Old Spanish Nights Wine Tasting Fiesta
Celebrated in the courtyard of the historic Casa de la Guerra (1824) under ancient oak trees festooned with colored lights, the 2011 California Wine Festival introduced its three-day wine and food fête. An excellent mariachi band, flamenco dancers, and the balmy Santa Barbara evening climate made this a perfect venue to celebrate wine, food, and the region’s Spanish heritage.
Twenty-four wineries and ten food purveyors offered tastings of more than 200 wines and splendid Spanish-styled tapas to the event’s 275 guests. The wines were heavily weighted towards California’s Central Coast, but included wines from Napa and Sonoma as well as Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Many Spanish and Portuguese-styled wines were in evidence, including outstanding examples of Touriga, barrel-fermented Verdelho, Garnacha, Graciano, and Spanish-styled red blends.
The fiesta was as much about food as wine, with exquisitely prepared tamales, corn cakes, Gorgonzola and tomato tapas, barbecued corn on the cob and salads of jicama, black beans, avocado, and mango.
An outstanding event not to be missed by southern California wine lovers and worth traveling a distance for.
Reserve Wine Tasting
Held at Santa Barbara’s Chase Palm Park at the harbor, the Reserve Wine Tasting featured the top wines of the represented wineries. Interesting wines included limited release wines of rare varieties and aged wines up to 10 years old. Food offerings were upscale with a sparkling wine offered upon entrance; appetizers included lobster bisque with puff pastry purses. The atmosphere was charming with a lighted carousel and fountain against a stunning California sunset. Around 500 attendees.
Grand Beachside Tasting
This is the largest and most comprehensive public wine tasting event in California. More than a hundred wineries, food purveyors and brewers offer their products at one of California’s most scenic venues. Wines presented ranged from Napa/Sonoma to Los Angeles County with splendid examples with published scores as high as 95 points. Food offerings included oyster shooters, red snapper ceviche, many salads, pulled chicken tacos, delicious barbeque, artisanal cheeses, and high quality chocolate.
Those holding VIP tickets were treated to a separate spacious covered pavillion with views of the ocean, beach, and Stearn’s Wharf. A self-service counter offered an array of fresh fruits, olives, and Mexican appetizers. And a special offering of the best-of-the-best wines were freely poured, along with a selection of artisanal beers. Tables and comfortable seating added to the comfort of the experience.
If you attend only one public wine tasting event per year, choose this one.
Alan Boehmer - Alan Boehmer has conducted regular wine seminars and wine tours since 1967. Originally based in Los Angeles, he served as a consultant for ...
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