Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez

Seems I have been the queen of little weekend jaunts the past few months. This last weekend was spent doing some wine tasting in too-beautiful-for-words Santa Ynez, Ca. In my opinion, just as lovely as Napa and Sonoma but, a convenient hour and a half drive from L.A.
My favorite wine was the Pinot Noir at Gainey Vineyards. They do their tastings in a low lit barrel room and the grounds are gorgeous and spacious enough for a sweet summery picnic. Also picnic worthy is the Bridlewood Winery. It's also the best for exploring. Follow the path from the main tasting room and roam past horses, a pond, and a little bridge for a tipsy mini adventure! My favorite of the wineries, by far.
On your way out, stop at Los Olivos Cafe for the t0-die-for Cinnamon baked brie in port syrup. The dish alone merits a return visit. I also had the Butternut squash salad which was outstanding. With an impressive wine list and cozy outdoor seating, it makes you want to linger over those last few bites.

xo jahnel

A view at Gainey Vineyard

Overlooking Bridlewood Winery

The bridge and pond at Bridlewood Winery

Cozy and quaint Los Olivos Cafe

Snowboarding in Park City, Utah

Even though the blustery conditions at Park City Mountain only allowed for one day of boarding, we did get to enjoy a few of the town's other charms.

Dinner at Chimayo on Main Street is a must! I've never had Mexican/mountain fusion and it was out of this world. (Hello, Sugarcane Elk marinated in coffee glaze.) Java Cow, also on Main has the frothiest Mocha's for your caffeine fix. I sipped mine while browsing the art galleries. Check out the Phoenix Gallery for mixed media artists, including my new fave, Denise Duong. And don't miss the Images of Nature Gallery featuring unbelievable images from Thomas Mangelsen.

Despite the disappointing weather, I loved being in Park City for the weekend. There's just something about sipping red wine in a hot tub under a dark sky and flurry of snowflakes that let's the body breathe!

xo jahnel

View from Pay Day Lift

At the top of Pay Day as it begins to snow


The lights framing Chimayo's entrance


In front of Chimayo