Food + Beverage

Crafted Pairings

More Than a Meal... An Experience For Your Tastebuds Article by Brianna Haley | Photography by Lena Ibarra Solvang may be best known for its Danish pastries, wine tasting rooms, and small-town charm, but there is a restaurant that is shaking things up in the best way. Whiskey ’N Rye, an American smokehouse with a rustic-chic vibe, is quickly becoming a go-to spot for locals looking for something fresh, flavorful, and just a little unexpected. Here, whiskey isn’t just a drink—it’s part of the...

Food + Beverage

Taste The Season

With Whiskey 'N Rye's Apple Pie Old Fashioned Article by Provided | Photography by Lena Ibarra Whiskey ’N Rye invites you to savor the flavors of the season with their Apple Pie Old Fashioned. It’s a drink that celebrates local craftsmanship, seasonal flavors, and the art of elevated, approachable mixology in the heart of the Valley. Ingredients (per cocktail): 2 oz Rod & Hammer Bourbon 0.5 oz Rock12 Quince Liqueur 2 dashes Walnut Bitters 0.25 oz Brown Sugar...

Food + Beverage

Sip, Listen, Discover

Taste The Good Life through local craft beers, live weekend music, and behind-the-scenes winemaker stories Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Matt DeMarcus The Good Life Craft Beer & Wine Cellar offers more than bottles—it’s a local hub for connection, culture, and craft. Guests can enjoy Neighbors Night on Tuesdays, gathering for $6 pints and $10 wines by the glass, or savor live music on select Saturdays, typically from 8–11 PM. Their “Meet Your Maker” series invites visitors to...

Life + Culture

Rooted In Flavor

Roblar’s Fresh Take on Farm-to-Table Article by Jenna Craig | Photography by Matt DeMarcus Pulling into Roblar Winery always feels a little like exhaling. The wide-open landscape, vines stretching in every direction, and lavender buzzing with bees remind you why we choose to call the Valley home. There’s a sense of ease here, a rhythm that matches the pace of country life, where the only things in a hurry are the butterflies weaving through the late-season blooms. It’s a place where you can...

Event Planning + Services

The Invisible Style

Behind Every Beautiful Celebration Is a Team Making It Look Effortless Article by McKensey R. Domas | Photography by Matt DeMarcus In the Santa Ynez Valley, we know how to throw a celebration. From farm-to-table fundraisers in rustic barns to intimate celebrations in private tasting rooms, our events are steeped in beauty, charm, and attention to detail. But for all the visual allure — perfect florals, curated tablescapes, golden-hour lighting — there’s a lesser-seen layer that often...

Home + Design

Style That Grows

How Houseplants Elevate Your Space... and Your State of Mind Article by Nick Tharpe | Photography by Provided There’s something quietly transformative about bringing houseplants into a home. With their organic textures, architectural forms, and calming presence, indoor plants have evolved from simple greenery into essential design elements. They soften interiors, add visual interest, and create a sense of balance that connects our living spaces to the natural world outside. In the Santa Ynez...

Wellness

Beyond the Smile

How Adam Haws Dental is Setting the Standard for Modern Elegance and Expert Dental Care Article and Photography by Matt DeMarcus Buellton is a town known for its charming community and growing economy. But for those in the know, it’s also home to one of the most advanced and compassionate dental practices on California’s Central Coast— Adam Haws Dental. At first glance, the modern, welcoming office space might feel more like a boutique spa than a dental clinic. From calming aromas to curated...

Arts + Culture

Messy Hands, Open Minds

From Mud Kitchens to Dino Digs, the SYV Children's Museum Makes Space for Wonder Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Matthew Curry & Matt DeMarcus The Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum is redefining what it means to be a “children’s museum.” The name might be the only traditional thing about it. This entirely outdoor, screen-free haven is a joyful hybrid—part botanical garden, part science camp, part adventure playground—crafted for curious minds and busy little hands. Founded in 2020...

Arts + Culture

Where Connection Leads the Curriculum

How SYV Family School Nurtures Big-Hearted Learners Through Nature and Social-Emotional Learning Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Erica Olesen Tucked into the rolling landscape of Los Olivos, Santa Ynez Valley Family School (SYVFS) is more than a classroom—it’s a living, breathing community shaped by connection, creativity, and care. Since its founding in 1974, the independent, nonprofit school has held steadfast to a vision of education that sees each child as a whole person...

Life + Culture

Not Your Average Pet

Inside the Sweet Life of Flying V Apiaries Article by Matt DeMarcus | Photography by Amber Dolyak Photography When most kids dream of pets, they imagine dogs to cuddle or kittens to chase. But for one Santa Ynez-based beekeeper, his “pets” number in the thousands—and they all have wings. Flying V Apiaries isn’t just a honey company. It’s a buzzing ecosystem rooted in stewardship, science, and a surprising amount of heart. Founded by Dakota Votaw, who first suited up in a bee suit as a college...