The lure of the Central Coast draws me more and more away from the fast pace of Los Angeles to enjoy the scenery, wines and food of Santa Barbara County. Spending an afternoon at Demetria Estate Winery and having dinner at Restaurant 4300 is the perfect cure.
Demetria Estate is located on Foxen Canyon Road in Los Olivos. It seems like a trek to get there but once you drive down the scenic road to the vineyard, it is well worth the visit. Not only are the wines excellent but also the ambiance of the outdoor patio situated amongst Sycamore and Oak trees making it an ideal place to enjoy an afternoon with a wonderful selection of Demetria wines.
Demetria Estate is located in Santa Ynez Valley on 200 acres. Forty-Three acres are bearing fruit of primarily of the Rhone varietals, which are farmed biodynamically. The burgundy-style grapes are farmed organically in the Santa Rita Hills. Both methods of farming do not use chemicals but the biodynamic method uses a lunar calendar thereby utilizing certain days for different types of preparations. Ingredients such as valerian, chamomile, yarrow and nettle are mixed into a tea and finely sprayed on the vineyard or dynamised, stirred into the soil. These special preparations are used only on the days that are best suited for the vines or soil.
Primary fermentation of the reds and whites are mostly done in concrete tanks. This process is done because of the temperature control of the juice allowing the maturation of the wines to continue. As for the whites they are fermented with the skins on.
Dementria Estate creates twelve different wines. On my visit I was able to taste seven of their wines. By far my favorites were the 2008 Cuvee Constantine this full-bodied rich flavored wine is a blend of 67% Grenache, 27% Mourvedre and 6% Syrah. This wine has lasting power and at this point should be decanted.
My other favorite was the 2008 Pantheon another full-bodied blend of mostly Syrah and Grenache.
As to the whites, I had tasted the Chardonnay prior to my visit and was quite impressed with the Burgundian style of the Chardonnay. At the winery, I tasted the 2009 Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County. This was a very crisp Chardonnay that was aged for eleven months in both new and neutral French Oak Barrels.
I also tasted the 2008 Pantheon Blanc a nice fresh and crisp to the nose blend made up of 55% Marsanne and 45% Grenache Blanc. The 209 Cuvee Papou is a blend of 53% Marsanne and 47% Grenache Blanc. I could taste vanilla and grapefruit sipping this wine.
Restaurant 4300 is located at the Village Country Club in Lompoc. Almost every table at Restaurant 4300 offers a magnificent serene view of the greenbelt of the golf course, oak trees and mountains.
Chef owner Sonseeah Gil, Sissy is not new to the restaurant business. Most people familiar with Lompoc will remember the days when she owned her Sissy’s Restaurant on I Street. Sissy is also the private chef for Seasmoke winery. Restaurant 4300 offers a fresh seasonal cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner.
The restaurant features a nice selection of local wines and micro-brews on tap. On my visit to the restaurant Sissy brought out from her private collection a 2005 Curran Tempranillo Santa Ynez.
Our meal began with an appetizer of Heirloom tomatoes, goat cheese and basil. The heirloom tomatoes were by far the sweetest small heirlooms I had ever tasted.
Prior to visiting Restaurant 4300 local winemakers told me that I must try the Pan Seared Heart of Romaine. Although a very unusual dish it was well worth the try. The romaine is seared and covered with a Gorgonzola Beurre Blanc and Balsamic reduction. Be careful you do not get full on this wonderful 1st course dish.
If you are not game for the romaine, an Arugula Salad with cranberry, walnuts Pomegranate Vinaigrette is a nice light starter.
For a main course I choose the special of the evening, Sea bass with spinach and red pepper coulees. Cooked to perfection, the seabass was very tender.
Word has it that Sissy makes a dynamite hamburger. This signature 1/3 lb burger is accompanied with Apple Smoked Bacon and Cotswold Cheese and grilled Seeded Roll, Lettuce, Sliced Red Onion, Sliced Tomatoes, Pickle & Mayonnaise.
Restaurant 4300 is a very family oriented restaurant and Sissy herself makes sure that she comes and visits with all the patrons of the restaurant.
For more Information on both Demetria and 4300 Restaurant:
6701 Foxen Canyon Road
Los Olivos, CA 93441
805.686.2345
Restaurant 4300
4300 Clubhouse Road
Lompoc, CA
805.733.4300
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