SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - The wine industry in California is coming to Santa Barbara to showcase the latest production from multiple regions in a two-day event. A Friday night rare and reserve gathering, and a larger wine festival on Saturday.
"We're at the beach, it is a great vibe, there's music, there's wine, there's also a handful of local breweries that are here," said California Wine Festival CEO, Emily Kaufmann. There are four festival sites in the state throughout the year.
The California Wine Festival will be not just entertaining for those attending, but also educational for those who are following the latest trends, regions, varietals and where the industry may be pivoting due to consumer demands.
Kaufmann said, "each winery will be pouring around 3-4 different wines and there will be something for everyone. There will be a really good mix of whites and reds, sparking wines, pinot noir, cabernet, you name it, you would be hard pressed to not find a wine that you you want to put on your list."
It gives the public a chance to ask questions, talk to wine makers and do comparisons.
One change this summer is the early harvest that's already been reported in several areas, especially for those making sparkling wines.
And the consumer can also hear about the range of price points.
"Whether it is uh a what I like ot call it an every day wine.... and then a special occasion wine kind of find all that here and I think wineries are trying to make sure their wines are approachable... a great value also bringing in their rare and reserve items," said Kaufmann.
In addition to the tasting of the wide variety of wines, those attending will be the judge of the best tri tip in the 805 featuring caterers and chefs and restaurants.
"It's a friendly competition but a really good way to taste some local favorites," said Kaufmann.
The Costa Kitchen and Bar made an appearance on the News Channel morning show recently talking about its entry, which will be a candied tri tip.
Chef Sean Conway said they have won in the past and are ready to go against the six others in this sampling competition.
"The year that we won it we put it on the menu for a year and it was our top seller so we are going to change it up a little bit this time," said Conway.
The location is at the beach on the ocean side of Chase Palm Park across a wide area of the lawn.
There is a reduced price for anyone who is not drinking alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.
Organizers say they are glad the high heat early this week is gone.
Kaufmann said, "we've added lots of shade this year in between the large pavilion tents. It is going to be a nice 78 degrees with a nice ocean breeze."
For more information go to the California Wine Festival.
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