Santa Ynez Valley, CA February 2026

Love Local

Love Local 2026

February has a way of slowing us down just enough to notice what truly matters. It’s a month centered on love, yes, but here in the SYV, love shows up in so many forms beyond romance. It lives in the way we support our neighbors, gather for meaningful causes, and choose to invest our time and dollars locally.

This Love Local issue is a heartfelt celebration of the people, places, and passions that make our Valley so special, from family-run businesses and dedicated artisans to nonprofit leaders and creatives who pour their hearts into their work.

This month invites us to reconnect—with one another and with the rhythms of the Valley. Whether it’s joining friends for a scenic run that gives back, gathering around a candlelit table, or getting creative alongside your kids at a local art workshop, February is filled with opportunities to show up and be present. These moments may seem small, but together they form the fabric of a strong, vibrant community.

One of the things I love most about our Valley is how deeply intertwined we all are. Businesses support nonprofits. Families support local events. Creatives collaborate instead of compete. There’s a shared understanding that when one of us thrives, we all do. That sense of connection is something worth protecting.

As 2026 kicks off and one month leads to the next, I hope you feel a renewed sense of pride in where we live. I hope you discover a new business to support, an event to attend, or a story that reminds you why you chose the Valley as your home. Loving local isn’t just a slogan; it’s a daily choice, and it’s one this community makes beautifully.

Thank you for welcoming this magazine into your homes and for continuing to support the storytellers, entrepreneurs, and neighbors who shape the Santa Ynez Valley. It’s an honor to share their stories... and yours.

Cheers, SARA DEMARCUS, PUBLISHER

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Sara DeMarcus | sara.demarcus@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Matt DeMarcus | matthew.demarcus@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Matt DeMarcus, Sara DeMarcus, Cassie Suppes, Haley Williams

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lena Ibarra, Cassie Suppes, Cassandra Castaneda

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

inside the issue

scene

Fall in Love at Roblar Winery’s Valentine’s Dinner

Celebrate love with an unforgettable Valentine’s Dinner at Roblar Winery & Vineyards on Friday, February 14, from 5:30–9:00 PM. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully crafted prix fixe menu paired with Roblar’s estate wines, all set against the romantic backdrop of the Santa Ynez Valley. Expect great food, flowing wine, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Reservations are highly recommended.

This Is Not Your Typical Wine Festival

Named the #1 Wine Festival in the Country by USA Today, the Garagiste Festival returns to Solvang February 6–7 for its 12th event. This award-winning festival offers rare access to California’s most exciting small-production winemakers, many without tasting rooms. Expect 100+ wines, intimate conversations, and unmatched access in a relaxed, indoor setting. Tickets are available online now. Choose from Weekend Passes, Rare & Reserve, VIP Seminars, Early Access, or Grand Tasting options.

Photography by www.garagistefestival.com

Supporting Service That Gives Back

February is a great reminder to support the local organizations quietly doing big things for our community, starting with our Rotary Clubs. On February 7, Los Olivos Rotary invites the Valley to A Winter Night at the Races, a lively evening of dinner, drinks, and friendly competition benefiting local and global service projects. It’s fun with purpose, and every ticket helps strengthen the Santa Ynez Valley. Show up, cheer loudly, and support service above self.

Photography by www.losolivosrotary.org

Offering hearing tests and hearing aid sales programming/maintenance, both in the office and from the comfort of your own home. We work with all the top hearing aid manufacturers.

Complimentary hearing screening and otoscopic exam

Tinnitus evaluation and sound therapy management

Custom ear protection for shooting, hunting, & recreational noise exposure

Hearing aids at no cost to all CenCal Health members

Contracted with Medicare

Dr Melissa Alexander has become one of the top audiologists in the Los Angeles area. She is passionate about providing highly individualized care and educating her patients on the latest hearing devices, including digital hearing aids, invisible hearing aids, sound therapy for tinnitus management, and Bluetooth technology. www.alexanderaudiology.com

ARTICLE BY SARA DEMARCUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LENA IBARRA

LIFE

Through a LENS

“LOVE ISN’T JUST A MOMENT; IT’S A PRACTICE, BUILT SLOWLY THROUGH PRESENCE, VULNERABILITY, AND THE QUIET, IN-BETWEEN SEASONS OF LIFE.”

Born and raised in the SYV, Lena Ibarra, of Lena Britt Photography, has spent years quietly documenting love in all its seasons... from nervous proposals and wedding days filled with emotion to the beautifully imperfect rhythms of family life. As a local photographer and trusted partner of this publication, Lena doesn’t just capture milestones; she preserves legacy. Her work tells the story of love as it’s truly lived, layered, and deeply rooted in the place we call home.

FOLLOWING LOVE THROUGH EVERY CHAPTER

You’ve had the rare privilege of photographing couples through multiple seasons of life—from proposals to weddings to growing families. What does it feel like to witness love evolve?

It feels like being trusted with something sacred. I get to watch love soften, deepen, and mature—sometimes quietly, sometimes joyfully, sometimes in the messy in-between. Seeing a couple go from nervous laughter during a proposal to a calm, confident partnership years later reminds me that love isn’t just a moment; it’s a practice. Being invited back for each chapter is the greatest compliment and a responsibility I hold close.

You were born and raised in the Valley. How has growing up here shaped the way you see love, family, and legacy?

Growing up here taught me that the most meaningful things are often simple and deeply rooted—family dinners, familiar hills, and shared traditions. Leaving gave me perspective, but coming home gave me clarity. Love here is built slowly, with intention. Legacy isn’t flashy; it’s felt. That grounding shows up in how I photograph people—honest, enduring, and deeply personal.

Wedding days move fast. How do you protect space for genuine connection?

I remind couples that the day belongs to them, even amid timelines and expectations. Sometimes that means stealing away for five quiet minutes or slowing down a moment that matters. I’m always watching for the in-between moments where real connection lives.

Some of the most powerful images are never planned. Can you share one that stayed with you?

I once photographed a quiet pause as a bride buttoned up her dress, the same one her grandmother wore, while her father watched with a tear in his eye. I focused on him and his emotions. Those moments stay with me.

You often photograph couples again once they become parents. What shifts when love expands?

Love becomes more layered. There’s less perfection and more tenderness, exhaustion, laughter, and resilience. When I photograph families, I look for connection over control. The beauty is in the way parents and children naturally find each other.

What advice would you give couples at every stage of love?

Pause and feel it. These moments are fleeting, but they become your story.

“LOVE LIVES IN ATTENTION, NOT PERFECTION.”

ROOTED IN LOVE, CAPTURED IN TIME

As a born-and-raised Santa Ynez Valley local, Lena Ibarra brings a rare depth of connection to every story she tells. Her intuitive, thoughtful approach goes beyond documenting milestones; it preserves meaning. From proposals and wedding days to the beautifully imperfect moments of family life, Lena photographs with heart and intention. Her images are rooted in love, grounded in community, and captured in a way that allows each story to live on for generations.

eat kind

EMBRACING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR BODY

Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive. The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way.

Work in partnership with your body. Listen to it, support it, give to it, forgive it — and I promise it’ll give back. Repeat after me: I love myself as the most important and committed partner I will ever have

Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness, fuel your body in a way that is sustainable for both you and the planet, practice gratitude and empathy, give yourself grace when you lose routine, don’t try to make changes overnight, ditch the guilt, and always always be kind to yourself.

simple roasted salmon with dill

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon

• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil

• 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos

• Zest and juice from one lemon

• 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard

• 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened

• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced

• 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours.

2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature.

3. Mix coconut cream, lemon zest, dill, capers, and ground pepper together.

4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!

BUBBLES

for Everybody

This celebratory drink goes by many names... Champagne, bubbly, sparkling wine, champs, or bubbles. While California sparkling wine can’t technically be called Champagne (that honor belongs to France’s Champagne region), many of our local bottles are crafted using the very same méthode traditionnelle, the meticulous, time-intensive process responsible for those festive bubbles we all love.

Across our Valley, more than 30 producers are quietly, and sometimes not so quietly, making exceptional sparkling wine. Some release bubbles seasonally, others

exclusively for wine club members, and a growing number are producing sparkling wines available only online. Translation: these bottles can feel a little elusive, which makes discovering them extra fun.

For our Love Local issue, we’ve curated eight standout sparkling wines inspired by our region’s creativity, craftsmanship, and sense of celebration. From polished classics to playful, unexpected pours, there’s a bottle for every occasion, budget, and love story. And if you don’t see bubbles on a tasting menu? Don’t be shy—ask. You never know what might be chilling behind the scenes.

A Local Sparkling Wine Gift Guide to Dazzle Your Valentine

ARTICLE BY SARA DEMARCUS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

and brioche. Elegant and timeless; ideal for milestone moments.

Riverbench | Cork Jumper Cuvée | ~$55

SPARKLING ROSÉ

Traditional method rosé with lifted berry notes and vibrant acidity. Joyful, accessible, and perfect for Galentine’s. Folded Hills | Sparkling

Looking for bubbles? Pop the Question. You may need to ask nicely. Many Santa Ynez Valley wineries make sparkling wine in small batches, offer it season ally, or save it for wine club members. That means it doesn’t always appear on the tasting menu. Channel your inner romantic, pop the question, and see what’s hiding on ice. Around here, some of the best bubbles are off-menu.

BLANC DE NOIRS

Pinot-driven sparkling wine offering red-fruit nuance and texture. Plush and romantic. Brick Barn Wine Estate | 2022 | $52

BRUT NATURE SPARKLING ROSÉ

Estate Grenache Noir, zero dosage. Bone-dry and powerful—a collector’s bottle for unforgettable moments. Saarloos & Sons | Loos Bubbles | $188

BLANC DE BLANC

Crisp Chardonnay-driven bubbles with green apple and minerality. Bright, refined, and perfect for aperitifs or elegant evenings in. Roblar | Blanc de Blanc | $50

SPARKLING ROSÉ

Méthode Champenoise Grenache rosé with vibrant strawberry and citrus notes. Fresh and expressive. Demetria Estate | 2023

Traditional-method Pinot

with citrus, minerality, and fine mousse. Elegant, bright, and a regional classic. Fess Parker Winery | 2022 Fesstivity Blanc de Noirs |

PAST. PRESENT. FUTURE. PIRATE ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: Scarlett Ollenburger

Scarlett Ollenburger, a Santa Ynez local and member of the SYHS Class of 2028, has quickly made a name for herself in beach volleyball through talent, discipline, and an unwavering love for the game. She began playing beach volleyball in 7th grade under the guidance of coach Melissa Rogers, who helped spark her passion for the sport. By 8th grade, Scarlett had already set a high standard for herself, committing to rigorous training that continues to shape her development. Her dedication is evident on weekends, when she often begins at 5:30 a.m. to travel 2.5 hours to Manhattan Beach to train at MB Sand with renowned coaches Patty and Mike Dodd, the latter a beach volleyball Olympian.

At SYHS, Scarlett has been a standout athlete in both indoor and beach volleyball, earning varsity spots since her freshman year. She was named First Team All-League and MVP of the Varsity Beach team as a freshman, all while maintaining an impressive 4.2 GPA. Her hard work has also earned national recognition, including being named to the 2025 Jr. VB Association Beach VB Watch List for the Class of 2028.

This past summer, Scarlett was invited to train with the USA VB National Team Development Program, spending five days at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. As the SYHS beach VB season begins this February, she is eager to compete alongside her teammates and continue growing as an athlete. “I’m so grateful for the coaches, teammates, and family who support me,” Scarlett shares. “Every early morning and long drive is worth it because I truly love this sport and the journey I’m on.”

Nominate a Pirate

CHOCOLATE and WINE

The Key to a Successful Wine and Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right Combination of Flavors and Characteristics.

Pairing wine and chocolate together can be a delightful sensory experience that can elevate the flavors of both. While the concept of pairing wine with food is well-known, pairing it with chocolate may seem unconventional at first. However, when done correctly, it can create a harmonious balance where the flavors of the wine and chocolate complement and enhance one another.

Wine and chocolate have a lot of similarities to each other. Both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics affect flavor so it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste.

For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue.

While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa.

Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with.

We’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

CREATING THE PERFECT PAIR

DARK CHOCOLATE

Bitter to semi-sweet dark chocolates, that are 50 to 100% cacao, have intense, bitter flavors, and earthy to fruity undertones. Match the intensity without adding more dryness by pairing these chocolates with full-bodied, yet fruit-forward wines.

Pairs well with:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Barolo

MILK CHOCOLATE

Milk chocolate is typically creamier and sweeter with flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and cream. It requires a wine that is light to medium in body, with a ripe fruit character.

Pairs well with:

Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sweet Riesling, Ice-Style Wine

WHITE CHOCOLATE

White chocolate has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of cream and honey. Sweet white and rosè wines help cleanse the palate of the rich flavors from white chocolate, as does sparkling spumante like Moscato d’Asti.

Pairs well with:

Sweet Riesling, Moscato, Semi-Dry Sparkling Whites, Gewurztraminer

Look no further, Kristina and Monument Global Estates are THE best in the business. Kristina has provided invaluable representation for me on multiple transactions in the Santa Ynez Valley area. The sale was complicated and technical, but Kristina worked diligently to secure the right buyer for me. - Ulysses M.

With Wade Koch, it’s not just the buying and selling of property, it is a “Relationship and a Friendship” in business and in life... His knowledge isn’t just from research; it’s built through real relationships, involvement, and genuine care. - Stephanie C.

With over 37 years of real estate success, our team at Monument Global Estates is dedicated to delivering outstanding results that reflect experience, integrity, and genuine care for our Santa Ynez Valley clients. Client Testimonials

Working with Kelleen was a wonderful experience from start to finish. She was professional, knowledgeable and responsive. She made the whole process smooth and stress-free, offering great advice along the way. - Nicole V.

PERMISSION to be

cheesy

VALENTINE’S DAY CHEESECAKE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSIE SUPPES

Valentine’s Day is all about showing your loved one just how much you care. Rather than opting for the predictable chocolates and flowers, why not showcase your culinary prowess and create a one-of-a-kind cheesecake? Not only will this delectable treat demonstrate your affection, but it will also add a personal and luxurious touch to the holiday celebration. Make this Valentine’s Day truly memorable by going above and beyond with a heartfelt, homemade gift. Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for two because it’s both rich and indulgent, but not too heavy. Plus, it can be easily customized to fit your own personal taste and it’s much easier than you think!

TO MAKE THE PERFECT CHEESECAKE, YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 prepared graham cracker crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Next, add in the sour cream and heavy cream and mix until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set. Let cool completely before serving.   For this recipe, we decided to add berries and honey to the top of our cheesecake. Take the time to make yours special to your relationship. With toppings such as chocolate, jelly, whip cream, berries, fruit, or whatever your partner’s favorite is you’re sure to make them smile. Make things colorful by adding food coloring to the mix, it can even be made in their favorite color. You can also change things up by making your own crust with Oreos or cinnamon crackers.

To elevate this recipe to the next level, consider using high-quality ingredients such as grass-fed cream cheese and locally sourced honey. For added luxury, try using a blend of different types of berries, or even substituting the graham cracker crust with a crust made of crushed pistachios or hazelnuts.

In addition to adding a variety of toppings, you can also get creative with the presentation. For example, try using a springform pan to create a heart-shaped cheesecake, or using cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the cheesecake slices. You can also garnish the cheesecake with edible flowers or a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a truly indulgent experience.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 6TH – 7TH

12th Annual Garagiste Festival

Solvang Veterans Memorial Building: 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang | 6:30 PM

The Garagiste Festival returns to Solvang for its 12th Southern Exposure, offering rare access to California’s top small-production winemakers. Taste 100+ wines from micro-wineries, many without tasting rooms, in an intimate, indoor setting. Named USA Today’s #1 Wine Festival, tickets are limited, conversations personal, and VIP guests enjoy early access and exclusive experiences. Email info@garagistefestival.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 7TH

LO Rotary Club Presents A Winter’s Night at the Races

St. Mark’s in the Valley: 2901 Nojoqui Avenue, Los Olivos | 5:30 PM

Come check out the ponies at “A Winter’s Night at the Races,” a fun-filled evening presented by the Los Olivos Rotary.  Event attendees have the opportunity to bet on their winning horses via pre-recorded races, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, specialty drinks, prizes, and more!  All proceeds from the event support local non-profits and scholarships.  Tickets may be purchased at www.losolivosrotary.org

FEBRUARY 7TH

Winterlight Dinner Series at Alisal Ranch

Alisal Ranch: 1054 Alisal Road, Solvang | 6:30 PM

The Winterlight Dinner Series returns to Alisal Ranch with a romantic, candlelit dining experience unlike any other in the SYV. Featuring Rod & Hammer SLO Stills, pairing a five-course seasonal menu with local spirits, live music, and hundreds of glowing candles. This is the ranch’s only public dining event of the year, offering an intimate evening of rustic elegance.

FEBRUARY 8TH

Natural Perfume Making Workshop

California Nature Art Museum: 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang | 1:00 PM

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the California Nature Art Museum and perfumer Susan Farber at a hands-on natural perfume workshop. Explore the rose as “the flower of love,” learn perfume structure, and blend your own custom fragrance using curated essential oils and absolutes with personalized guidance. Tickets available through the California Nature Art Museum website; questions via Assistant Director Rachel Metz.

FEBRUARY 15TH

Animal Portrait Paper Mosaics at California Nature Art Museum

California Nature Art Museum: 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang | 1:00 PM

Create vibrant animal portrait paper mosaics at the California Nature Art Museum with artist Katherine Taylor (Poetry Frog). This all-ages, family-friendly workshop is on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:30 PM. Bring a favorite animal photo or use the provided examples. $35 members / $40 non-members, supplies included. Limited to 15; advance registration required.

FEBRUARY 21ST

Celebrate Life Run

Believe Ranch and Rescue | 9:00 AM

The Celebrate Life Run takes place Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Santa Ynez at Believe Ranch and Rescue, featuring a scenic 5K run (plus virtual option) that celebrates life and supports horse rescue. Participants enjoy finisher medals, local artisan pop-ups, horse interactions, and awards. Proceeds feed rescue horses and honor resilience.

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