Expanded Women Winemakers and Culinarians Celebration Deemed a Success
The seventh annual Women Winemakers and Culinarians Celebration, which morphed this year from one day to several events running from March 6-10, was by most accounts a rousing success.
Seagrape Cellars winemaker Karen Steinwachs, co-founder with Brooke Stockwell, executive chef at the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, did not have final figures earlier this week, although she expected the total to “well exceed” the $15,000 raised in 2023.
As in past years, a portion of funds raised from this year’s multiday celebration will benefit a local nonprofit organization. The beneficiary of this year’s event is She Raised Her Hand, a newer initiative that provides opportunities for women veterans to find community, purpose and strength in their identity.
All told, 34 female winemakers and 17 culinarians participated in this year’s celebration. New this year were logo glasses and lots of merchandise, including hats, T-shirts and more. Dinners with single or multiple winemakers took place at various restaurants, a “soiree” was held at Fess Parker Winery, and Saturday’s grand tasting was followed by a Sunday “bubbles” brunch at Mattei’s Tavern.
The owners of 27 Vines in Santa Ynez donated their property for the event, as well as a bus service to shuttle guests to and from the venue, Steinwachs said.
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