Demteria Estate winery in the Santa Ynez Valley
This holiday weekend, we discovered a new favorite winery up in Santa Ynez, one of our sister soul spots (a place that has it all-- relaxation, natural beauty, culture/sophistication and fun). Demetria is tucked pretty far back off of Foxen Canyon Road where our family winery, Curtis is located. So far back on a one lane paved road that meanders through vines and up and around rolling hills, that if someone didn't tell you to keep going, you might think you'd missed it. But when you do arrive, let's say 7 minutes later, a charming oasis plucked from a European post card, greets you.
The property is stunning and welcoming with trees, vines, and wildflowers teeming around a sun kissed yellow estate headquarters that again feels reminiscent of Tuscany or Provence. Wine tastings (by appointment only) are held in the gardens overlooking the vines. The friendly Zahoundanis family and their staff come around and pour at least five of their wines while you soak up the sun, surroundings and maybe a little live music. Our wine picks are their very dry and lively Riesling and their Cuvee Constantine, a blend of grenache, mourvedre and syrah that is rich, earthy and delightful.
Their upcoming movie nights, where they offer a bottle of their wine served with a multi-course menu, popcorn and candy while screening "The Secret of Santa Vittoria" (June 16), "Notorious" (July 21) and "Under the Tuscan Sun" (August 25), under the stars, sound like a blissful way to spend an evening!
Don't miss this wine tasting experience on your next visit! And bring a couple sandwiches from Panino in Los Olivos to have a picnic with your wine.