A recap of our fun and DELICIOUS afternoon at Folded Hills – a Central Coast treasure that is definitely worth adding to the itinerary for your next California visit!
I’ve lived in Santa Barbara for five years now and I’m still discovering new and exciting places every day, meeting more fabulous people and learning about places that I just HAVE to visit. When I attended a Women in Wine dinner a few months ago – celebrating some of the best female winemakers in Santa Barbara County – I was blown away by the strength and presentation of all these ladies, and there were a few who really stuck out.
The very first wine I tasted that night was a rosé from Folded Hills, and I knew immediately that this was a winery I needed to become familiar with. So when the opportunity arose to head there for an afternoon visit with my gal Hana-Lee (from Wander & Wine) and owner Kim Busch, I absolutely could not (and would not) refuse.
But it wasn’t just the wine that piqued my interest about this place. After all, it’s not very often that I encounter a winery that’s also a fully functioning farm, practice polo field and historic residence. And did I mention the baked goods? I mean, the cookie and Rice Krispie treats are reasons in themselves to make a stop the next time you’re cruising down the 101.
We arrived at the Folded Hills farmstead on a Friday afternoon and met up with Kim, who had come armed with not only the above-mentioned baked goodies but also buckets full of food for their furry farm animals. Our babes loved watching her feed the pigs, donkeys and goats almost as much as Hana-Lee and I loved the giant chocolate chip cookie we shared.
Next was a four-wheel drive through the vineyards, up and over the hills to the dock of the property’s own private lake to sample the August White and, my favorite, the Estate Lilly Rosé. In our conversations with Kim on that dock, it became quite apparent that there are big things in store for Folded Hills – from the tasting room that’s opening up early next year to the exclusive wine club member perks they’re developing – and I can’t wait to see it all unfold 😉
From the dock we headed further into the property, with a quick stop to feed the Clydesdales and tour the newly remodeled guest house before winding up on the back porch of the family’s historic home to taste the last two wines, the August Red and the Ballard Canyon Grenache. I already knew I loved the rosé, but after tasting all these other wines it’s quite apparent that winemaker Angela Osborne is doing everything right.
If you’re looking to add a stop at Folded Hills to your next California Coast travel itinerary (and you most certainly should) take special note: the Farmstead is open weekends through October and, until construction is complete on the new tasting room (hopefully next spring), you’ll have to call or email in advance to taste the wine. But man, is it worth it!
Until the tasting room opens, you can sign up for Folded Hills’ mailing list to be notified of new releases when they’re available and, if you live in Santa Barbara, you might be able to find the rosé at a couple of our local wine shops (email me for specifics!) In the meantime, I highly recommend you stop by Folded Hills on your next trip up or down the 101 (the turn-off is approximately 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara) – if nothing else but for a giant chocolate chip cookie!
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