Samsara Wine Dinner

SAMsARA Wine Co.

Joan & Dave Szkutak fell in love with Santa Barbara Wine Country in part because it so closely resembles places they have felt deep, meaningful connections to when traveling abroad. When they learned that one of their favorite wineries was available for purchase, they took the plunge.

Joan and Dave explain the origin of the name as such: Samsara is a  Sanskrit word referring to the endless series of births, deaths and rebirths to which all beings are subject. A vine comes alive each spring, lives through the summer producing grapes, going dormant after harvest. The next year it comes alive to live again and produce grapes for another vintage. 

Samsara Winery carefully selects microclimates within Sta. Rita Hill's most distinctive vineyards. The resulting wines are an interpretation of the tenuous balance between the power of natural elements beyond our control and the human desire to reach perfection.

Members and guests had the pleasure of meeting Joan and Dave, who live in St. Augustine, while enjoying some of their amazing wines at this dinner.

Samsara Santa Barbara County Rose, 2019

Passed Hors d'Oeuvre

Samsara Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, 2018

Pan Seared Arctic Char, Braised Leeks, Butternut Squash Coulis, Congaree & Penn Blue Grits, Navel Orange & Thyme Beurre Blanc

Samsara Las Hermanas Vineyards Pinot Noir, 2014

Carved Herb Crusted New Zealand Lamb Loin, Baby Kale & Radicchio, Sundried Cherries, Crumbled Chevre, Mint Chimichurri Vinaigrette

Lemon Sorbet with Raspberry Vodka

Samsara Santa Barbara County Syrah, 2015

Braised Beef Short Rib, Rosemary & Baby Pumpkin Risotto, Swiss Chard, Jumbo Asparagus, Crisp Shallots & Bordelaise

Samsara Santa Barbara County Syrah, 2015

Pecan Turtle Cheesecake, Caramel, Toasted Pecans, White & Dark Chocolate Sauces, Chantilly Cream