The
Santa Barbara Wine + Food Festival:
30th Year A Delicious Success
The
Santa Barbara Wine + Food Festival was yet another amazing success
to benefit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Held
in the beautiful backyard of the historic museum, guests and
sponsors gathered to taste samples from the best chefs in Santa
Barbara and savor sips from the best vintners in the area.
Sparkling Way for Bubbly
The
fundraiser hosted over 100 different wine and food vendors,
including sparkling wine vendors like Alma Rose who were giving
tastes in the new venue called Sparkling Way. The event is highly
anticipated each year by food and wine lovers, and it did not
disappoint. The VIP Redwood Lounge granted guests early admission
and a private tasting area to enjoy wines from fine wine makers
like Doug Margerum. Fess Parker, Brander, Buttonwood, Zaca Mesa,
Qupe, Au Bon Climat and so many more were serving sips under
the trees in the backyard.
Wine Sampling in the Backyard
Chef
Michael Hutchings and a bevy of culinary stars from renowned
venues such as Finch and Fork, Brophy Bros, Ca' Dario, Loquita,
Slate Catering, Solvang Bakery, The Bear and Star, Via Maestra
42, Farmer Boy, Country Catering, Whole Foods, and Gelson's
Market shared tastes of their delicious dishes, and desserts
from Renaud's and Helena Avenue Bakery were so sweet. The Berry
Man offered bushels of divine fresh berries to pair with wine
and cheese. I especially appreciated the delicious green tea
being served by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
The Museum 'every cork wins raffle' attracted a crowd of participants
who pulled a cork for $40 and had the opportunity to go home
with some amazing wines or food vendor gifts, and someone got
two tickets to next year's event.
Alma Rosa Bubbly on the Menu
The
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History was founded in 1916.
It is a cherished venue of locals who have spent years enjoying
exhibitions on the beautiful and educational venue with their
children and grandchildren. SBMNH has one of the finest exhibitions
on the Chumash Indians anywhere in California, a nature trail,
and clubhouse, a Butterfly Pavilion, and a real 74-foot Blue
Whale skeleton. The Museum's outdoor nature experience can be
enjoyed at The Sea Center on Stearns Wharf. Nearly 100,000 visitors
enjoy the ocean life in the Santa Barbara Channel through its
interactive exhibits and close-up, hands-on encounters with
sea creatures. The Museum's mission is to inspire a thirst for
discovery and a passion for the natural world. The Museum is
located at 2449 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Hours:
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily.
By Bonnie Carroll
About Bonnie Carroll
Bonnie Carroll has been a food/travel/lifestyle writer since
1983. She is the founder & publisher of Bonnie Carroll's
Life Bites News - www.lifebitesnews.com,
does travel and food reporting on KZSB1290 radio, and contributes
to a variety of national and international travel/lifestyle
publications. Her first children's book C.C. Charles was published
in 2002 and she is currently working on a second book. Contact
her at Contact her at writebc@aol.com.