The Farmstead shot with Jake's new iPhone 7
Team Ralston-Hitchcock explored wine country for the day for some well deserved Team Building! According to Forbes Team Building is one of the most important investments you can make. It builds relationships, encourages communication and collaboration. Spending time together, sharing an experience or working towards a common goal allows bonding to happen more organically and far more effectively. We like to think we do this already but it was nice to ditch the office and really go on an adventure together.
To start the day off we stopped off at The Farmstead, in hopes of fresh produce finds but to our misfortune they are only open on Friday-Sunday. (So plan for a weekend trip!) We still took the opportunity to make new animal friends, and take in all the beauty of the surroundings. We met some really talkative KuneKune pigs, (and piglets) along with a handsome Sicilian donkey that took quite fondly to Kat. You can find The Farmstead off of Old Coast Hwy!
Kat with the Sicilian Donkey
The next stop on our little adventure was OstrichLand USA . A Ranch where big birds roam free and people can buy food to feed them. Definitely an experience that we will remember forever. We learned that Ostriches are the fastest birds in the world, they can reach 35 mph with bursts of 45 mph. (Which is amazing considering they only have two toes per foot, WEIRD.) They can weigh up to a whopping 350 pounds and can live up to 75 years. Oh, and contrary to popular belief NO, they do not bury their heads in the sand.
Visit OstrichLand - Open 7 days a week from 9 am to dusk stop by and see these magnificent creatures.
Kylie feeding the ostrich
Jake striking up a conversation with the Ostrich family
The Ostriches
The Emus
Next stop was The Solvang Restaurant, home of Arne's famous Aebleskiver. Not familiar with Aebleskivers? It's okay, neither were we! These are a Danish dessert that are pancake balls topped with jam and powdered sugar. A much needed snack from being on the road from Montecito to Solvang. The restaurant even sells take home kits so you can enjoy these delicious desserts at home with friends.
After the sugary treats, we headed down the way just a couple blocks to Carivintas Winery. We were instantly greeted by Tipper the black lab. (Yes, this winery is dog friendly and dog welcoming!) This unique winery is a must try.
Caritas: charity (syn. philanthropy), an affection for giving to humanity [Latin]
Vin: wine [French] Caritas + Vin: blending wine with philanthropy— Carivintâs
On their labels you will find art of animals and wildlife scenery. Each label tells a story of a rescued animal or a treasured or endangered environ. A portion of their profits are donated to groups such as: Best friends animal society, Return to freedom, and many other animal shelters and support groups. A good cause and good wine- we took home 3 different bottles!
All that wine worked up quite the appetite- so we headed to Los Olivos for lunch at Sides Hardware and Shoes - a Brothers Restaurant. Despite the name they are known for inventive comfort foods such as thick cuts of housemade bacon turned out in a historical building. If you are ever visiting wine country this is a MUST try- sure to please any foodie.
HAMMERED PIG SALAD breaded & fried pork tenderloin, arugula, pecans, parmesan, seasonal fruit & lemon garlic vinaigrette - Sides Hardware & Shoes
After induldging, we went deeper into wine country to visit Sunstone Winery. A true family run winery founded when the Rice family moved from Santa Barbara to a 52 acre Santa Ynez ranch in 1989- one of the first organic estate vineyards to grace the area.
While at Sunstone we played beanbag toss, drank good wine, took advantage of every photo opportunity and had some good quality team bonding time. Even met some friends from Kat's native Texas area. The atmosphere is unmatched.
Since we were in the area, we couldn't help but to stop at Chumash Casino to get a couple rounds of jack black in before we went home. The luck was in our favor! Ten minutes and we over tripled what we started with. Not a bad way to end the day!
We hope you get a chance to build on the important relationships in your life and take the time for your loved ones. Life is short and with how much time we spend working these days, it is important to appreciate those who surround you in daily life.
CHEERS TO A PROSPEROUS 2017 FROM
TEAM RALSTON-HITCHCOCK
