Winemakers Show Off Their Latest Harvest

Local winemakers took a break from the vineyards this weekend to show off their wines.

It’s all part of the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association “Celebration of Harvest Festival”. This year’s event took place at the Rancho Sisquoc Winery in Santa Maria.

More than 100 wineries gathered to offer samples of their wines. Some growers said this year’s grapes are better than ever, despite the lack of rain. Festival host and co-owner of Rancho Sisquoc Winery Judy Flood Wilbur said, “The harvest was unusually good, we’ve had absolutely full capacity of our grapes, and a high sugar content. Everyone is absolutely delighted with the harvest this year.”

Winemakers are also excited to be a part of the growing Santa Barbara County wine industry. Blair Pence of Pence Ranch Winery said, “Years ago Napa went through this whole birth and what we are seeing here in Santa Barbara County, this is our birth. We’re young we’re excited and this is just a great place to be”.

In addition to the wine, people at the festival got to sample food made by area chefs.

For more information on The Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association log on to: http://sbcountywines.com/

Slideshow: Winemakers Show Off Their Latest Harvest