BUELLTON, Ca. – You may have never heard of Buellton, California, but odds are you’ve heard of Santa Barbara or perhaps the biggest wine movie ever – Sideways. The movie was about two guys story of friends, search for love, and fascination with Pinot Noir.

Buellton sets about 40 minutes north of Santa Barbara in one of the most underappreciated wine regions of California. I’m here this weekend for the Wine Blogger’s Conference. Nearly 300 wine writers will hear speakers, participate in symposiums and try to absorb massive amounts of the region’s wines.

They pour and pour frequently at these events. No need for a long rundown of the agenda. I’ll be blogging most nights as my chain hotel Wi-Fi permits. This is my first WBC. It has been in Napa, Sonoma, Oregon/Washington, Virginia and more. It just felt like it was time to hear some of these speakers and panels on wine writing and how the very best do it.

My summer of work, wine and personal travel will continue when the conference ends Sunday. I’m going to head up to Paso Robles, about an hour and a half away, and spend a couple nights there and one day exploring Paso’s wine country. I visited in Paso in 2010 and was blown away with the wine quality for price point. I’m also going to scout a bit for a possible future Grape Sense wine tour.

Then Tuesday I’m going to make the long drive up around the bay to Sonoma and Napa. I will be seeing a couple of old friends and do a winery stop two only for my enjoyment! I’ll probably write something about those stops – but this is vacation and fun.

I will be writing, posting to Facebook, and Twitter Friday and Saturday during the conference. Please comment and share!