's anger melt away?!  Then try the...
California Wine, 750 ml, 95 points The Wine Merchant
  The color is rich, dark, an intense inky purple color it  is overwhelmingly mesmerizing.  Aromas of clove, tobacco, anise, dried lavender and black fruit overpower the senses.   Palate is full and luscious, with black cherries, spice, tobacco and a meatiness.  Taste buds are dancing for joy.  Finish is long and smooth with nice tannins with  hints of espresso and cedar.  Decant before serving.  This wine definitely can be cellared for 3-5 years. 
$74.00
Special Price for Newsletter Customers!
$48.00
*Enter  NOV2007CAT11  at the check out to receive this special price.  Cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offers.
Do you want a wine that will create a night to remember?! Then try the...
Rusack 2005 Pinot Noir Reserve
Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California Wine, 750ml - 92 points Wine Enthusiast
Santa Rita Hills has quickly become a Santa Barbara County favorite location for Pinot Noir vineyards. Our 2005 Pinot Noir Reserve is a classic example of the ultra premium quality that this area can produce. The wine has seductive aroma qualities of wild berries, rhubarb and camphor. The flavors of black cherry, cinnamon, combined with velvety tannins complete this elegant offering.
$38.00
Click here to purchase
 
 
Do you want a wine that will insure you an invite to every holiday gathering?!  Then try the...
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California Wine
 This Chardonnay is silky and elegant with fresh aromas of golden delicious apple, pear and honey accented by hints of cinnamon, clove and a faint background of French oak. A rich mouth feel and opulent mid-palate are kissed by a touch of natural acidity on the finish. The excellent structure and well-defined fruit character ensure this will be a long-lived Chardonnay.
 
 
Do you want an impressive wine that will be the hit of the party?!  Then try the...
Verdad 2006 Albariño
  Ibarra-Young Vineyard, Santa Ynez Vineyard, California Wine, 750ml
The grapes for this wine were harvested on September 21, 2006 about two weeks later than normal. The grapes were picked at 22.0 degrees brix with 3.17 pH and 8.55 total acidity. The quality of the fruit was outstanding with fine balance. The grapes were whole cluster pressed, the must settled for three days at 55 degrees F. 75% of the must was put into a stainless steel tank and fermented slowly for almost five months at a temperature between 52 - 57 degrees F. The balance of the must was fermented in neutral barrels. The lots were blended prior to bottling in February.  The wine is medium bodied and has lovely aromatics with hints of orange blossom, lemon peel and figs with flavors of tart apple, bitter almonds, minerals and a bright citrus finish. The wine has a lush fruit quality to it, with great length.
 
Do you want a wine that will make you wonder whether all of the above even matters?!  Then let sam do the picking, and try Sam's picks!  They won't last long so hurry and get your order in!
 
**Are you a Los Olivos Wine Merchant Wine Club Member?  Click here to see the benefits and opportunity being a member has to offer you!  Don't miss out!**
 
 
*UPCOMING EVENTS*
 
Join us for Wine and Art the First Tuesday of every month
Tuesday, November 6  5:00-7:00 pm.
Suzanne Huska
A native of Texas and resident of Santa Ynez since 1999, Suzanne studied art at the University of the Americas in Mexico City, where she ended up living and teaching for more than 20 years. Her Diego Rivera style portraits and paintings capture the Valley in warm, bright colors.
                                           
"Understanding your Palate Tuesdays"
is a wonderful educational tasting experience!
You are invited to educate your palate with the aid of our special educators talking and teaching about wine education starting at 5:00 PM.  No reservations are required. $15 per person (Wine Club Members pay $10) includes all wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres.
 
November 13 - Edna Valley Appellation Tasting
November 27 - Paso Robles Appellation Tasting
December 11 - Blind Tasting
December 18 - Champagne & Sparkling Wine Tasting
 
"Winemaker Tastings"
Don't miss the opportunity to rub elbows with the winemakers themselves as they present five of their selected wines. The tasting will be starting at 5:00 - 6:00 PM. $15 per person which includes all wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres.

November 7, 2007 - Brett Escalera- Consilience Wine
November 14, 2007 - Ryan Carr - Carr Winery
November 21, 2007 - Sextant Winery
November 28, 2007 - Craig Jaffurs of Jaffurs Wine
December 5, 2007 - Keana & Beckman Winery
December 12, 2007 - Flying Goat - Norm Yost
December 19, 2007 - Peter Cargasacchi - Cargasacchi Wines

 
 
A FEW OF OUR NEW MENU ITEMS
 
 
Spinach and Apple Salad
Toasted Walnuts, Dried Figs, Farmhouse Cheddar and Cranberry Vinagrette
 
 Ravioli
Butternut Squash, Ricotta, Thyme
Served with Roasted Shallot Crema, Toasted Walnuts, and Gorgonzola
 
Katafi
Warm Spiced Honey,   
Roasted Squash in a toasted Almond Katafi   
       with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

 

 
 
Foxen Winemaker Dinner was a success! Don't miss out on the next one!
 
The Los Olivos Cafe hosted the very successful Foxen Winemaker dinner on October 12.  This was the first Winemaker dinner that the restaurant closed down for. It was such a successful and fun event, another winemaker dinner is in the works for February!  Don't miss out!  More details to come..... 
 
 
Private Dining Room and Catering 
 Birthday?  Anniversary? Holiday Party? Whatever your special occasion might be, let us help you create an unforgetable dining experience!  Call Christina today to start planning your special event!
1-805-688-7265 ext 216
.
 
 
Categories | My Account | Order Status | View Cart | Checkout
 
SantaBarbaraWine.com | Shop For Wine | Shop For Gourmet Items | What They Are Saying | Wine Club
Food & Wine Cafe | Events | Directions | Contact | Archives | Links | Sitemap

Wines of Santa Barbara County and the California Wine Country
Los Olivos Cafe & Wine Merchant, 2879 Grand Avenue, P.O. Box 205, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Phone Toll Free: (888) WINES4U * Fax: (805) 688-5953 * All site contents © 2007
Site Designed and Maintained by Mark Pavlich/WebDev Services