Vino Las Vegas enjoys the great wine and food at the 26th annual Santa Barbara County Vintner's Festival in Lompoc Ca.

We have attended the Santa

Barbara County Vintner's Festival

many times in the past. This year's

event was special as it was the 26th

Annual.

The Festival was originally held at the Mission Santa Ines in Solvang. This first event featured 17 wineries and at the time there were less than 7000 acres of vineyards bearing fruit.

Now we are here in Lompoc in 2008

this years event will play host to

over 90 wineries along with many local restaurants and caterers.
In 2008 Santa Barbara County has over 20,000 acres of vines.
This is a far cry from the event held 26 years ago.

This is one of our "special " places to visit and we enjoy the small

town feel of the entire area. The winemakers know each other, many as long time friends. They seek advice from each other to
not only further their own wines but the entire area. This is what

stands out for us, the camaraderie amongst the member Vineyards.

April is the perfect time of year to have this event. River Park in
Lompoc is centrally located for visits to Santa Maria, Santa Ynez,
Los Olvios, Buelleton and Solvang. The weather is comfortable
and the vineyards are awakening from their winter sleep. Wild flowers are everywhere producing roadside shows of yellow, blue , pink , white and purple.

Each year the Festival out does it self and this year was no exception. With some of the best Pinot Noir and Syrah in the country accented with varietals like Sauvignon Blanc , Viognier and Marsanne how could you go wrong ? You cant !

With long time names like Ken Brown , Kathy Joseph , Ken Volk and Kris Curran all in attendance along with many of the newer wineries you can enjoy the best wines from the member wineries all in one venue. The food is exceptional with each tasting tent hosting two

or more restaurants or caterers showing off their expertise.

If you have never been to this area or you are a long time visitor, The 27th Annual Santa Barbara County Vintner's Festival is going to be worth the visit. We plan to be there in 2009 and hope you see all of you !