Above : Dovecote Estate Winery ’ s bucolic setting ; right : fresh dishes at Vega Vineyard & Farm
OPPOSITE PAGE : COURTESY OF SANTA BARBARA VINTNERS ; THIS PAGE , FROM TOP : COURTESY OF DOVECOTE ESTATE WINERY ; COURTESY OF VEGA VINEYARD & FARMS
VINTAGE FAMILY FUN
On the way into the Santa Ynez Valley , driving inland from the coast through rolling hills along Highway 101 , Vega Vineyard & Farm is a perfect place to stop and stretch your legs , sip some wine and enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh , seasonal dishes . On weekends , there ’ s often live music on the patio all afternoon .
Savor farm-to-table fare like fire-roasted cauliflower with za ’ atar seasoning and hummus ; seared tuna with ponzu , ginger and garlic ; flatbreads ( kids will no doubt like the margherita version ) and handmade pasta like pappardelle with wild boar Bolognese or cavatelli cacio e pepe while trying a glass of the bright and vibrant nebbiolo or the slightly spicy Barbera ( a bestseller ). If whites are more to your liking , sample the chardonnay or albarino with notes of citrus .
Nearby lawn games will keep the kiddos entertained , while farm animals can be found a short walk from the main tasting area . Children and adults alike will delight in seeing the goats , sheep , pigs and unusual breeds of chickens . Visitors can also purchase fresh greens to feed the animals . Spending time in the sunshine in this bucolic setting is the ideal way to ease into a wine country vacation together .
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 59