California Life and Style

01/18/2025

California needs YOUR love and support after the devastating fires. The best way? Vacation in the Golden State! 🌴 From the stunning Sonoma Coast to the magic of Disneyland, every visit helps rebuild our local communities. Spend your money where it matters—on California-grown, California-made, and California-loved. 🌊🌲

🌟 25 Must-Visit Destinations

Catalina Island – Crystal-clear coves & island vibes.
Disneyland – The magic awaits!
Santa Barbara Harbor – Coastal charm & fresh seafood.
San Francisco Wharf – Iconic views & clam chowder.
Napa Valley – World-class wine country escape.
Sonoma Coast – Rugged cliffs & serene beaches.
Big Sur – Epic drives & dramatic coastline.
Yosemite National Park – Waterfalls & granite cliffs.
Lake Tahoe – Year-round mountain beauty.
Joshua Tree – Desert magic & starry skies.
San Diego – Laid-back vibes & stunning beaches.
Palm Springs – Relaxation meets retro glam.
Monterey Bay – Marine life & scenic coastline.
Sequoia National Park – Towering trees & tranquil trails.
Santa Cruz – Surf culture & family fun.
Mammoth Lakes – Outdoor paradise.
Death Valley – Otherworldly desert beauty.
Mount Shasta – A nature lover’s dream.
Lassen Volcanic Park – Unique geothermal wonders.
Santa Ynez Wine Country – Sip in peaceful vineyards.
Hollywood Walk of Fame – Star-studded adventures.
LA Farmers Market – Taste fresh, local California.
Queen Mary, Long Beach – History and harbor views.
Danish Town, Solvang – European charm in wine country.
Redondo Beach – Sun, sand, and seaside fun.

🌼 Look for California-grown flowers, fruits, and goods while you’re here. Supporting local means supporting recovery. Every bite, sip, and purchase makes a difference! Let’s rebuild California together. Please share!!! 🙏🏼

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01/11/2025

with .repost
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The recent LA fires have been devastating, and my heart aches for everyone affected. Stories of lost homes, cherished memories, and lives have been heartbreaking, yet the kindness and generosity of people stepping up to help reminds us there is still good in the world. Even in dark times, love and light can shine through. ❤️

Now, more than ever, it’s important to spread positivity. Avoid complaining or speaking negatively about others—when we do, it really says more about what’s in our own heart, than about them. 😞

Instead, let’s focus on being a force for good. Share kindness, repost resources for those in need, post uplifting messages, and offer hope. Refrain from negative comments on social media. The energy you put out into the world matters, and positivity has a way of coming back to you, and has the power to change the world!

If you need someone to talk to, I’m here. I know people often think I’m too busy, but I’m never too busy to lend a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen.

Let’s rise above the negativity and inspire hope. Be a light for others, and together, we can create a ripple effect of love and kindness the world so desperately needs. ✨

08/26/2024

08/22/2024

If you missed last week’s Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance Annual Wine & Fire festival, don’t worry I’ve got you covered!! Check out this weeks Santa Barbara Independent for coverage of the “La Paulee Dinner” under the stars, honoring Hitching Post wines! ✨ Petite Wine Traveler

https://www.independent.com/2024/08/21/celebrating-hitching-posts-frank-ostini-and-gray-hartley-winemakers-of-the-year/

La Paulée Dinner brings Burgundy tradition to Sta. Rita Hills.

08/03/2024

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Knee...

08/01/2024

Happy !

Founded by Petite Wine Traveler this delightful holiday is celebrated August 1. It’s thrilling to see it celebrated around the world.
🥂🧡☀️

National Spritz Day perfectly aligns with the California lifestyle—think sunshine, ocean breezes, and laid-back elegance. There's nothing quite like enjoying a cool, refreshing spritz under the California sun. It's a celebration that captures the essence of California life and style.

National Spritz Day, celebrated at the end of summer, is the perfect occasion to enjoy refreshing spritz beverages. Whether it's an Aperol Spritz, a champagne cocktail, a French 75, or another spritz drink, the warm weather and effervescent bubbles create a festive atmosphere.

How to Celebrate National Spritz Day:

Gather with Colleagues and Friends:
Celebrate by inviting colleagues and friends to your favorite bar for a delicious spritz after work. Alternatively, take a well-deserved break, relax by the pool, and enjoy some spritzes in the sunshine.

Crafting the Perfect Aperol Spritz:
For those who enjoy making their own cocktails, an Aperol Spritz is simple to prepare using the 3-2-1 rule:

Fill a large stemmed glass with ice.
Add three parts chilled prosecco.
Mix in two parts Aperol.
Top with one part sparkling water.
Garnish with an orange wheel for a touch of elegance.

Cheers to a wonderful ! 🥂🧡

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/national-spritz-day/

Savoring a bubbly, refreshing concoction with a zestful twist, elevating your beverage experience to pure effervescence.

07/16/2024

🎉🍇 Hey Wine Lovers! 🍇🎉

Summer vibes are here, and as your Santa Barbara Wine Expert, I've got the perfect wine pairings to make your sunny days even brighter! ☀️🌿 Dive into my latest article for a rundown on the most gorgeous white wines that are absolutely perfect for summer sipping.

Ready to host the ultimate summer soirée? Let me be your personal sommelier and turn your event into the talk of the town! 🍷🥳 From curated wine selections to perfect pairings, I'll ensure your guests have an unforgettable experience. Petite Wine Traveler

Check out the article and let's make this summer spectacular together!

👉 https://www.montecitojournal.net/2024/07/16/white-wine-summer-in-santa-barbara-wine-county/

Sunshine, sandals, and sipping something cool – that’s the ultimate summer trifecta, right? As your proud Santa Barbara wine expert and self-proclaimed white wine enthusiast, I’m here to declare this the summer of white wine!

07/14/2024

My follow up story about dancing in the Santa Barbara Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade with La Boheme Productions was in the Santa Barbara Independent on Friday!! All the “Glitter, Sweat and Smiles!” Check it out here!! ☀️🎉💃🏻

https://www.independent.com/2024/07/12/glitter-sweat-and-smiles/

You heard about the training — now writer Jamie Knee tells us what it was really like to be dancing her feathers off in the Santa Barbara Solstice Parade.

07/12/2024

☀️ Sunshine, summertime, and Santa Barbara go hand in hand, and the only thing that can make it better is a glass of Santa Barbara Wine Country white wine in hand! 🥂

This Wednesday morning, I was on News Channel 3-12 sharing some Santa Barbara summer white wine recommendations. In case you missed it, check out the segment here: https://keyt.com/news/morning-news-guest-segments/2024/07/10/local-wine-expert-jaime-knee-joins-the-morning-news-to-share-her-recommendations-this-summer/ 📺

As Santa Barbara’s go-to wine gal, I love helping folks bring a bit of wine country magic to their own backyards! Imagine a summertime sipper soirée right at home—wine tastings, wine dinners, and plenty of fun. 🍾 (Contact me)

And if you’re like me and can’t get enough of Santa Barbara Wine Country, don’t miss my latest story (see below) in the Montecito Journal, now on stands. Continuing the same theme, it’s all about summertime Santa Barbara white wine sipping.

Find the article here: https://issuu.com/santabarbarasentinel/docs/_mj_issue_30_28_full/28

Cheers to a perfect summer! 🌞🥂

Petite Wine Traveler Santa Barbara Wine Country Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance Visit the Santa Ynez Valley

07/11/2024

☀️☀️☀️

Jamie Knee, also known as the Petite Wine Traveler, stopped by the Morning News on Wednesday. Jamie is a Santa Barbara County Based Sommelier, Wine Educator, International Wine Judge, Podcast Host, Writer, Wine Critic, and is a weekly Wine Columnist for the Montecito Journal.

07/02/2024

I’ve been nominated!! 🎉 It’s time to cast your ballot for “Best Of” Santa Barbara Independent! Please vote for Petite Wine Traveler in Media!! Thank you!!! 😘

(Vote often 😉)

https://bestof.independent.com/

06/14/2024

Though not my usual writing genre, I was asked to cover our Santa Barbara Gauchos, and write this piece. I’m very glad I agreed to do so, because as a writer I love stretching my abilities.

I was so thrilled to received quite a few compliments from the team and coaches. Always glad to support my beautiful Santa Barbara Community!! Latest article on stands now, in the Montecito Journal!!

https://www.montecitojournal.net/2024/06/11/a-season-for-santa-barbara-baseball/