Mas de Daumas dinner at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara . . .

Happy New Year!

Mas de Daumas Gassac estate in the Haut Vallee du Gassac

What a better way to start the new year than with (more) wine!

It is my pleasure to announce the first winemaker dinner of the year at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara. The owner of Mas de Daumas Gassac, Samuel Guibert, will be with us to share some of his latest releases as well as cellar treasures.

The vineyard, located in the south of France, has been called the Grand Cru of the Languedoc.

This special dinner will be held in the Wine Cellar on January 30^th.The reception will start at 6.30pm followed by dinner. Chef Matthew Johnson has created a 4 course dinner that pairs beautifully with these wines.

$145 plus tax & service.

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By S. Irene Virbila

Los Angeles Times

This is a zippy Trebbiano from an estate in Italy's south dedicated to organic farming. I can remember when it was nearly impossible to find a crisp white from that region. But Cirelli's 2010 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is as refreshing as lemon sorbet. The fruit tastes ripe and golden, but the wine is bone dry.

It's just what's needed if you're serving a seafood salad or pasta. It's great with vegetable soups, beans with tuna and grilled salmon. Who knew easygoing Trebbiano could have this kind of elegance and balance? At $13, it's a small miracle.

Region: Abruzzo

Price: About $13

Style: Crisp and dry

What it goes with: Seafood salad and pasta, soups, grilled fish