Women winemakers of SB County uncork annual wine event on March 7

More than 30 Santa Barbara County women winemakers and food crafters are set to gather once again for the groups’ annual International Women’s Day fundraising event, rebranded as the ‘Women Winemakers and Culinarians Celebration.’

The county’s female winemakers turn out each year in a show of support for each other and other working women throughout the world, who are honored each year on March 8 with the global holiday for women’s rights.

“Now in our seventh year, tradition continues, yet with new venues and new events, all to help women veterans in our own communities,” said Karen Steinwachs, a local winemaker, event producer and co-founder. “The event’s success is both humbling, and very exciting.”

A portion of the proceeds from each of the dinner events will be donated to area nonprofits, such as main beneficiary She Raised Her Hand. The initiative advocates for opportunities for women veterans in the community.

Guests are invited Thursday, March 7 through Sunday, March 10, to a series of food and wine events hosted at different locations in the Valley.

While the grand tasting food and wine event is slated for Saturday, March 9, a series of ancillary food and wine events are available to attend before and after the main event.

The charitable grand tasting event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 9 at a new Santa Ynez boutique vineyard, 27 Vines, showcasing an intimate alfresco wine tasting reception served with elevated hors d’oeuvres, according to the event hosts.

The three-hour wine and food tasting event boasts 30-plus Santa Barbara County women winemakers, all of which will be on-hand to pour tastes of their wines and talk with event guests. Passed and stationary appetizers will also be offered by Santa Barbara County chefs, bakers and food crafters.

Other events include women winemaker and chef dinners featured at various Santa Ynez Valley locations, such as a March 7 wine-paired dinner at Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, and a formal wine/cocktail party and silent auction event on March 8, at Fess Parker in Los Olivos. Both events will feature prepared food and hand crafted wines by local artisans.

The weekend will conclude with a Sunday brunch at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in downtown Los Olivos.

“It’s the joy of camaraderie among the dozens of us showcasing our craft, and our event guests, that makes this such an inspiring celebration,” said Steinwachs.

Details for all tasting events and ticket purchases can be found at www.SBWomenWinemakers.com.

Featured winemakers, food crafters

Winemakers to be featured during the Women Winemakers events are: Karen Steinwachs, Seagrape Wine Company; Lane Tanner, Lumen Wines; Kathy Joseph, Fiddlehead Cellars; Alison Thomson, Lepiane Wines; Helen Falcone, Falcone Family Vineyards; Gretchen Voelcker, Piazza Family Wines and Luna Hart Wines; Laura Hughes, Loubud Wines; Dana Volk, Dana V. Wines and Happy Mommy Wines; Jessica Gasca, Story of Soil; Wynne Solomon, Peake Ranch Winery; Samra Morris, Alma Rosa Winery; Alice Anderson, âmevive; Megan McGrath Gates, Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards and Toccata; Kristin Bryden, Zaca Mesa Winery; Amy Christine, Holus Bolus and The Joy Fantastic; Claire Wilson, Provignage; Sunny Doench Stricker, Future Perfect Wine; Allyson Bycraft, Babcock Winery & Vineyards; Anna deLaski, Solminer Wine Co.; Clarissa Nagy, Riverbench Vineyard and Winery; Amber Hogan, Amber Rose Wines; Kristin Harris Luis, Cote of Paint Wine; Brittany Rice, Sunstone Winery; Brit Zotovich, Dreamcôte Wine Co.; Sonja Magdevski, Casa Dumetz Wines, Clementine Carter, The Feminist Party; Angela Osborne, A Tribute to Grace Wine Company; Magan Eng, Kunin Wines; Jill DelaRiva Russell, Cambria Winery; Adrienne Rule, Rideau Vineyard; Alisa Jacobson, Turning Tide Wines; and, Christi Heck, Lavender Oak Vineyard (all additional participating winemakers/wineries, TBA).

Culinary talent for this year’s event will be organized by Brooke Stockwell, executive chef, Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, and will include Taylor Tate, executive pastry chef, peasants FEAST; Joy Reinhardt, chef/owner, Ellie’s Tap & Vine; Sarah Price, owner/operator of Lompoc-based Sassafras Mobile Food Truck and Restaurant; Vilay Saikeo, chef/owner of Lompoc’s Savory & Sweet Eats; Janelle Norman, owner and cheesemonger at Solvang’s Cailloux Cheese Shop; Melissa Scrymgeour, chef/co-owner, Clean Slate Wine Bar; Lisa Thompson, chef at Global Gardens; Louise Smith, chef/owner, Louise’s Kitchen Table; Shannon Casey, owner of Rancho Olivos; Shanté Norwood, owner/baker at Té’Stees Cupcakes; and treats- and truffle-maker Jessica Foster of Jessica Foster Confections.

Foodie donations will be made by Shawnda Marmorstein, owner, Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café and Café Farm. Additional event chefs and participating food businesses will be announced leading up to the event.

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By Lisa André, Lompoc Record