The festival was originally scheduled for Folded Hills Private Ranch and has been relocated to Firestone Estate at 4875 Foxen Canyon Road in Santa Ynez. The date, participating wineries, culinary program and other festival details remain unchanged.
A Celebration of Santa Barbara Wine Country
Now in its 42nd year, the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival is one of the region’s longest-running wine events. The annual gathering brings together established estates, multigenerational producers and emerging wineries from across Santa Barbara County.
More than 70 participating vintners are expected to pour wines during the Grand Tasting. Guests will have an opportunity to explore the diversity of Santa Barbara County’s wine-growing regions while speaking directly with winemakers, winery owners and other members of the local wine community.
The county’s varied terrain and coastal influences support a wide selection of grapes and wine styles. Depending on the participating producers, tastings may include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from cooler coastal areas, Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties from warmer inland vineyards, Rhône-inspired blends, Italian varieties and sparkling wines.
The large tasting format allows visitors to compare wines from several Santa Barbara County appellations without traveling between individual tasting rooms.
A Historic New Setting at Firestone Estate
Firestone Estate has a longstanding connection to the development of Santa Barbara Wine Country.
Established in 1972 by Leonard Firestone and his son Brooks, Firestone Vineyard was the first estate winery founded in Santa Barbara County. The property now includes 325 acres of certified sustainable vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Its location along Foxen Canyon Road places the festival within one of the county’s best-known wine corridors. The surrounding vineyards and rolling landscape provide an appropriate backdrop for an event centered on the people, food and wines of the region.
Food From Across Santa Barbara County
Wine is only part of the festival experience. More than 25 restaurants, chefs, farmers, ranchers and local food businesses are expected to participate.
The culinary program will highlight ingredients and dishes from across Santa Barbara County, including regional produce, seafood and meat from nearby farms and ranches.
Food is included as part of the tasting experience, allowing guests to sample dishes from several regional businesses while considering how different foods pair with the wines being poured.
Sparkling Wine at the Bubble Lounge
The Bubble Lounge returns for 2026 with a selection of sparkling wines produced throughout Santa Barbara County.
Guests can pause between tastings, relax in the lounge and compare sparkling wines made by participating producers. The experience demonstrates the range of local sparkling-wine styles, from bright and fruit-driven bottlings to wines produced using traditional methods and extended aging.
The lounge has become one of the festival’s most popular features, offering a focused tasting experience within the larger event.
Live Music and Winemaker Conversations
Live music will continue throughout the afternoon, accompanied by demonstrations and opportunities to learn more about Santa Barbara County wine.
One of the main advantages of the Vintners Festival is direct access to the people behind the bottles. Winemakers and winery owners will be available at many of the tasting stations to discuss vineyards, grape varieties, production methods and current releases.
Early-entry ticket holders receive access beginning at noon. The additional hour provides a quieter opportunity to speak with producers and visit tasting stations before general admission begins.
Festival Times and Ticket Options
The 42nd Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Festival takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
- Early entry: Noon to 4 p.m.
- General admission: 1 to 4 p.m.
- Location: Firestone Estate, 4875 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Ynez, California
- Parking: Available on-site
- Weather policy: The festival will be held rain or shine
Available ticket categories include early entry, general admission, a limited Santa Barbara County resident ticket and a non-alcohol ticket for designated drivers and guests who do not plan to drink.
Attendees must be at least 21 years old and carry valid photo identification to consume alcohol. Pets are not permitted, and tickets are nonrefundable.
A Weekend of Wine Events
The Grand Tasting is the centerpiece of a broader Vintners Festival Weekend. Select wineries throughout Santa Barbara County will host dinners, barrel tastings, vineyard experiences and other special events from Thursday through Monday.
These smaller gatherings provide additional opportunities to visit individual wineries, meet producers and explore the communities of Santa Barbara Wine Country.
Travelers planning to attend several events may want to stay in Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Solvang, Buellton or another nearby community. Accommodations can fill quickly during major wine weekends, so advance reservations are advisable.
Readers interested in another regional food-and-wine experience can also explore DRIFT’s guide to the California Wine Festival in Santa Barbara.
For the current winery lineup, participating restaurants, weekend calendar and tickets, visit the official Santa Barbara Vintners Festival website
