How it all began (more about us!)
We inherently knew that Santa Barbara County featured a higher percentage of women winemakers than any other region. It just “was”, likely because our little corner of wine paradise was somewhat unconventional and on the maverick side of the industry. But it wasn’t touted and that “card” wasn’t really played. All worked hard, along with male colleagues to simply make the best wines from an incredible region.
A chance listen to Patricia Arquette’s award speech at the 2015 Oscars inspired a “why not??” Why not celebrate that fact that we are and have been more than 10% of the winemaker population here? Which is how the Women Winemakers Celebration organically began.
On March 8, 2015, a group of Santa Barbara County female winemakers gathered at Sonja Magdevski’s Casa Dumetz tasting room in Los Alamos. This casual tasting was to highlight International Women’s Day, share wines with each other and the public, and start to tell the story.
That bottle share was the impetus of the idea to gather around a table during Women’s History Month and to also give back to the community. In 2017, the first tasting and dinnerwas held in Solvang at the previously known K’Syrah event space. A grand tasting was followed by a multi-course dinner crafted by Chef Brooke Stockwell and her merry band of fellow female chefs. A sell-out, the proceeds of that inaugural event were donated to The Women’s Fund of Northern Santa Barbara County. K’Syrah continued to donate the venue and host the event in 2018 and 2019, which featured more winemakers, more chefs, female photographers, musicians, sommeliers and food purveyors. Wines, the venue, service, food and everyone’s time was donated so that the donation to the Women’s Fund was maximized.
Due to increasing demand, the event was moved to Roblar Farm in 2020. Once again, the grand tasting of all participating winemakers was followed by a sit-down, multi-course meal prepared by the cadre of lady chefs. March 8th came around on a Sunday and Brunch was held under the pergola in the Farm’s gardens. Little did we know that this would be the last event before the world shut down due to the pandemic. Another sell-out, proceeds from the event were donated to the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County, already working to help with food insecurity during the pandemic.
In 2021, like most of the world, we went virtual. March featured multiple online tastings and discussions with 3-4 women winemakers per Zoom and online fund-raising again contributed to the Food Bank.
We were able to gather in person in 2022, although decided to err on the side of caution with an outdoor grand tasting. Roblar Farm was again the setting with the winemakers side-by-side with chef’s mobile kitchens, food trucks and grazing tables. Proceeds of the 2021 event were donated to Community Health Centers to assist with programs designated for women farm workers. Another fast ticket sell-out and time to grow again.
Local excitement was growing with the opening of the Auberge Resort at Mattei’s Tavern, and the management team generously offered the facility for the 2023 event. 150 guests wandered pouring stations on the lawn, gardens, water tower and barn to taste wine and small bites from three dozen winemakers and over a dozen chefs and specialty food purveyors. Music from a local songstress filled the air as we celebrated each other, our local historical landmark and International Women’s Day. The chosen beneficiary (always by a vote of the winemakers) was The Rainbow House, Inc.
2024 – here we grow again! The Celebration was expanded to three days, beginning with the “Sips and SHE-nanigans” soiree, held at Fess Parker Winery. The dressy evening featured a red carpet, panels honoring the “winds beneath our wings” gals who make winemakers and chefs look so good, a silent auction and a hilarious comedy show by female comediennes. The Grand Tasting moved to the beautiful 27 Vines location, with over three dozen women winemakers and more than two dozen chefs creating an amazing afternoon of food, wine and camaraderie. But, we weren’t finished yet! The weekend concluded with an incredible brunch created by chef Rhoda Magbitang. Proceeds were donated to the “She Raised Her Hand” initiative, benefitting local women veterans.
And here comes 2025 and we’re adding another event! In additon to the Friday Soiree, Saturday Grand Tasting and Sunday Brunch, we will be honoring one of our original women winemakers as she moves into a consulting role. Thursday evening will laud Lane Tanner, with a meal, wine and many stories!
