Tag: Travel

A Long Weekend in Lompoc: Wine, History & Small-Town Charm

I recently spent three nights in Lompoc for the Sta. Rita Hills Wine and Fire events, and it was such a memorable getaway. Not only did I get to experience incredible wines from one of California’s most celebrated AVAs, but I also had time to explore the town’s history, coffee spots, and hidden gems.

Wine & Fire in Sta. Rita Hills
The highlight of the trip was attending all of the Wine and Fire events, where local winemakers and growers came together to showcase the best of Sta. Rita Hills. From vineyard winemaker speed-tastings to a La Paulée dinner, each event was a perfect mix of education, connection, and of course delicious wines and food.

Exploring Lompoc
In between tastings, I did a mini stroll through the historic La Purisima Mission, a peaceful site with beautiful grounds that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. For a quick pick-me-up, I stopped at South Side Coffee Co., a local favorite where the coffee is strong, smooth, and served with a warm smile. Wandering around downtown Lompoc was a treat too—murals, small shops, and friendly locals give the town so much charm.

Where I Stayed
I checked into the Hilton Garden Inn Lompoc, which was the perfect base for my stay. The hotel offered all the comforts I needed after long days of wine tasting—spacious rooms, a heated pool, and an on-site restaurant, Valle, which was so convenient for grabbing a bite without having to head back out.

Why Visit Lompoc?
Between world class wines, history-rich sites, and welcoming hospitality, Lompoc has so much to offer for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re here for a special event or just want to soak in the local flavor, there’s plenty to explore.

If you’re planning your next wine country adventure, I highly recommend adding Lompoc to your list. Start planning your trip with Explore Lompoc—you’ll be surprised at how much this charming town has to offer.

WINE & FIRE 2025

Get ready for an unforgettable wine soaked weekend in Lompoc. The Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire 2025 event takes place August 14–17, celebrating the region’s award winning wineries, top tier culinary partners, and cherished winemaking traditions.

Wine & Fire Weekend Highlights

Barn Party Kickoff — Thursday, Aug 14, 5–8 PM

Held at Peake Ranch Winery (7290 Santa Rosa Rd, Buellton), the weekend begins with library level and large format pours, fire grilled fare, and lively mingling with winemakers.

La Paulée‑Style Dinner — Friday, Aug 15, 5:30–9:30 PM

A gourmet BBQ dinner at Babcock Winery (Lompoc Highway 246) honoring Norm Yost of Flying Goat Cellars—the 2025 Vintner of the Year. Guests enjoy a sparkling reception and the chance to bring special bottles to share at their table.

Speed Tasting with a Winemaker — Saturday, Aug 16, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM

At Hitching Post Wines (CA‑246, Buellton), network one‑on‑one with rotating winemakers at 10 minute stations while sampling wines, paired with a fire grilled lunch.

Grand Tasting at La Purísima Mission — Saturday, Aug 16, 5–8 PM

Stroll beneath ancient oaks at La Purísima Mission (2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc) sampling wine from 40+ Sta. Rita Hills wineries and enjoying bites from local chefs. Your ticket includes a weekend Passport for tasting room benefits.

Sunday Funday — Sunday, Aug 17

Explore participating tasting rooms with the Wine & Fire Passport (valid through Aug 17), giving you 2‑for‑1 tastings and exclusive events at local wineries. It’s your chance to curate your own wine weekend.

Vintner of the Year: Norm Yost, Flying Goat Cellars

Norm Yost, founder of Flying Goat Cellars, pioneered Santa Barbara County’s first méthode champenoise bubbles and has spent 25 years crafting small lot Pinot Noir and sparkling wines in Sta. Rita Hills. His legacy anchored by innovation 

RELISH: A Premier Culinary Experience Debuts in Newport Beach With Exclusive Opening Cocktail Party 

Set the Stage for a Weekend of Culinary Excellence During the Kick-Off to RELISH 2025 on June 27 – Advance Ticket Pricing Available for a Limited Time 

The countdown has begun for RELISH: A Food, Wine & Spirits Experience, the premier epicurean event created by Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen and Elite Event Planner Nicole Hirsty. Debuting in Newport Beach June 27-29, 2025, RELISH promises a weekend of culinary excellence, bringing together some of the most celebrated names in the food and beverage industry. As anticipation builds, guests have the opportunity to secure advance ticket pricing by May 1, 2025, for all master classes and events, including the highly anticipated Opening Cocktail Partyon Friday, June 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at VEA Newport Beach, Resort & Spa.

“The Opening Cocktail Party at RELISH brings together the best in food, wine and spirits while fostering the sense of community and excellence that defines Newport Beach,” shared Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen. “This event revives the spirit of culinary celebration we’ve missed with the absence of Newport Beach Wine & Food—offering guests an unforgettable evening to connect with culinary legends, experience trendsetting flavors, and celebrate the art of great food and drink in a spectacular setting.”

Friday’s Opening Cocktail Party will set the stage for RELISH’s weekend of culinary excellence, offering a rare opportunity to mingle with some of the most celebrated names in the industry, including: 

  • Tyler Florence | Food Network veteran and Michelin award-winning restaurateur 
  • Scott Conant | Award-winning Chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author
  • Aarti Sequeira | Food Network star and culinary storyteller
  • Zac Young | Renowned Pastry Chef and TV Personality
  • Tony Abou-Ganim | Legendary Mixologist and author
  • Afrim Pristine | Canada’s only Cheese Master and expert in artisanal cheeses
  • Gale Gand | James Beard Award-winning Pastry Chef
  • Chris Kajani | Acclaimed Winemaker at Buchaine Vineyards
  • Bob Cabral | Iconic Winemaker with over 30 years of experience
  • Jamie Gwen | Celebrity Chef and co-founder of RELISH 

The bespoke kick-off event will bring together celebrity chefs, master mixologists, award-winning winemakers and fellow food and beverage enthusiasts for an evening of elegant socializing and culinary indulgence. Guests will experience chef-curated hors d’oeuvres and a vibrant array of engaging food and beverage activations. From the artistry of a fresh sushi bar and intricately hand-carved mango flowers to gourmet pickles bursting with bold flavors, every bite is a discovery. A sweet experience awaits with delicate waffle and bakery creations, while multiple beverage pop-ups serve expertly crafted cocktails, fine wines and premium spirits. The opening evening reaches its pinnacle with a private four-course dinner by Celebrity Chef Scott Conantfor an unforgettable night of unparalleled Italian artistry. 

On Saturday, take a deep dive into the world of culinary arts with immersive Master Classes led by the industry’s most influential tastemakers, including Chef Gale Gand, Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine, Winemaker Chris Kajani, Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, Winemaker Bob Cabral and Chef Aarti Sequeira. The day culminates in a live Cheese Masterpiece Opener, where Afrim Pristine, the world’s youngest Cheesemaster, will craft an impressive 12-foot cheese and charcuterie display, followed by An Evening with Tyler Florence, featuring an exclusive sit-down conversation and a decadent four-course dinner. Sunday brings the ultimate conclusion to an incredible weekend with a Doughnuts + Sushi Brunch, blending sweet and savory delights, and a wellness-focused finale, providing the perfect balance of indulgence and rejuvenation.

RELISH is honored to partner with the prestigious James Beard Foundation, a nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive. The event is also supported by sponsors including Visit Newport Beach, VEA  Newport Beach, Moët Hennessy, Melissa’s Produce, Nespresso, Orange Coast Magazine, Bloomingdale’s, Petrossian Caviar, Pearls Olives and PNC Bank.

Advance ticket pricing for all RELISH events, including the Opening Cocktail Party, is available through May 1, 2025, at www.relishfoodwine.com. For the latest event updates, chef spotlights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, follow @relishfoodwine on Instagram. 

RELISH Event Schedule – Advance Pricing

Friday, June 27

  • 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Opening Cocktail Party – $150
  • 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Private Dinner with Chef Scott Conant – $300

Saturday, June 28

  • 10:00–10:45 a.m. | Chef Gale Gand – Chocolate 101 – $125
  • 11:00–11:45 a.m. | Cheesemaster Afrim Pristine – West Coast Cheeses from British Columbia to San Diego – $125
  • 12:00–12:45 p.m. | Winemaker Chris Kajani – Bouchaine Vineyards Napa – $125
  • 1:00–1:45 p.m. | Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim – Vodka + Petrossian Caviar Master Class – $125
  • 2:00–2:45 p.m. | Winemaker Bob Cabral – Bob Cabral Wines – $125
  • 3:00–3:45 p.m. | Aarti Sequeira – Spice Sessions – $125
  • 5:30–10:00 p.m. | An Evening with Tyler Florence with a Cheese Masterpiece Opener – $400

Sunday, June 29 

  • 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | A Live Doughnuts + Sushi Brunch Experience – $125
  • 12:30–3:30 p.m. | Relish in Wellness – $100

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About RELISHRELISH is Southern California’s premier food, wine & spirits experience, uniting the nation’s top celebrity chefs, master sommeliers, and spirits experts for an unforgettable weekend of culinary bliss. Co-founded by Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen and Celebrity Event Planner Nicole Hirsty of Cobalt Events, RELISH offers a three-day immersive celebration featuring intimate cooking demonstrations, exclusive master classes, winemaker seminars, and expertly curated tasting experiences that go beyond the dining table. As the only Orange County event affiliated with the prestigious James Beard Foundation, RELISH is redefining the culinary and event landscape, establishing a new benchmark of excellence and delivering an elevated, one-of-a-kind epicurean journey. For more information and updates, follow RELISH on Instagram at @relishfoodwine. For more details, visit www.relishfoodwine.com.

Celebrate Fall at Terranea Resort’s Inaugural Harvest Festival

Celebrate Fall at Terranea Resort’s Inaugural Harvest Festival

Looking for a perfect way to welcome the fall season? Terranea Resort is hosting its first-ever Harvest Festival this weekend! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, this weekend-long event will take place at The Meadows on Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20 from 5 – 9 p.m.

A Feast for the Senses
The festival will be filled with seasonal delights. Indulge in delicious, autumn-inspired bites like:

  • Brisket al Forno with caramelized onions, creole mustard, and sesame roll ($15)
  • Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese ($12)
  • Carne Asada and Shrimp Tacos ($14 each)
  • Soft Pretzels with pumpkin butter ($14)
  • Sweet treats like Pumpkin Doughnuts ($8), a Harvest Ice Cream Sandwich with white chocolate blondies and butter pecan gelato ($10), and Pumpkin Gelato Ice Cream ($11).

To pair with your meal, visit the Apple Cider Bar or sample a variety of craft beers.

Family-Friendly Fun
The Harvest Festival isn’t just about the food! Guests of all ages can enjoy a range of activities. Select the perfect pumpkin from an oceanfront pumpkin patch, get creative with seasonal crafts, or navigate the hay bale maze. There will also be face painting, sack races, and live music to keep the fun going all night.

Admission Details
Tickets are available now, with admission prices as follows:

  • Adults: $42.40
  • Children (Ages 7-17): $21.20
  • Children (Ages 6 & under): Free

Admission includes parking, seasonal crafts and activities, live music, and an online booking fee.

Get Your Tickets Today
Don’t miss out on this festive fall event at one of Southern California’s most beautiful resorts! Book your tickets now at terranea.com/traditions.