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Animal House
by Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Hana-Lee Sedgwick is a digital advertising executive by day and wine consultant and blogger by night. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, she fell in love with the world of wine while living in San Francisco after college. Hana-Lee loves to help people learn about and appreciate wine, putting her Sommelier certification to good use. When not trying new wines or traveling, she can be found practicing yoga, cooking, entertaining, and enjoying time with friends and family. For more information and wine tips, visit her blog, Wander & Wine, at wanderandwine.com.
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FINLEY THE ADORABLE
SANTA RITA VINES SHINE AT WENZLAU
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his is not a stuffed animal. This is real life. Meet Finley, a five-month-old goldendoodle puppy. He “works” at Keeping Interiors, a design firm where his owner, Christine Mallard, is employed. As you can imagine, he can’t go far without people yelling out the window, “That is the cutest dog I have ever seen!” Need more Finley cuteness in your life? No prob! Follow his adventures on Instagram at @ Finley.The.Goldendoodle.
Bill and Cindy Wenzlau overlooking their Santa Rita Hills vineyards
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ho in their right minds would pay for 100 acres of rugged land with only 12 ½ acres of vines? That would be Bill and Cindy Wenzlau! It’s the question they often ask themselves with a chuckle (it’s even on their website) when they think about the risks they took when starting their winery, Wenzlau Vineyards. Luckily for them, it’s a business decision that is proving to work out in their favor. Within those 12½ acres, they are growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and the resulting wines are exceptional examples of what’s possible from the Santa Rita Hills. Bill and Cindy had been interested in wine for many years, enjoying road trips to Santa Barbara’s wine country and traveling to wine regions like Burgundy, before the two considered owning their own label. As Bill started to get involved with winemaking on the side and Cindy became a more avid gardener, they toyed with the idea of getting into viticulture. It wasn’t until their son, Tommy, pursued an interest in wine and received his sommelier certification that they really started thinking more seriously about owning their own vineyards. Soon, Bill and son found themselves venturing up and down the coast hunting for the perfect property. In 2011, they finally found a cool, foggy location with young vines on the western edge of the Santa Rita Hills, and Wenzlau Vineyards was born. Sandwiched between Mount Carmel and Sea Smoke Vineyards, Wenzlau is located off the beaten path among steep hillsides next to the Santa Ynez River. Just seven miles from the ocean, the
Wenzlau produces elegant Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
To see your pet in ANIMAL HOUSE/Pet of the Week, email a photo, name of pet and owners, and some fun facts to megan@santabarbarasentinel.com
location is proving to be quite enviable, and the wines are the proof. All the grapes for Wenzlau come from their organically farmed estate vineyards, and winemaker Justin Willett (of Tyler Winery) takes a restrained approach to winemaking, letting the fruit really shine. Production is around 1,500 cases. I was able to pay a visit to Wenzlau Vineyards to check out the varied topography of the beautiful property, then taste through a few of the 2012 and 2013 wines with our gracious host Cindy. Both vintages of the Chardonnay have fresh acidity and balance, with lively notes of apricot, citrus, and brioche. Just superb wines. The 2012 Estate Pinot Noir is incredibly silky and elegant, while the 2013 has brighter acidity and more red-fruit on the palate. All of the wines have a refreshing backbone of minerality and a real sense of place, reminiscent of classic Burgundian wines but with distinct Santa Rita Hills characteristics. As they would say in France: fantastique! Be sure to look out for their new releases. You can find their wines at local restaurants such as The Lark and Tydes at the Four Seasons, and at fine restaurants throughout L.A. Cheers!
PlantingRoots
by Frederique Lavoipierre Director of Education at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
MAD FOR MATILIJA POPPIES
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atilija poppies (a.k.a. fried egg plant) not only have the largest flower of any California native plant, they also have the largest flower of any poppy species in the world. The 8-foot-tall plants are smothered in crepe-paper white flowers with a central boss of pollen-laden yellow stamens. The flowers are a favorite of honey bees, native bees, other beneficial insects, as well as people because they are magnificent cut flowers. While they are well-adapted to our wild lands, they can be a challenge to grow in gardens. The most reliable way to establish new plantings is to plant in the fall – the best time to plant any California native plants, as they are able to establish root systems during our mild, wet winter. They bloom profusely in the spring but given a bit of summer water, they bloom intermittently all summer. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, (805) 682-4726 www.sbbg.org