June 2, 2004
Hot Fun in the SummerMemorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer season.
The Beach Boys have popularized "summer fun" in California more than any other institution in American culture, I think. The images the world shares of California have been shaped by the Beach Boys more so than by any film, or by any author with perhaps the exception of John Steinbeck.
Steinbeck, though, portrays a very different view of California.
Being the consummate Beach Boys fan, and Brian Wilson fan that I am, their discography conjures up images which bring back great memories going back to when I was a teenager growing up in the Bay Area. From the poignant yet melancholy "Surfs Up" to classics like "Surfer Girl," "All Summer Long," and "The Girls On the Beach" their music is the best! It portrays a way of life that now is at risk, thanks to Al Quida and other third world terrorists who are hell bent on destroying our way of life.
For those of us who live in California, we know the truth about our summer weather. June gloom is upon us. Coastal California is plagued with fog in the summertime; it's that summer fog-the marine influence- which keeps our coastal valleys temperate during summer.
While the marine influence is a main reason explaining why our wine grapes in Santa Barbara County rank among the best in the world, out-of-state tourists-inundated with those images from Beach Boys songs-are asking themselves, "what's the big deal with this weather?"
Get in the spirit! Wines made for summer.
Summertime wines! Dry roses from producers like Sanford, Botasea from Palmina, and Tablas Creek. Dry whites-chenin blancs from the likes of Firestone and Foxen. Dry sauvignon blancs from the likes of Fiddlehead Cellars, Santa Barbara Winery and Westerly.
Bon appetit!
Summer fun-upcoming winery events!
Richard Longoria Wines joins Buttonwood Farm Winery to host the ninth annual Red, White, and Blues Festival on Saturday, June 26 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. This year's concert features An All-Star Blues Review starring The Mannish Boys with Johnny Dyer and special guest vocalist Mickey Champion.
The beautiful Buttonwood Farm vineyard, located outside of Solvang at 1500 Alamo Pintado Road, provides the perfect setting for a fun afternoon of listening and dancing to the blues. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and a picnic. Wine will be available for sale at the event.
The Mannish Boys features some of the most dynamic blues talent in the world today. Anchoring this talented all-star band is veteran piano man Leon Blue, whose credits include stints with The Ike and Tina Turner Revue as well as The Albert Collins Band. Bringing his traditional Chicago blues style to the mix is featured singer/harmonica player Johnny Dyer. In addition, the powerful vocals of the fabulous Miss Mickey Champion insure this incredible collaboration will generate an unforgettable soulful experience for all blues lovers.
Concert tickets sell for $30.00 in advance or $32.00 at the gate, if there are any available. The price includes a logo glass and two tastes from a selection of Buttonwood and Longoria wines. Call Buttonwood Farm Winery at (805) 688-3032 or Richard Longoria Wines at (805) 688-0305 for tickets and information.
Wine lover and Santa Maria Times Wine columnist, Bob Senn, lives in the bucolic Los Alamos Valley and owns the Los Olivos Wine & Spirits Emporium.
