Barden 2020 Blanc de Blancs, Sta. Rita Hills ($72, margerumwines. com/barden-wines) Just released, this bubbly from winemaker Doug Margerum—the label is a nod to his middle name—is more proof that the Sta. Rita Hills AVA can give rise to phenomenal sparkling wine. All chardonnay, the wine features fruit from two of the area’s premier vineyards: La Rinconada and Sanford & Benedict. Primary and secondary fermentation, including full malolactic, were done entirely in barrel for a year, with an additional fermentation done in bottle, giving this wine a delightful creaminess—hints of mousse, even—all buoyed by an energetic rush of bubbles. Puff pastry and citrus on the nose give way to rounded flavors of lemon and almond extract. This is a perfect sparkler with great aging potential. Continue »
Doug Margerum has been intimately involved in the Santa Barbara food and wine scene for over 40 years and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers promoting the uniqueness and quality of the region’s food and wine. Founded in 2001, Margerum produces limited quantities of wines made from grapes grown at their Estate Vineyard in District and at top vineyards from around Santa Barbara County. In 2014, Doug released the Barden wines, which focuses exclusively on the terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills, sourcing fruit from top vineyards in the appellation. Margerum strives to make natural wines that have individual characteristics and personality. Continue »
“We are thrilled to have won for Best Urban Tasting Room,” said Doug Margerum, whose elegant space in the Hotel Californian is not to be missed. “It’s a tasting room like no other in Santa Barbara,” he said. “A fabulous menu for dining all day and night, extensive outdoor seating, space for private parties for tastings, lunches, and dinners, and an enthusiastic and well-trained staff to educate and illuminate. With two brands to taste — Barden and Margerum — it is an experience like no other.” Readers were also happy with their hours that spill into the evening — noon to 8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Runner-Up: Grassini Family Vineyards Continue »
Doug Margerum is at it again, this time with a gem of a new tasting room in Santa Barbara Wine Country’s charming Los Olivos. The spot offers a new twist on wine-pairing: a bento box with your vino tasting. Margerum has been raising his glass to customers and friends for over 40 years in Santa Barbara’s hospitality trade, as a restaurateur and winemaker. Known for impeccable wines that he fashions for his own label, as well as consulting gigs to budding and wannabe winemakers, his talents have consistently set a high bar and earned respect for his Santa Ynez Valley estate wines. Continue »
Margerum Wines: Great news, Margerum Wines has now opened a tasting room just steps from the Santa Barbara Funk Zone–across the street from the Hotel Californian. Doug Margerum has been a key player in the Santa Barbara wine scene for over 35 years and he makes really good juice. Continue »
Doug Margerum has always been at the forefront of spectacular wine and food. From launching Santa Barbara’s Wine Cask restaurant in 1981 and establishing it as the region’s epicenter of culinary mastery while helping build global awareness for Central Coast winemakers, to the 2001 debut of Margerum Wine Company and a downtown Santa Barbara tasting room perched in the Funk Zone. Continue »
When the pangs of hunger call, the newly unveiled MARGERUM offers a delicious reprieve. The space is charmingly quaint, stocking an array of wines crafted by owner and winemaker Doug Margerum that span his eponymous Rhône-focused label and the Burgundian varietals of his second label, Barden. Continue »
When pangs of hunger call, the newly unveiled Margerum offers a delicious reprieve. The space is charmingly quaint, stocking an array of wines crafted by owner and winemaker Doug Margerum that span his eponymous Rhône- focused label and the Burgundian varietals of his second label, Barden. Continue »
A NEW BITE Chopsticks at the ready? Roll up to Margerum for the delectable combo of sushi and wine. The Funk Zone favorite recently opened a Los Olivos tasting room with a menu unlike any other. Margerum's newest space on Alamo Pintado Avenue brings not only the wines Santa Barbara knows and loves, but a delightful food menu. Slurp some Kumamoto oysters alongside sparkling wine pairings or dive into a bento box of hand crafted sushi (reservation necessary). Of course, the classic cheese and charcuterie board isn't going anywhere. Don't leave without trying their Rori's collaboration-amaro ice cream! Continue »
Many wineries offer food and wine pairing experiences at their tasting rooms. A successful food and wine pairing can be symbiotic. Not only can flavors be enhanced in the food and/or the wines, but food can really enhance the wine, showing it in its best light. I experienced that with a unique experience at Margerum Wine Company and that is why the Bento Box Tasting and Wine Pairing at Margerum Wine Company in Los Olivos is the Please The Palate pick of the week. Continue »
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