Kunin Carignane

Kunin Wines Camp Four Santa Ynez Valley Carignane 2012: As one of the earlier players in the Funk Zone wine-tasting scene — and the first to double down in the waterfront neighborhood with a second project called AVA Santa Barbara — Seth Kunin is known for taking risks, and they usually pay off.

Such is the case with this Camp Four carignane, an obscure, usually blended grape that slams bright red fruit together with cinnamon-pepper spices to make a relatively light but thoroughly flavorful summer sipper, especially when ever so slightly chilled.

Kunin is one of the panelists and pourers at this weekend’s Urban Wine Trail Summer Celebration, so get a ticket for optimal exploration of Santa Barbara’s hometown vintners before they sell out.

See urbanwinetrailsb.com for info on the event and kuninwines.com for more on the wine.