Santa Barbara’s Festival of Food and Wine
During October, Santa Barbara – billed as America’s Riviera – will celebrate its diverse culinary scene with a host of tastings, restaurant offers and events for its annual epicure.sb festival.
More than 55 businesses from the city and its surrounds will showcase regional cuisines and libations during the festival, themed around The Perfect Pairing.
Epicure.sb ties together a number of popular Santa Barbara events, including the Vintners’ Celebration of Harvest (Oct. 9-12), the Harbour & Seafood Festival (Oct. 17) and the Santa Barbara Beer Festival (Oct. 17). Other highlights include:
Farmers’ Market and Wine Tasting Tour
Explore the vintages and varieties of Santa Barbara County’s finest wines as you follow an urban wine trail, then visit the farmers’ market and pick up locally grown produce to enjoy during a picnic lunch on the waterfront.
Saturdays in October; $US129
“Taste of the Town” Urban Jeep Adventure
This scenic tour through downtown Santa Barbara includes three pit stops where you can sample local wines and beer, and dine on delicious morsels.
Thursday through Sunday from 1-5 pm; $US99
Food Anthropology: The History of Santa Barbara as Told Through Food & Art
A four-course feast designed by chef Michael Blackwell is served in the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. In a melding of food, art and culture, the menu draws inspiration from a recently restored mural that depicts Santa Barbara’s history.
October 23; $US185
“Thyme & Energy” Bourbon and Jerky Pairing
Visit the Ty Lounge at Four Seasons Resort and try the Lost Thyme cocktail – an old fashioned flavoured with peach-thyme bitters – paired with house-cured beef jerky, marinated with orange, molasses, garlic, chilli and bourbon.
Daily; $US16
For more information visit epicuresb.com.
