Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure brings together hard-to-find micro-production wineries from nearly every California AVA, all under one spacious roof in Glendale; events include Grand Tasting, a Rare and Reserve party and a tasting seminar that explores ancient winemaking techniques used by some of today’s most innovative winemakers Paso Robles, CA – America’s Best Wine Festival[1], The Garagiste Wine Festival, returns to LA July 22nd and 23rd with a dynamic line-up of over 40 of some of the best micro-production ‘garagiste’ wineries from across California, including Santa Barbara County, Paso […]

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(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — The Santa Ynez Valley has never been an ordinary wine country destination, and its abundance of outdoor recreation and amenities is a key reason why. Set along California’s Central Coast, with the San Rafael Mountains to the north and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south, rests a natural playground for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, outdoor adventurists, and more. Entering the valley and catching the first glimpse of Cachuma Lake sparkling under the summer sun or of the region’s rolling hills, dotted with California live […]

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On a recent trip to southern California, with some time on my hands on a Monday afternoon, I decided to point my wheels toward a place that had always intrigued me: the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. One of 13 presidential libraries in the United States, it sits atop a hill in the suburban enclave of Simi Valley, about forty-five minutes from downtown Los Angeles. I had never been to a presidential museum before and to be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. A serving of warmed-over historical […]

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BUELLTON, CA, – February 01, 2020 – The 2020 Buellton Wine & Chili Festival will take place on Sunday, March 15th from 12-4:30pm. Guests are invited to sample from over 30 wineries and craft breweries from all over the Central Coast and 25+ chili and salsa cooks including local restaurants, at one of the first festivals of its kind. Currently in its 7th year, and selling out last year, the festival has consistently grown year over year with more Chili contestants and participating wineries each time. The event takes place […]

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Burbank, Calif. – KCET, the nation’s largest independent public television station, announced today that on Mon., Feb. 19, beloved KCET host Huell Howser will return with a special “National Parks and Monuments” Presidents’ Day Marathon highlighting the best of Huell Howser’s CALIFORNIA’S GOLD and VISITING WITH HUELL HOWSER. The marathon will follow Howser up and down the California coast visiting popular locations such as Nixon’s birthplace, Reagan Ranch, Yosemite National Park and many more. The marathon will air on Presidents’ Day from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT only on […]

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National Geographic, Gallup and New York Times best-selling author and National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner have announced The 25 Happiest Cities in the United States based on The National Geographic/Blue Zones® Index. The Index was specifically developed to measure a population’s happiness based on 15 metrics including civic engagement, walkability and healthful food options. Boulder, Colorado tops the list with walkability, access to nature and sense of community as contributing factors to its residents’ happiness. Buettner mentions, “if you want to get happy, don’t try and change your belief system. […]

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Lompoc, CA – Lompoc shows off its festive side during the holiday season, when visitors will find holiday concerts, historic events, fun outdoor activities, plus an opportunity to relax while wine tasting or browsing for unique holiday gifts at the specialty stores throughout town. HOLIDAY EVENTS Sip Lompoc – November 24, 2017 – 1 to 4 pm Skip the Black Friday shopping hustle and bustle, and instead leisurely sip wine with friends and family while enjoying the hospitality of over a dozen tasting rooms in town. Sip Lompoc tickets ($40) […]

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Lompoc, CA – A fall getaway to Lompoc means wine harvest season, tempting local cuisine, rich California history, and a place to unwind, relax and take in the beauty of this picturesque Central Coast town. Harvest season is underway, and Lompoc is known for its small production wineries specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and other cool climate varietals from the surrounding Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The unique coastal climate and east-west valley orientation of this appellation make an ideal location for producing incredible wines. A great spot […]

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Fifty of the best of California’s micro-production wineries pour their wines in historic Santa Monica venue a few blocks from the ocean and Expo Line; Grand Tasting, Rare and Reserve tasting, Silent Wine auction and more… Paso Robles, CA – – Garagiste Events Inc., producers of the renowned Garagiste Festivals, announced that tickets are now on sale for The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, whichreturns to Los Angeles County on July 15th, at a stunning new historic location in Santa Monica, just a few blocks from the ocean (and close to […]

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The Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival has quickly become one of the city’s most prominent food and wine events; it is a big deal – you probably saw the billboards scattered around town leading up to the festival. This event recently celebrated it’s 5th year in a row with three nights of culinary excellence combined with world class wine. Each day features a number of events including cooking demonstrations by celebrated chefs (this year a number well-known chefs were on hand including Thomas Keller, Michael Chiarello, Tyler Florence and […]

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Lompoc, CA – An emerging destination on Highway 1 along the California Central Coast, Lompoc blooms big in spring and summer with fields of flowers, vineyard vistas, and scenic backroads for visitors to explore. With premium quality wines, larger-than-life outdoor murals, an awe-inspiring mission, and festive seasonal events, Lompoc awaits, and is rolling out the welcome mat for travelers to discover the uniqueness of the Lompoc Valley and what’s around the bend. Scenic Back Roads – Photo Ops & Picnic Spots Veer off the 101, put the top down, and […]

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Many travellers will arrive in Bogota with the intention of  staying for a couple of days before moving onto somewhere else… Cartagena, Santa Marta, the Coffee Region. So in case you happen to be spending just 48 hours in Bogota (let’s say a weekend) here’s a suggested itinerary (with alternatives suggested in the event of rain!): Saturday 8.00am: It’s Saturday morning and chances are you’re staying near the historical part of Bogota (the Candelaria). Have breakfast at your hotel/hostel, or pop along to the small Swiss bakery/kiosk next to Siechita […]

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Fifth annual Film Feast event will be hosted alongside the 30th anniversary of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (January 10, 2014) – For twelve straight days, the fifth annual Film Feast offers VIP access to the top libations and dining offerings as well as exclusive lodging packages throughout Santa Barbara’s theater districts, from Jan. 27 to Feb. 7, 2015. Santa Barbara’s Film Feast is a unique take on Restaurant Week, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). Participating partners, including […]

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Just a few decades ago, sleepy Paso Robles, California, hosted no distilleries or craft breweries and only a few dozen pioneering wineries. Rodeos and pickup trucks were more pervasive than limos chauffeuring wine enthusiasts around this beautiful area in northern San Luis Obispo County. Today, vineyards abound in all directions and the overall “agriculture culture” remains strong in the fabric of this increasingly diverse community. When winemakers discovered that the soils around this friendly cow town with reasonable land prices could produce some exceptional wines including Rhônes and Zinfandels, the […]

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With such a plethora of activities offered in Los Angeles on any given day, I tend to focus narrowly into specific destinations or activities. During these past few days it was cemeteries and fruit markets! Forest Lawn is the “mother” of all cemeteries in the Southland. They operate several locations around town – but none is as large or prominent as Forest Lawn in Glendale. Acres of graves and green are surrounded by residential and urban sprawl. A visit here is an oasis among the city. This is not just […]

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