Considering this was the first time I was not bucked-off, bitten or reared upon, I would have to say that today’s horseback ride at The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort was a successful one. My history with horses seemed cursed until a few hours ago, but it definitely helps to ride those that are properly trained. I’m down here at the working ranch—in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, near Santa Barbara—for a quick, two-day media visit sponsored by the ranch and nearby Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards. A historic working ranch dating back to 1842, it sits on a spectacular 10,000 acres, enough to ride for hours and not see another person.

After the ride, we took a tour of the Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards, and then down to their tasting rooms in the quaint town of Solvang. It took no time at all to see that owner Royce Lewellen and winemaker Megan McGrath knew what they were doing, and it showed when we tasted some of the wines. I was pleasantly surprised at the bottle prices the winery was offering, in comparison to several Napa and Sonoma labels of similar quality.