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Happenings
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Sip & Stroll
When: Fri Dec 5, 2025 at 05:30 PM to Fri Dec 5, 2025 at 07:30 PM
Where: Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA
Why:
Wander the beautiful grounds with a glass of wine in hand, discover unique handmade goods from local artisans, and treat yourself to delicious bites along the way. Grab your friends and enjoy a festive evening of shopping, sipping, and holiday cheer!
https://www.simpletix.com/e/sip-stroll-tickets-231065#++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wine Tasting Event Featuring Dan Berman of Rincon Wine Group
When: Fri Dec 5, 2025 at 05:30 PM to Fri Dec 5, 2025 at 07:30 PM
Where: The Good Land Wine Shop & Bar 4177 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, United States
Why:
Tomorrow night, Friday, Dec 5th, Dan Berman from the Rincon Wine Group will be at the shop pouring tastes of some amazing wines. The Rincon Wine Group represents some of the best local wine makers in the county: Luna Heart, Dreamcote, Penville, Piro, the list goes on. Up in Paso Robles, he has the Aaron Winery with amazing winemaker Aaron Jackson, and let's not forget his own wine "For the Land"!! So, there will be a host of great wines to try while listening to live music by Gary Heck and eating locally made cheese. Don't miss this amazing special on Friday night! $25 a person
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friday's @ vino featuring PIRO
When: Fri Dec 5, 2025 at 05:00 PM to Fri Dec 5, 2025 at 07:00 PM
Where: Vino Divino, 2012 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA
Why:
tasting line up
2023 Piro Chardonnay
2021 Piro West Pinot
2021 Presqu’ile Pinot
2022 Piro Runway Pinot
2021 Piro Sangiovese
*members enjoy for free!
non-member fee is $20
(become a member at the link below and enjoy the tasting this Friday for free!)
https://www.vinosb.com++++++++++++++++++++++++
Winter Wine Walk
When: Sat Dec 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM to Sat Dec 6, 2025 at 08:00 PM
Where: Ventura, CA, USA
Why:
California's largest Wine Walk and Street Fair returns!
Sip, sing, and shop your way through a Holiday spirit-filled Downtown Ventura! Snowfall transforms Main St. into a Winter Wonderland!
https://www.venturawinterwinewalk.com/++++++++++++++++++++++++
Presidio Neighborhood Holiday Stroll
When: Sat Dec 6, 2025 at 02:00 PM to Sat Dec 6, 2025 at 05:00 PM
Where: Presidio Neighborhood, Santa Barbara, CA
Why:
Kick off the holiday season in the heart of Santa Barbara’s historic Presidio Neighborhood! The Presidio Neighborhood Holiday Stroll invites you to explore our vibrant community of wineries, retailers, cultural organizations, and restaurants, each offering their own take on seasonal hospitality.
You will receive a map to guide you through participating businesses, enjoying complimentary bites, drinks, and exclusive holiday offers along the way.
This year’s participating businesses include:
Casa de la Guerra
Cheese Shop Santa Barbara
Irene Hoffman Design
Kunin Wines
Longoria Wines
Loubud Wines
Lovebird Boutique & Jewelry Bar
Peace in a Pod Elementary
Rudy's Mexican Restaurant
Santa Barbara Bubbly Lounge
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Sol Seek Yoga
The Eddy
The SPACE
Tyler x Lieu Dit Wine Bar
Zaytoon
And discounts from:
Au Bon Climat
Frequency Wines
Group A Systems
Soul Sucker
Tickets are $60 and expected to sell out!
https://presidioneighborhoodsb.com/holidaystroll++++++++++++++++++++++++
Downtown Santa Barbara Rooftop Holiday Party
When: Thu Dec 11, 2025 at 04:00 PM to Thu Dec 11, 2025 at 07:00 PM
Where: Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association
Why:
Join DSBIA's Rooftop Holiday Party! Network with partners, enjoy the rooftop, live music, and festive food & drink.
We invite you to our DSBIA Holiday Party for an evening of festive celebration, networking, and appreciation. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with key community leaders, downtown business owners, and affiliates in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.
What to Expect
Each ticket includes two drink tickets good for beer or wine. Additional drink tickets available for purchase.
Complimentary festive bites provided.
Live music from the 805 Blues Collective to set the mood for mingling and celebration.
Connect with community members, dedicated staff, and business owners who make our downtown thrive.
We look forward to celebrating a successful year and kicking off the holiday season with you!
Tickets are transferrable, but not refundable. 21+ only.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/downtown-santa-barbara-rooftop-holiday-party-tickets-1972868432590?aff=oddtdtcreator++++++++++++++++++++++++
ZooLights: Adult Nights
When: Thu Dec 18, 2025 at 04:30 PM to Thu Dec 18, 2025 at 08:30 PM
Where: Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, USA
Why:
Enjoy the sparkling holiday lights without the kids! Listen to live music, then strike a pose at the festive photo booth – all part of the dazzling ZooLights experience made for adults only. Admission ticket includes beer and wine tastings on the hilltop from local vendors. Additional cocktails and food are available for purchase.
For guests 21+ only.
Cost $34/person, $32/person for SB Zoo Members
https://www.sbzoo.org/zoolights++++++++++++++++++++++++
Visit
http://livenotessb.com for a comprehensive listing of live music at wine bars, wineries, and other local venues.
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News and other Nonsense
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The Pros and Cons of Communal Winemaking | Wine-Searcher News & Opinion
Winemaking can be a lonely and expensive business, so many producers are opting for a more collegial approach. Read the latest wine news & opinion on wine-searcher
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/12/the-pros-and-cons-of-communal-winemakingVine removals build path to California wine market reset
North Coast wine grape growers pull thousands of acres to curb oversupply as wineries brace for slow recovery, perhaps starting in 2027.
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2025/12/04/wine-expo-industry-forecast-2025/LA’s oldest wine
The most important stories for you to know today
https://laist.com/brief/news/food/raise-a-glass-of-angelica-as-las-oldest-wine-is-resurrectedMichelin Launches “Grape” Awards for Wine Producers
Plus, Keith McNally’s son is opening a restaurant, a dine-and-dash influencer is being held at Riker’s, and more.
https://www.bonappetit.com/story/michelin-grape-awardsWine Industry Challenges, Visitor Trends Focus of EconAlliance Event
Falling national wine sales and rising production costs are creating new challenges for Santa Barbara County vintners, AJ Fairbanks said at an
https://www.noozhawk.com/wine-industry-challenges-visitor-trends-focus-of-econalliance-event/Red or white? Simple tips to help you buy and pour a glass of wine: Video
Enjoying wine shouldn't be complex. Here are some easy ways to find and enjoy your next bottle.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/problem-solved/2025/11/19/simple-ways-to-open-pour-and-decant-wine/86879431007/Wine Importer Fights White House at U.S. Supreme Court
The justices heard oral arguments on whether President Trump’s unprecedented tariffs pass Constitutional muster.
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/wine-importer-fights-white-house-trump-tariffs-at-supreme-courtThe 10 Most Expensive Champagnes in the World (2025) [MAP]
Champagne is undeniably one of the most luxurious wines in the world. Produced with a labor-intensive winemaking practice called méthode Champenoise, all Champagnes undergo a secondary fermentation in bottle, allowing the wine to age on the lees. The result is a rich, complex, and textural sparkling wine that, when paired with the region’s prestige terroir and extensive history, leads to some lofty price tags.
https://vinepair.com/articles/most-expensive-champagnes-2025-map/I Asked a Sommelier: Is It Lame to Use Wine Apps at a Restaurant?
Ordering wine at a fancy restaurant can make your head spin. Here are some helpful tips for picking a bottle from one of the world's top sommeliers.
https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/i-asked-a-sommelier-is-it-cool-to-use-a-wine-app-at-a-restaurant/Denver Man Launches New App to Make Wine Tasting Less Boring
Game kits are now available in select liquor stores across Colorado.
https://www.westword.com/food-drink/denver-man-launches-new-app-to-make-wine-tasting-less-boring-40790160/Hungarian Vineyards Face Catastrophe | Wine-Searcher News & Opinion
The famous vineyards of Hungary are under threat from a huge invasion of vine disease. Read the latest wine news & opinion on wine-searcher
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/10/hungarian-vineyards-face-catastropheWelcome to Grape Camp: Where adults are spending $5,000 to make their own wine at luxury vineyards
The luxurious excursion also provides attendees with farm-to-table dining and lavish living arrangements
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/camp-grape-luxury-winery-california-b2852897.htmlCanada Ships 50 million Gallons of Fake Wine to the U.S. Annually
Legal Loophole/Tax-Avoidance Scheme Hurts California Growers
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/309909Scientists uncovers 1,600-year-old wine factory near ancient mountain castle in Turkey
Archaeologists recently uncovered an ancient wine production center near a castle in Turkey — and it’s believed to date back some 1,600 years.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/29/science/1600-year-old-wine-factory-found-near-ancient-mountain-castle/Winemaker warns of 'really scary' ingredients hiding in American wine bottles across the industry
Attention wine lovers! Before you pour another glass, you might want to know what’s really swirling inside it.
https://www.ktvu.com/news/winemaker-warns-really-scary-ingredients-hiding-american-wine-bottles-across-industryHow Seven California Wine Towns Are Charming All Kinds of Travelers
Farm-to-table smorgasbords, volcanic mud baths, Danish architecture, and more are the calling cards of these varied wine destinations.
https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-one-of-a-kind-charm-of-different-california-wine-towns++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tis pity wine should be so deleterious, For tea and coffee leave us much more serious.
- Lord Byron
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this newsletter is provided as a public service, for informational purposes only. All information in this newsletter is presented without any representation, guarantee, or warranty whatsoever regarding the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of the information.
The information contained in this newsletter is provided only as general information, which may be incomplete or outdated. Please note that readers of this newsletter are responsible for independently verifying all information. The inclusion of links in this newsletter does not imply endorsement or support of any of the linked information, services, products, or providers.
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Live event and news updates can be found at
www.sbwino.org. Please send corrections to
in...@sbwino.org