SIDEWAYS
Sideways, The Movie The film Sideways (2004) made a star out of Santa Barbara Wine Country and drummed up demand for pinot noir around the world. Helmed by Alexander Payne, (Election, About Schmidt) who won an Oscar® for the adapted screenplay (based on the novel by Rex Pickett) he wrote with his long-time screenwriting partner, Jim Taylor, Sideways tells the story of a celebratory road trip saluting Jack's (Thomas Haden Church) final days as a bachelor. A sojourn in Santa Barbara County's verdant valleys quickly careens sideways as he and Miles (Paul Giamatti) hit the gas en route to mid-life crises. The unlikely pair share a heady blend of failed potential and fading youth and a nose for drowning in wine and women (Sandra Oh and Virginia Madsen). Taste your way through Santa Barbara Wine Country on the same path forged by Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church). Use Sideways, the Map to help guide you on your tour. Morning Enjoy breakfast at Solvang Restaurant (1672 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang, 805.688.4645, www.solvangrestaurant.com). As they sit down for breakfast, Jack grumpily insists that Miles' gloominess not thwart his attempts to get lucky before the wedding. Begin your wine tasting where Australia meets Santa Barbara County with a visit to nearby Kalyra Winery (343 N. Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez, 805.693.8864, www.kalyrawinery.com). Here, Miles and Jack meet Stephanie, a flirtatious wine pourer who becomes the object of Jack's affection. Mid-day If you have never seen an ostrich before or had the opportunity to feed one, make sure to stop at Ostrich Land (610 E. Highway 246, between Buellton and Solvang, 805.686.9696). Ostriches seen while Miles, Jack, Maya and Stephanie drive to the picnic. Later, Jack gets acquainted with them on his "run" from Buellton to Solvang. After feeding ostriches, you are probably getting a little hungry yourself. Head to lunch at Los Olivos Café & Wine Merchant (2879 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, 888.846.3748, www.losolivoscafe.com) where you can even order off the Sideways menu (dinner only)! Los Olivos Café is where Miles, Jack, Maya and Stephanie enjoy dinner and several exquisite bottles of wine. Afternoon & Evening Wine tasting awaits! Head to Fess Parker Winery (Frass Canyon) (6200 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, 805.688.1545, www.fessparker.com) to see where Miles phones his agent and finds out his book will not be published. After the pourer refuses to serve him a full glass, Miles guzzles the spit bucket. For a winery tour, make your way to Firestone Winery (5000 Zaca Station Road, Los Olivos, 805.688.3940, www.firestonewine.com). Tours are offered three times a day and guide visitors through the history of the winery and through the production of fine wine from vine to glass. This winery has the scene from Sideways where Miles, Jack, Maya and Stephanie sneak out of a wine lecture to share a romantic walk through the Barrel Room. After tasting many of the wonderful wines found in Santa Barbara County, enjoy a traditional Santa Maria Style BBQ dinner at the Hitching Post II (406 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 805.688.0676, www.hitchingpostwines.com). Miles and Jack share a bottle of Highliner at the bar. While having dinner, they talk to Maya who waits tables there. Later, Miles returns on his own. More Sideways Locations If you would like to experience more Santa Barbara County locations highlighted in the movie Sideways, save time to visit the following: AJ Spurs Miles and Jack meet a waitress named Cami who Jack later gets tangled up with. Andrew Murray Vineyards Miles and Jack drive through the wine country. Foxen Winery During the split screen portion of the film, Miles and Jack help themselves to full glasses when the pourer turns her back. Lompoc Farmers' Market (Fridays 2-6pm) Miles and Maya walk through the market. River Course at the Alisal Guest Ranch While golfing, Miles and Jack frighten the impatient foursome chipping into them. Sanford Winery Miles teaches Jack the basics of wine tasting. Chris Burroughs starts them off with the Vin Gris in which Miles smells citrus, strawberry, the faintest soupcon of asparagus and just a flutter of a nutty edam cheese. Wine varietals according to Miles Merlot is an easy-drinking red wine that has become extremely popular in the U.S. Pinot is considered the premiere red wine grape and is known for its complex, difficult-to-perfect flavors. Champagne, the most famous sparkling wine, is named for its region of origin in France. A process of double fermentation makes the tiny bubbles. Syrah is a dark, full-bodied, strong red wine that is best appreciated when served with food. Says Miles: We had abandoned the subtlety of Pinot for the pure unadultered list of Syrah. Cabernet is a red wine famed for its rich, fruity flavors and heavy tannins. Riesling is a sweeter white wine often served with dessert, though gaining in popularity as a dinner wine. Sauvignon Blanc is a lighter white wine featuring herbal flavors; it is considered the new alternative to Chardonnay. For more information on Sideways fun, contact:
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