Modesto wine columnist reflects on 14 years of writing

In 2007, after a newspaper agreed to print Wine Line, I was asked if I wanted to write weekly. My answer was “Oh no! That would seem like a real job.” After 36 years of teaching, I wasn’t ready for a weekly gig. It was then decided that Wine Line (the editor picked that name) would be printed the second and fourth Wednesdays on the food page. Being just a rookie, I said yes, of course.

Wine Line turned 14 in September. I thanked the Navigator, with a big smooch for her precise directions. My goal was to take a consumer friendly approach to wine. I hope I’ve achieved that. I sometimes have to remind myself that it’s only fermented grape juice. Wine is simple, not complicated, avoid wine snobs and trust your palate. Find a wine that you like, one you can afford and enjoy it. There are no rules. Now, on to year 15.

Central Coast Wine Trails

Santa Barbara County has seven AVA’s. Santa Maria Valley was the first, created it 1981. The Bien Nacido Vineyard was planted in 1972 and is recognized as an iconic vineyard. This is where Santa Barbara County’s wine boom started and spending a few days in Santa Maria makes sense. The second approved AVA is the Santa Ynez Valley, created in 1983. In 1980 there were 21 combined wineries and vineyards, today there are more than 200.

If you plan on visiting, go to sbcountywines.com. They list nine wine trails. Here are just a few: Foxen Valley with 14 tasting rooms; Los Olivos 20; Santa Maria 14; Santa Ynez 25; and the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail with 28. The website has everything you’ll need for a road trip. Plan your trip to include a tasting/picnic in Paso Robles on the way there and the same at the SLO Coastal Wineries going home.

I highly recommend “Vines and Vision, The Winemakers of Santa Barbera County,” words by Dennis Kettmann and photography by Macduff Everton. The photography is visually lush and with an extremely comprehensive text, “Vines and Visions” is the only book you’ll need to understand the dynamic wine country of Santa Barbara County.

Do you know a serious wine lover who really knows wine and you never know what gift to give? Splurge and give “Vines and Visions.” Problem solved.

What’s On Our Table

Two white deals, both winning Best of Class and Double Golds in the 2021 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. The best Sauvignon Blanc under $25 is the 2020 Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc, SRP $15. The best Chardonnay under $25 is the 2019 Benziger Family Winery Sonoma County Chardonnay, SRP $16.99. Both are a few dollars less on sale. Cheers!

Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.