CORE Wine Company

There's a new tasting room along the Santa Maria Wine Trail and we're sure happy they've arrived! The CORE Wine Company has been producing wine for a few vintages now and we've had the pleasure to visit them directly at their wine-production facility during their open houses. Now everyone can venture to Old Town Orcutt to visit and taste on any Wednesday thru Sunday!

Co-owners Dave and Becky Corey both have extensive backgrounds in the wine industry: Dave has over 10 years experience in both vineyard management and wine making; Becky has a strong concentration in Public Relations and Marketing. Seems like the perfect fit to us.

Becky greeted us as we entered the tasting room. She's decorated the room with her artistic touches and it looks great! When you visit, make sure to check out the full wall of Corey and Rice family histories.

We tasted several of their wines today, and they were all great. In fact, multiple vintages of Dave's wine have consistently scored 90 points or higher from both Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator. But we had a mission: to pair a CORE Wine Company red with our spicy Santa Maria Style baby back ribs which I planned to barbecue that evening. Becky suggested the 2005 Ground Around: a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Tempranillo and 30% Syrah. Wow! It was an excellent suggestion and it paired perfectly. We also picked up a bottle of 2007 CORE Grenache Santa Barbara County which we look forward to opening in the near future.

The CORE Wine Company produces four (4) distinct labels: CORE, Turchi, C3 and Kuyam and all 4 labels are now available for tasting and purchase at the tasting room. When you're in our neighborhood, stop by the CORE Wine Company and pick up a bottle or three: You'll be glad you did!

Trattoria Uliveto

This evening we had the perfect meal. Perfect atmosphere. Perfect service. Perfect food. And it was all right here in the Santa Maria Valley at Trattoria Uliveto.

First a little story: In 1996 we ventured to Boston to run the Boston Marathon and had the occasion to "carbo-load" in the Italian section of North Boston. We dined at a traditional family-owned restaurant for lunch and enjoyed it so much that we returned with friends the next evening for dinner. We'd never had such outstanding Italian food and lamented the fact that we had nothing similar back home on the Central Coast. So we began a 12-year quest for the "perfect" Italian restaurant.

Now a confession: I'd been meaning to type a review since Trattoria Uliveto opened last August but I kept getting distracted by yet another perfect meal at the Trattoria. Each time Ann and I dine here, we're amazed by Chef Curti's inventive and delicious culinary masterpieces. Trattoria Uliveto won us over during our first visit with their extensive menu and attention to freshness, quality and presentation. Since then, we've explored the "regular" menu but often don't get past the evening's list of Specials because there's always something new to explore. Either way, there's an outstanding meal awaiting and we're always glad we've returned.

This evening we arrived early and were cordially greeted by Marna, the Trattoria's friendly (and beautiful) hostess. We were seated and brought fresh-baked bread straight from the oven along with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We ordered a Pinot Noir from the Trattoria's large selection of Central Coast wines and explored the menu. Daniel (our server) came by to present the list of tonight's specials and answer any questions we had. Ann didn't make it past the list of specials but I selected one of my favorites from the regular menu. For our Antipasti, we had Crostino Alla Romana (a delicious mix of toasted Bruschetta, Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Butter, and Sage). For our salad we usually split an Insalata Spinaci (Spinach, Mushrooms, Gorgonzola, Italian Bacon, Red Onion) but tonight we decided on the Insalata Speciale (a delicious blend of roasted beets, spinach and feta cheese). Ann selected tonight's Halibut special (a grilled Halibut filet layered upon a bed of mashed potatoes, julienne carrots and accented with fresh mint to perfect the delicious mix of flavors). I ordered the Penne Amatriciana (a simple but delicious blend of Onion, Pancetta and Tomato). Amatriciana dishes are rarely found here in California and I'm always glad I can rely on Trattoria Uliveto to serve the perfect Penne Amatriciana whenever I succumb to the craving. Co-Owner Jim Spallino swung by our table to make sure we were comfortable and, as always, we had a very pleasant conversation with him. Then it was time for dessert. Marna gave us the desert list rundown and we ordered the Pannacotta (an Italian cream custard with fresh raspberries and blackberries and drizzled with a balsamic vinegar sauce). It was the perfect finish to our perfect meal.

We truly feel honored that Jim Spallino, Alfonso Curti and their families have partnered to open Trattoria Uliveto right here in the Santa Maria Valley. The Trattoria is located in Old Town Orcutt and is open 6 days a week (Tuesday-Sunday) for lunch and dinner. We recommend reservations.

Trattoria Uliveto
285 South Broadway
Orcutt, CA 93455
805-934-4546

El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant

We had the pleasure to recently discover a fantastic Mexican restaurant in the heart of Santa Maria. El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant is a genuine Mom and Pop enterprise. Owners Gus and Rosie Arana welcome each diner to their pleasant and comfortable restaurant as if they were opening their own home to you and your family or friends. Rosie is the chef and she prepares each dish with the freshest homemade ingredients and her own tasty recipes. Gus is the official greeter/waiter and is more than eager to answer any questions and make sure you're comfortable and quickly attended to. The restaurant is super clean and the pride Mr and Mrs Arana place in their enterprise is evident from the moment you walk in the door.

It was tough deciding from amongst the extensive menu so we ordered a couple Mexican beers and took our time while enjoying the delicious fresh salsa and chips. The salsa is chunky and very flavorful (not that watery kind we sometimes find). Not that I needed it, but just to be sure I had plenty of spice, Gus brought a bottle of homemade hot sauce which added more than enough kick to my servings of the salsa!

For our main courses, we finally settled on a couple enchilada dishes: Chicken Enchiladas Suizas and Chicken Enchiladas Mole. Both meals come with fresh homemade refried beans and Mexican rice with vegetables. Both the beans and rice were fresh and perfectly prepared. I really liked the beans; they were smooth and full of healthy flavor.

I'm a big fan of Mole sauce so I usually order a Mole dish whenever I see it on the menu. Gus and Rosie's Chicken Enchiladas Mole are undoubtedly the best available here on the Central Coast. The enchiladas were stuffed with large chunks of white chicken meat, wrapped in fresh corn tortillas, smothered with Rosie's homemade Mole sauce and topped with delicious Mexican crumbled cheese. Wow!

The Chicken Enchiladas Suiza were also filled with a generous helping of grilled white chicken meat, wrapped in homemade tortillas, smothered with Rosie's green chile sauce and topped with shredded cheese. Served with a dollop of guacamole and sour cream on the side, these Suiza enchiladas will surely please Suiza fans every time.

We finished our meal by sharing a desert of fried ice cream. Gus and Rosie serve their fried ice cream with a special surprise which you have to try to really appreciate. We won't spoil the surprise; just order it yourself; you'll love it!

El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant is open 7 days a week (Sundays and Mondays from 11 to 3; Tuesdays thru Saturdays for both lunch and dinner). They're located in Santa Maria's Town Center West shopping center, right next to Big 5 Sporting Goods near the southwest corner of Main and Broadway. Stop by soon!

El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant
241 Town Center West
Santa Maria CA 805-614-2883

Riverbench Vineyard and Winery Wine Tasting

This Memorial Day weekend our friend Jeff was visiting from Florida. We understand there's not much in the way of wineries in the Sunshine State so this was a prime opportunity to introduce Jeff to the some of the best wine California has to offer. We drove east from Santa Maria along the Foxen Wine Trail to the new Riverbench Vineyard and Winery. This was our second visit to Riverbench: We just had to return because Laura Booras and her gracious tasting room staff (shout out to Jackie!) made us feel so comfortable and welcome the first time around.

Riverbench Vineyard and Winery just opened their tasting room in April but they've hit the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail running at a full-speed gallop! The tasting room itself is situated near the junction of Foxen Canyon Road and Tepusquet Road. Riverbench has completely restored the 1927 Craftsman style house which now is home to their tasting room and gardens. The setting affords beautiful views of the Santa Maria Mesa, the Foxen Chapel in the distance and the Riverbench estate vineyards which completely surround the tasting room.


The actual Riverbench Vineyard sits in the southeastern end of the Santa Maria valley and has been producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes since 1973. The valley's east-west orientation allows the cooling Pacific air to breeze through in the afternoons and results in the perfect growing climate for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Over the last 30 years, the vineyard's exceptional fruit has been sold to numerous top quality Santa Barbara county wineries. In 2004 a group of local families purchased the vineyard and began exploring the possibility of starting their own wine label. To our delight, Riverbench Vineyard and Winery was born. The project has enticed Chuck Ortman (founder of Meridian Vineyard and respected winemaker/consultant for nearly 40 years) out of retirement to become winemaker for Riverbench. The actual vineyard is managed by Jim Stollberg from Dale Hampton Farming; the premier Santa Maria Valley vineyard management team. Riverbench Vineyard and Winery is devoted to producing the highest quality grapes in their vineyards which will result in unparalleled wine quality. Their wines will be produced in limited lots and will only be available at their tasting room and in select local restaurants.

Today's tasting included 3 very distinct Chardonnays and 2 exceptional Pinot Noirs:

The 2007 Bedrock Chardonnay is produced in an area of the vineyard which has a high concentration of river rock. This bedrock soil forces the grape vines do magical things (that's my scientific description, not theirs). The Bedrock Chardonnay is fermented completely in stainless steel tanks and the result is crisp, clean and very refreshing. This wine figures to pair well with a light lunch or appetizers during a warm day or all by itself as a prelude or in combination with a fine dinner.

The 2006 Estate Chardonnay is an exceptional combination of rich fruit flavors, slight buttery notes and the perfect amount of French oak barrel fermentation. This Chardonnay is outstanding and will pair with grilled halibut or barbecued chicken but we also suspect it will pair well with lighter meals. Right now, this is our favorite Riverbench Chardonnay and we look forward to numerous future pairings in our home. Santa Maria Style barbecued chicken will be our first of many!

The 2006 Reserve Chardonnay has a much lighter influence from the oak barrels than the Estate Chardonnay. This third Riverbench Chardonnay offers up a completely different experience. There are spicy notes (vanilla, nutmeg, honey, lemon) and buttery tastes but it's a also a fuller bodied Chardonnay. Riverbench staff describe it as an "appreciative interpretation of an Old World style wine" and "a delightful barrel-aged wine with a distinct touch of brulee". Who are we to disagree? Take that halibut off the grill and bake it this time; you'll have the perfect combination.

The 2006 Estate Pinot Noir is a light, perfectly balanced Pinot. Being big Syrah fans, we're relatively new to the world of Pinot so I'm afraid my description is a little loose. The wine is light but also has a vibrant burgundy color. I'm guessing it will pair well with fruit and cheese but also with light seafood or chicken or quail. Maybe even a vegetable pizza. We're gonna have to give it several tries...until we find the perfect match!

The 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir is produced from the vineyard's most select fruit. It's aged 11 months in French oak and will subtly age over the next 4-6 years. Riverbench describes it as a wine which "..entertains all of your senses. It's a wine that exudes confidence and vigor without being aggressive or harsh." We can hardly wait.

The Riverbench operation, staff and wines are truly outstanding. In the coming years, we fully expect Riverbench Vineyard and Winery to be recognized as the premier winery in Santa Barbara County if not all of the Central Coast. We look forward to our future visits and to many exceptional vintages!

Santa Maria Valley Vineyard Buds

Late March and early April are exciting times for Santa Maria Valley vineyards and wineries.

Last year's vintages are being released and the upcoming season's vines begin to bud with new foliage.

Also opening this month is a new addition to the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. The RiverBench Vineyard and Winery has been founded and is being managed by a seasoned team of Central Coast vineyard veterans. We'll be visiting their new tasting room and sampling their newest releases sometime in the very near future. Stay tuned for our review in a future post.