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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.
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