The Family Goes Wine Tasting

For Christmas my brother Tommy gave us all gift certificates for a day of wine tasting in Santa Ynez. It took us awhile to find a day that we all could go, and someone could watch all the kids. Of course my brother didn't want to come along with us, but he did want to make us dinner for when we got back. There were a lot of things that had to be in place, but we made it happen last Sunday!

I made us reservations for a private tasting at the Fess Parker winery. We were all so excited to be there. Joey and I have been there for our anniversary one year. It is such a beautiful winery! Fess Parker was the actor who played Davey Crockett so the logo is a cute raccoon skin cap. They even had little wine topper caps.

Our pourer was named Luis and he reminded us a lot of our cousin Mikey. As usual we pried into his personal life and spent the next hour getting to know him and tasting some good wines.

 Here is what we tasted plus a few extras.

After our tasting and buying about 7 bottles total. We had Luis open 2 bottles for us and we headed outside to enjoy the weather, wine and snacks my Mom packed.

And yes we brought chicharrones to a winery because we are awesome.

We got to sit and talk and laugh. Or like Cari here, laugh at her own jokes. She thinks she is hilarious.

And then the laughter turned to "tears" for my brother-in-law Luis when she saw a bunch of Mustangs. He had to give up his Mustang when him and my sister had the twins. But Cari was nice and handed him some tissues.

Of course we had to get a group shoot.

Joey, Elissa, Kelly, Elaine, Mom, Pops, Luis, Carissa

The day was still young and we had 2 for 1 tasting coupons burning a hole in our pockets so we decided that a trip into Los Olivos to the Epiphany winery was in order.

A beautiful and modern looking place. We sat in the lobby area near this TV and all the pictures of the laborers working were kind of weird. I think my chicano guilt was getting the best of me.

Kelly doesn't like white wine so Elaine got to enjoy two tasting!

E for Elissa!

Wow, we look almost relaxed without the kids around!

It was a fantastic day that ended with an amazing meal of tri-tip, chicken, salad and a deep fried blueberry ice cream dessert. (My brother Tommy is an AMAZING cook!). Wine tasting is such a great way to spend a day!

A super big shout-out to my cousin Karina from coming up to Santa Barbara to watch all 5 kids for us! You are a rock star!