Each year, tens of thousands of Wine Enthusiasts flock to Wine Country hoping to explore the beauty and experience the process of wine; but no matter how remarkable the experience, or however many undiscovered gems our palates may discern -our participation as enthusiasts is inevitably limited. A few short tastings, perhaps a bottle or two from our favorite vintner, and we’re on our way home.
Somehow, as an enthusiast myself, it didn’t seem fair; and as an industry representative, I began to feel a sense of obligation to imagine more. It was from this simple desire that WineApothecary.com was born; and the new Ranch & Reata Roadhouse in downtown Santa Ynez has become the vehicle for its inception.
The Wine Apothecary is a revolutionary new wine concept whereby the everyday consumer can utilize our one-of-a-kind wine tasting and patented ‘mixology kit’ to create a personalized wine blend of their very own. Once a preferred blend has been achieved, the enthusiast can then access our user-friendly website, input their favorite blend percentages, design an entirely original label, and place an online order for purchase and personal use.
On August 9th, 2012, Ranch & Reata Roadhouse opened its doors in the heart of downtown Santa Ynez, CA. The Roadhouse is an innovative new Restaurant/Music concept with high-end spirits, an exceptional local wine selection, and fully functioning radio station, RangeRadio.com. Thus far, we have featured such nationally recognized acts as ‘Asleep at the Wheel’ and ‘Tom Russel,’ with an incredible Artist list to follow.
As Wine Director, and acting Sommelier, it fell to me to create an incredibly unique wine program whereby the goal was not only to represent the extraordinary local product now coming of age in the area, but also to provide for a remarkable new tasting experience that would somehow stand-out in a valley now saturated with traditional wineries.
The Wine Apothecary provides an interactive platform for enthusiasts to engage the industry they love; not simply to taste, but to learn, experiment, and create. Whether here at the bar at Ranch & Reata, online at WineApothecary.com, or eventually from the comfort of your very own home; for the first time, rather than simply standing on the sidelines, the consumer be it: friend, family, restaurateur, or wedding party can take personal wine creativity to a whole new level, and they can do it all at a fraction of the industry standard price.
Our patented ‘Mixology Kit’ will be available for purchase online and eventually in retail stores for $79.95. Each kit will contain four interchangeable 375mL single-varietal wines, a 250mL Erlenmeyer flask, a 10mL measuring pipette, and an instructional manual offering advice on how to best utilize the kit. The participant can then play ‘amateur winemaker’ performing a series of flavorful experiments in order to customize their very own blend. Through fun, trial and error, the consumer can enjoy the wine-mixing process. A “my first chemistry set” for adults.
Once a desired blend has been achieved, and inputs/personal label designs have been uploaded to the site, the Wine Apothecary team will then create and package an individual’s wine within a matter of weeks; and unlike ‘Custom Crush’ facilities, we can offer smaller volumes and incremental discounts with larger purchases.
WineApothecary.com will eventually serve as an online platform for enthusiasts to network, compare & contrast different blends, meet friends, organize competitions, and discuss the latest wine-related news. Should the consumer elect, The Wine Apothecary will also offer a means to help market your product to the consumer therefore allowing enthusiasts to share their new creation with the world.
We are very excited to introduce The Wine Apothecary process to all of you here at Ranch & Reata and beyond. The Wine Apothecary will be available for your tasting enjoyment both online and at Ranch & Reata Roadhouse this Fall. In the meantime, come on down to Ranch & Reata Roadhouse to sample some of our up & coming, small production local favorites paired with Chef Brian’s outstanding cuisine.
Dragonette Rose 2011, Santa Ynez Valley -$28 (retail $18)
Recommended Pairing: Chef Brian’s Grilled Salmon
8oz salmon filet, pink peppercorn sauce, served with vegetable quinoa
Chanin Chardonnay 2010, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley -$51 (retail $41)
Recommended Pairing: Grilled Shrimp Cocktail
Lime marinated grilled shrimp served warm with a tomatillo cocktail sauce
La Fenetre Pinot Noir 2008, Los Alamos Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley -$55 (retail $45)
Recommended Pairing: Stuffed Mushrooms
Fresh Crimini mushrooms stuffed with goat cheese, sun dried tomato, spinach & garlic
Piedrasassi Syrah 2009, Rim Rock, Santa Rita Hills-$65 (retail $55)
Recommended Pairing: Kansas City Strip
16oz bone-in New York with Stilton compound butter, served with seasonal vegetables & your choice of fries
Jonata 2008, Proprietary Blend, ‘Todos’ Santa Ynez Valley-$65 (retail $55)
(Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, & Petit Verdot)
Recommended Pairing: Bruce’s Elk Burger
Fresh ground elk, caramelized onions, roasted garlic aioli and all the fixin’s, served with sweet potato fries
Wine Product at Ranch & Reata Roadhouse is available both in–house and for retail purchase. Eventually, product will be featured and available for purchase online at Rangeworks.com. Please visit WineApothecary.com for the latest updates and we hope to see you soon.
Cheers!
Billy Dim
Wine Director
Ranch & Reata Roadhouse