California Wine Fest in Santa Barbara featuring Food/Wine from July 16-18, 09

July 16-17-18, 2009: 6th Annual California Wine Festival adds third
event to the mid-summer festivities!

Now in it’s 6th year, the California Wine Festival has expanded to three days of wine events
scheduled for July 16-17-18, in picturesque Santa Barbara, CA. “We’re expecting a great
Festival this year, Director Don Fritzen said. “We’ve rolled back our ticket prices to 2005 levels
so our wine-loving guests can afford to come this year, bring their friends and have a wonderful
time.” Organizers are expecting a wide variety of wineries from every wine region in California
to pour at the three events, plus regional microbreweries, some imported wine representatives
and even vodka and tequila tasting exhibitors. We’re also working hard to attract the best local
and regional restaurants and food purveyors from around the country. Of course, live musical
entertainment has been lined up at all three events to provide an exciting sound track to this
outdoor extravaganza.
A new evening of premium wine tasting, great food and music that reflects Santa Barbara’s
Spanish colonial roots has been added. “We wanted to create a new event that would appeal
primarily to local wine lovers. The new event, called “Old Spanish Nights,” is on a Thursday and
will attract locals more than the weekend events.” Kami Fritzen said.
“We think the old De La Guerra Adobe Courtyard is the perfect venue for this event. We
wanted a location that would reflect the colorful history of Santa Barbara’s Spanish roots,” said
Don Fritzen. “This venue is in the heart of the historic Spanish center of downtown Santa
Barbara and will add an authentic look and feel to the theme.” Santa Barbara County wineries
will be featured at the tasting along with local restaurants and caterers who will supply Spanish
themed food samples,” Kami added. Classic Spanish dancers, flashy flamenco dancers and
traditional live Spanish music will provide the entertainment for this memorable evening.
“Old Spanish Nights is intentionally early in the evening,” Fritzen continued, “so we can
promote dining out at local participating restaurants after the event. We’re giving our guests
discount coupons to promote dining & ‘wine-ing’ at local restaurants during this tough year,
especially those that support the California Wine Festival by pouring wine and giving away
delicious food samples at our Festival,” Fritzen concluded.

Tickets are available at the Festival website,

www.californiawinefestival.com , at local wine
shops, the Arlington Theater box office and Santa Barbara Axxess office.
Schedule of Events

(NEW) Thursday, July 16, 5:30-8 pm. ”Old Spanish Nights,” is a celebration of local
wines, foods and music true to Santa Barbara’s Spanish roots, The historic De La Guerra
Adobe Courtyard, site of the original Spanish fiesta’s in Santa Barbara, will provide the perfect
setting for this exciting evening of wine and food festivities. Local wineries will showcase their
world-class wines accompanied by a spicy array of Spanish appetizers. Colorful Flamenco and
Spanish dancers, accompanied by blazing guitars and bands will provide entertainment
throughout the event. A wine and dine promotion encourages attendees to extend their evening
by dining in Santa Barbara after the event.
Friday, July 17, 6:30-9 pm. VIP Rare & Reserve Wine Tasting, limited to just 400 lucky
ticketholders, this is the toughest ticket in town. California’s best winemakers dust off their rare
and reserve level bottles in a wine lovers fantasy night of sipping the ”GOOD STUFF”! Some
wines being poured are no longer in distribution, some are proprietors reserves and end-ofvintage
wines. A champagne reception greets guests who may be treated to Napa trophy cabs,
rare bottles from Sonoma, the Sierras, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County and more. Top
regional chefs will serve hot and cold appetizers while live Latin fusion jazz keeps things super
cool. The charming old-world carousel at Chase Palm Park Plaza provides the backdrop for this
romantic summer night under the stars.
Saturday, July 18, 2009, 11:30 am-4 pm. Beachside Food & Wine Fest This ever popular
event has become a midsummer tradition in Santa Barbara and gets under way at 11
am for VIP and Gold Pass holders – and high noon for regular ticket holders. Thousands of
wine lovers will hit the sun-splashed beachside location for a day of sun, wine, food and music.
Literally hundreds of premium California wines are served up along with the best of the regional
microbreweries, local top chefs and food purveyors and vendors of all things related to wine.
Tickets are available starting at $39 on the Festival website

www.californiawinefestival.com
, at local wine shops, the Arlington Box Office and Santa
Barbara Axxess office. For more information, contact Don Fritzen, 805-637-4411.

contact: Don Fritzen,
Founder, Executive Director
[email protected]
Direct: 805-637-4411