Food & Drinks

By Maria del Cisne Vital Whether you prefer crisp Pinot Grigio, dry Chianti, or summer Rosé, California is the destination for any and every type of wine. The iconic Napa and Sonoma Valleys of NorCal are the titans of tannins. Meanwhile, SoCal can take pride in Temecula, Malibu and more growing wineries and vineyards. One feat that is hard to beat is the inviting and warm energy provided at SoCal’s family-owned wineries. With intimate settings and exclusive wines, check out these spots to feel right at home with a glass in hand. Carhartt Vineyard For three generations, the Carhartt family has grown with Rancho Santa Ynez and transformed it into what it is today— 22 acres of land meant for farming grapes and creating craft wines. Their “ground to glass” approach is what allows this Santa Barbara spot to distribute high quality and sustainable products. Stop by the Carhartt Cabin, a tasting room that has 20 different wines to try throughout the year (they only close on Christmas Day). The Carhartt family insists on keeping their business and customers close, so their wines are only distributed online or in their tasting room. 2939 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-693-5100, carharttvineyard.com. Wilson…

From kickoff to the final whistle, taking your game day party to the next level starts with serving an all-star lineup of menu items. From starting-caliber appetizers to MVP-level main courses and a supporting cast of side dishes, dips like salsa and hummus can play the role of superstar when it comes to serving up game day grub. One of the benefits of cheering on your favorite teams from the couch and bringing the tailgate to your literal home field is the availability of appliances you may not otherwise have access to at the stadium like the oven or air fryer. However, that doesn’t mean missing out on the action and being sidelined in the kitchen all game or that these recipes won’t travel to a tailgate. With a flavor-packed, vibrant recipe, the lineup of Fresh Cravings Salsa offers a homemade-tasting alternative to softer, duller blends of jarred salsa. Made with high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and spices, the salsas make a perfect addition to these recipes from celebrity chef and entertainer George Duran, author of “Take This Dish and Twist It” and host of Food Network’s “Ham on the Street” and TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off.”…

Visit Temecula Valley will host the second annual CraftHop festival the weekend of Nov. 11-13, where guests can rub elbows with esteemed local brew masters and enjoy an innovative assortment of craft beers, mead, and spirits. Designed as a self-guided tour with no tickets required and a map available to download, CraftHop participants will receive a highly collectible, limited-edition logo glass at each stop. Long established as a premiere destination for wine lovers, Temecula Valley is also becoming a popular stop for craft beer lovers and currently boasts nearly 20 breweries, meaderies and distilleries. With more than 3 million visitors expected to the area this year, the Temecula Valley is poised for growth as a Southern California hub for beer aficionados. Participating CraftHop taprooms will offer guests a signature drink and, of course, a chance to taste a wide variety of brews including hazy IPAs, pale ales, malty stouts, and barrel-aged strong ales, just to name a few. Some will also offer complimentary food items. CraftHop visitors are encouraged to book an overnight stay for a safe and leisurely tasting experience and for extra time to enjoy Old Town Temecula, farm-to-table dining, and the Valley’s many outdoor recreational activities. For up-to-date activities, events, and lodging options, visit www.visittemeculavalley.com. “Temecula Valley is well-known for…