Business group schedules breakfast

Internet marketing expert Bob Dumouchel, of Systems & Marketing Solutions, San Luis Obispo, will present “Google Adwords – What are they and should I care? A Primer on Driving Traffic to Your Web Site,” during the general membership meeting of the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association on Jan. 9, 2008.

Members and the public are invited to the free event, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel, 555 McMurray Road, Buellton.

An added highlight to the meeting will be the debut of “The 2008 Visitors Guide to Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley,” a joint publication of the SYVVA and Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau. Additional updates on the 2008 meeting schedule, trade shows, marketing programs, publicity and public relations activities will be discussed.

 

The mission of the SYVVA – with more than 100 members who represent businesses and organizations from six area communities – Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Solvang and Santa Ynez – is concentrated on promotion of the entire Santa Ynez Valley as a year-round tourism destination.

The public is welcome to attend to learn how the non-profit group is focused on marketing the diverse attractions, activities, recreation, wineries, lodging, dining and shopping that visitors from around the world can enjoy.

For more information, contact SYVVA Executive Director Mary Harris at 805-686-0053 or mary@SYVVA.com or publicist Laura Kath at 805-344-1717 or access the website at www.SYVVA.com

 

Brierton joins committee

Peggy Brierton, artist and business owner, has joined the steering committee for Buellton Is Our Town. The group, focused on enhancing the City of Buellton’s small-town character and quality of life, includes John Burnaby, Mary Jane Edalatpour, Anita Elovitz, Joan Hartmann, Judi Stauffer, Cindy Taylor and Craig Welsh.

Also active with the Buellton Historical Society, Brierton has lived in the area for 27 years and owns CIP Powder Coating with her husband, Chuck.

“The reason I became involved with BIOT was to have an active part in Buellton goals that are similar to mine,” Brierton said. “I wanted to be a part of that. The city has long wanted more input and involvement from its citizens. They now have it.”

BIOT works cooperatively and collaboratively with individuals, groups businesses and government to study and promote the most effective and proven strategies for achieving its objectives. Using grassroots networking, organizing and communication, the group works to educate citizens, influence decision-makers and build an enhanced sense of community.

 

Café announces Winter events

The Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café has announced its new winter 2008 schedule for special events. On Tuesdays will be “Understanding Your Palate” experiences for novices as well as seasoned wine tasters with special guests sharing wine knowledge starting at 5 p.m. The Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe is located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s wine country at 2879 Grand Avenue in downtown Los Olivos.

On Wednesdays “Evenings with the Winemaker” will take place. The public is invited to meet area winemakers as they present five of their selected wines accompanied by Chef Nat Ely’s tempting hors d’oeuvres from 5 to 6 p.m. No reservations are required.

 

The latest schedule posted includes Jan. 2, 2008, Ross Jay Rankin, Imagine Winery; Jan. 9, 2008, Clay Brock, Zaca Mesa Winery; Jan. 15, 2008, Champagne and Sparkling Wines Tasting; Jan. 16, 2008, Carina Cellars; Feb. 6, 2008, Norm Becko, Cottonwood Canyon; Feb. 13, 2008, Norm Huber, Huber Cellars; Mar. 26, 2008, Whitcraft Winery; and May 7, 2008, Michael Grace Wines.

The casual Café (seen in the movie “Sideways”) serves California cuisine with a Mediterranean flair for lunch and dinner daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Wine Merchant features over 700 local and international vintages and is the exclusive distributor of owner Sam Marmorstein’s Bernat Wines. The Gift Shop offers gourmet foods, cookbooks and wine-related items. For more information, call 805-688-7265 or visit www.LosOlivosCafe.com or www.BuySantaBarbaraWine.com

 

A special winemaker dinner is planned for Friday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. The Café invites patrons to experience and enjoy the vintages of winemakers Bruno D’Alfonso of Di Bruno Wines and Kris Curran of Curran Wines, part of the “Valentine Lovers of the Vine” event.

Five wines will be paired with a five-course gourmet meal prepared by Café Chef Nat Ely. Cost is $125 per person, including tax and gratuity. Seating, first paid, first seated, is limited and reservations are required and available by calling 805-688-7265.