Holus Bolus

Amy Christine – Master of Wine & Owner

Holus Bolus Santa Barbara County Syrah 2023

Perfect Pairing: Lentil tomato stew

• • This bright, savory Syrah layered with blackberry, cracked pepper, violets, and smoked herbs enhances the earthy, aromatic warmth of a slow-simmered lentil tomato stew. It’s comforting, nourishing, and perfect for chilly holiday evenings. This dish began as a post-harvest ritual and has become a favorite for seasonal gatherings!
  • Toast Tip: Best served slightly chilled, around 62°F, with a loaf of crusty bread and lighthearted holiday movies.

Sandhi Wines

Claire Wilson – Winemaker & Assistant Brand Manager

2023 Sandhi White Buffalo Land Trust Pinot Noir

Perfect Pairing: Braised beef short ribs

• • Rich, slow-braised beef meets its match in this vibrant, red-fruited Pinot Noir. Soft earthiness in the wine complements the dish beautifully, making it a perfect centerpiece for a cozy Christmas Eve dinner.
  • Toast Tip: Start the evening with Sandhi’s 2019 Blanc de Noir — a festive glass of bubbles sets the tone.

Sea Smoke

Matt Steel – GM, Viticulture & Winemaking

2020 ‘Sea Spray’ Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine

Perfect Pairing: Thanksgiving turkey & all the trimmings

• • With notes of grapefruit, nectarine, rose petal, and brioche, this elegant sparkling wine complements everything from buttery mashed potatoes to sweet yams and pork sausage stuffing. And don’t forget to save a glass for fruit pie or cobbler, it’s magic.
  • Toast Tip: Best enjoyed at 48–52°F in a tulip-shaped glass to reveal its full bouquet.

Tercero Wines

Larry Schaffer – Owner & Winemaker

2023 Mourvèdre Rosé

Perfect Pairing: Cheese plates, charcuterie & holiday salads

• • More textured than your average rosé, this earthy-tropical Mourvèdre Rosé is a festive match for starters – from creamy cheeses to bright greens with candied walnuts and gorgonzola.
  • Toast Tip: Serve at cellar temperature for peak expression.

2021 The Outlier

Perfect Pairing: Curried butternut squash soup

• • A longtime family tradition, this aromatic, lightly off-dry Gewürztraminer shines beside cozy seasonal soups. Floral aromatics and balancing acidity elevate the sweet-savory harmony of curried squash.

2023 Nouveau Mourvèdre

Perfect Pairing: Holiday mains

• • Fresh, fruity, and delightfully light, this carbonic-style Mourvèdre is made to be chilled and enjoyed with the entire holiday plate. As it warms, its texture deepens for even more versatility.

Tyler Winery

Gabe Fabela – Director of Hospitality & Private Client Sales

Tyler Estate Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2022

Perfect Pairing: Roasted quail with caramelized Mission figs & thyme jus

• • This beautifully balanced Pinot Noir lifted with red Nordic berry, citrus, crushed stone, and subtle savory spice pairs effortlessly with the richness of quail and the sweetness of locally grown figs. It’s a dish and wine deeply rooted in the coastal character of the Sta. Rita Hills.
  • Toast Tip: Serve at 55–58°F in a Burgundy stem; give it a 30-minute splash in a carafe.

Dovecote Estate Winery

Cameron Porter- GM/Assistant Winemaker, Advanced Sommelier

Dovecote 2021 “Noumenon” Estate Syrah

Perfect Pairing: Mediterranean Lamb Stew w/ Orange Gremolata

• • Our top expression of Syrah from our estate, Noumenon marries perfectly with Mediterranean spices- think bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Our vineyard brings out similar notes of spice and cool herbs in our Syrah, and the orange gremolata highlights the wine’s top notes of citrus.
  • Toast Tip: Serve at cellar at temperature with good music and great friends.

Samsara Wine Co.

Matt Brady – Winemaker

SAMsARA 2023 Chardonnay, Bentrock Vineyard

Perfect Pairing: Chilled Crab Claws

• • This crisp, bright Chardonnay cuts through the richness of crab and finishes fresh, leaving you wanting more. This is no California butterball, but has texture and weight. A precise balance between acidity and richness…the perfect pairing for fun holiday snacking.
  • Toast Tip: Serve at cellar temp (so not too cold!) on a holiday afternoon.

Margerum Wine Company

2024 Margerum Estate Mourvèdre

Perfect Pairing: Beef Wellington

• • Our Mourvèdre is a stand-out holiday wine for the table with balanced fruit, spice and earthy undertones. For a pairing that’s both indulgent and refined, Beef Wellington and Mourvèdre are a harmonious duo! The wine enhances the dish’s rich flavors while providing enough structure to balance the fatty and earthy elements of the Wellington.
  • Toast Tip: Decant Mourvèdre 45 minutes in advance to allow the wine to breathe and open up, enhancing its flavors and softening the tannins.

Riverbench Vineyard & Winery

2018 Riverbench Vineyard Blanc de Blancs

Perfect Pairing: Pan-seared scallops in a browned butter and sage sauce

• • The acidity and brightness of this 100% sparkling Chardonnay perfectly compliments the richness of the caramelized butter, while the citrus and green apple notes balance out the scallops’ natural sweetness.
  • Toast Tip: Chill your empty glass a few minutes before serving to enhance the wine’s bubbles and crispness.

2019 Riverbench Vineyard Cork Jumper Cuvée

Perfect Pairing: Herb and lemon roast chicken with garlic confit mashed potatoes

• • A sweet-spot blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. This sparkling wine captures the best of all three traditional Champagne varietals. The cuvée’s bright acidity cuts through the richness of the potatoes, while the subtle red fruit notes and structure compliment the savory, herbal flavors of the roast chicken.
  • Toast Tip: Open this bottle while dinner is still in the oven. You deserve a glass!