Nectar of the Dogs Wine to Open First Tasting Room in Simi Valley on Saturday, January 14th

Nectar of the Dogs Wine is the first wine tasting room to open in the city of Simi Valley. It will open beginning Saturday, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m., with a grand opening celebration scheduled the weekend of March 18-19.

The Nectar of the Dogs Wine tasting room will feature a rotating tasting menu highlighting the most current portfolio of wine. Guests can choose from a wide selection of wines sourced from boutique wineries from the Central Coast up to Sonoma County including single vineyard varietals and unique blends. In addition to tastings, visitors can purchase wine by the glass or bottle, as well as scented candles and apparel.

The location will be a meeting place for wine club members to enjoy special events and pickup parties, and serve as an event space for themed nights, private parties and more. The rustic industrial styled tasting room will give guests a place to raise their glass in honor of rescue dogs and learn about adoptable pets available from local rescue partners all while sipping on bright wines in a warm, intimate environment.

The tasting room is located at 791 Chambers Lane, Suite 110 in Simi Valley and will be open to the public from 1 - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Hours may vary seasonally so visitors are encouraged to check the website or Instagram for the latest updates. Please note - due to restrictions, at this time dogs are not allowed in the tasting room.

Follow along on Instagram for all the latest news and events @nectarofthedogswine. To learn more visit www.nectarofthedogswine.com.

About Nectar of the Dogs Wine

Nectar of the Dogs Wine is a Simi Valley-based, woman-owned boutique wine company collaborating with small producing wineries in California to bottle premium, easy-drinking wines all in the name of dog rescue. The company donates a portion of all bottle wine sales to various local non-profit dog rescue organizations. The company believes that every dog deserves the chance to live a happy, love-filled life and have made a commitment to give back to those helping to make that happen. To date, Nectar of the Dogs Wine has donated to Angel Hanz for the Homeless, Ventura County Animal Services, Pasadena Humane, SoiDog USA, spcaLA and many more. For information visit www.nectarofthedogswine.com and follow along on Instagram @nectarofthedogswine.

Sunland Vintage Winery Tasting Room Recently Opened in Thousand Oaks

Sunland Vintage Winery Tasting Room opened its doors in the Northstar Plaza, 1321 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., #108, Thousand Oaks on June 27th.

Sunland Vintage is a boutique winery featuring Giovinazzo Wines, a taste of old Italy. Featured wines include Barbera, Nebbiolo, Tre Ragazzi, Dolcetto, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Pinot Grigio and Muscat Canelli. I'll have to ask my Italian wife what all these mean...or better yet, check them out at www.sunlandvintagewinery.com.

The tasting room is open Thursday and Friday from 6-9pm, Saturday from 1-6pm and Sunday from 1-5pm. Learn more on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SunlandVintageWineryTastingRoom. And according to that page they are hosting a grand opening celebration on August 3rd and 4th.

Thanks to The Wandering Wino for pointing this place out! Visit him and his local wine blog at wandering-wino.com.

The Stonehaus Coffeehouse and Wine Tasting Room at the Westlake Village Inn to Open Late Summer

Update 10/31/12: The Stonehaus opened on Thursday, November 1st.

Update 9/24/12: The Stonehaus will be opening "in just a few weeks time"

The beautiful Westlake Village Inn will soon be opening a new Tuscan-style coffeehouse and wine tasting room, The Stonehaus. The 2800 square foot stand-alone location, with a 760 square foot. private tasting room, is nestled within the Inn’s own vineyard and is expected to open sometime in September. In fact, they are currently accepting applications for baristas, wine stewards and other staff at www.westlakevillageinn.com/index.php/employment.

According to a press release from the Inn, The Stonehaus will be a "unique vibrant morning coffee house with the aroma of freshly baked croissants, breads and our privately labeled roasted coffees filling the air. As the morning transitions into late afternoon, the interior takes on a European winery feel that will be complimented with exterior brushed limestone pathways and patios. The warmth of an exterior stone fireplace and wood burning pizza oven will complement the authenticity of the experience. You will be able to sip our private label wine and enjoy the sound of our lime stone patio fountain or sit in the shade of ancient oak tree taking in the backdrop of our waterfall. The grounds will be landscaped with pathways that will meander through the vineyards and play host to weddings or special events."

Sounds pretty nice! For updates, visit www.the-stonehaus.com.