As a French native from Bordeaux who moved to one of California’s stellar wine regions, namely Santa Barbara, I always get the same questions while wine tasting. It is not that I advertise my French roots, but as soon as I open my mouth my accent gives it away, and people are always curious about: Which ones do you like better? Old world or new world? They seem to expect a snooty " of course Bordeaux’s and Burgundy’s are far superior" but instead I share with enthusiasm my love story with Santa Barbara’s wines, but also with the whole culture around it. This is why I write reviews of all the wineries I visit in the county, complementing them with photos of the pourers at the counter, the visitors, the decor, the architecture, the ambiance, anything that conveys the vibes if in town, and the serenity and majesty of the vineyards if the tasting room is in the country.Being a wine club member at several wineries,a non-existent concept in France, by the way,I sometimes take friends along who have no interest in wine, but they fall under the charm right away, be it at the sight of oak barrels lined and piled up high, or getting engrossed in a conversation about the etymology of a varietal, or discovering that their taste buds know so much about wine already… So, not a wine drinker? Visit a winery, wherever you live, and let yourself fall under the spell. Read reviews on Google Maps first so you don’t stumble upon one of those snobbish ones that will make you feel bad about being a newbie. Cheers! Or “Chin Chin” in French.
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