Alisal Hosts VIP Event Featuring Winemakers of Longoria and Samsara

 

An October Saturday night was the perfect autumn evening to host a wine pairing dinner in front of a roaring fire in our Sycamore Room.

One of the benefits of being located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s wine country is that we have the opportunity to get to know our wine-making neighbors, who are purveyors of some of the finest wines in California, if not the nation (or world).   The Lompoc “Wine Ghetto” (a collection of small wine production and tasting facilities) has experienced a huge boom in recent years.  Perhaps it is because they are simply a collection of steel industrial buildings offering over one dozen tasting rooms at one’s complete disposal. Perhaps it is because they are unpretentious and beckon wine lovers of all levels and experiences to just relax and enjoy.  No matter what the reason, the wine makers of these boutique wineries are especially passionate and love sharing their wine and wine-making stories with guests.

When we decided to choose two of our top favorite wines to feature to entertain a group of VIP media guests staying here at Alisal Guest Ranch, the decision was not difficult: Longoria and Samsara.   Working with Alisal Executive Chef Pascal Gode as well as the wine makers themselves (Rick and Diana Longoria & Chad Melville of Samsara), the wine pairing dinner was a huge success.

Hors D’oeuvres

 

Spicy Ahi Tuna Roll with Peanut Dipping Sauce

 

Grilled Flat Bread with Smoked Salmon, Boursin and Fresh Dill

 

Spicy Potato & Cumin Samosas with Yogurt-Cilantro Sauce

 

 

2012 Longoria Pinot Grigio, Santa Barbara County

 

2012 Samsara Grenache Rose, Windmill Ranch Vineyard

 

DINNER

 

Green Lentil Crepe with Fresh Maine Lobster

 

Crème Fraiche and Saffron Sauce

 

 

2011 Longoria Chardonnay, Cuvee Diana, Sta. Rita Hills

 

2011 Samsara Grenache, Black Oak Vineyard

 

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Grilled Portobello Raviolis with Swiss chard

 

Fennel & Wild Mushroom Broth

 

 

2010 Longoria Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills

 

2009 Samsara Pinot Noir, Melville Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills

 

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Lemon Sorbetto with Limoncello & Mint

 

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Roasted Herbed Rack of Lamb with Cannellini Bean Gratin

 

Buttered Broccolini

 

Natural Pan Juices with Fresh Thyme

 

 

2011 Longoria Blues Cuvee, Santa Barbara County

 

2010 Samsara Syrah, Turner Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills

 

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Baby Frisee Lettuce with Crisp Pancetta, Peppered Goat Cheese Crostini

 

Tarragon vinaigrette

 

 

2011 Longoria Pinot Noir, Lovely Rita, Sta. Rita Hills

 

2012 Samsara Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills

 

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Fresh Raspberries Millefeuilles

 

Caramel Sauce

 

 

2010 Longoria Syrah, Vino Dulce, Santa Barbara County

 

 

Coffee, Teas and Assorted Macaroons

Piano Music by Bill Powell

 

 

For more information about hosting your private event at Alisal Guest Ranch, call:  805.686.7619

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pianist Bill Powell Delighting Guests During Dinner