Artisan winemakers star at Solvang Garagiste Festival
The winemakers who gathered to pour at the Garagiste Festival in Solvang on Feb. 13-14 are mostly unknown in the marketplace, have limited equipment of their own and produce in such small quantities that financially, as one artisan told me, “it’s not for the faint of heart, to put it mildly.” This is the world Read More →
’Tis the season to stock up on tri-county wines
It’s the most wonderful time of year for wine sales. Wineries I contacted in the region reported that November and December and the last quarter of the year are typically their strongest sales months as consumers stock up for holiday gatherings and select gifts. Customers will often spend more on a bottle this time of Read More →
The hip touch for hotels: Inn operators seek partner for next step
Shelter Social Club, a boutique renovator and operator of hotels in the Tri-Counties, is on the hunt for a financial partner that could contribute $1 million toward its next venture.
Whole Foods buys New Frontiers in SLO for first Central Coast store
Grocery giant Whole Foods Market has purchased the New Frontiers Natural Marketplace in San Luis Obispo, setting the stage for its first Central Coast store. Austin-based Whole Foods announced on March 31 that it has purchased the New Frontiers stores in San Luis Obispo and in Flagstaff, Prescott and Sedona, Ariz. Terms of the Read More →
Santa Maria chamber CEO Bob Hatch to retire
Bob Hatch is retiring after 20 years as president and CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, the largest business group in North Santa Barbara County.
The maverick of the valley: New Vintners’ chief has bold plan for Santa Barbara wine country
Morgen McLaughlin believes that some of the best wines in the in the world are being produced in Santa Barbara County, but that message hasn’t been getting out to consumers or the media.
