Thursday night’s kick off Barn Party will be at The Hilt’s new winery on Santa Rosa Road. Library and large format wines will be poured by the winemakers at a casual walk-around tasting. A country-style BBQ will be served up by Central Coast Specialties along with an array of charcutiers.
On Friday night, Rick Longoria, founder of Longoria Wines, will be honored as SRHWA Vintner of the Year as one of the true pioneers of Santa Barbara County. La Paulee style dinner will take place at Babcock Winery. Wines will be hosted by member wineries and guests are encouraged to bring bottles to share at their table. The evening begins with a sparkling reception from 6 to 7 p.m. The BBQ buffet being prepared by High on the Hog Catering will be served following a short program. This will be an exciting evening as we toast Rick Longoria’s 40-year career.
Saturday morning, we are off to Speed Tasting with a Winemaker. This event will take place at Margerum Winery in Buellton and is an opportunity to talk with the participating winemakers while tasting their wines. The winemakers rotate to a different table every ten minutes giving guests an opportunity to have focused conversations with eight local winemakers. A panini boxed lunch, prepared by Cups and Crumbs, will be served at the conclusion of the speed tasting.

2021 Pioneers, with Bryan Babcock, 2021 Vintner of the Year.
Richard Sanford, Wes Hagen, Ken Brown, Bryan Babcock,
Gregory Brewer, Kathy Joseph, Bruce McGuire, Rick Longoria

Participating winemakers include Rick Longoria, Vintner of the Year, Adam Tolmach, The Ojai Vineyard / Fe Ciega, Aaron Walker, Pali Wine Company, Doug Margerum, Barden Wines, Justin Charbonneau, Temperance Cellars, Kathy Joseph, Fiddlehead Cellars, Mireia Taribo, Camins 2 Dreams, Peter Work, Ampelos Cellars.
The Wine and Fire Grand Tasting tops off the weekend’s events at the beautiful La Purisima Mission just outside of Lompoc from 5 to 8 p.m. Thirty-five Sta. Rita Hills wineries and local chefs gather under the oaks for this favorite event of the year! Participating food vendors include Babe Farms, Campbell Farms, High on the Hog Catering, SRH BBQ Team, Central Coast Specialties, Cups and Crumbs, South Side Coffee Co., The Ballard Inn, and Homegrown Cowboy will be serving up local barbequed favorites and goodies.
Tickets are available now as a weekend package or individual events. Early Bird pricing ends July 15. For ticket options and more information, go to staritahills.com.