Lights, Camera, Action!
This February, Santa Barbara filmgoers will xperience our international film festival like never before.
The indoor-outdoor entry
Written by Jennifer Blaise Kramer
This February, Santa Barbara filmgoers will xperience our international film festival like never before. The marquee at 916 State Street is getting a sparkling makeover, as is the inside of the old theater—the new home of the SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (SBIFF), which has previously had to rent theaters during the annual event. In October 2024, the Santa Barbara City Council unanimously approved a long-term lease, securing a permanent home for the 40-year-old organization, not just for the 11-day festival, which brings in 100,000 cinephiles, but also for year-round programming.
Building on the magic of the beloved Riviera Theater—don’t worry, it’s not going away!—the new film center will include five enhanced auditoriums to showcase more than 200 films during the festival, with annual screenings expanding from 1,000 to 6,000. This means more viewings and more flexibility to switch gears, run popular films longer, or surprise and delight fans.
41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival Schedule
“We won’t be limited to current theatrical releases,” says Benjamin Bhutani Goedert, SBIFF development director. “That’s what’s so exciting with another 5,000 slots to fill.” The new multiplex art house will screen family movies, indies, foreign films, and documentaries, in addition to retrospectives. Each theater will feature brand new state-of-the-art sound and projection systems, plus seating, and improved accessibility with a new ADA ramp. A film-themed art gallery near the entrance will have rotating exhibits, while the interior design will thoughtfully borrow décor motifs (“Easter eggs,” Goedert says) from other theaters around town.
With the Arlington still on tap as the red-carpet icon, the new film center will soon become a landmark of its own, not just as part of SBIFF’s legacy but also on the international map of film festivals. Adds Goedert: “We hope this means another 40 years of the film festival.” sbifftheatres.com
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December Decadence
Discover winter’s top indulgences across Santa Barbara and Ojai.
In the Spirit
SAN YSIDRO RANCH is a perennial favorite getaway, but the best reason to book a staycation this winter? A holiday redux of their signature speakeasy, which transforms the Plow & Angel into a maximalist Christmas paradise. With decadent splurges like caviar service and a seafood tower or a variety of casual plates, such as tamarind wings, Korean beef tacos, and crispy calamari, there’s plenty here for a light dinner or a happy-hour snack when the bar opens up at 5 p.m. There’s something special for every palate and sensibility, from fruit- and shrub-based mocktails to mystical absinthe fountains. Since you’re going to be indulging, opt to stay the night and sleep it all off in one of the fairytale cottages repeatedly endorsed by Hollywood royalty. 900 San Ysidro Lane, Santa Barbara, sanysidroranch.com. c.w.
Mane Act
Last fall, local darling Good Lion Hospitality opened another sleek, chic cocktail bar, bringing the five-o’clock-somewhere ethos to Coast Village Road. LION’S TALE, located on the ground floor of the historic Montecito Inn, is grand and airy, with opulent finishes and a lavish menu to match. Think frozen Vespers with both gin and vodka, a Boulevardier made with Italian vermouth and Demerara rum, and an eponymous cocktail with scotch, chai, Averna, and pineapple.
Kicking things off every day at 4 p.m., a generous happy-hour menu cuts select drink prices down to $11, including an adorable little 50/50 martini that can be upgraded with a sidecar of fries. It’s the perfect drink-and-snack combo, topped perhaps only by a plate that comes with filet mignon bites and café de Paris sauce for $14, effectively turning steak frites into a playful, poutine-style nosh. Need more reasons to visit? A lobster slider is less commitment than a full roll but comes with all of the decadence, and a savory, creamy smoked-trout dip, complete with house-made potato chips, radish, and endive, is an ideal companion for any drink on the menu. 1295 Coast Village Rd., Santa Barbara, lionstalebar.com. c.w.
Comfort Food
Much like the charming Upham Hotel it calls home, BISTRO AMASA’s menu is full of nostalgic favorites. Updated American classics from chef Julian Martinez—such as meatloaf with mole and yogurt, a Waldorf salad with brown butter dressing, or a dressed-up twice-baked potato—feel familiar and embody the homey atmosphere of the Victorian building. The team behind Hearth Hospitality helms the concept, and while the menu departs from the conceptual California cuisine of their Michelin-recognized restaurant Barbareño, the same playful sense of humor will be familiar to fans. 1404 De La Vina St., Santa Barbara, bistroamasa.com. c.b.m.
Old Soul
Good things come to those who wait. After five years of planning, HOTEL EL ROBLAR debuted this summer in the heart of Ojai. The collective expertise of its all-star crew, composed of hospitality and design talents Warner Ebbink, Eric Goode, Jeremy McBride, and Ramin Shamshiri, is evident throughout the historic 50-room property. That includes the 100-seat Condor Bar and sunny daytime spot La Cocina, co-helmed by restaurant veteran Ebbink and his chef–business partner Brandon Boudet.
The menu features dishes that reflect California’s hybrid culinary culture and the region’s Mexican roots, with such touches as green mole and an uni tamal made with heirloom corn nixtamalized in-house. Flame-kissed proteins are served hot off the Condor Bar’s Santa Maria grill, while Boudet takes advantage of his connection to local farms when sourcing most other ingredients. 122 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, theroblar.com. j.r.
Aside from the outdoor patio with gorgeous waterfront views, Gracie also boasts a central indoor bar that’s designed to the nines.
On the Waterfront
A trifecta of restaurants in Santa Barbara has recently opened under the stewardship of Dudley Michael and Grace Austin, including the Rodeo Room and The Shop Brunch, at Milpas and De La Guerra. The third, dubbed simply GRACIE, is in a more prime location—harborside in the old Breakwater Cafe. The restaurant is still shoring up its dinner menu, and the owners have eschewed reservations for a walk-ins-only setup.
Begin with a rockfish ceviche served with rice crackers and a classic Caesar salad spiked with toasted anchovies. Mains like the fish tacos, which come pan seared and topped with smoked chili aioli and pickled onions, are as fresh as the daily catch. Another highlight, crispy salmon with roasted fennel and leeks, pairs nicely with a Midori Eastside. The mint-cucumber-shiso libation can be served with or without vodka and Midori added, making for a smart brunch mocktail. 107 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, graciewaterfront.com. c.w.
Written by Caitlin White, Jessica Ritz, Charlotte Bryant Medina
Photography by Blake Bronstad, Michael Achach, Blue Gabor
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Main Events
Explore standout wedding and event venues across the Santa Ynez Valley
The family-owned ranch is nestled in the Purisima Hills.
Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photographs by Willie Kessel, Haley Otis, Madeline Tolle
Just minutes from Los Alamos is LAS CUMBRES RANCH, a 1,000-acre working cattle ranch and event venue managed using holistic and regenerative practices that enhance biodiversity, restore the land, and reflect a deep respect for the environment. With eight distinct spaces across the property—including an event lawn, wildflower garden, spring-fed pond, modern event barn, and a vintage barn built in 1890—Las Cumbres has a setting to suit every style. The ranch can accommodate as many as 300 seated guests, with flexible layouts and multiday options available. “We take a holistic approach to everything we do—socially, economically, environmentally—which means we work with nature first,” says ranch manager Stefan Selbert. 1450 State Rte. 135, Santa Maria, lascumbresranch.com
The pond at Refugio Ranch Vineyards
REFUGIO RANCH VINEYARDS may be known for its grapevines, but it’s also one of the most private wedding ceremony spots in the Santa Ynez Valley. The 415-acre estate features oak-studded hillsides, a tranquil pond, and expansive views of the region. Refugio Ranch can accommodate up to 120 guests for ceremonies up to two hours. For those looking to expand the celebration, sister property ROBLAR WINERY offers two reception venues: the tasting room and nearby Roblar Farm. Situated on 18 acres, the latter charms with its organic gardens, vine-covered pergola, and sleek black event barn, ideal for year-round receptions. With space for up to 300 guests, along with on-site overnight accommodations for 28, the farm is a true all-in-one venue. roblarwinery.com
The 50-acre WHITE OWL RANCH is a hidden gem in Santa Barbara wine country. Framed by 100-year-old oak trees and 26 acres of vineyards, at the heart of the property is a rustic event barn, where weathered character meets modern amenities like a full bar, refrigeration, and a bathroom. The estate is home to a beautifully appointed main house and two guest cottages, along with a pool, jacuzzi, tennis court, two pickleball courts, and a bocce court—all the essentials for a laid-back, multiday gathering in the Santa Ynez Valley. whiteowlranch.com
Rustic Roots
Available for rental, Santa Ynez Valley’s idyllic AMARA RANCH showcases the work of Montecito interior designer and owner Birgit Klein. @amararanch
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Living Legacy
Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center opens, honoring indigenous culture in Southern California.
An interior view of one of the museum’s domes that recall traditional Chumash dwellings.
Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter
Photographs by Patrick W. Price
New Architecture on Indigenous
Lands (University of Minnesota Press, $75).
The indigenous Chumash people have inhabited Southern California for millennia, and their territory encompasses the counties of Kern, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. Now the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has opened a museum specifically dedicated to Chumash culture. The 14,000-square-foot SANTA YNEZ CHUMASH MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER, designed by the Seattle-based firm of Jones & Jones Architects, is anchored by two iconic giant domes that visually recall the traditional Chumash dwellings known as tule 'ap, while the surrounding property includes a 3.5-acre cultural park landscaped with native plant species. The museum showcases more than 24,000 historically items donated by tribal members, acquired from institutions and collectors, or commissioned from artists and artisans. 3500 Numancia St., Santa Ynez, sychumashmuseum.org
Mountain High
One of the year's most anticipated restaurant openings, Little Mountain, is celebrating its namesake small village with a world of personality.
Upper Village has a new culinary star
Written by Charlotte Bryant
Photography by Kort Havens
One of the year's most anticipated restaurant openings, Little Mountain, is celebrating its namesake small village with a world of personality. Owners Graham Duncan and Eva Schreier (Hacienda Los Milagros and Smith Fork Ranch) found inspiration in the idea of a not-so-sleepy gathering space that reflects the local community in all aspects of its look, feel, and flavor. The former Wine Bistro space in the Upper Village has been completely re-envisioned to feel like stepping into a modern hacienda—with a bar that begs for a leisurely hangout. The large patio and 14-seat private dining room, which have been elegantly appointed by designer Andrew Cosbie, allude to the many historic properties and signature Spanish Colonial look that feels woven into the fabric of Montecito. A custom wood-fired hearth is the centerpiece of the kitchen, where Chilean-born chef Diego Moya (who comes to Montecito by way of New York) has embraced the abundance of local produce. Moya employs focused preparations that highlight vegetables at their peak, plating exciting textures and less familiar combinations through dishes like spiny lobster with Tokyo turnip and chrysanthemum or beef tartare with grilled tomato. The locavore sensibility even extends to the walls with work from artist Meredith Abbott Brooks and a sustainably sourced small-producer wine list. 516 San Ysidro Rd., Montecito; littlemountainsb.com
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Bounty of Riches
Massimo Falsini, the steward of the Rosewood Miramar Beach’s culinary offerings since 2018, has joined forces with the hotel’s recently arrived director of wine, Rob Smits.
A selection from local wine producers
Written by Caitlin White
Photographs Courtesy of Rosewood Miramar Beach
Massimo Falsini, the steward of the ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH’s culinary offerings since 2018, has joined forces with the hotel’s recently arrived director of wine, Rob Smits, to launch an exclusive dinner series featuring selections from local winemakers and farmers to showcase the bounty of the Central Coast. Appropriately dubbed Bounty, the series emphasizes a relaxed setting and communal dining. Smits’ wine pairings will feature the people behind each local wine producer, showcasing their pours by pairing them with excellent salads and pizzas prepared in the wood-fired oven at Massimo’s Garden, a new pop-up venue at the Miramar. 1759 S. Jameson La., Montecito, rosewoodhotels.com/en/miramar-beach-montecito
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Fashion in Motion
Fashion, dance, photography, and fine art all came together on October 15, as luxe fashion brand Merlette collaborated with Move With Purpose.
Moving with Purpose at Art & Soul
Written by Joan Tapper
Fashion, dance, photography, and fine art all came together on October 15, as luxe fashion brand Merlette collaborated with Move With Purpose to raise funds for that nonprofit’s mission of empowering marginalized communities through dance and the arts. The organization advances children’s chances for success by using the arts to instill confidence and teach leadership, resilience, life skills, and philanthropy.
The immersive event took place at the Art and Soul Gallery in downtown Santa Barbara, with an exhibit of sponsor Lily Hahn Shining’s photography of Move With Purpose dancers presented as muses in Merlette’s signature silhouettes. Guests were also invited to explore Merlette’s collection of elegant, sophisticated apparel.
Along with ticket sales and donations from the event, a portion of October earnings from the Montecito boutique were earmarked for Move With Purpose, and a live auction of paintings by artist Pedro De La Cruz added to the proceeds, which will fund dance classes for local youth, ensuring their access to programs that foster creativity, confidence, and leadership through the arts.
“At Merlette, we believe fashion can be a catalys for meaningful change,” said founder Marina Cortbawi. “This collaboration with Move With Purpose exemplifies how art and design can uplift communities, provide access to opportunity, and inspire the next generation.”
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The Storyteller
In a sunlit studio in Santa Barbara, artist and actor Loan Chabanol lets her paintbrush do the talking.
Written by Amelia Fleetwood
Portraits by Cristina Trayfors
In a sunlit studio in Santa Barbara, artist and actor LOAN CHABANOL lets her paintbrush do the talking. “Painting feels like breathing,” she says. “It’s how I process things I don’t yet have words for.”A storyteller in every sense, the French-born Chabanol works from instinct, layering acrylic across canvas with the insistence of someone who must tell her story. Raised between Paris and the south of France, Chabanol left school at 15, launching a successful career in modeling, which later led to acting. Yet it has always been painting that satisfied her most deeply. “I’ve been honing my craft for years,” she says. “With no formal training, there are no rules to my creativity, and I feel I have a sense of freedom, with no limits. I have always painted, because I had an urgent need to communicate my feelings, and this always felt like the easiest way. I had to paint. It’s like breathing.”
Her work, figurative and abstract, and often including an immersive aspect for the viewer, is shaped by emotion as well as the environment the work sits in. “The gallery or the space always influences what comes,” she says. Recent shows in New York, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara (at the Tamsen Gallery) have carved her a quiet niche. Paris is next. “It feels like time to come home,” she says. When she’s not on a film set—her new movie will hit festivals later this year—or preparing for an exhibition, Chabanol takes private commissions, working closely with collectors to create intimate, intuitive work that speaks where language might fail. mikagirlstudio.com
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Dia de Diwali
This October, Michelin-recognized Bibi Ji and the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara joined forces for a Supper Club to benefit the museum.
A spicy dinner duet for MCASB
This October, Michelin-recognized Bibi Ji and the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara joined forces for a Supper Club to benefit the museum. The private dinner celebrated the cultural holidays of Diwali (Festival of Lights) and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) through an exploration of 500 years of culinary dialogue between Mexico and India.
Chef Bany Vargas and Bibi Ji Owner Alejandro Medina collaborated on a menu combining the modern Indian flavors of Bibi Ji with Vargas’s Oaxacan influence, sourcing ingredients from local farmers’ markets for several weeks. The resulting dishes featured flavorful and fanciful mashups such as butter chicken tacos served on heirloom pink corn tortillas, Oaxacan guacamole with tlayudas tostadas, Bibi Ji's 5-spice chile atole, and more. Bibi Ji 1213 State St. Ste. B, bibijisb.com MCASB 653 Paseo Nuevo, mcasantabarbara.org
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Botanical Bliss
Visiting the new Strange Family Vineyards tasting room in downtown Los Olivos feels like stepping into a secret garden.
Written by Gabe Saglie
Visiting the new STRANGE FAMILY VINEYARDS tasting room in downtown Los Olivos feels like stepping into a secret garden. The decor, which includes original paintings, cozy lighting, and artsy artifacts that give off a botanical vibe, is reminiscent of a sophisticated apothecary. The real stars are the wines, made by Jessica Gasca. The Chablis-inspired Chardonnays are subtly creamy and fresh, whereas the Pinot Noirs are fruit-forward and savory. The sparkling wines are getting buzz as some of the most refined in Santa Barbara County.
Garden patterns and time-weathered artifacts give the new tasting room a whimsical vibe.
All the fruit comes from the family’s 20-acre vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, which is farmed sustainably and regeneratively. The tasting room features a wine-and-chocolate-truffle pairing, a midweek happy hour, and an evening culinary party on the last Saturday of every month. The menu of zero-proof cocktails helps make this spot an extra family-friendly stop. 2933 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, strangefamilyvineyards.com
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Local Libations
Alberto Battaglini of Verona, Italy, has reopened Pony Espresso as Pony Cocktails + Kitchen with chef Jonny McDermott at the helm.
Pony Cocktails + Kitchen is now serving signature drinks
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Emmanuelle Pickett
Alberto Battaglini of Verona, Italy, has reopened Pony Espresso as PONY COCKTAILS + KITCHEN with chef Jonny McDermott at the helm. Instant classics like the porcini doughnuts, with a side of creamy Italian fonduta (melted mascarpone and fontina) for dunking, work incredibly well with Battaglini’s intricately crafted cocktails. Special drinks like a seasonal watermelon margarita—which can also be made with gin—are ideal for early evenings in the Valley. Guests can also expect classics like Sazeracs and old-fashioneds, along with creations like the Damn Bird, with gin, cucumber, basil, bergamotto, and green salt. The dinner menu stands out with rotating seasonal pasta dishes and staples like steak frites, brick chicken, and locally caught fish. 3558 Sagunto St., Ste. A, Santa Ynez, pony-cocktailskitchen-106136.square.site
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Going Nuts
There’s a lot on offer at Drovers Doughnuts, which is owned and operated by Loren Ollenburger and his wife, Sarah.
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Erin Feinblatt
There’s a lot on offer at DROVERS DOUGHNUTS, which is owned and operated by Loren Ollenburger and his wife, Sarah. Think breakfast and lunch sandwiches on savory baked “everything” doughnuts that are packed with eggs and bacon or sausage, chicken parmesan, or shredded pork; and decadent cake shakes that combine the fried dough with ice cream. But there are plenty of the namesake pastries, too—glazed, sugar, and maple—plus apple fritters that frequently sell out. 484 First St., Solvang, droversdoughnuts.com
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Ciao, Valley
STICA has settled into Santa Ynez as the grab-and-go counterpart to sister restaurant S.Y. Kitchen.
Pinsa by the slice is a popular takeout item.
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Bri Burkett, Sister B Studios
chef Luca Crestanelli
STICA has settled into Santa Ynez as the grab-and-go counterpart to sister restaurant S.Y. Kitchen. Both concepts by chef Luca Crestanelli focus on Italian-leaning cuisine with local ingredients, supremely fresh produce, and careful sourcing, and Stica is the place to stock up on takeout snacks and curated kitchen essentials. Wine-country visitors looking for a casual snack or a savory nibble between tasting-room visits can rely on the prepared-food menu, which includes perfectly gooey paninis and hearty salads. Also in stock: dry goods and pantry staples like pastas, olive oil, peppers, sauces, and soups for preparing a feast of your own at home. 3563 Numancia St., Ste. 104, Santa Ynez, @stica_sy
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Royal Roast
There goes the little king,” says Ryan Dobosh, owner of Buellton’s bright new coffee shop, as his toddler son, Roger, bursts into the kitchen with his mother, Grace Gates.
The spacious, sunny interiors at the original location—later this year, Little King will open a second location at The Post in Montecito
Written by Caitlin White
Photographs by Elisenda Farison
“There goes the little king,” says Ryan Dobosh, owner of Buellton’s bright new coffee shop, as his toddler son, Roger, bursts into the kitchen with his mother, Grace Gates. Together the husband-and-wife duo run LITTLE KING COFFEE, a stylish space designed with the community in mind that has quickly become a stop for travelers passing through, too. Serving pastries and baked goods from Wayward Baking in Los Osos, plus excellent drip coffee, tea, and espresso, the welcoming venue is tucked into the corner of a strip mall just off Highway 101. 290 Valley Station, Ste. 101, Buellton, littlekingcoffee.com
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Artistic Blends
Creativity takes center stage at the new Artiste Winery & Gallery in historic Santa Ynez.
Written by Gabe Saglie
Creativity takes center stage at the new ARTISTE WINERY & GALLERY in historic Santa Ynez. Here, the wines are inspired by art: paintings and photographs by regional artists that grace both the bottles and the walls. Winemaker Bion Rice pushes his own creative boundaries with unique blends—think Pinot Noir and Grenache—and hosts workshops that allow guests to do the same. “It can be a romantic thing, blending as a way to get to know each other’s tastes and have something to open years from now as a reminder of their experience,” he says. “[The wines] also make great gifts.”
The tasting room features a rotating gallery and can serve as a private event space, while the sprawling outdoor patio along Edison Street is a great people-watching spot. Pop the cork on “True Blue,” a 2023 Pinot Noir blend with label artwork Messenger #4 by our cover artist David Florimbi that honors Santa Barbara Magazine’s 50th anniversary. 1095A Edison St., Santa Ynez, artiste.com
Wild Horses: A true blue toast to our 50th!
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Steward of the Land
Twenty years ago, Dale Hampton, the pioneer Santa Barbara County grape grower, planted 20 acres of Syrah near Los Olivos
The 20-acre Living Life Vineyard is also vintner Paula Tabalipa’s backyard.
Written by Gabe Saglie
Photography by Karina Spritze, Jeremy Ball
Twenty years ago, Dale Hampton, the pioneer Santa Barbara County grape grower, planted 20 acres of Syrah near Los Olivos. It was a visionary move back then: No one was planting Syrah in the area. But the gamble would pay off, as the vines ultimately began producing grapes that are considered world-class. Today, the vineyard has a new name—Living Life—and the woman who owns it takes her role as caretaker very seriously.
“I’ve got history in my hands,” says Paula TABALIPA, who launched her eponymous wine brand when she and her husband, Skechers cofounder and president Michael Greenberg, acquired the vineyard in 2018.
Living Life, part of the couple’s Santa Ynez Valley home, is farmed sustainably. Their own grapes go into the Estate Syrah, a rich, luscious, elegant wine, and the aromatic and fresh No. 1 Rosé. The lively Sauvignon Blanc is made from organic grapes from the Happy Canyon AVA.
Winemaker Brandon Sparks-Gillis helms production, although Tabalipa is proudly hands-on, with various enology courses under her belt. Living Life is “fueling a passion,” she says, “so I’m going as deep as I can.” tabalipawineco.com
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History and Craft
In the heart of downtown Santa Ynez, a 100-year-old barn that once housed a saddle shop has found new life as The Hardt—a design studio, workshop, and event venue.
Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photographs by Emmanuelle Pickett
In the heart of downtown Santa Ynez, a 100-year-old barn that once housed a saddle shop has found new life as THE HARDT—a design studio, workshop, and event venue. Interior designer Blair Moritz and furniture maker Jacob Gerhardt have reimagined the space, preserving its historic frame while infusing it with a mix of antique art and vintage furnishings curated by Moritz and custom pieces handcrafted on-site by Gerhardt. Says Gerhardt, “When a place holds this much history, you feel it. It reminds you why craftsmanship matters.” The space also serves as a venue for intimate get-togethers, musical performances, and artistic events. “It’s a gathering place for creativity and connection—warm, inviting, and inspiring,” says Moritz. 3580 Manzana St., Santa Ynez,
@thehardtstudio
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Partners in Vine
Meet three of the Central Coast’s winemaking couples
Meet three of the Central Coast’s winemaking couples
Âmevive wines use fruit from some of the oldest vines planted and still in production in Santa Barbara County.
Written by Matt Kettmann
Photography by Frankie Hildebrand, Nate Stutz, Bradley Miersma
The prospect of working alongside one’s spouse isn’t every couple’s dream. But there’s something different about those who work in wine, where life partners are often business partners as well. Whether it’s because of the teamwork required to run an enterprise, the romance of following the earth’s seasons, or the collaboration in pursuit of an artisanal craft, winemaking success can certainly be achieved with your loved one. Few people embody this combination of passion for both the work and each other than these three Central Coast couples.
Alice Anderson met Topher De Felice while skiing in Colorado, where she was waiting for her visa to renew in order to return to winemaking in France. He was a carpenter between projects, so he followed her to Europe, where their relationship grew serious. They returned to Santa Barbara County to launch ÂMEVIVE in 2019 and now farm 19 acres across the Los Olivos District, making about a dozen wines each year.
“We’ve always shared a love for the outdoors, working with our hands, and creating something tangible,” Anderson says. “Working together means we don’t really get to leave work at work. But even in the stress, it helps to remember you’re navigating all of it with someone you love.” The couple tends to split duties and focus on their own projects. “We each have our own strengths and perspectives, and we lean into them,” she adds. “It gets easier every year.” amevivewine.com
A key to happiness for San Luis Obispo County–based winemakers Mikey and Gina Giugni is that they each have their own brand. He makes about 20 wines and ciders under SCAR OF THE SEA, which was founded in 2012, while she produces a dozen wines as LADY OF THE SUNSHINE, which started five years later.
“It helps maintain balance,” says Gina, who met Mikey in 2014, when she was still a Cal Poly student. “We collaborate and support each other across both businesses, but we also run both brands as one business behind the scenes. This setup allows us to streamline operations while reflecting our personal identities into the wines we make.”
Having someone to trust for direct feedback is critical. “We’re honest sounding boards for each other and openly discuss all aspects of our wines,” Gina says. “That kind of trust and transparency helps us grow—both together and as individual winemakers.” scaroftheseawines.com; ladyofthesunshinewines.com
Climbing initially brought Natalie Siddique and Ryan Pace together in 2014. He was already deep in the wine industry, and it didn’t take long for her to get bitten by the bug. In 2016 they launched OUTWARD, which now produces more than a dozen different wines from their warehouse winery in Grover Beach.
Ryan Pace and Natalie Siddique in their Grover Beach cellar;
“The highs are high, but the lows can be very low,” Siddique says. “Entrepreneurship is an endless puzzle, so it requires consistent adjusting between us to make it all work.” The roots of their relationship provide endless inspiration. “Over the years, wine has been and continues to be our way of exploring the world together, mixing climbing trips with wine-region visits and education across many parts of the globe,” she says. “Working with your significant other is definitely not for everyone. But we feel tremendously fortunate that we have such an intertwined partnership in all aspects of our life together: wine, climbing, and love.” outwardwines.com
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Chukker Chic
In continued celebration of our 50th anniversary special edition Summer issue, Santa Barbara Magazine hosted an afternoon of high goal polo at the Santa Barbara Polo Club
In continued celebration of our 50th anniversary special edition Summer issue, Santa Barbara Magazine hosted an afternoon of high goal polo at the Santa Barbara Polo Club. The first match was the kickoff to the Pacific Coast Open, one of the more illustrious tournaments in the country.
Nestled front row fieldside in the ocean tent, guests were met with a curated experience with luxury goods partner Homer Maker, an exclusive wine collaboration pouring with Artiste, and the opportunity to book a portrait session with our contributing photographer Lindsey Ross and her 100-year-old tintype camera (featured in “Game Day”).