Wining in Ventura County...

Debra B and I were supposed to attend the Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Fest on January 26th, but the week's inclement weather forced the event planners to postpone until April 20th. As we already had the day available, we chose to go west to Ventura, to introduce Debra to Four Brix Winery. We spent a delightful time chatting with Karen, Chris (I think that was her name, d'oh!), winemaker Gary, and several happy tasters. Highlights included:

2011 Smitten - 100% Viognier. I first tasted Smitten on a hot day in Thousand Oaks a couple of years ago, and I am still impressed with its minerality and crisp acidity. The floral nose has overtones of stone fruit, and the long finish tastes of tart apples. I would drink this with cold crab or shrimp cocktail, or just sip it on a hot day.

Wining in Ventura County - all November long!

“Harvest Passport” Entices Ventura County Wine Lovers to Celebrate the Season

The Ventura County Winery Association 

is holding a passport tasting event 

throughout November, inviting guests to enjoy a 

five-wine tasting flight at each of six local wineries

www.vcwines.com

VENTURA, CA; (September 20, 2011) – This November, the six urban wineries that comprise the Ventura County Winery Association are inviting locals and visitors to celebrate the season’s bountiful wine grape harvest with a month-long “Harvest Passport” event. Conveniently located just one hour’s drive from Los Angeles, Ventura County’s “urban wine trail” is an ideal weekend getaway or day-trip for out-of-towners.

For just $35, guests can receive a tasting flight of five wines at each of the six member wineries. Passport holders will also receive 10% off wine purchases on the day of their visit. In addition, Passport holders will be entered into a drawing to win one of two prize packages, each consisting of a two-night stay at Marriott Courtyard Camarillo and a Ventura County Winery Association Gift Package, comprised of one bottle from each of the six wineries. The Harvest Passport is valid through the entire month of November, so guests are welcome to visit each winery at their leisure, while taking in Ventura County’s breathtaking ocean views and lush scenery.