News

Finley's Pairings

Father John Finley
September 14th, 2019
Santa Maria Times

Among other things, it takes a good winemaker to make a good Pinot Noir. Megan McGrath Gates has been the winemaker for Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards since 2007. Her winemaking career was launched as an enologist for Flowers Vineyard & Winery on the Sonoma Coast, crafting Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while she earned a Certificate in Winemaking from UC Davis.

Discover California's Overlooked Cabernet Sauvignon

Jim Gordon and Matt Kettmann
July 25th, 2019
Wine Enthusiast

From veteran grape grower Louis Lucas, the Lucas & Lewellen Cote del Sol allows herbs and spices to do their trick.

2016 Lucas & Lewellen Cabernet Sauvignon

Childhood Dreams Become a Reality

Please the Palate

Allison Levine
April 4th, 2019
When Megan McGrath Gates was a little girl, she would listen to the stories of her grandparents. A ninth-generation Californian, Gates was raised in Riverside. But, her ancestors were ranchers and she is a direct descendant of the historic Olivas family in Ventura, California.
 
Despite her ancestors, Gates was a typical suburban kid. Her dad is a lawyer and her mom is a teacher. She is one of six children and has a twin sister. With all of the romantic stories about her family, she dreamed about being a rancher and living a bucolic life.
Megan McGrath gates

Experienced Hands Craft Memorable Wines

James Nokes
September 29th, 2018
Daily Chronicle

A winery with a history that is centuries old and a viticulturist who’s a local legend are separated by an ocean and joined by fine wine.

This week, wines from vastly different parts of the world, from wineries whose experience runs deep are classic bottlings.

Baked brie appetizer with sparkling wine

John D. Finley
September 27th, 2018
Santa Ynez Valley News

Sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it comes from the region of Champagne, France. Strictly speaking, champagne means "French Champagne" coming from the Reims and Epernay districts east of Paris. California produces two types of sparkling wine. The bulk process type is basically glorified soda pop. The other, usually labeled methode champenoise or methode traditionelle, means the second fermentation process must take place in the same bottle it is served from. It is well worth the price to buy a sparkling wine using this method.

Fall Is Here...but don't dump those summer wines

Gus Clemens
September 22, 2018
San Angelo Times

With summer’s expiration date on Sept. 22, is it time to ditch those bright, light, delicious wines you enjoyed when fish were jumpin’ and cotton was high?

Short answer: no. There is no reason to forgo patio, pool and picnic pours now, or any time for that matter. In the first place, if you live in the southern half of the country, plenty of summer-like days remain — in Texas there will be summer-like days in winter. No need to eschew wines because of some silly equinox.

Revealing the Hidden Asset of Santa Barbara County

Uncorked

James Nokes
09/10/2018
The Daily Chronicle

Forced to lay on his back, Louis Lucas had enough.

For 40 years, the veteran Santa Barbara viticulturist had been the man behind the wines. His extensive knowledge of the area dates back to a time when the area had 60 acres of vineyards. Today there are more than 200 wineries, six AVAs and more than 21,000 acres of vines.

Lucas & Lewellen's Quality Control

Quality Grapes Yield Quality Wines

Dennis Schaefer
Sept 6th, 2018
Santa Barbara News-Press

Louis Lucas is one of the folks who pioneered grape growing in Santa Barbara County, beginning with his partnership in the historic Tepusquet Vineyard. Back in those early days, planting a vineyard was seen as a risky business. There weren't very many wineries in the county and it wasn't yet clear if the bigger North Coast wineries would be willing to purchase grapes from such a supposedly warm area in Southern California.

Good Food, Good Wine and Dog Friendliness All Part of Solvang’s Charm

Keys to the Coast

Donna Polizzi
September 1, 2018
Noozhawk

With so many things to do on the Central Coast, the biggest question we often ask ourselves is, “What should we do today?” Solvang is always a good answer.

Solvang, Danish for “sunny field,” is a charming city, full of interesting sights and things to do for all ages and walks of life. With a population of 5,245, it’s the perfect size to explore on foot — especially if you have a furry friend tagging along.

Stuffed Bell Peppers Have a Hidden Asset

Fr. John Finley
August 18th, 2018
Santa Maria Times

Did you know that as bell peppers age, their nutritional qualities and flavor characteristics change as well?

For example, red peppers contain nine times more beta carotene than green bell peppers and twice the amount of vitamin C, but a serving of green peppers still provides over 200 percent of your suggested daily intake of vitamin C.

Red and yellow bell peppers have a very different flavor than green bell peppers. The red ones, especially, are much sweeter. Any bell pepper can be used for this recipe; use the type you like the best.

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