Californio-Cation
Local friends conceived RANCHERO WHISKEY, a blend of 100 percent California-grain malt whiskey and traditional bourbon that pays homage to the Central Coast’s past.
Photography by Katheryn Boyd Brolin
During the mid-19th century, Santa Barbara was shaped by the Ranchero Era, an entrepreneurial period following Mexican independence marked by old land grants, cattle ranches, and the so-called Californio culture. Inspired by this history, in 2025 a group of local friends conceived RANCHERO WHISKEY, a blend of 100 percent California-grain malt whiskey and traditional bourbon that pays homage to the Central Coast’s past. “It’s a whiskey that’s intended for everyone to enjoy in the sense that it’s very approachable, very flavorful, but not overbearing,” says cofounder and master distiller Justin McCabe. “There’s a little bit of spice and nuttiness that’s complemented by the sweetness of the bourbon. It’s very seductive.”
The brand’s other cofounders, Brad Vernon and Matthew Pifer, and partners Jennifer and Kris Zacharias, were all in agreement that their inaugural spirit be “rooted in tradition and built for the modern West, [and] celebrate independence, authenticity, and the enduring culture and stewardship of today’s California ranchers.” The easy-drinking whiskey had a soft launch this summer at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (where it could be sipped on its own or enjoyed in artisan cocktails like the Kick’n Mule) and the Santa Barbara Rodeo. Now it’s available direct to consumer as the rollout to local retailers and watering holes ramps up.
“We also really hope to connect with the female whiskey drinkers,” Jennifer says. “It’s incredibly smooth on its own and great in cocktails, and really ideal for anyone who might be whiskey curious but worried about intensity.” rancherowhiskey.com
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Raising the Bar
“My aunt, Victoria, has been the north star of hospitality for us—always warm and inviting,” says Ethan Elisara
Montecito’s newest wine-tasting bar, Vic’s, is inspired by the café cultures of New Zealand and Europe.
Written by Gabe Saglie
Photography by Zach and Dune
“My aunt, Victoria, has been the north star of hospitality for us—always warm and inviting,” says Ethan Elisara, referring to the inspiration behind VIC’S, the wine bar he and his wife, Aleah, just launched at The Post, across from the bird refuge. Inspired by the café culture of Auntie Vic’s native New Zealand and the allure of the cafés of Europe, Vic’s is actually the result of a nightly transformation: The space that houses Little King Coffee by day converts to a cozy hangout for oenophiles by night.
“We hang artwork and light candles to set the ambiance,” Aleah says. The concise wine list is a 50-50 blend of California bottles—mainly unique Santa Barbara labels—and special European finds, all of which can be ordered by the glass or bottle. There’s also a 20 percent discount on bottles to go. The handful of food options includes a homemade savory sausage roll, another Kiwi inspiration. Guests can sip at the four-seat bar, at one of a few indoor tables, or on the outdoor patio. “We want them to have an unhurried experience,” Ethan says, “and to linger a little longer.” 1801 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, vicswinebar.com
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The Legacy Continues
“We are slaves to making wines that go great with food, and wines that should live in your cellar!” says winemaker Magan Kunin.
Displays at The Valley Project tasting room include soil samples
Written by Gabe Saglie
Photography by Sara Prince
“We are slaves to making wines that go great with food, and wines that should live in your cellar!” says winemaker Magan Kunin. This mantra echoes the formula for success set by her late husband, Seth, which could have fizzled when he died suddenly in 2017, at age 50. His partner in life and business, however, decided to follow his formula—and build on it.
“We’re in the business of mentoring wine professionals, too.”
Seth “was a meticulous person,” Kunin says, “who kept a log of every single day in the winery for 10 years.” Those detailed notes provided a road map that allowed two projects to flourish. The KUNIN label, with a focus on Rhône varieties and elegant blends, is home to some of the best Syrah and Chenin Blanc wines in California, as well as the crisp, clean grenache-based Phoebe Rosé. The VALLEY PROJECT brand, aimed at terroir exploration and wine education around Santa Barbara County’s seven AVAs, delivers standout Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc, among others.
Across both labels, she produces about 5,000 cases of wine each year. And each tasting room—Kunin in the Presidio neighborhood and Valley Project in the Funk Zone—acts as an anchor for Santa Barbara’s wine curious. Kunin has placed her own stamp on the brands, including contracting with new vineyard sources and visiting both tasting rooms to pour and mingle with guests on a daily routine. She’s also keen on fostering new careers in the wine business. “We’ve always thought that we’re in the business of mentoring wine professionals, too,” she says. 831 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, kuninwines.com; 116 E. Yanonali St., Santa Barbara, thevalleyprojectwines.com
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Feast of the Season
Valerie Rice shares the bounty from her garden for a
Cal-Ital culinary experience.
Valerie Rice shares the bounty from her garden for a Cal-Ital culinary experience
Valerie Rice washes produce from her garden at home.
Photography by Sara Prince
In Italy, ingredients are meant to be enjoyed where they come from. The tomatoes, wheat, olive oil, and cheese are connected to the land, the people, and generations of knowledge. The recipe may be simple, but the ingredients are anything but ordinary. Luckily, we have our own version of this magic right here in Santa Barbara. Our farmers markets are a feast for the senses—rows of colorful produce, baskets overflowing with the season’s best, and farmers who know their crops like proud parents. And while I will always have a soft spot for Italian wine, cheese, ceramics, and olive oil (my suitcase is proof), I’ve been inspired by the incredible ingredients being made right here at home. This recipe is exactly that kind of cooking. It’s relaxed, seasonal, and forgiving—the type of dish that makes entertaining feel effortless. It can be prepared ahead, served at room temperature, and enjoyed while everyone lingers over a glass of wine, tells stories, and inevitably goes back for “just one more bite.”
One of my favorite parts of cooking this way is getting to know the people behind the ingredients. For this recipe, I’m using Pasta Santina’s trumpet pasta made by my friend Sergio, who mills local California wheat into beautifully creamy pasta with incredible texture and flavor. I’m also reaching for Luretik olive oil from Santa Ynez, made by my friend Elise—a former Italian philosophy professor who now grows Italian olive varieties and produces an oil that is vibrant, peppery, and full of character. These products are proof that exceptional ingredients don’t have to travel thousands of miles. Sometimes they’re growing, milling, and being crafted right in our own backyard. Ricotta salata is the perfect finishing cheese because it stays crumbly and adds a bright, salty bite. I usually find it at the Upper Village grocery, but feta or shaved Pecorino Romano make good substitutes. eatdrinkgarden.com; pastasantina.com.
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Boots and Bands
One of four original taverns that lined Santa Ynez’s Sagunto Street during the mid-1900s, MAVERICK SALOON is the last remaining of its kind.
A ceiling covered with dollar bills says a lot of happy cowboy customers have passed through Maverick Saloon.
Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photography by Talia Helvey
One of four original taverns that lined Santa Ynez’s Sagunto Street during the mid-1900s, MAVERICK SALOON is the last remaining of its kind—a place where cowboy culture still feels very much alive. For more than six decades, the lively saloon has welcomed ranchers, cowboys, locals, tourists, and wedding parties alike for drinks, hearty fare, live music, and a taste of the Old West. Built from salvaged wood, the rustic saloon and adjoining dance barn charm with horseshoes and neon beer signs on the walls, cattle brands carved into the bar, and thousands of signed dollar bills covering the ceiling—a tradition that reflects the many generations of patrons who have passed through its doors.
Behind the bar, classic cocktails, local beer and wine, and a selection of spirits complement a menu of comfort fare, from flatbreads and burgers to tacos and steak platters. Adding to the convivial vibe are weekly events like open mic nights, line dancing, and karaoke, while live bands take the stage several nights a week, bringing big names and up-and-comers who keep the dance floor full. 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, mavericksaloon.com
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Somms Like It Hot
Meet the Wine Experts Behind Montecito and Santa Barbara’s Celebrated Cellars
The wine cellar at San Ysidro Ranch
Stephane Colling
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have met and learned from some of the most inspiring winemakers over the years, including Philippe Blanck and Albert Seltz, both from my hometown of Alsace, [France],” says STEPHANE COLLING, owner of Montecito-based wine advisory and concierge service, 750mls. “[They] became early mentors who shaped not only the way I understood wine, but also the importance of humility, sense of place, and relationships.” Those relationships—along with his obvious passion for wine—have defined his nearly 35-year career as a trusted resource for all things ready-to-drink and collectible.
1988 Barbaresco, Gaja: “Beautifully mature: dried cherry, rose petal, tobacco, cedar, and earthy spice.”
Moving to the U.S. in 1989, Colling landed in New York. By the time he was 18, he received a sommelier certification that solidified his vine-laden path. “There have been countless wines and experiences that have marked me in different ways,” he says, “from sharing a dinner with [French winemaker] Lalou Bize-Leroy to an unforgettable deep-dive tasting with Olivier Krug at the winery.” Other career-defining experiences have included tenures with Michelin-starred chefs like Alain Ducasse, Joël Robuchon, and Daniel Boulud, as well as a three-year stint as wine director for The Modern at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. In 2011 Colling relocated to the West Coast, first for the role of food and beverage director at San Ysidro Ranch and, later, for tenures with Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos and the historic hillside El Encanto hotel in Santa Barbara.
When asked about his most impressive career highlights to date, Colling mentioned two. The first came to fruition in 2023—two years after founding his bespoke wine service—when Château d’Yquem offered Colling a 130-plus bottle collection that he acquired for San Ysidro Ranch’s Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine cellar at the Stonehouse restaurant. “Those kinds of offers don’t cross my desk every day,” he says, noting that the earliest vintage was from 1811. The second highlight involved a longstanding private client who, when he became a parent, began collecting wines from the birth years of his children. “Today, each child has a collection waiting for them: bottles chosen at birth, carefully stored, and destined to be opened for future milestones.”
Rob Smits
This past June, Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach received the Wine Spectator Grand Award, the world’s highest honor for a restaurant wine program, With just two years at the helm, director of wine ROB SMITS had a big role in earning the prestigious accolade. “We have worked to create a collection that celebrates both iconic producers from around the world and the remarkable wines of Santa Barbara,” he said, adding it was a recognition made possible “when a wine program is built with equal parts ambition and authenticity.”
For Smits, that ambition peaked after he graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in history. “When I was growing up, my uncle made wine at [his] house, and he’d bring it as gifts for Christmas,” he says. “It was kind of inspiring when I was a kid, and I knew that when I was old enough, I’d make wine, too, so after college I moved to Santa Rosa.”
Chartogne-Taillet Hors Serie Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2018: “Delivers remarkable tension, structural precision, and chalky minerality.
Shortly after his arrival in Northern California’s coastal wine region, Smits befriended winemakers and bought winemaking equipment from a couple who’d been garage vintners for 30 years. “I made Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in my own garage. I think the first vintages were 2009 and 2010.” He went on to become the wine director for Farmshop in Larkspur and, later, Mason Pacific in San Francisco before joining The MINA Group as head sommelier for the San Francisco 49ers. Not surprisingly, his history degree has come in handy over the years. “I talk a lot about history, geography, and politics when narrating wine lists,” he says. “And we’ve developed a very historical presentation for [Caruso’s] list that’s been really beneficial to the program.”
David Fainberg
Growing up in the San Bernardino County community of Lake Arrowhead, DAVID FAINBERG, now wine director of San Ysidro Ranch, was looking to make a little extra money during high school when he took his first job at a fine dining restaurant next to his parents’ jewelry store. “I got a job as a busboy there, worked my way up through the ranks, and really found a passion for hospitality,” he says. “A friend of mine ended up purchasing the restaurant and suggested I try making a career out of it.” Realizing wine was arguably the most fun aspect of that work, Fainberg aced his first-level sommelier exam, and the rest is history.
Domaine Génot-Boulanger, Meursault-Bouchères 1er cru 2022: “Bright and precise, with citrus, orchard blossom, and minerality.”
Even after a year-long foray under Chef Kyle Connaughton at Healdsburg’s three-Michelin-starred SingleThread Farm and two-and-a-half years at San Ysidro Ranch, Fainberg still thinks about the biggest influence on his chosen métier. “Mark Sullivan was kind of this grizzled representative for Regal Wine Company when I was still living in Lake Arrowhead,” he says. “And when I really started to show interest [in wine], he would come in and buy bottles off our list, open them with me, and talk through what made them so special. He made such an impression on me and helped me see what a future as a wine professional could look like.”
Earlier this year Fainberg traveled through France’s renowned Bordeaux wine region, which, he says, “reinvigorated my passion for what we do here at San Ysidro Ranch.” Since his arrival, the cellar’s Bordeaux selection has grown substantially as the award-winning collection continues to broaden. “We’ve recently brought in a lot of wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, and now there’s a focus on developing our Italian [wine] program.” Cheers to that.
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Heart of the Vine
I tend to do everything by jumping in,” says Kim Busch, who owns Folded Hills winery, ranch, and farmstead with her husband, Andy.
Wine for a good cause
Kim and Andy Busch enjoy a moment at their Folded Hills winery
Written by Joan Tapper
Photography by Kylie Enholm, Cara Robbins
I tend to do everything by jumping in,” says Kim Busch, who owns Folded Hills winery, ranch, and farmstead with her husband, Andy. That was her mode when the couple decided to plant grapes on their Santa Ynez property in 2014 and when they launched their wines three years later. And it was also how she founded GRAPES FOR GLIOBLASTOMA, a 501(c)(3), in May of this year.
The label of their 2024 Roper Reserve Syrah reflects the ranch atmosphere.
The story of the nonprofit has an intimately personal impetus. In 2023 Andy was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a serious and aggressive brain cancer. As the family navigated his health journey through doctors, second opinions, and multiple treatments, they realized that others with this disease often faced financial jeopardy and other hardships. The Busches had long partnered with and donated portions of their sales to local charities. But this situation called for something else.
“Most nonprofits fund research,” Kim says, “and thank goodness for that. But we are a little more grassroots.” The organization gives financial support to families who might need a driver to get to an appointment, since those with this diagnosis cannot drive. Other grants might allow people to afford a hotel before an early exam out of town, seek a second opinion in another city, or hire a caregiver for a much-needed break. “It’s complicated to write checks to a caregiver,” Kim adds. “The learning curve is steep.”
A dedicated fundraiser may take place next spring, but for now, 10 percent of every sale of Folded Hills wine goes to the nonprofit. “It changes lives to have a little help,” Kim says. “All we can do is the smallest amount, but that’s a win.” grapesforglioblastoma.org
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From Art to Wine
If art by any other name is still art, then Ashkahn “Ash” Shahparnia is in the perfect place.
Ash, pictured in his Los Olivos tasting room.
Written by Gabe Saglie
Photography by Talia Helvey
“Producing natural wines is like walking the tightrope without a safety net”
If art by any other name is still art, then Ashkahn “Ash” Shahparnia is in the perfect place. The Redondo Beach native is a professional illustrator by training, a graduate of the Otis College of Art, with a resumé that includes brands like Capitol Records and Target. A trip to visit his wife’s family in Paso Robles sparked a love for wine, leading to harvest internships at Bien Nacido and Presqu’ile wineries and a job at Stolpman. Ash closed his L.A. design gallery and in 2020 launched ASHKAHN WINES, his viticultural brand, which has an unapologetic focus on natural wine. Minimal intervention in the cellar means using only native yeasts, as well as no filtering, no fining, and no defensive additives of any kind. Colorful and eclectic, the Los Olivos tasting room opened in May, featuring wines like Chardonnay and Gamay alongside the artist’s original greeting cards. 2446 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos, ashkahnwines.com
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Vintage Inn
The 1880 UNION HOTEL, located on central Bell Street, officially reopened this spring with nine distinct guest rooms…
The ivy-covered exterior
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by isle of film
The tiny enclave of Los Alamos has increasingly become a can’t-miss Central Coast destination, and the latest addition to the town of less than 2,000 is the rebirth of one of its oldest hostelries. The 1880 UNION HOTEL, located on central Bell Street, officially reopened this spring with nine distinct guest rooms, while it continues to host private events and weddings.
Built 145 years ago, the original structure served as stagecoach stop, general store, lodging house, and telegraph office. It was rebuilt after a fire in 1915, then renovated in 1972. During the 1950s, legend has it, Johnny Cash played the saloon, and its lore only deepened when the property served as a backdrop for Paul McCartney’s and Michael Jackson’s “Say Say Say” music video in 1983.
Vintage lighting, furniture, and artwork define chic guest rooms in this Los Alamos landmark
Now officially a California historic landmark, the estate includes a vintage saloon, rose garden, lawn, gazebo, and brick patio. Rooms boast atmospheric amenities like clawfoot tubs, four-poster beds, and antique chandeliers, as well as plenty of Wild West charm. 362 Bell St., Los Alamos, 1880union.com
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The Wild West Coast
Welcoming cowpokes and buckaroos for 80 years
Welcoming cowpokes and buckaroos for 80 years
An hour north of Santa Barbara, family-owned Alisal Ranch opened its doors—and its hearts—to guests in 1946.
Written by David Nash
Photography by Talia Helvey
After its opening to the public in 1946, the biggest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age—including Doris Day, Kirk Douglas, Ava Gardner, and Gregory Peck—booked stays there. Clark Gable married his fourth wife, British socialite Lady Sylvia Ashley, on the property three years later. And during an early visit, Walt Disney may have even found inspiration for his future family-friendly theme park. The place was ALISAL RANCH, just 36 miles north of Santa Barbara, in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley.
Families have always enjoyed the property’s amenities
The Ranch has epitomized the spirit of the American West for generations of visitors since it began welcoming guests 80 years ago. Since then, the 10,500-acre property has expanded from accommodations for 30 people—with several barns and some rodeo fields—to a city slicker’s off-the-grid paradise that includes a championship par-72, 18-hole golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, a private lake, and trails for horseback riding that span more than 50 miles against a backdrop of golden hills and sycamore groves that cocoon the canyon floor.
a foldout of a 1947 brochure that showcases activities, events, and accoutrements
Purchased by Ann and Charles Pete Jackson Jr. in 1943, the property is still owned and operated by the family and, apart from its impressive roster of resort activities, continues to function as a working cattle ranch.
“Alisal is part of my DNA,” says third-generation owner and CEO Jim Jackson. “It’s where a large part of our family’s history is rooted and where we’ve been lucky enough to welcome generations of other families into our own.” Featuring 73 guest cottages and suites—each outfitted with authentic western flair and intentionally void of telephones and televisions—Alisal Ranch invites genuine connections to nature and offers the opportunity to slow down and unplug.
In celebration of its 80th anniversary this year, the ranch has conceived several limited-edition collaborations and experiences, including The 1946 Legacy Package, an ultra-exclusive, expertly curated two-night stay for six adults at the private Jackson House. Symbolically priced at $19,460, the getaway includes daily meals and libations, a candlelight dinner in the historic home’s library, a “Wild at Dusk: Birds & Bourbon” event complete with falconry and a whiskey tasting, a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Santa Ynez Valley, a group horseback ride, and plenty of signature mementos.
Rodeo at Alisal Ranch Rodeo Field.
“[This] has always been a place where generations come together to disconnect from the modern world and connect with the spirit of the American West,” general manager David Merklinger says. “This 80th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past but a tribute to the incredible community, the land, and the loyal guests who continue to shape our legacy every day.”
A new book celebrates the ranch’s history
Commemorating the place’s enduring history, which stretches back to the mid-19th century, there’s a new coffee-table book, Alisal Ranch: 175 Years of Ranch History ($75), celebrating the resort’s heritage, landscape, and lasting spirit. “Reaching 80 years is an incredible milestone, but at the end of the day, we’re still just trying to do what my parents wanted: protect this beautiful piece of the West and make sure everyone who visits feels like they’re part of the family,” Jackson says. 1054 Alisal Rd., Solvang, alisalranch.com
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Play It Again!
It was a grand night for singing when Audra McDonald took to the stage at the Music Academy of the West’s 2026 Music Note Gala on Friday, August 24.
The Music Academy of the West wraps its festival season and looks to the future
Written by Joan Tapper
Photography by David Mendoza III
It was a grand night for singing when Audra McDonald—winner of multiple Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards—took to the stage at the Music Academy of the West’s 2026 Music Note Gala on Friday, August 24. With her soaring soprano and charming personal asides, and backed by a jazzy trio that included her music director, Andy Einhorn, she wowed the audience with a playlist that ranged from “I Am What I Am,” “Summertime,” and “Make Someone Happy” to a heartfelt combo lullaby of “Children Will Listen” and “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught.” It was a joyful coda to a supremely successful 79th Summer Music Festival, which had ended a week earlier.
But the occasion also recognized the extraordinary generosity of Cheryl Goldberg, whose landmark $20 million gift for the Muse, MAW’s forthcoming downtown music education center, promises yearlong programming and ever more opportunities for talented youthful musicians. Goldberg, who made the donation in honor of her late husband, Mike, noted that she wanted to approach philanthopy in a new way: “Give big, make a big impact, and think outside the box,” she has said.
“Cheryl believed in the Muse before there was anything to see,” said Shauna Quill, president and CEO of MAW. “This is our chance to say thank you.”
It was also a chance for some 450 patrons to enjoy a delightfully breezy evening on the expansive polo field at the Bella Vista estate in Summerland, where the gala began with tastes of Royal Daurenki caviar from Petrossian, flutes of Champagne or signature cocktails, and passed hors d’oeuvres catered by Seasons. A scale model of the Muse’s innovative architecture—the work of architect Lawrence Scarpa of Brooks Scarpa Huber—offered a tantalizing glimpse of what will be performing spaces, rehearsal halls, and facilities for MAW’s Vocal Institute and its children’s Sing! program.
After the sit-down dinner, auctioneer Jim Nye conducted a spirited paddle raise that contributed to the record $1.2 million that the fundraiser brought in to support the festival’s scholarships, masterclasses, community tickets, and more.
As Audra McDonald ended her concert with the inspiring “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” accompanied by 10 members of Sing!, you couldn’t help but be assured that the fellows and teachers of the Music Academy will be scaling new heights, not only during next year’s 80th anniversary season but also for decades to come.
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Fashion Frontier
Lela Rose, with its blend of elegant dresses and western-inspired Ranch collections, seems tailor-made for Montecito
Western is certainly having a moment
Lela Rose’s new boutique designed with Studio DB combines ready-to-wear and Ranch collections with accessories and home design items.
Written by Elizabeth Varnell
Photography by Sara Prince, Alexa Vitug
LELA ROSE, with its blend of elegant dresses and western-inspired Ranch collections, seems tailor-made for Montecito, but the designer’s new boutique at The Post is her first foray into California. Rose, who was raised in Texas and studied painting and sculpture in Colorado before landing at Parsons School of Design in New York, has an eye for color and embellishment in her ready-to-wear fashion.
Her new boutique, reflecting the West Coast’s indoor-outdoor architectural style, was designed in partnership with Studio DB and is decorated with her signature lasso motif. The space includes a dried-flower installation by Tedde Minogue of floral design studio Scenery and handmade metal birds in tribute to the region’s bird reserve—and avian motifs frequently turn up in the lush prints included in her collections. 1807 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, lelarose.com
Samantha Wennerstrom x Beek suede moccasin loafers, $350
beekshop.com
The Great joins Alisal Ranch with some exclusive apparel from their collection. thisisthegreat.com
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Earth Works
A Cole Sternberg installation launches Presqu’ile Winery as an art hub
A Cole Sternberg installation launches Presqu’ile Winery as an art hub
the artist and his wife, Kelsey Lee Offield
Written by Elizabeth Varnell
Photography by Anya Mcinroy
“The landscape itself is part of Sternberg’s palette.”
A concrete bunker at PRESQU’ILE WINERY in the Santa Maria Valley merging built and natural environments holds conceptual artist Cole Sternberg’s new installation, along the high embankments. The show—a series of paintings by the Santa Ynez–based creative, whose ractice is centered around environmental forces and the effect of time—launches as part of a multiyear collaboration between Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND) and the Central Coast winery. The landscape itself is part of Sternberg’s palette: He buries canvases in soils and exposes them to the elements, highlighting nature’s power and the ephemerality of the work. 5391 Presquile Dr., Santa Maria, nomadicdivision.org
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Italy In The ‘Hood
Montecito’s Upper Village is becoming a foodie corridor again, as chef Luca Crestanelli of S.Y. Kitchen takes over the former Via Vai space. Crestanelli, a co-owner of ANCORA OSTERIA
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Nick Shamblott
“The intention for Ancora was to create a space that feels warm, collected, and timeless,” according to Jacob Gerhardt and Blair Moritz, the design duo behind the restaurant’s renewal. “Natural materials and an emphasis on craftsmanship form the foundation, while vintage lighting, art, and carefully chosen pieces bring a sense of history and character, as though the room has evolved organically over time.”
Montecito’s Upper Village is becoming a foodie corridor again, as chef Luca Crestanelli of S.Y. Kitchen takes over the former Via Vai space. Crestanelli, a co-owner of ANCORA OSTERIA, has imported his signature Roman-style pinsa for the opening menu, including a margherita and a blistered cherry-tomato pie, but expect heartier mains and formal dishes at this sit-down restaurant. Described as a sister spot to S.Y. Kitchen and Nella Kitchen in Los Olivos, Ancora includes thoughtful touches like small mains for kids—simple butter or pomodoro pasta—alongside bone-in ribeye and grilled pork chops with fennel. Seared yellowfin tuna and prosciutto with stracciatella round out the starters; a fresh pasta section is crowned by francobolli with short-rib ragú and ricotta salata. The wine list emphasizes both Italian producers and local growers from Santa Ynez Valley, continuing Chef Crestanelli’s hallmark of combining California products and Italian vintages. 1483 East Valley Rd., Montecito, ancoraosteria.com
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Moving Forward
Benjamin Millepied and Jennifer Smith celebrated their visionary new initiative with dinner and performances set at the oceanside estate
Benjamin Millepied and Jennifer Smith celebrated their visionary new initiative with dinner and performances set at the oceanside estate
Written by Elizabeth Varnell
Photography by Lorrin Brubaker
Drone images by Zach Brown of Atlas Imagery
The sprawling grounds of Bellosguardo and the Pacific Ocean beyond were the setting for a gala launch of The Santa Barbara Fund for New Choreography founded by Benjamin Millepied and Jennifer Smith on Thursday, July 16. The celebratory dinner, cohosted by Belle Hahn, Cindy Robinson Mullen, Lily Hahn Shining, and Smith drew members of L.A. Dance Project, the artist collective cofounded by Millepied, and the region’s arts supporters to the historic estate. A program of open-air performances launched the initiative dedicated to commissioning new works, an artistic exchange with the coastal city and a forthcoming dance festival in Santa Barbara.
After cocktails on the estate’s veranda, guests gathered on the grand lawn to see excerpts from the Millepied-choreographed triptych Reflections, as well as portions of Resonance, a work created by a handful of choreographers as part of the Getty-organized PST ART collaboration, and Hymn to Freedom, also created by Millepied to the Oscar Peterson civil rights anthem. When Peter Forbes McDowell, LADP’s director of development, took the stage, he said the surroundings brought to mind a particular adjective: “The main word that I can think of is expansive. We have an expansive ocean, we have an expansive lawn, and we have an expansive dream for dance and for the arts.”
Millepied called Hymn to Freedom “a stunning piece of piano and jazz and very much reflective of how this place in California makes me feel.” But before dancers Robert Hoffer, Shu Kinouchi, Audrey Sides, and Hope Spears began the piece, Millepied himself was inspired to perform. “We were rehearsing this afternoon, and I guess I’ve danced over the years only for special occasions but I couldn’t help performing tonight. I really did stop dancing 17 years ago, though, so I’m more improvising a dance for you, for this event, for this incredible setting,” he said. To the strains of three of Bach’s Cello Suites played by SUUVI, he danced a solo. And the surprises kept coming. Over a dinner prepared by Miles Robbins, he announced that he would soon premiere a new ballet in Paris titled Summerland, inspired by his time living in Toro Canyon.
Smith called it “the most magnificent Montecito evening of dance, inspiration, friends, and food and an idea planted in 2017 that took root and grew into the most beautiful dream realized this evening at this spectacular site.” She and Millepied bonded over their shared love of Santa Barbara, first discovered during a conversation at a photo shoot, and began imagining how to bring more dance to the region. “We dreamed of one day having a festival and tonight the concept was seeded with this gala celebrating the new fund to create two brand-new dance pieces that will premiere next summer in Santa Barbara at a newly created weeklong international dance festival founded by Benjamin and me.” The evening benefited the new fund, and guest Connie Callen won the top auction prize, a dinner in Paris with the LADP cofounder. Smith said the initiative is well on its way to realizing the vision she and Millepied have nurtured over the years for the formation of the new dance showcase. “With LADP, plus other international, national, and local dance companies participating, it will be a very special festival celebrating art in all its forms. With dance comes music, visual storytelling, costumes weaving fashion, and also lighting and set design — all the disciplines together.”
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Green Power
It’s always a pleasure to visit Ganna Walska Lotusland, the world-renowned 37-acre nonprofit that has welcomed visitors for more than three decades.
Botanical Splendor is everywhere at Lotusland Celebrates 2026
Written by Joan Tapper
Photography by Steve Lucero/BFA.com
It’s always a pleasure to visit Ganna Walska Lotusland, the world-renowned 37-acre nonprofit that has welcomed visitors for more than three decades. But the garden is about more than mere enjoyment, and the sold-out fundraising gala on July 18—Lotusland Celebrates 2026: Botanical Splendor—showcased its enduring power to “inspire beauty, creativity, community, and promote environmental stewardship.” Special guest Martha Stewart and host Jane Lynch also underscored the creative legacy of Lotusland founder Ganna Walska during the glittering annual event, which provides philanthropic support for the horticultural collections.
Certainly the beauty and creativity were evident from the moment the 500 guests (many in garden-themed attire) set foot on the winding paths through Lotusland’s diverse environments—from the Japanese Garden, where Andrea Brook of Sonic Butterfly was playing an acoustic chromatic long-string harp strung over the water; down aloe-lined walks to the Water Garden, where a jazz trio provided an aural backdrop for the water lilies and lotus plants; and finally to the Great Lawn, where artful displays offered variations on the floral theme (next to the Botanical Bakery, with its elaborate cookies decorated with birds and flowers, Kathryn Hastings showed off her flowery wax seals). There was also a milliner’s garden of blooming headwear, an antique potting bench, and an in-progress painting by Kristi Johnson of one of Lotusland’s theater gnomes.
After cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a three-course alfresco dinner catered by Paula LeDuc, the heart of the program paid homage to the spirit of community and environmental stewardship, as television personality and avid gardener Martha Stewart spoke about the excellence and impact of Lotusland: “Approximately one-third of the living collections are threatened in their native habitats,” she said, “which makes these collections even more valuable because you can come and see them here, where they are protected, nurtured, reproduced, and cared for.”
A private tour of Stewart’s own garden, plus luncheon at her Cantitoe Corners estate, was a sought-after item during a spirited live auction. Among the other one-of-a-kind offerings were a stay at Chateau Troplong Mondot in Saint-Émilion, France; jewelry by David Webb; a custom-designed rose garden by Rose Story Farm founder Danielle Dall’Armi; and a private dinner at Lotusland with the chefs of Podere Le Ripi. Along with more than 40 additional online auction items that spanned travel, art, design, garden collections, and rare jewelry—plus a paddle raise that demonstrated the generosity of the guests—the gala raised more than $1.5 million to sustain Lotusland now and in the future.
“Gardens nourish more than landscapes,” CEO Rebecca Anderson said. “They nourish the soul. Lotusland offers a place for worship of the natural world, as well as a space for reflection, inspiration, wonder, and renewal. We are proud to share that gift with our community.”
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Generational Beauty
Bet on these summer beauty essentials
Written by Jessica Ritz
After years of operating her boutique in Summerland, fashion designer Heidi Merrick remains eager to nurture local connections. THE APOTHECARY AT HEIDI MERRICK “is a great way to bring people together and build community,” she says. Merrick is partnering with a wide circle of female entrepreneurs for her new venture, including Meredith Markworth-Pollack of Palma Colectiva and photographer and herbalist Blue Gabor of Creature Soleil. A stairwell leads to an apothecary shop, a treatment room, and a natural light–flooded “wellness atelier” intended for gatherings, ceremonies, and special events. The apothecary area is particularly special for Merrick, since antiques from her mother’s and mother-in-law’s collections double as displays for a curated selection of goods by small-batch makers like May Lindstrom Skin and Bodha. 2272 Lillie Ave., Summerland, heidimerrick.com
Get That Glow
“I can’t sell anything unless I believe in it,” Carolina Gramm says. Many may recognize the former model, interior designer, and longtime Ojai resident as one of the faces of Chanel No. 5 advertising campaigns from the 1980s, but she has spent much of her postfashion career far removed from atelier fittings and runways. In addition to running her eponymous boutique in the Ojai Arcade, Gramm (who was raised in Italy) channels her olive oil expertise into EXTRA VIRGIN SKIN, the company she founded with her husband, Jack Bunce. Years of research and development have yielded a product line centered on meticulously sourced, hydroxytyrosol-rich, California-grown olive oil as its foundational component. The offerings include a serum boosted with bakuchiol, day and night creams blended with high-polyphenol EVOO, edelweiss-enhanced body and face creams, and other organic goods that feel deliciously light yet richly nourishing. extravirginskincare.com
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The Water’s Fine
The RITZ-CARLTON BACARA is celebrating its 25th birthday with a multimillion-dollar renovation.
Encircling the oval cabana pool, these spacious poolside accommodations have room to host up to six people.
Written by Caitlin White
The RITZ-CARLTON BACARA is celebrating its 25th birthday with a multimillion-dollar renovation, including zero-edge saline pools outfitted with generous state-of-the-art cabanas. Pack your gear in a limited-edition hand-woven straw basket, a collaboration with Kilometre Paris ($582). 8301 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, 805-968-0100, ritzcarlton.com
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It Takes a Village
Taking its place in the old Peabody’s venue, MONTE’S from chef Daniel Kim is already primed to become the new darling of Montecito.
The cheerful sign on Coast Village Road
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Jack Dahlia
Taking its place in the old Peabody’s venue, MONTE’S from chef Daniel Kim is already primed to become the new darling of Montecito. Barely two months in, the restaurant has already been added to the Michelin Guide. Rooted in the regenerative agriculture of Rincon Hill Farm in Carpinteria (see page 120), nearly every ingredient on the menu is sourced from that property. This hyperlocal ethos is the guiding force behind Endwell Hospitality, the ownership group known for their lauded venue One White Street, a restaurant similarly anchored by Rigor Hill Farm in upstate New York. Here, at Endwell’s first Central Coast restaurant, patio tables and a separate dining room define the indoor-outdoor space, which is cozy yet refined.
The menu presents a trifecta of starters, shared plates, and mains, plus a selection of sides. Sourdough from Oat Bakery comes accompanied by cultured butter and Korean chives, which is woven into dishes like the Santa Rosa Island halibut crudo with a nori rice chip or prawn toast layered with kimchi and furikake. A spectacular main, the wild rice pork katsu, marries a Japanese staple with the farm’s own grain in the signature crispy crust. Order a glass of the Sta. Rita Hills Pence “PTG” Burgundian blend, a delicious chilled red, to pair with the pork or an equally showstopping Wagyu strip loin finished with black garlic A1 steak sauce. 1198 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-330-4590, montessb.com
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Location Is Everything
The Hollister Ranch beach shacks—crude structures of driftwood and salvaged materials—mark a bygone era in Santa Barbara surf history, when legendary waves broke along the Hollister family’s eight-mile coast.
A Hollister Ranch beach shack from the 1960s epitomizes the Southern California indoor-outdoor lifestyle, with a deck for sunbathing and the ocean just steps away.
Written by Joan Tapper
Photography by Jeff Kruthers
The HOLLISTER RANCH BEACH SHACKS, haphazard structures of driftwood and other salvaged materials, were hardly things of beauty, but they do represent a bygone era of Santa Barbara surf history that began with the legendary waves that broke along eight miles of shore on the 14,400 acres owned by the Hollister family. Initially, in the 1950s, a handful of local surfers kept knowledge of the place to themselves, but in the next decade, when word began to spread and out-of-towners arrived, landowner Clinton Hollister (so the story goes) made a deal with the fledgling Santa Barbara Surf Club—which had Renny Yater as president, a board of directors, and $25 dues—that members could have access if they kept vandals out.
By the ’60s, their shoreside huts had gone up, providing casual shelters for gear and overnights stays with easy access to renowned surf breaks like Razor Blades, Drake’s, and Cojo Point. Then, around 1970, as the ranch was developed into 100-acre private parcels, the shacks disappeared—destined to live on only in photographs and surfing lore.