Santa Barbara Harvest Festival
With over 200 Wineries, Vineyards, and Tasting rooms, Santa Barbara is a budding wine region just a few hours drive from Los Angeles.
Once a year in October Santa Barbara County’s Celebration of Harvest combines the trinity of Wine, Food, and Music. The 2008 Celebration of Harvest was held on October 11th from 1 to 4pm, at the picturesque Rancho Sisquoc Winery in the Santa Maria Valley. Local restaurants, caterers and food suppliers showcased their talents and energetic bands playing Live Music entertained visitors. A Silent Auction is held for those very special bottles of wine. Special tickets are available for designated drivers so that they can enjoy the food and music at the event or there is a Festival Bus service. During the Festival weekend there are special events such as winemaker dinners, Open Houses, and tours and tastings at wineries typically not open to the public.
Wine Region
Santa Barbara County has three American Viticultural Areas: Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Ynez Valley AVA and Santa Rita Hills AVA
Wine Tasting Tips
- Start with the lighter wines, such as Sparkling/Rose/White
- then move to the light Red wines
- followed by heavier full-bodied Reds
- Finally end with Dessert Wines
- and remember to drink plenty of water in between and have a designated driver
