Natalie Vartanian's Blog

A World Away within a Two Hour Reach

Why pay for therapy? Just grab a friend and hit the road … better yet, have a friend pick YOU up and take off. My friend Mark arrived at 10:00am Saturday morning, our usual time. He is always so punctual. I love that after almost 8 years of friendship, I know him so well. This was going to be our third trip up to Los Olivos for one of the Longoria Winery Garden Parties. Their wine tasting parties are always so tastefully done and pleasantly delightful. We start our journey from Los Angeles and seem to end up in heaven.

I was looking forward to it like a drug addict anticipating her next hit. Overworked and frustrated, I needed the distraction. From our past experiences, I knew it would be a day for venting, sharing and relaxing. As we were about to leave, I checked my bag for the essentials: water, money and CDs. I usually play DJ, always the unofficial role of the passenger/co-pilot, so I had put together my road trip compilation earlier that morning.

As soon as the car started, so did our session. “So, how have you been? What’s new? What have you been up to?” After an hour on the road (210 West, 134 West, 101 North), we made a pit stop in Oxnard, which is pretty much the halfway point. The bathroom and a Soy Chai Latte were calling me. I am always on the lookout for a Starbucks or a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Once we pass Oxnard, the real road trip starts for me. The sea in all its magnificence begins to accompany us on our drive. For two water signs, this is heaven on earth. With good music in the background and beautiful scenery all around, the conversation flows free. The wonderful thing about Mark and I is that not only are we great listeners, but even better givers of advice. Then again, isn't everyone? Our time together though is always so harmonious.

Once we get to Santa Barbara, we have to get off the freeway to get back on to the 154. I had never known about the 154, a windy road through the mountains and Los Padres National Forest, it is what makes me feel far, far away from the busy city of LA. The first time we drove up to Los Olivos, I felt like a kid discovering a seashell in the sand. As if the tree-covered mountains are not breath-taking enough, as you drive through the Forest, a long gorgeous body of water appears to your right, Cochuma Lake, hidden in the valley of the mountains.

Los Olivos is a tiny community tucked away in the foothills. It’s a quaint little town; you can feel the appreciation for the earth in the air. The main street is lined with tiny wineries advertising ‘Tastings’ and so small, it would probably take 5 minutes to walk from one end to the other. It probably would have remained a well kept secret were it not for the movie “Sideways”. Our first time there, Mark took me to eat lunch at the same sidewalk restaurant/cafe they had dinner at in the movie. On this particular day, the town was buzzing. We drove by a huge crowd in the park and could hear the rapid announcement of an auctioneer. In order to prepare our pallets for the array of wines we were about to taste, we had a quick lunch at one of the market/delis right across the street.

The Longoria Winery is a small family-run business. You walk in to the front register area, walls lined with photos and full size posters of their wine labels, give your name, take your glass and proceed to the outside area. Most of the garden parties they hold are for wine club members only, so the guest list is small and makes the whole event feel more intimate. Typically held twice a year, around April and August, they showcase their new wines and share some of their vintages. You will usually see husband and wife overseeing things or pouring the wines, grandma making sure the cheese, dried fruit and finger food trays are full and the daughter pouring as well. Their wines are all excellent and food provided always delicious. Being there is always welcoming and delightful. The garden was in full bloom, so while tasting round after round of wines with names such as Alabarino, Evidence, Melbac, Hoo Doo Red, and the classics like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, there was lots to take in and talk about. The warmth of the sun on my skin and the soothing guitar strumming in the near distance brought me serenity. Even the butterflies wanted to partake in the festivities … one white butterfly would flutter around the rose bushes, as if it knew the white roses matched its body perfectly.

We easily spent 3 or 4 hours there. Time stands still as you are surrounded by nature, good food and drinks, and pleasant people. When the party started to wind down and you could feel the chill in the air, we decided to call it a day in Los Olivos. The highlight of the day however was on our drive back.

In search of chocolate, we stopped at a Trader Joe’s in Montecito to buy a bar of Dark Chocolate Truffle and attempt a vain effort at finding Oprah. The rumor is that she has a huge house up in the hills. Since I had never been to Montecito, Mark decided to take me to the Biltmore Four Seasons hotel. Amazing place – secluded amongst trees and literally right across the street from the beach, it seemed like an Island Paradise. Little bungalows housed the rooms to rent and the garden area hosted a Wedding that day. We were very tempted to crash the party but considering our relaxed attire we knew we would stick out like sore thumbs. Apparently you can brunch at the Biltmore for $50 per person on Sundays, which Mark had done before – a small way to feel part of the rich and exclusive. We then crossed the street, hopped the concrete railing to the beach, walked along the shore and settled on some rocks to eat our chocolate: decadence amidst luxury and splendor. The ocean put things in perspective for us and allowed us to resolve our worldly questions. We felt recharged, refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to go back and tackle the real world.

It is always hard to come back to earth after feeling so far removed from daily stresses, problems and worries – however, seeing a glimpse of nirvana, allowed us to hit the road again, and return with idealistic intentions and optimistic perspectives.

posted by Natalie Vartanian @ 9:22 AM