Rough It in Style at El Capitan Canyon

By Judy Gruen
Published on August 18, 2005

As a city woman whose family is unaccustomed to "roughing it," I planned our family vacation to involve a lot of nature but no sleeping on hard ground. That's what made El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara the perfect place for us: It's camping for people who like staying in Hiltons.

A two-hour drive north of Los Angeles, El Capitan Canyon is a former private campground that was transformed five years ago into a plush nature resort on 65 acres heavily populated with oak and sycamore trees. It allows guests to savor a rustic environment, but with down duvets and gourmet coffee for the coffeemaker.

Fine Wine Pours Down From Golan

By Nathan Chroman
Published on April 10, 2003

Add wine to Israel's wondrous list of accomplishments. No, it's not a miracle the Israelis make wine; after all, they and their ancestral ancients have been squeezing the grape since time immemorial. The miracle is that today's wines from the Golan Heights are world-class -- capable of competing with the best of California and Europe.

Beyond Ordinary

By George Medovoy
Published on November 30, 2000

Ernie Weir is owner and winemaker of Hagafen Cellars, one of California's three kosher wineries that exist in an industry dominated by hundreds of non-kosher wineries.