While the summer sun shines and area grapes happily ripen on their vines, winemakers not patrolling vineyard rows often throw parties to pass the time. They celebrate their bottled gems by discussing their craft over glasses of red, white, and pink, and much to our good fortune, occasionally invite the rest of us to come along for the ride.
If your weekend plans are still in the air, consider purchasing a passport to Pinot heaven in the form of a ticket to the open house weekend hosted by the Santa Rita Hills Winegrower’s Alliance (SRHWGA). From June 20 through 22, the wineries of Santa Barbara County’s newest appellation open their warehouses and barrel rooms for focused tastings of the region’s famed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
“We’ve had many requests for an event that allows more one-on-one access to winemakers, growers, and vintners in the area,” said Peter Work, president of the SRHWA. “So this year, our members are providing access to their vineyards and wineries, and featuring tastings of library and future wines. We look forward to meeting old friends and new over the summer solstice weekend!”
In addition to the open houses, a lineup of winegrower events offers glimpses into the rarefied world of these wondrous wines. At Fiddlehead Cellars, a showcase of the winemakers who receive Pinot Noir from owner Kathy Joseph’s FiddleStix Vineyard unfolds in the barn, while Clos Pepe Estate, AP Vin, and Loring Wine Company host a memorable winemaker dinner in Cathy and Steve Pepe’s Tuscan-style villa.
On Saturday, June 28, music-loving wine-drinkers can dive into a different kind of heaven at the annual Red, White, and Blues concert presented by Longoria Wines and Buttonwood Farm Winery. This year, the Cadillac Zack Blues Band tears it up on Buttonwood’s beautiful outdoor stage, located between verdant vineyards and a sparkling pond.
Tickets include a logo glass and two tastes of wine to help guests decide which bottles to buy for the afternoon’s sipping. Bring a picnic lunch, a blanket, or a beach chair, and prepare to do some serious dancing on the toe-tickling lawn.
For those headed to the South Coast on June 28, the 21st annual Santa Barbara Wine Festival at the Museum of Natural History kicks off at 2 p.m. Guests can sample wines from 50 Central Coast producers and taste the wares of local chefs, caterers, and bakers, all while strolling amid the scenic beauty that surrounds Mission Creek.
This popular event, which serves as a fundraiser for the museum, also features original art, live music, and the chance to meet some of Santa Barbara’s creative characters. Tickets tend to sell out, so get yours soon by calling 682-4711, Ext. 443, or logging onto www.sbnature.org.
The following weekend, July 5, finds Riverbench Vineyard, one of the county’s newest tasting rooms, celebrating its recent opening with a tasting of its wines, along with samples of Rancho Olivos olive oil, from noon to 4 p.m. The oil is pressed from fruit grown in Santa Ynez and comes in three different versions: Italian Blend, Arbequina, and Garlic Flavored.
Located in the Santa Maria Valley, Riverbench Vineyard has been supplying quality fruit to area winemakers for far more than 30 years. In 2006, new owners decided to bottle wine under their own label and, after persuading winemaker Chuck Ortman to come out of retirement, now offer a fine portfolio of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (www.riverbench.com).
On July 10, one of the region’s longest running wine events begins, as the Central Coast Wine Classic gets underway, with a barrel tasting and lavish dinner at Dolphin Bay Resort in Shell Beach.
On Saturday, tour wine country by bicycle or attend seminars delving into topics as diverse as Cal-Italian wines, French Rhones, and SLO County’s Pinot Noir terroir, before heading out to one of the dozens of winemaker dinners taking place throughout the county.
Sunday symposia include topics ranging from olive oil to Australian reds to making Champagne, all complete with delicious samples. The three-day event concludes with a gala Reserve Wine Tasting, featuring wines from 75 producers, as well as music and nibbles to match.
Wanting us to celebrate as often as they do, area winemakers have wisely determined to plan a few parties and invite the rest of us to join them. So, it’s up to wine lovers everywhere to grab a ticket, show up for the fun, and enjoy the ride.
INFOBOX: Get out there
For passports to the Santa Rita Hills Winegrower’s Alliance Open House weekend ($75), June 20 to 22, visit www.staritahills.com.
Red, White and Blues, at Buttonwood Farm Winery, takes place Saturday, June 28, 3 to 5 p.m. ($35). For details, call 866-RLWINES or log on to www.longoriawine.com.
The Central Coast Wine Classic runs from July 10 to 13 all over San Luis Obispo County. For more information, call 544-1285 or visit www.centralcoastwineclassic.org.
K. Reka Badger enjoys a sparkling wine with her fireworks. Give her a spark at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Jun 19-26, 2008.