Santa Barbara Wine and Food Festival: A Sassy Sommelier's Guide

Hello, wine lovers! It's time to mark your calendars for the most awaited event of the year - the Santa Barbara Wine and Food Festival. This year, the festival is scheduled for June 24, 2023, and I'm here to give you all the juicy details.

The Festival Experience

This isn't just any wine and food festival; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and soothes your soul. Picture this: sipping on the finest wines from over 100 Central Coast wineries, savoring culinary delights, all while basking in the summer sun amidst the Museum's oak woodland along Mission Creek. Sounds divine.

Tickets and Essentials

Now, here's the thing, darlings. The tickets for 2023 are already sold out. If you're one of the lucky ones who managed to snag a ticket, check your email for all the important details. Remember to bring your ticket and a valid ID (like a driver's license). And sorry, kiddos, but you must be 21 or older to join the party.

The Festival Swag

As a sassy sommelier, I know the importance of being prepared. So, get ready to wander, sip, and nibble with the festival's cute tote bag and bamboo plate bundle. You can purchase it online or at the Museum Store's booth during the festival. Trust me; it's a wine-derful accessory!

The Cause

The best part? All net proceeds from the Santa Barbara Wine + Food Festival support the Museum's nature and science education programs. So, you're not just indulging in a day of wine and food but also contributing to a great cause.

The Participants

Now, let's talk about the stars of the show - the wine and food. This year, we have an impressive lineup of participants, including Au Bon Climat, Barden Wines, Beacon Coffee, Beckmen Vineyards, Bedford Winery and Vineyard, Brander Vineyard, Brewer-Clifton, Brick Barn Wine Estate, and many more.

The Sponsors

A big shout-out to our sponsors, including F&M Bank, The Berry Man, Maker's Mark, Matilija Water, Flowers & Associates, HUB International, KOPU Water, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Schipper Construction, and many more. Your support makes this event possible!

The Raffle

And let's not forget the "Every Cork Wins!" raffle. For just $40, you're guaranteed to win a prize worth $40 or more. And this year, we're introducing a new Magnum prize level for $80, with high-value items worth $100 or more. The prizes include wine, restaurant certificates, overnight hotel stays, and more. All proceeds benefit the Museum and Sea Center's educational programs.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it, my wine-loving friends. The Santa Barbara Wine and Food Festival is not just an event; it's a celebration of the Central Coast's finest wines and culinary delights. I hope to see you there, sipping and savoring the best Santa Barbara offers.

For more information, contact Aly Cokeley at
acokeley@sbnature2.org or 805-682-4711 ext. 112.