40th Santa Barbara Vintners Wine Festival
One of my favorite events of the year is coming back for it’s 40th year! Call the dog sitter, and if you have kids, call in some favors to get them looked after. Make some room in the wine fridge for when you get back, and book a place to stay, because this event is not to be missed. Held at the stunning Vega Vineyard & Farm, the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival is the stuff of dreams. A picture-perfect venue filled to the brim with some of the best wines around - every kind of varietal you can think of made by some truly great people. When you’re not imbibing (responsibly or otherwise - your call) there is outstanding food, new friends to meet, and a whole lot more. Before I leave you to delve into the details of the official press release below, let me just give you one, very short reason why I love this event.
Santa Barbara Wine Country is one of my favorite places for a reason. Ironically, I can’t tell you what that it - not because I don’t want to, but because there isn’t one specific thing that makes it so special.The place just has a feeling. It could be the people, the weather, the wines, the restaurants, the landscape, or some combination of all it and more, but thereis just something there that is so real, and loving, and fantastic. I really do love it.
Full disclosure, I am attending this event, again, as media, so you can take my thoughts with a grain of salt, but I promise you that if I wasn’t going for work, I would still be going - it’s just that good of a time. If you’re still on the fence, read more for yourself below with the official press release for the event, or skip right ahead to the event website using the below link.
Hope to see you there.
Please note, all relevant business and personal contact information has been removed from the following press release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Join the Tradition! 40th Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Festival:
A Must-Experience Wine Celebration
On October 19, 2024, join the Santa Barbara Vintners to celebrate 40 years of exceptional wines at the legendary festival featuring gourmet food, world-class wines, and entertainment.
August 26, 2024, Buellton, California—The Santa Barbara Vintners Association proudly announces the historic 40th annual celebration of Santa Barbara wines, slated for Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m., with early entry tickets available at noon. This year’s festival will be held at the beautiful Vega Vineyard & Farm at 9496 Santa Rosa Road in Buellton. Wine enthusiasts are encouraged to join this timeless tradition for a memorable afternoon of extraordinary wine and culinary flavors.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate our 40th festival, marking four decades as the region's original and oldest wine event. Part of what makes the festival so special is its rich tradition and the exceptional participation of the Santa Barbara County wine community. This will be a milestone occasion that captures the spirit of Santa Barbara wine,” said Alison Laslett, CEO of the Santa Barbara Vintners.
What to Expect at This Year’s Festival
Attendees will have the opportunity to savor wines from more than 60 Santa Barbara County wineries. Each delicious sip of wine will showcase the signature flavors of the acclaimed region, ranging from award-winning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays to highly coveted Syrahs, Grenache, and even Cabernet Sauvignons. Moreover, guests will be able to engage in conversations with the winemakers, gaining first-hand insights into their craft.
The festival will also include a delicious selection of local cuisine from more than 25 prominent restaurants, chefs, and food producers. Explore the distinctive flavors of Santa Barbara County while enjoying specially selected dishes that ideally pair with the wines served.
Along with the superb wine and food, guests can savor sparkling wines in the Bubble Lounge and enjoy live music provided by Generic Clapton all afternoon. Furthermore, this year’s festival has expanded into the vineyard, offering more space and a smoother flow for enhanced attendee experience.
Private VIP Cabanas
New to the festival this year is the addition of Private VIP Cabanas. Elevate the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival experience with a highly sought-after cabana. At $2,500, each cabana includes eight early entry tickets, two on-site parking spots, two bottles of wine, and a charcuterie plate prepared by Vega Vineyard & Farm. Ticket holders will also receive a 6-pack of assorted Santa Barbara wines to take home.
Magnificent Santa Ynez Valley Setting
This unforgettable celebration of world-class wines occurs at the Vega Vineyard and Farm, the gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country. The idyllic setting features acres of vines, a tasting room, plenty of room to explore and sit down, a feeding zoo, a farm stand, and more.
This year, parking (except for ADA guests and those with private cabanas) will be off-site. Starting at 11 a.m., free shuttles will run from Riverview Park, just five minutes away from the venue. For guests with private cabanas or ADA parking needs, designated parking will be available at Vega Vineyard—look for the signs upon arrival.
Get Your Tickets to the 2024 Santa Barbara Vintners Festival
Wine enthusiasts of all levels will discover a ticket and experience that matches their preferences. From Early Entry to General Admission to Local Discounts and Non-Drinking tickets, festival-goers can enjoy an event tailored to their tastes and budget.
What’s more, the festival includes interactive activities such as a complimentary grapevine giveaway, an instant cellar wine raffle, and a silent auction that will kick off the first phase of the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation’s Biennial Wine Auction.
Tickets for this epic 40th-anniversary wine extravaganza are on sale now. Because this is such an historic celebration, early booking is strongly suggested. Please note that all tickets are non-refundable, and attendees must be 21 or older with a valid photo ID to enjoy alcohol at the event.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
About Santa Barbara Vintners Association: Established in 1983, the Santa Barbara Vintners Association is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing and promoting the flourishing wine industry in Santa Barbara County. The association, which represents more than 200 wineries and vineyards, aims to educate and inspire wine enthusiasts, encourage collaboration among industry professionals, and promote the distinctive qualities of Santa Barbara County wines.
