Vintners' Events

There's always something going on in Santa Barbara County - winery open houses where you get to meet the winemaker and taste some extra-special wines, gourmet winemaker's dinners, classes at local colleges, live music and all kinds of other things to do. Check Winery Events for what's coming up - and keep coming back, because new events are being added all the time!

The Vintners’ Association sponsors a number of annual events. In early April, the annual Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival celebrates the arrival of Spring and a new vintage. Excitement is high over the long-weekend of activities that include the “Vintners’ Visa” passport to tasting rooms, special events at wineries throughout the region and the Festival itself. The Festival features fine wines, superb food, live music, strolling entertainment, demonstrations and a silent auction, all in a festive outdoor environment.

The Association invites sommeliers and wine professionals to get an in-depth understanding of Santa Barbara County at Santa Barbara Uncorked. Held right before harvest begins in August, the attendees visit and taste wines from each of the appellations, gaining a greater appreciation of the breadth and depth of our wine region and the premium quality of the wines. Since many of the wineries in Santa Barbara County are small, boutique brands, Santa Barbara Uncorked provides a unique opportunity for both vintners and trade professionals.

The Celebration Of Harvest is held the second week of October at Rancho Sisquoc Winery in Santa Maria during the excitement of the wine grape harvest. Reminiscent of a bygone era, the relaxed, rustic ambience of the estate is an ideal location to savor great vintages from member wineries along with delightful edibles from fine restaurants and caterers.

The Vintners’ Foundation sponsors The American Riviera Wine Auction & Dinner bi-annually. This black-tie affair is a fundraiser for Direct Relief International, and features an impressive array of wine and lifestyle items in the silent and live auctions. Guests are treated to a multi-course gourmet dinner featuring celebrity chefs, all complemented by an array of library and currant release wines from member vintners. The bidding is furious and fun, and the proceeds of the evening generate aid for less fortunate people throughout the world.