Take one look at the schedule of events on tap at Santa Barbara County wineries, and it’s evident that the region’s vintners take great delight in the holiday season. Offering a diverse lineup of activities, area winemakers clearly intend to jumpstart the season of wonder and merriment.
On Friday, Dec. 5, embrace the joy of the holidays at Solvang’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, slated for 6 p.m. in Solvang Park. Afterward, head to the Lucas & Lewellen tasting room for their annual Christmas Open House, which includes sips of Silver King Port paired with cheese and a selection of chocolates (686-9336, $20 per person, no RSVP required).
Also on Friday night, fans of The Brander vineyard can join winemaker/owner Fred Brander for a delectable dinner at Bacchus, in Solvang’s Storybook Inn. Chat with Fred and friends, while tucking into a meal prepared by Chef Ron Tru, and paired with Brander’s stellar wines (688-1703, reservations requested). If you don’t make it to the dinner, you can catch Fred on Saturday at The Brander Vineyard, where an open house will be in full swing. Sample Brander’s famous Magnificent Moscato Punch alongside light appetizers, and take advantage of deep discounts (up to 30 percent) as you shop for friends, family, and yourself ($20, 688-2455).
At ampelos cellars, located in the Santa Rita Hills, Saturday and Sunday find guests celebrating the Far Northern Holiday Open House, named in honor of owners Peter and Rebecca Work, who hail from Denmark and Alaska, respectively. Guests can sample a full line of wines, as well as “appetizers from the north.” A little moose bruschetta, perhaps? (736-9957, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Dec. 5 through 7, the wonderfully named “Merry Magnums” unfolds at Fiddlehead Cellars, located in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Here, staff will pour a variety of rare library wines, and for the first time, winemaker/owner Kathy Joseph will sell coveted large-format bottles of her signature Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc (742-0204, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Over at Buttonwood Farm Winery, a holiday open house means both fine wine and crimson pomegranates, an ancient fruit to which Greek mythology ascribes the advent of winter. Enjoy tasting wine and pomegranate goodies, while selecting gifts for the special people on your holiday list (Dec. 6 and 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., $10).
Staffers at Ken Brown Wines, in Buellton, hope to make holiday meal planning easier for visitors by suggesting specific food and wine pairings. Dec. 5 through 7, they’ll also serve up special treats, including older vintages from the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, and a selection of light hors d’oeuvres (688-4482, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Artiste, a winery and tasting studio, weighs in on Dec. 6 in Old Town Santa Ynez, with an inspired open house, complete with cooking demonstrations by Chef Kurt Alldredge, owner of The Chef’s Touch. Guests can taste food and wine pairings, dig into chocolate and port match-ups, or even take advantage of the open studio to paint their own work of art (686-2626, $10 for tasting).
Foley Estates decks the halls and invites visitors to choose from an assortment of packaged gourmet food items to build custom gift baskets. On Saturday evening, a holiday reception finds tasters enjoying library and barrel samples, while nibbling cheeses and chocolate. With 30 percent off all current releases, guests can add a few bottles of wine to those gift baskets, and then, before heading into the chill night air, warm up with holiday cookies and hot cocoa (737-6222, $30, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., reservations required). Foley Estates is also a drop-off point for both Toys for Tots and the Santa Barbara County Foodbank, so if you’re passing by, feel free to make a donation. Unwrapped toys and canned goods will be accepted from now until Dec. 10.
Saturday evening finds downtown Santa Maria gearing up for the gala Parade of Lights, an annual extravaganza of color, motion, and sound. More than 100 entries—including floats, marching bands, cheerleaders, fire trucks, car clubs, clowns, and Scout troops—make their way down Broadway, between Stowell and the Santa Maria Town Center, spreading plenty of good cheer in their wake (5:20 to 7 p.m.).
Looking ahead, Palmina in Lompoc hosts its annual Red, White, and Green holiday party, named for the colors in the Italian flag. A celebration of wine, food, and friendship, this lovely Dec. 13 gathering features small plate items, chocolate pairings, and lots of Palmina’s highly regarded wines (735-2030, $25, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.).
Early December promises a marvelous assortment of festivities guaranteed to keep even the most ardent wine lovers happily occupied. From dinners to open houses, expect to find something to please everyone on Santa Barbara County’s merry, holiday wine trail.
K. Reka Badger wishes you a white Christmas—or red, if that’s your preference. Contact her at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Dec 4-11, 2008.