Santa Barbara is a deservedly popular relaxation destination
for the those close by and from far away. Looking back some thirty years, to my
early days in the wine trade, there wasn't a lot to see when I first visited
the region. Things had changed a great deal within five years and grown
exponentially by the time I worked in the area a dozen more years down the road.
Even then (pre Sideways) I could
enjoy a glass of Frank Ostini's selection of homemade Pinot Noirs and a slice
of local ostrich at Hitching Post II while nearly alone at the bar. Now, about 40%
of the nearly 700 wineries on the Central Coast are located in Santa Barbara
County. And 40% of the tourists are lined up for a picture in front of the
Hitching Post! It seems like the Buellton to Lompoc corridor sprouts a new
Pinot Noir brand every other week. But that's not bad.
Even better, the wines rarely disappoint and are often wonderful.
I was able to taste a few of the newer (and established) brands at the Santa
Barbara County Vintners Association (www.sbcountywines.com) tasting table at
the WiVi trade show recently. I look forward to a greater exposure at the
upcoming Vintners' Festival ,
April 19-22nd. Billed as the Ultimate Spring Wine & Food Festival, over 100
wineries will be pouring, local cuisine will be center stage and live music
will be offered in a vineyard setting. All this, plus the fun of meeting new
wines and making new friends for only $75 pp. The ticket also gives you access
to a four day "visa" pass to a dozen area wineries over the entire
weekend for only $25 vs. the regular tasting fees.
The location is the
Santa Ines Mission grounds in Solvang, marking the return to the site
where it first began thirty years ago. But there are is a long list of related
events. From special tasting to winemaker dinners, something is happening all
over the county. Details and tickets are available on line at the address above
as well as information links to many of the local vendors involved. Head to The
American Riviera for a long weekend of
wine, food & fun.
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