FALLING IN LOVE WITH AUTUMN

As the seasons start to ever so slightly change, the Central Coast brings only the best in food, wine, and experiences

BY Hannah Meyers

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!

Expand your knowledge and palate at El Encanto’s new Ocean’s Garden workshop in partnership with Kelpful, a cooperative aimed at sustainably harvesting seaweed. The experience starts by exploring the secrets and advantages of the seaweed, and in turn the foundations of sustainable ocean practices, and segues into trying snacks highlighting the plant’s varying forms, like warm kelp broth and seasoned popcorn. Guests will be able to concoct their own sea salt seasoning, incorporating seaweed and sesame seeds, to create a unique umami topping for avocado toast. Lastly, guests will walk away with their own blended bath salts with citrus and floral essential oils as a memento of their newfound knowledge and experience.

The best way to round out summer? A good old-fashioned cookout…except at the stunning Alisal Ranch with award-winning chefs. Nestled in Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal offers a ranch experience bathed in quiet luxury. This year they’re bringing back their California Ranch Cookout series with a rotating show from the best chefs in the country. On September 23, guests can dance away to live music while watching sisters and co-owners of Rory’s Place in Ojai, Rory and Meave McAuliffe, do what they do best. Chef Meave brings her impressive resume in the restaurant industry to the ranch to grill up a proper feast while Rory handles the drinks and production. Dine al fresco with all the classic meats, sides and sweets that one could ask for.

Hats off to that! This October, explore Madame Ganna Walska’s hat collection at none other than her famed gardens, Lotusland. LACMA curator of costume and textiles, Kaye D. Spilker, will host “Madame’s Millinery Masterpieces: Hats Throughout History,” diving into not only Madame’s customized hat selection but also a broader discussion on historical hat fashion and trends. Peruse the cherished hats and learn from an incredible curator with experience in global art and culture.

“I’m not meant to fit clothes, the clothes are meant to fit me,” says Lynda Oniah, founder of Stand Tall Jeans. The FIDM graduate’s recently launched denim line empowers tall women to embrace their height, femininity and strength, while spearheading inclusivity in the clothing industry. The inaugural campaign shoot at Sunstone Villa was orchestrated by Chloe Redmond of Vino Vaquera Consulting, who is known for going above and beyond for clients’ shoots with surprise DJ appearances and other special touches. This shoot included custom florals by Roam, DJ Peetey setting the mood, styling by Dylan Star, hair by Mila Garcia, and makeup by Julie Christy. Model Kristin Schackmann and Lynda herself strutted around the Villa in the butterysoft denim, embodying the confidence only a perfectly-fitting pair of jeans can offer. standtalljeans.com

Stay and play at the newly renovated Fess Parker Wine Country Inn and Epiphany Tasting Garden in Los Olivos. The refreshed rooms and suites perfectly blend rustic comfort with contemporary pleasures. New hardwood floors, wrought iron four post beds, and fireplaces in every room are only a few of the latest additions implemented by designer Olivia Villaluz. “As a family owned and operated business, we hold our heritage in high regard, while also recognizing the importance of providing a fresh and modern experience,” says Ashley Parker Snider, co-owner and proprietor of the Fess Parker portfolio. To complement the many new amenities at the hotel, spend an afternoon at the updated Epiphany Tasting Garden on Grand Avenue to savor their expansive wine list from the new outdoor service bar.