A Glass Worth Raising - Santa Barbara County Wine

A good glass of wine... is hard to come by. I am talking about the kind where you set down your glass and you experience an utter sense of satisfaction. It's the kind that leaves you with a smile on your face and has you on a mad dash to the nearest market to pick up a few bottles for friends.

One wine that has made a lasting impression is the Daniel Gehrs label. Daniel Gehrs wine is based out of Los Olivos, California. Dan Gehrs has been producing wine for over twenty years. If you find the time I suggest you personally visit the Gehrs wine tasting room. It is here you can taste the Gehr family's passion and taste each creation straight from the source.

The Gehr tasting room is located inside the Historic Heather Cottage, along "Tasting Room Row" in Los Olivos. 2939 Grand Avenue Los Olivos, CA. They are open daily from 11 am until 6pm. Phone: 1-800-275-8138, Fax: 805-693-0750. You can also visit Daniel Gehrs Wine on the web at www.dgwines.com.

Their 2004 Oasis Syrah is a personal favorite and a Syrah I find second to none. The flavor is smooth and deep, with a hint of black pepper and an oaky aroma. This Syrah is reasonably priced at $18 dollars a bottle. The grapes for this Syrah are from the Los Alamos Valley, hand harvested in mid-October and racked in French Oak barrels.

If you prefer a white wine, Oasis makes a fantastic 2004 Chardonnay. This Chard is made in the Santa Maria Ava and is best chilled in its natural state. It retails for about $15 a bottle. It pairs well with many different foods and can be sipped alone as well.

If you are feeling a little daring and willing to spend an extra buck you may want to check out the Magnum Special - 2003 Petit Verdot. Petit Verdot has been described as haunting. It is a big, black, inky red wine and Dan himself recommends it with a steak, or any wild game. This Magnum Special is sold for $75 a bottle.

Daniel Gehr wines also have a holiday line of wines, but be prepared to spend at least a $100 per bottle. They are not cheap, but well worth it. The Holiday Special Vintage Bordeaux Trio blends two of Daniel Gehrs very best Syrah's and remains a favorite for the holiday season. The Vintage Bordeaux Trio runs about $125 per bottle.

The Holiday line also offers an array of Pinot Noirs and Ports suiting each taste.

If you are in Santa Barbara and cannot make it to the Santa Ynez Valley you can stop at East Beach Wine located at 201 S. Milpas Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 to pick up a bottle of Daniel Gehr wine. Phone: 805-656-WINE. East Beach Wine is open daily from 11am to 7pm. This wine is sure to please the palette. Enjoy. Cheers.