The countdown for the Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend is on.

Santa Barbara and San Ynez Wine Country offer a beautiful backdrop for tasting some of California’s best boutique wines. Sunshine, wine and culinary delights. Say no more. No further motivation needed for a road trip. California here I come!

The festival spans over several days kicking off on Thursday, April 21. The event calendar includes wine dinners, vineyard hikes, exclusive wine tastings, entertainment and more.

River Park in Buellton, north of Santa Barbara near Solvang, is the home base for the four-day tasting extravaganza.

Over 100 wineries will be pouring their liquid gold. Food purveyors with farm fresh goodies will also be on hand to help you create the perfect picnic basket brimming with local flavor.

New for this year is the EDIBLE SANTA BARBARA WINE & FOOD PAVILION sponsored by Edible Santa Barbara Magazine.

Top wine makers and chefs take the pavilion stage sharing insights and showcasing culinary trade secrets with demonstrations.

Pavilion access, food sampling and wine are all included in the general ticket price.

Grape Stomping
For a more pampered elevated experience, opt for the Connoisseurs Club pass for $200. Connoisseur privileges include reserve tastings, special food seminars, Q & A with wine makers and access to a plush “VIP” tent.

For ticket and lodging information, visit the Santa Barbara Vintners Weekend Festival website.

Photos courtesy of Santa Barbara Vintners.