Elle N.
Yelp
The husband and I were Yelpers before there was a Yelp...
We just didn't know it yet. We were early adopters to most things and the wine business was no exception.
I worked in the wine industry (and my husband and I both received certification, something fun for a couple to do). When I returned to college and attended grad school, the best part during breaks, was traveling and tasting wine for free. It was an industry standard, plus 20% off merchandise and wine.
Those were the days! Infact, Sideways the film came out during those school days. We basically completed the Sideways Tour and never got to Yelp about it, until this modified return for our anniversary trip this weekend, we returned to a place that captured our foodie hearts on our first visit. Another place that put wine on the map.
Some highlights of the original nostalgic Sideways tour involved visiting Foxen (where the dog Queenie took a nip at me, you can look her up, in the book of winery dogs) and tasting the "magic stuff" at the Hitching Post for the first time. Although, probably a seasoning you can make it at home, but it's only $6.00 per shaker w/Hitching Post flair.
Just the idea of ditching Merlot forever (always thinking if I had a baby girl (human or dog) I'd name her Syrah, perhaps a classier wine name), but hey we had boys around (not girls). To top off this return, the Hitching Post does not disappoint for a California Pinot Noir. It doesn't hurt the Hitching Post also makes the best steak in town.
On this trip, the new tasting room is located next to the Hitching Post II and you can have lunch and appetizers delivered to the patio, especially when you are traveling with your pup. Pinot Noir, a steak salad and a grilled artichoke, time with my loves. Call it Sideways again, I will go with that position.
PS The chef wanted to meet Kindle (our boy dogs name) as he was dressed in his Padre costume as he visited the Central Coast Missions.
#Buellton
#TheHitchingPost
#SidewaysForever
#PinotNoir
#WineTasting
#MagicStuff
#KindleOnAMission