Share Categories Wine Country More Articles As the oldest AVA on the Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley has been a wine-growing hub for decades. But that’s not the only thing that grows well in our valley’s Mediterranean climate. Santa Maria Valley is known far and wide for producing deliciously sweet strawberries. In fact, California is the largest strawberry producer in the United States! You can almost always track down a carton of Santa Maria Valley Strawberries in your local supermarket. As we practice social distancing in these uncertain times, there’s no better opportunity to order wine online from one of the region’s 34 winery tasting rooms, pick up a carton of berries, and enjoy a tasting experience worth staying inside for. Sweet Strawberries and Cambria Winery Pinot Noir Who said sweet and sweet don’t go together? The tones of red fruits in a Pinot Noir pair exceptionally well with the powerful taste of ripe strawberries. Cambria Winery and Vineyard offers a variety of excellent Pinot Noirs that boast aromas of fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, pomegranates and more. Any one of these wines partners wonderfully with strawberries. Green Strawberries and Rancho Sisquoc Sauvignon Blanc Strawberries don’t need to be ripe to have a good time! Green strawberries are renowned for their tartness and flaunt notes of green grass and kiwi. A Sauvignon Blanc from Rancho Sisquoc Winery perfectly balances this tartness with acidity to create a flavorful combination. Rancho Sisquoc ages their Sauvignon Blanc in French oak to add lemon flavors and produce a bright, crisp finish. Together, green strawberries and Sauvignon Blanc create a pleasing harmony defined by tart flavors. Strawberries with Riverbench Rosé Rosé with strawberries is a simple, yet piquant, combination. The gentle tastes of rose petal, orange blossom and strawberry that you’ll find in the Rosé of Pinot Noir at Riverbench Winery pairs perfectly with the intense, tart flavor of fresh strawberries. It’s a fruity combination made in pairing heaven. Whole clusters of dark and deliciously ripened Pinot Noir were pressed gently in the making of this wine, which means it’s light in color and high in quality. A glass of Rosé with fresh strawberries makes for a perfect snack or dessert. Presqu’ile Pinot Noir Soaked Chocolate-Covered Strawberries As if chocolate-covered strawberries could get any better. All you need are strawberries, chocolate, and a bottle of Pinot Noir. Presqu’ile Winery produces exceptional Pinot Noirs, characterized by Santa Maria Valley’s sandalwood spice and bright fruits. To bring this savory treat to life, soak your strawberries in the wine overnight and dip them in the chocolate of your choice the next day. Strawberry Cheesecake with Cottonwood Canyon Chardonnay The creamy and rich nature of cheesecake makes it the perfect partner for a wine with scents of fruit and acidity. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard and Winery Chardonnay has a citrusy taste defined by flavors of lemon, apples and oranges. The Chardonnay is aged with oak and boasts hints of vanilla to enhance your palette. Taken together, a slice of light and fresh strawberry cheesecake couples happily with a smooth glass of Chardonnay. Strawberry Salad with Foxen Sauvignon Blanc A fresh salad topped with strawberries is delicious on its own, but even better paired with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Foxen Vineyard and Winery ferments and ages their Sauvignon Blanc in French oak to produce crisp, flavorful wine. The notes of fruit such as lemon, apples and pineapples give a nice acidic contrast to the salad and its creamy dressing As you can see, there are so many different ways to combine Santa Maria Valley wine and strawberries to create a savory tasting experience. Don’t let social distancing keep you from trying one of these pairings–order a bottle online today and taste for yourself! *** In Santa Maria Valley, there’s so much to do from here. Hit the road and explore it all with our 24 hiking trails, 34 tasting rooms, seven unique AVAs, 13 beaches, and a growing selection of local breweries, all within a beautiful 30-minute drive. There is no need to venture far if you are looking for sand dunes, cycling and authentic Santa Maria Style dining. You’ll find it’s the perfect home base, where you can eat, drink and do more for less.
Wine Country Get to know the 7 Wine-Growing Regions of Santa Barbara County Santa Barbara wine country, located along the beautiful, temperate, California Central Coast, is a world-renowned wine-growing region. Known for its cool, Mediterranean climate, transverse geography and Rhône varietals, Santa Barbara wine country is favored among vino connoisseurs. The unique geography of the Central Coast allows for multiple American Viticultural Areas (or AVAs) that are unique […]
Visiting The Valley Prepare for California Wine Month, #SantaMariaStyle Here in Santa Maria Valley wine country, September is our favorite month of the year – California Wine Month! All September long, we celebrate the fruits of the labors of winemakers across the state. From harvest to bottle, California Wine Month is all about indulging in delicious wines and learning more about the winemaking process. […]
Recreation California Agritourism in Santa Barbara County Wine Country: Discover Santa Maria Valley Santa Maria Valley is known for exquisite cool-climate wines and traditional Santa Maria Style barbecue. But there’s a new family-friendly activity that’s growing in popularity in the valley and across California: agritourism. Agritourism is the practice of traveling to visit farms and learn more about the way produce is grown. This trend has blossomed over […]
Barbecue Pat the Plover Keeps a Bird’s Eye View on Wine Country The Western Snowy Plover may be a vulnerable bird on the Central Coast, but not Pat. While the Santa Maria Valley’s usual guests have been safely social distancing at home, Pat has spread his flappers and is keeping an eye on the vineyards, restaurants, beaches, and more while our residents and guests stay sheltered. Peel […]