Roblar seems to embody that romantic aesthetic vision of a Mediterranean country vineyard. The building, which is very new looking, makes you go dewey eyed, wondering if you should quit your office job to spend the rest of your life crushing grapes and eating farmhouse cheese on rustic bread.

And that’s *great* for a little getaway! I’m not here to take away your dreams.

Roblar seems to have a smart marketing plan in place. They provide customers with all the luxuries of idyllic Tuscan estate and none of the responsabilities. Wander the vineyards with glass and gal in hand, join a cooking class, spend a lazy afternoon there with a picnic and live music, it’s all there.

 I attended a members pick-up bbq lunch. Provided was chicken, beef ribs, rice and shrimp, glazed carrots, salad, fish tacos, chips and guacamole, and also a pass for 8 tastes. The tastes could be used on 8 wines, or doubles and triples of a favorite. Really nice tables and chairs, and lots of places to sit including picnic tables, round tables, stone benches and comfy chairs by an outdoor fireplace.

The whites I tried seemed decent. The rose was sweet, which I liked. The reds I thought were better than the whites, with a good flavor that will probably be even better after sitting for a year or two.

The crowd there seemed to range from casual locals, to young DINKs, to upper-middle class execs, and some happy tourists. One woman thought I was from New York, and she seemed excited that folks from that far would be there. Alas, it was just my Zabar’s bag that fooled her.

I’ll give them a try again, and I’ll definitely return if I am entertaining guests who want a romantic wine-tasting afternoon.

Roblar Winery
3010 Roblar Ave
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
www.roblarwinery.com