"Not drinking fucking Merlot." My girlfriend's birthday gift (pics) - GoFuckYourself.com

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:01 AM

For my girlfriend's birthday, I decided to do something a little different. One of her favorite movies is "Sideways," so I decided to give her that experience. If you have never seen the movie, you are unlikely to get this.

Essentially, I drove her up PCH (both pugs in tow) to The Santa Ynez valley, scene of the movie. I chose a few spots that were famous locations from the movie and took her there. In most cases, I got things down to the exact tables and wine from the movie.

On an interesting note, Santa Ynez has long been considered one of the great wine country spots in the world, some believe better than Napa; however, it has taken the movie to really fuel the tourism aspect of it. Revenue has doubled for the town restaurants, hotels and merchants. You need reservations for practically everywhere.

Well, revenue has doubled all but for one winery, whereas they have lost a great portion of their business.

They grow Merlot.

Jack (to Miles outside Los Olivos Café before their dinner with Stephanie and Maya):

"And if they wanna drink merlot, we're drinkin' merlot."

Miles: "No. If anybody orders merlot, I'm leavin'. I am not drinkin' any fucking merlot!"

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:01 AM

AJ's steakhouse.

This is the restaurant they ate at when Jack picks up the waitress. Jack gets caught in bed with the girl by her tow truck boyfriend. This later leads to Miles having to take Jack back to the scene and recover his wife's wedding ring.

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:03 AM

The Hitching Post

This is the restaurant where Miles meets Maya, a waitress for the place. Not only did I get us the table that the scene was shot at, but I also ordered the Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir (the same wine Miles and Jack drink).

And that is how I woke up, "sideways."

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:04 AM

Los Olivos Cafe and wine cellar

The night of their first dinner with Maya and Stephanie. Miles makes the drunken call to his ex-wife. The restaurant actually serves "The Sideways special." Yes, I had it.

Tourist admire the wines.

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:05 AM

The Sanford Winery

The first winery Miles and Jack visit. Miles tries to teach Jack how to taste wine.

"Are you chewing gum?"

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:06 AM

The Solvang Restaurant

The quaint Dutch town of Solvang is present throughout the movie, however, this restaurant gained notoriety for its scene whereas Jack and Miles have breakfast. The town is nearly like being in Europe at times, right down to the aebleskivers.

Mr. Romance · 07-05-2006, 10:07 AM

Cory I have not seen the hollywood movie; however, i like your version much better.....your romance is at an all time hi!

Mr. Romance

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:07 AM

The Santa Ynez valley

The gorgeous countryside of central California, wine country. I tried to capture a little of it's immaculate lay of the land. The weather was gorgeous all days.

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:07 AM

The grapes lead you up to Firestone Winery.

The dam at Lake Cachuma.

MakingCoin_Fatal · 07-05-2006, 10:08 AM

cool! nice resto! one time i'll go there... lol!

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:08 AM

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:09 AM

It gets hot in the country side of The Santa Ynez valley. They are very dog friendly, pretty much most hotels will allow dogs. Also, the town of Solvang (along with its' Dutch roots) loves having the dogs. You can bring them to almost any restaurant you like, so long as they have a patio.

Chloe takes a break underneath a water hose out by Lake Cachuma.

Honez · 07-05-2006, 10:09 AM

That was a great movie. So how was the wine? And, did you have any Merlot? ;)

Phoenix · 07-05-2006, 10:09 AM

my favourite wine is a chianti classico

italian red from Ruffino

JFK · 07-05-2006, 10:10 AM

I saw the movie in flight to somewhere, can't say I absolutely loved it, but once you were into it, it sort of dragged you along.

Sounds like a nice trip to do

Downtime · 07-05-2006, 10:10 AM

that's an awesome trip you took her on man, i bet that scored you some awesome brownie points! i loved sideways, so the pics are really cool to see.

Indeed · 07-05-2006, 10:10 AM

I really liked that movie. Thanks for the pics.

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:15 AM

Stephanie (at Kalyra Winery, to Miles, who has just sampled the estate chardonnay she poured for him): "So what do you think?"

Miles: "Mmm. Quaffable. But, uh, far from transcendent."

Jack: "I like it. Tastes great."

axelcat · 07-05-2006, 10:20 AM

I love that movie, and great pics by the way

Kassidy · 07-05-2006, 10:22 AM

I hated that movie but love wine...the trip would have been awesome

giftedtwisted · 07-05-2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WEG Cory

Stephanie (at Kalyra Winery, to Miles, who has just sampled the estate chardonnay she poured for him): "So what do you think?"

Miles: "Mmm. Quaffable. But, uh, far from transcendent."

Jack: "I like it. Tastes great."

see any smashed up saabs on the side of the road?

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:23 AM

"It's a hard grape to grow. As you know. Right? It's, uh, it's thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. It's, you know, it's not a survivor like cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive even when it's neglected. No, pinot needs constant care and attention. You know? And, in fact, it can only grow in these really specific, little tucked-away corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand pinot's potential can then coax it into its fullest expression."

triumph · 07-05-2006, 10:30 AM

My wife and I actually wanted to do that trip after seeing the movie (Great Movie BTW). Here is a map and info of the places they went to in that movie.

http://www.santabarbaraca.com/docs/sideways-map1.pdf

Nice post Cory.

PamiebDVD · 07-05-2006, 10:30 AM

Looks like an awesome trip! Definitely scored points with this trip. My girlfriends and I have been going up 2x a year (for Vintner's Weekend) for about 8 years now. Much more laid back than Napa.

Thanks for the pix...can hardly wait 'til our next trip in October!

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by triumph

My wife and I actually wanted to do that trip after seeing the movie (Great Movie BTW). Here is a map and info of the places they went to in that movie.

http://www.santabarbaraca.com/docs/sideways-map1.pdf

Nice post Cory.

We carried that map with us

You should do it, if you need any advice, let me know. We didn't do the Days Inn, we did the Marriot.

JUSTB · 07-05-2006, 10:33 AM

Did you rent a beat down red convertible Saab to complete the experience?

Mr. Soul · 07-05-2006, 10:34 AM

That's cool, I like that movie as well.

But that's pretty fucking sad that people actually don't drink merlot because of what a movie says. If you let movies pick your tastes for you, you have pretty serious problems.

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JUSTB

Did you rent a beat down red convertible Saab to complete the experience?

haha...no....

triumph · 07-05-2006, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WEG Cory

We carried that map with us

You should do it, if you need any advice, let me know. We didn't do the Days Inn, we did the Marriot.

How many days would you say is a good amount of time to spend on this trip? So I can plan it out.

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by triumph

How many days would you say is a good amount of time to spend on this trip? So I can plan it out.

We did three. But if you want to complete the circle, you do need five, just like the movie.

You wouldn't think there would be that much to do up there, but I could have stayed for months to be honest.

JUSTB · 07-05-2006, 10:39 AM

did you let her beat you with a motorcycle helmet?

that could be kinky....

triumph · 07-05-2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WEG Cory

We did three. But if you want to complete the circle, you do need five, just like the movie.

You wouldn't think there would be that much to do up there, but I could have stayed for months to be honest.

Thank You!

uno · 07-05-2006, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Soul

That's cool, I like that movie as well.

But that's pretty fucking sad that people actually don't drink merlot because of what a movie says. If you let movies pick your tastes for you, you have pretty serious problems.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with merlot. I thought that part was hilarious. The movie HAS gotten me to drink more pinot noir tho.

hova · 07-05-2006, 11:13 AM

cool pics, and that movie is awesome

Mighty Chin · 07-05-2006, 11:27 AM

Sweet looking country pics. I love rolling hills like that.

Sosa · 07-05-2006, 11:32 AM

great pics cory. looks like you had a good time

BAKO · 07-05-2006, 11:34 AM

Nice pics Cory

bastardsquad · 07-05-2006, 11:54 AM

thats an awesome birthday present...props to you for putting a lot of thought into it...

mortenb · 07-05-2006, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WEG Cory

The Solvang Restaurant

The quaint Dutch town of Solvang is present throughout the movie, however, this restaurant gained notoriety for its scene whereas Jack and Miles have breakfast. The town is nearly like being in Europe at times, right down to the aebleskivers.

Solvang is Danish, not Dutch.. And the plural form of Aebleskiver is still Aebleskiver.. :-)

Nice pics..

07-05-2006, 12:57 PM

Wow.. What a great idea Cory! Makes me want to watch the movie with my fiance and do the same thing.

germ · 07-05-2006, 01:05 PM

nice birthday present

seeric · 07-05-2006, 01:09 PM

hahaha i love that movie.

saw it this weekend again actually.

seeric · 07-05-2006, 01:10 PM

hahaha i love that movie.

saw it this weekend again actually.

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mortenb

Solvang is Danish, not Dutch.. And the plural form of Aebleskiver is still Aebleskiver.. :-)

Nice pics..

That's right, didn't even notice that I said it to be honest.

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shermsshack

Wow.. What a great idea Cory! Makes me want to watch the movie with my fiance and do the same thing.

I think if you see it a couple of times you will want to go.

The movie seems slow the first time through, but is compelling and humerous the second time through.

And you two would love the area. There is a lot more to it than just "Sideways," however, using that movie as a guide is great.

Brandon99 · 07-05-2006, 02:27 PM

Thats one of me and my gf fav movies. We had plan to take that trip soon as well. Nice pics too! Could you e-mail me the addresses to the places? Would be much appreciated.

Cory W · 07-05-2006, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon99

Thats one of me and my gf fav movies. We had plan to take that trip soon as well. Nice pics too! Could you e-mail me the addresses to the places? Would be much appreciated.

Get me your email address and I will.

Do you need recommendations on where to stay? Eat?

I pretty much got it all....

Brandon99 · 07-05-2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WEG Cory

Get me your email address and I will.

Do you need recommendations on where to stay? Eat?

I pretty much got it all....

All that would help alot. Thanks.

[email protected]

DutchTeenCash · 07-05-2006, 04:03 PM

amazing idea amazing trips

saw the movie but this looks a lot better

and actually I love merlot

gandalfuy · 07-05-2006, 04:48 PM

nice pics!

i love merlot too, sirah also.

07-05-2006, 10:01 AM	#1
Cory W Deeply shallow Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hollywood, Ca. Posts: 9,133	"Not drinking fucking Merlot." My girlfriend's birthday gift (pics) For my girlfriend's birthday, I decided to do something a little different. One of her favorite movies is "Sideways," so I decided to give her that experience. If you have never seen the movie, you are unlikely to get this. Essentially, I drove her up PCH (both pugs in tow) to The Santa Ynez valley, scene of the movie. I chose a few spots that were famous locations from the movie and took her there. In most cases, I got things down to the exact tables and wine from the movie. On an interesting note, Santa Ynez has long been considered one of the great wine country spots in the world, some believe better than Napa; however, it has taken the movie to really fuel the tourism aspect of it. Revenue has doubled for the town restaurants, hotels and merchants. You need reservations for practically everywhere. Well, revenue has doubled all but for one winery, whereas they have lost a great portion of their business. They grow Merlot. Jack (to Miles outside Los Olivos Café before their dinner with Stephanie and Maya): "And if they wanna drink merlot, we're drinkin' merlot." Miles: "No. If anybody orders merlot, I'm leavin'. I am not drinkin' any fucking merlot!" __________________ ICQ: 292310358 Offering writing and content services (mainstream). Marketing for L3 Payments

07-05-2006, 10:01 AM	#2
Cory W Deeply shallow Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hollywood, Ca. Posts: 9,133	AJ's steakhouse. This is the restaurant they ate at when Jack picks up the waitress. Jack gets caught in bed with the girl by her tow truck boyfriend. This later leads to Miles having to take Jack back to the scene and recover his wife's wedding ring. __________________ ICQ: 292310358 Offering writing and content services (mainstream). Marketing for L3 Payments

07-05-2006, 10:03 AM	#3
Cory W Deeply shallow Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hollywood, Ca. Posts: 9,133	The Hitching Post This is the restaurant where Miles meets Maya, a waitress for the place. Not only did I get us the table that the scene was shot at, but I also ordered the Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir (the same wine Miles and Jack drink). And that is how I woke up, "sideways." __________________ ICQ: 292310358 Offering writing and content services (mainstream). Marketing for L3 Payments

07-05-2006, 10:04 AM	#4
Cory W Deeply shallow Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hollywood, Ca. Posts: 9,133	Los Olivos Cafe and wine cellar The night of their first dinner with Maya and Stephanie. Miles makes the drunken call to his ex-wife. The restaurant actually serves "The Sideways special." Yes, I had it. Tourist admire the wines. __________________ ICQ: 292310358 Offering writing and content services (mainstream). Marketing for L3 Payments Last edited by Cory W; 07-05-2006 at 10:05 AM..

07-05-2006, 10:05 AM	#5
Cory W Deeply shallow Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hollywood, Ca. Posts: 9,133	The Sanford Winery The first winery Miles and Jack visit. Miles tries to teach Jack how to taste wine. "Are you chewing gum?" __________________ ICQ: 292310358 Offering writing and content services (mainstream). Marketing for L3 Payments

07-05-2006, 10:06 AM	#6
Cory W Deeply shallow Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hollywood, Ca. Posts: 9,133	The Solvang Restaurant The quaint Dutch town of Solvang is present throughout the movie, however, this restaurant gained notoriety for its scene whereas Jack and Miles have breakfast. The town is nearly like being in Europe at times, right down to the aebleskivers. __________________ ICQ: 292310358 Offering writing and content services (mainstream). Marketing for L3 Payments

07-05-2006, 10:07 AM	#7
Mr. Romance The Face of Romance and the Symbol of Freedom Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The America's Posts: 7,821	Cory I have not seen the hollywood movie; however, i like your version much better.....your romance is at an all time hi! Mr. Romance __________________ Free Leads Program now paying up to $6 Gerard-Director of Global Sales Sign up Here: CamStarCash Check out: FreeCamStars ICQ: 330 662 299 gerard at freecamstars . com

07-05-2006, 10:08 AM	#10
MakingCoin_Fatal Confirmed User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 641	cool! nice resto! one time i'll go there... lol! __________________ makingcoin.com stretchingsessions.com

07-05-2006, 10:08 AM	#11
Cory W Deeply shallow Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hollywood, Ca. Posts: 9,133	__________________ ICQ: 292310358 Offering writing and content services (mainstream). Marketing for L3 Payments

07-05-2006, 10:09 AM	#12
Cory W Deeply shallow Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hollywood, Ca. Posts: 9,133	It gets hot in the country side of The Santa Ynez valley. They are very dog friendly, pretty much most hotels will allow dogs. Also, the town of Solvang (along with its' Dutch roots) loves having the dogs. You can bring them to almost any restaurant you like, so long as they have a patio. Chloe takes a break underneath a water hose out by Lake Cachuma. __________________ ICQ: 292310358 Offering writing and content services (mainstream). Marketing for L3 Payments

07-05-2006, 10:09 AM	#13
Honez Confirmed Brat Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 6,636	That was a great movie. So how was the wine? And, did you have any Merlot? ;) __________________ Your Paysite Partner Hone at YourPaysitePartner dot Com Skype - Stressmonkey

07-05-2006, 10:09 AM	#14
Phoenix BACON BACON BACON Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Poems everybody, the laddie fancies himself a poet Posts: 35,462	my favourite wine is a chianti classico italian red from Ruffino __________________ Skype Phoenixskype1 Telegram PhoenixBrad https://quantads.io

07-05-2006, 10:10 AM	#15
JFK FUBAR the ORIGINATOR Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: FUBARLAND Posts: 67,374	I saw the movie in flight to somewhere, can't say I absolutely loved it, but once you were into it, it sort of dragged you along. Sounds like a nice trip to do __________________ FUBAR Webmasters - The FUBAR Times - FUBAR Webmasters Mobile - FUBARTV.XXX For promo opps contact jfk at fubarwebmasters dot com

07-05-2006, 10:10 AM	#16
Downtime Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: May 2004 Location: America. Posts: 7,320	that's an awesome trip you took her on man, i bet that scored you some awesome brownie points! i loved sideways, so the pics are really cool to see. __________________ #27024067

07-05-2006, 10:10 AM	#17
Indeed Confirmed User Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 1,892	I really liked that movie. Thanks for the pics.

07-05-2006, 10:15 AM	#18
Cory W Deeply shallow Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hollywood, Ca. Posts: 9,133	Stephanie (at Kalyra Winery, to Miles, who has just sampled the estate chardonnay she poured for him): "So what do you think?" Miles: "Mmm. Quaffable. But, uh, far from transcendent." Jack: "I like it. Tastes great." __________________ ICQ: 292310358 Offering writing and content services (mainstream). Marketing for L3 Payments

07-05-2006, 10:20 AM	#19
axelcat Adult Locals Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: West Coast Posts: 25,450	I love that movie, and great pics by the way

07-05-2006, 10:22 AM	#20
Kassidy Confirmed User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Vancouverish... ICQ# 111432084 Posts: 1,219	I hated that movie but love wine...the trip would have been awesome __________________ The ORIGINAL micro niche program- All Original and exclusive content. Paying 60% recurring through CCBill, FHG, free content & gallery templates Well researched niches with on-target content. SUBSTANCE SELLS!

07-05-2006, 10:23 AM	#22
Cory W Deeply shallow Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hollywood, Ca. Posts: 9,133	"It's a hard grape to grow. As you know. Right? It's, uh, it's thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. It's, you know, it's not a survivor like cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive even when it's neglected. No, pinot needs constant care and attention. You know? And, in fact, it can only grow in these really specific, little tucked-away corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand pinot's potential can then coax it into its fullest expression." __________________ ICQ: 292310358 Offering writing and content services (mainstream). Marketing for L3 Payments

07-05-2006, 10:30 AM	#23
triumph Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,433	My wife and I actually wanted to do that trip after seeing the movie (Great Movie BTW). Here is a map and info of the places they went to in that movie. http://www.santabarbaraca.com/docs/sideways-map1.pdf Nice post Cory.

07-05-2006, 10:30 AM	#24
PamiebDVD Confirmed User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hermosa Beach Posts: 912	Looks like an awesome trip! Definitely scored points with this trip. My girlfriends and I have been going up 2x a year (for Vintner's Weekend) for about 8 years now. Much more laid back than Napa. Thanks for the pix...can hardly wait 'til our next trip in October! __________________ guttermonger.com ICQ: 281-273-698 \| Email: pamela [AT] dvdsforabuck [DOT] com[/SIZE]

07-05-2006, 10:33 AM	#26
JUSTB Registered User Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: tampa Posts: 1,740	Did you rent a beat down red convertible Saab to complete the experience?

07-05-2006, 10:34 AM	#27
Mr. Soul Confirmed User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Manhattan Posts: 1,633	That's cool, I like that movie as well. But that's pretty fucking sad that people actually don't drink merlot because of what a movie says. If you let movies pick your tastes for you, you have pretty serious problems.

07-05-2006, 10:39 AM	#31
JUSTB Registered User Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: tampa Posts: 1,740	did you let her beat you with a motorcycle helmet? that could be kinky....

07-05-2006, 11:13 AM	#34
hova Traffillionaire Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: ICQ:209371571 Posts: 22,430	cool pics, and that movie is awesome __________________ http://traffillions.com/ Sign up and get lifetime revshare on your traffic

07-05-2006, 11:27 AM	#35
Mighty Chin Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Burnaby BC Posts: 781	Sweet looking country pics. I love rolling hills like that. __________________ Do you need design work done. I am available check out my site TMC Web Designs

07-05-2006, 11:32 AM	#36
Sosa In Tushy Land Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Nebraska Posts: 40,149	great pics cory. looks like you had a good time

07-05-2006, 11:34 AM	#37
BAKO Etology.com Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Hollywood CA Posts: 18,395	Nice pics Cory __________________ Telegram: @bakokaye

07-05-2006, 11:54 AM	#38
bastardsquad Confirmed User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Tampa,FL Posts: 529	thats an awesome birthday present...props to you for putting a lot of thought into it... __________________ - White Label Options – Geotargeted and Dynamic Ads Eroticy Affiliate Manager-ICQ=216379335 AIM=eroticypaulv PaulV(at)Eroticy(dot)com Straight, Gay, and Swing Communities. -Hit me up and let's do business.

07-05-2006, 12:57 PM	#40
shermo Guest Posts: n/a	Wow.. What a great idea Cory! Makes me want to watch the movie with my fiance and do the same thing.

07-05-2006, 01:05 PM	#41
germ ( o Y o ) Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 3,108	nice birthday present

07-05-2006, 01:09 PM	#42
seeric .......... Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: .......... Posts: 41,917	hahaha i love that movie. saw it this weekend again actually.

07-05-2006, 01:10 PM	#43
seeric .......... Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: .......... Posts: 41,917	hahaha i love that movie. saw it this weekend again actually.

07-05-2006, 02:27 PM	#46
Brandon99 Confirmed User Join Date: May 2005 Location: What the deuce?! Posts: 2,214	Thats one of me and my gf fav movies. We had plan to take that trip soon as well. Nice pics too! Could you e-mail me the addresses to the places? Would be much appreciated. __________________ Brandon E. Sales Manager Skype: dgbrandon99 [email protected]

07-05-2006, 04:03 PM	#49
DutchTeenCash I like Dutch Girls Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: dutchteencash.com Posts: 21,684	amazing idea amazing trips saw the movie but this looks a lot better and actually I love merlot __________________ ICQ 16 91 547 - SKYPE dutchteencash bob AT dutchteencash DOT com ... did you see our newest Sweet Natural Girl Priscilla (18)?