Locals in Monterey County are looking for a good time but their searches all lead them to boring wine tastings and out-dated events. However one venue is killing it right now in a small town called Prunedale. The 101 Wine Press originally opened as a wine tasting room for Kevin Olson Vineyards, their family estate only a few minutes drive from the restaurant. With incredible smoked BBQ and a lineup of Pinot’s this is a go to spot during the day and at night it’s a hot spot for locals and tourists who love dancing to live music. Realizing the potential of their venue both Nick and Parker Olson have built a music scene unlike anything in Monterey. They balance showcasing local talent who need a spotlight, as well as booking some of the best up and coming artists in the area, like Danny V who recently performed there. Looking to the future the 101 Wine Press is planning a BBQ competition to showcase other local businesses as well as a weekend long music event featuring a lineup of the best talent in Monterey.
Through his latest venture, @CaliforniaWineList, Blau is helping local wineries, restaurants and other small businesses find their voice online, spotlighting places most people have never heard of and giving them the visibility they deserve. “We’re no longer in the golden era of wine,” Blau admits, “but we could be. The only thing missing is real marketing. In a world over saturated with content it’s no longer a question of are you online, it’s a matter of how much content are you posting and how many people are watching.”
What sets Blau apart is his raw, documentary-style approach to content. He doesn’t rely on polished scripts or studio lighting. Instead, he captures authentic moments, behind-the-scenes action, and the human stories. “With so many local musicians, bands, DJ’s and other artists one thing they have in common is always looking for a venue to perform. Why not be the venue and double down on it?”
For Blau, this is more than marketing. It’s a mission to uplift small businesses and celebrate the community that makes California special. His mix of grassroots wisdom and cutting-edge social media strategy has already positioned him as a go-to consultant for brands ready to grow fast. Clients say working with him is like having a young Gordon Ramsay in their corner: high standards, lots of energy, and just enough comedy to make it fun.
Blau is calling on local musicians, DJs, and artists to also reach out to collaborate with wineries and restaurants to create experience-based events that draw in crowds and create buzz. “Music, food, and wine belong together,” he explains. “We need to give people a reason to come out, to connect with the culture, and to fall in love with local wine again or for the first time.”
Dylan Blau’s background in digital strategy and content creation is unmatched in this space. He made a name for himself as an influencer as a pro dog trainer, food and wine critic as well as being an online personality with billions of views. Today, he’s focusing his creativity and grit on saving the California wine industry, as a local he is helping Monterey County businesses from vineyards and tasting rooms to restaurants and tea companies while also managing clients from all over the USA.
His fearless approach to content, refusal to follow trends, and belief in helping others find their voice make Dylan Blau a rare force in an industry that’s long needed a shakeup. “Social media is the future of wine,” he says. “If you want people to care, you have to show them why they should.”
As the wine industry slowly begins to shift, it’s clear that Blau is helping lead the way, one reel, one business, one event, and one powerful story at a time. If your business needs help contact him on Instagram, he’s always up for another challenge.
