2023 Vintners Festival showcases the wine industry along with the overall wine grape region

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. - The weekend Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival will have a reach far beyond its one day splash in Buellton.

This festival has proven to be an economic boost for the area.

The 39th anniversary event at the Vega Vineyard and Farm will showcase more than 60 wines along with samples from several restaurants and local chefs.

The one on one talks with winemakers is often sought out by many wine enthusiasts, especially those looking to find out some deeper aspects of this region, its history and how it compares to other honored wine areas in the world.

Santa Barbara Vintners Association CEO Alison Laslett said, the winemakers are very available for the festival attendees. "They will talk to you about all of the wines, educate you and help you experience what Santa Barbara wine country  has to offer."  It's one of the reasons some wine lovers attend.  "You don't come here and get shoved to the side, you actually engage with the vintners, this festival was actually founded by the vintners in 1983."

Most of them are taking a pause from their harvest season, which is running a few weeks behind schedule due to weather challenges earlier this year.

The area is still glowing from a treasured honor. In 2021 the Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Santa Barbara County the Wine Region of the Year.

In 2022, wine grape production valued $96 million and claimed the third highest spot in the annual crop report, just behind cauliflower. Strawberries were number one.

The top producing wine according to the Santa Barbara County Agricultural Department is Pinot Noir followed by Chardonnay.

The festival weekend is special for the wineries, the tasting rooms and area hospitality businesses.

Laslett said, "the weather is perfect, they fill up the hotels and go to the restaurants and there are a lot of events surrounding the vintners festival."

For more information go to: Santa Barbara County Vintners Association