Matt Kettmann

2 weeks ago | independent.com | Matt Kettmann

The Bottaia and Ponte lineupCompared to now globally respected wine countries in more northerly corners of California, from our own Santa Barbara all the way up through Sonoma, the Temecula Valley still struggles to be considered a place for quality wine. There are some legitimate reasons for this. A history of prioritizing easy hospitality income over harder-to-achieve wine quality would be a main one, which also explains the persistently popular sparkling almond wine.

2 weeks ago | independent.com | Matt Kettmann

The fancy dinner formula of creative chef + wise winemaker = educational entertainment while you eat is tried and true. But for those dedicated enough to attend these meals regularly, the equation risks running a little tired. Isn’t there more we can learn about our dinner? Aren’t there other epicurean experts we should be listening to? Chef Ashley Transki | Credit: Courtesy“Food is our fuel.

2 weeks ago | independent.com | Matt Kettmann

Nonprofits everywhere are trying to connect with their supporters in new ways, and that goal is especially challenging in a place like Santa Barbara, where it can seem like there’s a fundraiser every day of the week. After years of throwing traditional galas — you may remember the Ojai and Santa Barbara Wild! events — the team at Los Padres ForestWatch (LPFW) is pursuing a more focused strategy by hosting the inaugural “Wilderness Table” dinner on Sunday, May 4 at Groundstar Vineyard in the Sta.

3 weeks ago | independent.com | Matt Kettmann

After years of enduring righteous diatribes from mostly young, typically big-city-based winemakers paired with pours of sour, funky, downright dirty wines, my destroyed faith in the natural wine movement was totally redeemed by one visit to the inaugural Natural Coast Wine Festival in 2023. This is where Satellite S.B. owner Drew Cuddy and co-founder Lindsey Reed gather the sustainably minded winemaking stars of the Central Coast (and a bit beyond) under an appropriately welcoming umbrella.

4 weeks ago | independent.com | Matt Kettmann

Back in 2012, I started to notice that the lens of my journalism career was increasingly focusing on wine. By then, a hefty chunk of my Santa Barbara Independent articles were about Central Coast winemakers, and most of my reliable freelance work at that time was for Wine Spectator.