Una Noche en la Bodega

by Brittany Avila

Roblar Winery Sales Manager Chemayne Faulconer showing off Roblar’s Chardonnay at the raffle table. Photo by Fritz Olenberger.

Last Thursday, 6/12/14, SBTHP partnered with Roblar Winery to host Una Noche en la Bodega, a free event in gratitude of both institutions’ memberships. Members of both SBTHP and Roblar gathered at Casa de la Guerra to indulge in Roblar’s amazing pinot noirs, along with some of their other red and white vintages, and SBTHP’s Santa Inés Mission Mills olive oil.

Wine pourer Norma sharing some of Roblar’s vintages with a guest in la bodega. Photo by Friz Olenberger.

The idea for the event was sparked by interest in la bodega, José de la Guerra’s wine cellar at the Casa. Roblar Winery felt that their members’ love of wine could be extended to this historic room, and there began a growing relationship between SBTHP and Roblar. Roblar poured pinot noir and chardonnay in la bodega that evening, which was fitting since it is historically known that la bodega once stored Rancho Simi chardonnay, which won a gold medal at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. We were honored to have SBTHP Archaeologist Mike Imwalle hosting guests in la bodega and sharing other historical facts about the room as they sipped wine and enjoyed the candlelit ambiance.

Dr. Anne Petersen beginning her tour of Casa de la Guerra. Photo by Frtiz Olenberger.

La Bodega was not the only room exuding history throughout the evening. Guests were delighted to have SBTHP Associate Director of Historical Resources Dr. Anne Petersen as their personal tour guide for the rest of the Casa museum. Petersen was able to raise a lot of awareness about the history and restoration of the house, as well as future plans to continue furnishing the museum.

SBTHP staffer Brittany Sundberg sharing Santa Ines Mission Mills olive oil with guests. Photo by Fritz Olenberger.

The event was garnished with walking Santa Inés Mission Mills olive oil tastings and a large charcuterie platter made by Roblar Winery’s chef. The night ended with raffle drawings for a Roblar and olive oil goodies basket and a tasting/tour combination of Roblar Winery in Santa Ynez Valley. We were pleased to raise nearly $200.00 from the raffle to go towards the operations of the Casa de la Guerra.

Overall it was an evening of good wine, food, conversation and learning. SBTHP was pleased to partner with Roblar in what will be a continued effort to share this special property with more of the community. You can see other photos from the event on our Flickr page here.  Stay tuned for another noche en la bodega!

Brittany Avila is the office manager at the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation