California Life and Style

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/

06/14/2024

Look at all the goodies waiting for me in my hotel room! 🌟🍷❤️

Hey everyone, I’ve arrived in Paso Robles, and I’m beyond thrilled to be here as a wine judge for the Central Coast Wine Competition Paso Robles Wine Central Coast Competitions 🥂✨ This is going to be an amazing few days, and I can’t wait to dive in.

Paso Robles holds a special place in my heart. I first visited when I was younger, back when my grandparents moved to the Central Coast. From just a handful of wineries back then to over 200 now, this region has blossomed into a wine lover’s paradise with 60+ grape varieties!

Plus most of the other judges are all my California wine friends, so it will be great catching up!! 🥰

Get ready for some serious sipping, tasting, and judging! Cheers to new adventures in wine country! 🍇🍷🥇California Mid-State Fair

06/12/2024

Wow, this mural is gorgeous! Who needs a beautiful mural to make their business, office, B&B, or winery shine? 🤍🩷💛🧡❤️🩵

We’re in the final stretch of the Psychedelic Water mural in Venice for their pop up with Plant X. Next up, vinyl text! 💦

04/23/2024

💚🍷 🌱

04/09/2024

Delve into the captivating allure of the Languedoc through the latest article, "Picpoul de Pinet: Sipping the Maritime Charms of the Languedoc."

Access the full article in this week's Montecito Journal Montecito Journal, or conveniently online:

https://www.montecitojournal.net/2024/04/09/picpoul-de-pinet-sipping-the-maritime-charms-of-the-languedoc/

Embarking on a recent escapade to the sun-kissed Languedoc region in southern France was like stepping into a masterpiece painted with historic cities, awe-inspiring landscapes, and a cultural tapestry woven with richness.

04/03/2024

04/02/2024

🍷🎉 Exciting news for wine lovers in Santa Barbara County!

My wine tasting bookings for April and May are now open! As an experienced wine professional, I'm thrilled to offer you and your friends a 90-minute in-home tasting experience, complete with expert wine education.

Taste unique wines and purchase at cost! Limited slots available: Only $35 per person for 3 wines, paired perfectly with heavy nibbles to complement. Book below! 🥂🎉

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehuquF5Rh-tcizQ1rQWqHCqIA2woVnedaFHcVdG6hbYtWOOA/viewform

*Minimum 8 people, maximum 25. Targeting Santa Barbara County, but willing to travel outside SB County for larger groups.

04/01/2024

Hopping straight into these wine pairings... 🐇⁠

Find a selection of wines to match 's most delicious treats here 👉 enth.to/43CQrwl

⁠

03/27/2024

🍷✨ Hey there, wine-loving friends! I have an incredible opportunity that I'm so excited to share with all of you. Imagine hosting a fabulous wine tasting party in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by your nearest and dearest, and experiencing some of the finest wines from around the world.

I'm on the lookout for a few fantastic house hosts among my circle of friends who would be willing to open up their homes for an unforgettable wine soirée, for 8-16 guests.* Plus the house hosts will be gifted with a bottle of wine of their choosing!

We're talking about world-class wines from renowned regions like Napa, Santa Barbara County, and beyond – wines that are rarely available to the public. From elegant Napa Cabernets to crisp Santa Barbara Chardonnays to exotic international varietals, prepare your palate for a journey like no other.

As your resident wine specialist, I'll be there to guide you through the tasting, sharing fascinating insights about each wine and its unique story. Plus, I'll bring along delicious nibbles to perfectly complement the wines.

And here's where the magic happens: if you and your guests fall in love with any of the wines, you'll have the opportunity to purchase them afterwards at cost. And the personalized in home tasting won’t cost you a thing, as long as a few wines are purchased by you or your guests. It's a win-win for everyone! 🍷

So, if you're ready to elevate your next gathering and create unforgettable memories over a glass (or two) of exceptional wine, I'd love to chat with you about hosting this exclusive event. Let's turn your home into the ultimate wine destination and toast to good times with great friends. Drop me a message if you're interested or tag a friend who you think would be the perfect host.

*Southern California, Santa Barbara County and SLO County, will consider traveling for special tastings!

03/13/2024

Come experience a Taste of Bordeaux on our luxury river cruise through this renowned region of France.

03/07/2024

California Living and Writing: What a delightful surprise to check in while on vacation and discover not one, not two, but three of my articles gracing the pages of Montecito Journal this week! 🗞️ Among them, the first one hitting newsstands tomorrow!

While many are familiar with my wine-centric writing, my roots lie in Lifestyle Journalism. Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a captivating talk in Montecito, where over 60 influencers gathered. It was a privilege to cover this event, hosted and moderated by NPR, discussing a topic close to my heart: democracy and the crucial role of public radio in upholding truth and transparency.

Excited to blend my passions for wine and lifestyle in future features!

https://issuu.com/santabarbarasentinel/docs/_mj_issue_30_10_full/5

Read Tough as Nails by Montecito Journal on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platform. Start here!

02/28/2024

I had a great time this morning presenting Central Coast wines perfect for Springtime on News Channel 3-12 Thank you Christa & Joey for having me on!! 📺 🥂🎉

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.