Key Highlights

Experience a splendid summer afternoon with over 100 of the Central Coast’s best wineries and artisan spirits.
Taste exquisite culinary delights, as renowned chefs showcase their skills through gourmet offerings and live cooking demonstrations.
Enjoy exclusive early entry packages starting at $175, with general admission priced at $130 for a fantastic June event.
Participate in exciting raffles with prizes like wine, hotel stays, and restaurant certificates, supporting science education programs.
One hundred percent of net proceeds are donated to the Santa Barbara Museum’s nature and science education initiatives.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, ensuring businesses can play a role in this premier food festival.

The Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival 2025 will be a special mix of wine tasting and tasty food in the warm summer sun. This famous food festival takes place in the beautiful oak woodland of the Museum by Mission Creek. It’s a great event for those who love good food and wine. With the best wineries and artisan spirits from the Central Coast, this event in June is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy Santa Barbara’s lively wine and food scene.

Key Events at the Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival 2025

This year's Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival offers many great experiences. You can taste wine from the best vineyards and watch top chefs demonstrate their cooking skills. There are also chances to buy raffle tickets for amazing prizes and enjoy live music in a beautiful outdoor place. Some highlights include special tasting sessions and learning about food making from talented chefs at the festival.

Exclusive Tasting Sessions

One of the top highlights is the special tasting sessions featuring over 100 wineries from the Central Coast. These tastings let you try a variety of bold reds, crisp whites, and sparkling wines selected from famous local vineyards like Zaca Mesa Winery and Foxen Vineyard. These sessions are exciting because of their wide range and quality.

The experience also includes artisan spirits made by small distilleries. You can enjoy tastings of expertly crafted cocktails and smooth whiskey, adding even more choices. This is a great chance to try unique creations and learn about the careful work behind each drink.

You can buy early entry packages starting at $175. This lets you enjoy tastings before the crowds arrive and get some free food too. Whether you choose early or general admission, the festival’s tasting sessions are something you really should not miss.

Culinary Demonstrations by Renowned Chefs

This section talks about the amazing food at the festival. Guests can see top chefs making great meals and using interesting cooking skills. With chefs from famous places like Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar and Convivo Restaurant, every bite is sure to impress.

Attendees can talk to the chefs and learn more about what they do. The shows mix new ideas with classic cooking styles, making gourmet food even better. You can learn the tricks behind your favorite meals and enjoy tasty treats—it's a perfect mix of learning and enjoying.

Plus, the outdoor setup makes the food showcase even more exciting. Famous chefs will make your festival experience special with live cooking shows, bringing the lively food culture of Santa Barbara to you. Don't forget to save space for these delicious treats!

The Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival 2025 will be a great celebration of wonderful wines and tasty foods. There will be special tasting sessions and exciting shows by famous chefs. Attendees will get a chance to enjoy the rich flavors and creativity of this lively area. While you enjoy the fun, keep in mind that these moments create lasting memories and grow your love for wine and food. Don't miss this great event; it's something every food and wine fan should mark on their calendar. Be sure to join in on the festival and enjoy the best that Santa Barbara has to offer!

Must-try wines at the 2025 festival?

Take some time to taste wines from Santa Barbara's famous vineyards. Visit places like Zaca Mesa Winery and Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards. This festival happens every June and shows off the from the Central Coast and promises a great wine-tasting experience for all attendees. Be sure to try the iconic red blends and refreshing whites!

Lunetta Wine Camp: An Introduction to Wine

📍 Location: Lunetta Restaurant, Santa Monica
📅 Date: Spring June 5, 2025 (Exact dates TBA)

So, you’re curious about wine—but maybe not ready for a full-blown sommelier certification. Enter Lunetta Wine Camp, a beginner-friendly, multi-day wine education series built for curious palates and eager minds. Hosted by Chef Raphael Lunetta and sommelier guests, this event breaks down the ABC — Aroma, Body, and Character—through engaging tastings and interactive sessions.

Expect flights of Pinot Noir, Albariño, Grenache Blanc, and more, paired with Lunetta’s signature coastal-Californian cuisine. This isn’t just a class—it’s a party with a curriculum.

🎯 Best for: wine newbies and enthusiasts wanting a hands-on learning experience in a relaxed, upscale environment.

🧠 Practice Q: What’s the difference between oaked and unoaked Chardonnay? You’ll leave Wine Camp knowing—and tasting—the answer.

San Diego County Vintners Wine Festival 2025

📍 Location: Bernardo Winery, Rancho Bernardo
📅 Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Set among the rustic charm and olive trees of Bernardo Winery, the San Diego County Vintners Wine Festival 2025 returns on Sunday, May 18, 2025, offering wine lovers an opportunity to sip their way through the diverse microclimates and terroirs of San Diego County—all in one afternoon. Hosted by the San Diego County Vintners Association, the festival features over two dozen local wineries pouring their best small-lot vintages, many of which are unavailable outside the region.

This one-day event is more than just a tasting; it's a celebration of San Diego’s growing reputation as a legitimate wine region. Expect to meet the passionate winemakers behind boutique labels like Orfila Vineyards, Charlie & Echo, Hatfield Creek, and Twin Oaks Valley Winery, while enjoying live music, food trucks, and artisan vendors. Whether you're a serious collector or just curious about local pours, the laid-back ambiance of Rancho Bernardo's oldest operating winery provides the perfect backdrop for exploration and discovery.

Food and Spirits Festival! 2025

📍 Location: Orange County Fairgrounds
📅 Date: August 16–17, 2025

Buckle up, because this one’s not just wine. The Food and Spirits Festival is a glorious mashup of culinary adventure, fine wines, artisanal spirits, and even a few craft brews. Think of it as the Coachella of cuisine—two days of indulgence, discovery, and endless samples.

The 2025 edition promises more than 150 vendors, including award-winning chefs like Amar Santana and Brooke Williamson, alongside distillers offering small-batch bourbons, gins, and experimental liqueurs. Don’t miss the live demo stage, where guest chefs and mixologists go head-to-head in food and cocktail showdowns.

🎯 Best for: eaters and drinkers who like to mix it up, literally. You’ll leave full, buzzed, and smiling.

Wineries like Orfila Vineyards, Twin Oaks Valley Winery, and Charlie & Echo will pour their latest vintages alongside food trucks, craft vendors, and live acoustic music. It’s a day of discovery for those who think the Central Coast gets all the credit.

🎯 Best for: Locavores and wine adventurers eager to explore the hidden gems of Southern California’s wine frontier.

Final Sip

Ready to sip your way into SoCal’s finest festivals? Whether you’re a wine veteran or curious rookie, there’s a festival waiting to match your taste and tempo. From dance-fueled Latin nights to educational wine camps, from coastal tastings to spirit-spiked extravaganzas, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for Southern California wine and food lovers.

So, grab your tasting glass, book your tickets early, and start swirling.