ALONG COMES MARY

Los Angeles is massive, no doubt about it. Sometimes, you can definitely feel like a small fish in a huge pond trying to find your way. Thus, why it is the best when you discover your watering holes in the city and the places where “everybody knows your name.” Lucky for me, one of those places is Downtown’s San Antonio Winery.

Rich in history (and celebrating their 100th birthday next year!), I was thrilled to head out to the Lamar Street landmark recently to be a guest at their Barrel Tasting event. As always, theres plenty of decadent foods being served, and, of course, the vino flowing!

Over the course of nearly 3 hours, we got an in-depth look at the barrel process for wine making, and an insider’s look at just how our wines get to the bottle. From the difference of an oak barrel to a steel, San Antonio’s French winemaker, Arnaud Debons and San Antonio’s  Manager, Dominic Menton took us through this fascinating journey and gave us the unique opportunity to taste wines RIGHT from the barrel, and explained how the same grape can produce an extremely different outcome depending on the barrel it was made in. We were also treated to trying out the wines once in their bottle and ready to go home for enjoyment.

While all 3 of San Antonio’s locations (Los Angeles, Ontario and Paso Robles, respectively) have fantastic events just like this one throughout the year, it got me thinking: Why not take this passion a step further and join The Riboli  Family?! Ok, well, kind of.  San Antonio has 2 wonderful wine clubs that invite you to become a member and get in on terrific wines, members-only events, tours, discounts and more. Next best thing to joining the family, right?

With Mother’s Day around the corner, I cannot think of a more perfect gift for the special ladies in your life who love a great glass (or 2) of wine. Not only will you get some of the best San Antonio wines shipped to your door 3 times a year, but you also get to visit the wineries and receive generous discounts on San Antonio select wines and items. Bonus perk: When you visit the LA location, they also have a fabulous restaurant, Maddalena. Wine taste, shop, eat. What could be better?!

Learn more about The San Antonio Wine Club HERE and treat someone special (and yourself!) to joining The Riboli Family. xo

(*Disclosure: I was invited to The San Antonio Winery barrel tasting. All opinions are my own.)