Weekend in San Ynez

We are fortunate to live in Southern California, which means we can take some pretty cool weekend trips.  Last weekend we took a scenic drive up to San Ynez for some wine tasting/drinking with a small group of friends... or maybe large, there were 12 of us.  Accommodations can be a bit limited, be prepared to stay in a bed and breakfast like ForFriendsInn or the largest hotel San Ynez has to offer, the Marriott San Ynez.  We had a comfortable room at the Marriott which offered everything you needed for a quick weekend get away.  Our first group dinner was held at  The Hitching post ll, this home town restaurant had a cameo in the "Sideways" movie back in 2003.  The simple western theme rooms adorned with wall paper and cloth drapery takes you back in time, little county little 70's.  The wait staff is friendly and helpfully when choosing from their many wines.  Come hungry, each entree comes with a starter, and entrees are rather hardy.  Fresh fish specials are always on hand for the non meat eaters or a lighter fare option.  The experience was great and food was even better definitely worth a reservation. 

1.) Our "tasting" day started a little later then usual. Our first stop close to 12:30pm was Zaca Mesa.  A cute farm like winery which started in the 1970's known for their  Rhone like grapes Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, and Roussanne.  

2.) The next stop was the well know Foxen estate.  The wines were great and on a nice day you could let time pass while enjoying the view of rolling hills.  Foxen uses the term "pioneer" in the most modest way, with ancestors purchasing the land back in the 1800's.  Foxen Tinaquaic is the only dry farmed vineyard in the region.  That being said, they truly only rely on mother nature to nourish the vines, which happen to be the original rootstocks.  Hows that for a little bit of history. 

With limited time, we hurried down to the tasting room mecca of Los Olivios.  We parked in front of Byron, who is well known for their pinots.  The vast vineyard is defiantly one to check out on the next visit, the wines ranked at the top of our list.  Visit their website for special events, rumor has it the big 

5-0 is around the corner Byron wines

No wine tasting is complete with out a sweet snack.  For this last stop we wandered over to Saarloos & Sons satisfying the sweet tooth with mini cupcakes.  The wines are creatively named and promises to appeal to the likes of everyone.  I found that the tasting menu was a bit all over the place not really follow the typical light, medium, bold, sweet routine the palate is use to.  That being said, I really enjoyed tasting here.  The houses decor and large picnic tables and fire pits in the front make it very welcoming.  Staying open late helps as well.  

After a hours of tasting we worked up an appetite for some fabulous food.  Luckily for us The Wine Merchant a rather new kid on the block was just a few blocks away.  They focus on Mediterranean cuisine, options they served from the deli before creating a 5 star dining experience.  Choice from steak, fish and even gluten free pizza *warning* deciding on just one entree may be difficult.  Portions are large you may want to share a few items. Check them out Here

All in all a great weekend with friends!! stay turned for other local weekend stay-cations. 

Xoxo

ML

Chocolate Chunk cookies {Dairy free, whole wheat}

I am always looking for a healthier cookie recipe, but one that actually satisfies the sweet treat craving.  This recipe contains whole wheat flour, oats, almond flour and dark brown sugar.  Give them a shot and I promise they will not only please you, but the pickiest of cookie monsters.  

*Yields about 10-12 cookies 

1  C. instant oatmeal

½ C. whole wheat flour

½ C. Almond flour or meal*

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt (optional)

¾  C. firmly packed dark brown sugar

1/3 C. canola oil

¼ C. almond milk

2  tsp vanilla extract

½ C. semisweet chocolate chips

Subsituttions

*Almond flour for Cashew or coconut flour find at Here

*Almond milk for rice or non fat milk

Pre heat oven to 350^o.  In large mixing bowl combine oats, whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking soda and salt.  In a medium bowl combine brown sugar, almond milk, oil, vanilla; mix well braking up brown sugar.  Pour into large bowl with flour and stir until combine.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Dough will be a little sticky just scoop on to baking dish do not worry about making a perfect ball. Bake 12-15 mins. Carefully remove from baking sheet and let cool on cooling rake {Very important, they will cool and harden staying soft in the middle}