| In the Central Coast region of California, gourmet | | | | favorite for many years. It is known for its |
| foods and world-class wines abound. You will find | | | | California-style barbequing, as well as their superior |
| a tremendous variety of uniquely delicious foods | | | | Pinot Noir Wines. Since the movie 'Sideways' their |
| that are ideal for gift baskets. Anyone who | | | | notoriety has expanded worldwide. Many of their |
| enjoys wine would be delighted to receive one of | | | | foods are available for purchase including their |
| the many exceptional wines from this area. | | | | tasty Hitching Post BBQ sauce and their own |
| On the northern end of Santa Barbara County | | | | Hitching Post Pinot Noir wines. |
| are the Santa Maria Valley and the city of Santa | | | | Another outstanding sauce is the Buckshot BBQ |
| Maria. This valley has a long history of ranching | | | | Sauce from Cowboy Flavors. They began as a |
| and agriculture, a part of the economy that now | | | | catering business out of Los Alamos, a small town |
| flourishes alongside the burgeoning wine industry. | | | | down the road from Santa Maria, and now have |
| With the ranchers came the Santa Maria Style | | | | their own TV series! They also sell among other |
| Barbeque that has become a regional culinary | | | | items, the excellent Cowboy Flavors all-purpose |
| tradition. All along the central coast there is a lively | | | | BBQ seasoning. |
| entrepreneurial spirit that has led to the creation | | | | Susan Righetti, whose parents own the renowned |
| of many small artisanal food companies and | | | | Far Western Tavern restaurant in nearby |
| boutique wineries. The foods are wonderfully | | | | Guadalupe, started a Santa Maria company called |
| varied, and there are many exceptional wines | | | | Susie Q's Brand. Celebrating their family recipes |
| now being produced. | | | | and Santa Maria style BBQ, they offer recipes, |
| In early California cattle ranching days, America's | | | | sauces, salsa, the delicious local pinquito beans, and |
| first cowboys, the colorful vaqueros, held large | | | | their signature Susie Q's Brand seasoning. |
| beef barbecues following every cattle roundup. | | | | Any of these items could be combined to make a |
| This was the beginning of the barbequing tradition | | | | terrific gift basket for the BBQ cook in the family. |
| in the Santa Maria Valley, and it has continued to | | | | Add a superior bottle of Pinot Noir wine, to make |
| the present day. | | | | it a perfect gift from the Santa Maria Valley on |
| The Hitching Post Restaurant has been a local | | | | the California Central Coast. |