Courtesy of Cuyama Buckhorn

The post-covid world has us exploring our ‘backyards’ in ways we never have before. Finding excitement in unexpected places just a hop, skip, and a jump from our homes is one of the greatest discoveries. If you’re based in Southern California and looking for a new haunt to joyride to, do not miss Cuyama Buckhorn. The 1950s revamped roadside resort stands just an hour north of Ojai and 2 hours from Los Angeles. This year they won a Wine Spectator Award and they have a new chef who hails from Mexico City with quite a pedigree. There has never been a more exciting time to venture out to Cuyama.

Courtesy of Cuyama Buckhorn

Cuyama Buckhorn—recent winner of a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence—is honored to present a truly special opportunity to connect with one of the most interesting winemakers in the world, Vahe Keushguerian, who was recently the subject of the documentary, SOMM: Cup of Salvation. Cuyama Buckhorn’s Chef Hugo Vera has designed a six-course dinner influenced by the wines to help tell the story of these special grapes. Keushguerian and his daughter, Aimee are revitalizing vines from the oldest winemaking culture in the world (more than 10,000 years of wine making) and bringing the traditions of their heritage into the modern day at their wineries, Keush and Zulal, respectively.

Courtesy of Molana Wines

In addition to growing Armenian grapes on Armenian soil, Keushguerian smuggled indigenous wine grapes out of Iran, where winemaking has been outlawed since 1979, and re-established the vines in Armenia to make Molana Winery—essentially Iranian winemaking in exile. Molana is the first Iranian wine that has been produced in fifty years, and is unlikely to ever be produced again. This is a rare chance to taste this wine, with the winemaker himself, and partake in history. To honor the collaboration between Cuyama Buckhorn and Keushguerian, Chef Vera’s menu will help tell the winemaker’s incredible story with unique Cuyama flavor and locally-sourced ingredients.

Courtesy of Cuyama Buckhorn

On Saturday morning guests are encouraged to attend a screening of SOMM: Cup of Salvation followed by a Q&A with Keushguerian.

This dinner comes amid a summer of Wine Weekends at Cuyama Buckhorn. Other recent wine dinners have featured Condor’s Hope, Marbeso, and Presqu’ile. On August 3rd, Sonja Magdevski of Clementine Carter will be the featured winemaker and September 7th, Austin Hope of Hope Family Wines will be pouring.

WHEN: July 19, 2024

PRICING: Dinner tickets are $250 per person including wine pairings. Book a room for the weekend starting at $285/night.

WHERE: 4923 Primero Street, New Cuyama, CA 93254

Cuyama Buckhorn is located 1 hour east of Santa Maria, and 2 hours north of Los Angeles.

INFO: Call (661) 766-2825 or visit cuyamabuckhorn.com to reserve

Courtesy of Cuyama Buckhorn