Wine, Food & Events: A Wine Country Weekend in Santa Ynez
Wine lovers from across the Central Coast will have a good reason to head into Santa Barbara County wine country this October when the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival returns for its 2026 Grand Tasting.
Taking place Saturday, October 17, 2026, the annual Santa Barbara Vintners Festival brings together more than 70 wineries, local food purveyors, live music and wine country experiences at Firestone Estate in Santa Ynez.
For anyone searching for a Santa Barbara wine festival, Santa Ynez wine tasting event or things to do in Santa Barbara County this fall, the Vintners Festival offers an opportunity to experience a wide range of local wines while enjoying food, music and the scenery of the Santa Ynez Valley.
When Is the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival 2026?
The 2026 Santa Barbara Vintners Festival Grand Tasting takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The festival will be held at Firestone Estate, formerly known as Crossroads, at 4875 Foxen Canyon Road in Santa Ynez, California.
Early Entry begins at noon, while General Admission begins at 1 p.m. The Grand Tasting runs until 4 p.m.
New Venue for the 2026 Santa Barbara Vintners Festival
One of the biggest changes for the 2026 festival is the location. The event was originally scheduled to take place at Folded Hills Private Ranch but has been relocated to Firestone Estate on Foxen Canyon Road.
Firestone Estate provides a Santa Ynez Valley setting for the outdoor Grand Tasting, which will be held under large tenting. On-site parking will be available at the venue, and designated ADA parking will be provided.
More Than 70 Santa Barbara County Wineries
Wine is naturally the star of the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival. More than 70 wineries are scheduled to participate in the 2026 Grand Tasting, giving visitors an opportunity to explore wines from producers throughout Santa Barbara County.
The participating winery list includes a wide variety of Santa Barbara County producers, from established names to smaller wineries and newer labels. Current participants listed by the festival include Alma Rosa Winery, Au Bon Climat, Bien Nacido Estate, The Brander Vineyard, Brewer-Clifton, Carr Winery, Dragonette Cellars, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Firestone Vineyard, Flying Goat Cellars and many others.
For local wine enthusiasts, the festival is a convenient way to sample wines from different parts of the county without having to visit numerous tasting rooms in a single day.
Meet Winemakers and Discover Santa Barbara Wine Country
One of the advantages of attending a vintners festival is the opportunity to go beyond simply tasting wine. Guests can meet winemakers and winery representatives, ask questions and learn more about the people and places behind the bottles.
Santa Barbara County has a diverse wine landscape, and the festival provides a broad introduction to that variety. Whether you already have favorite Santa Barbara wineries or are discovering the region for the first time, there are plenty of opportunities to find something new.
Food and Wine at the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival
The festival also puts a spotlight on Santa Barbara County's food scene. More than 25 regional restaurants and food purveyors are expected to participate in the 2026 event.
That means visitors can pair their wine tasting with locally inspired dishes and products while exploring the festival grounds. The combination of Santa Barbara wine and locally sourced food makes the Grand Tasting a destination for both wine enthusiasts and food lovers.
Live Music and the Festival Atmosphere
Live music is part of the Grand Tasting experience, giving visitors another reason to linger between tastings. The 2026 festival also features the Bubble Lounge, where guests can enjoy sparkling wines in a more relaxed setting.
The festival's outdoor setting, food offerings, wine tastings and entertainment make it feel more like a Santa Ynez Valley experience than a traditional tasting-room visit.
Santa Barbara Vintners Festival Tickets
Several ticket options are available for the 2026 Grand Tasting.
Early Entry Tickets
Early Entry tickets are $175 and allow guests to enter at noon, one hour before General Admission. The additional hour provides more time for tasting and gives visitors an opportunity to experience the festival before the main crowd arrives.
General Admission Tickets
General Admission tickets are $125 and provide access from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The ticket includes wine tastings, food sampling, live music, silent auction items and free parking.
Santa Barbara County Locals Discount
Residents of Santa Barbara County can purchase a discounted $95 ticket. The locals offer is limited to the first 250 buyers and provides access to the festival beginning at 1 p.m.
Because ticket availability and event details can change, visitors should check the official festival website before purchasing tickets or making travel plans.
Planning a Santa Ynez Wine Country Weekend
The Santa Barbara Vintners Festival can easily become the centerpiece of a larger wine country getaway.
The festival's organizers note that participating wineries host additional events throughout the surrounding weekend, with offerings that can include special tastings, winemaker dinners and other wine-focused experiences.
That makes October 17 a good starting point for exploring the Santa Ynez Valley beyond the Grand Tasting. Visitors can plan additional winery visits, explore local restaurants and enjoy the scenic roads connecting the valley's wine-growing communities.
Transportation and Parking
Parking for the 2026 Santa Barbara Vintners Festival will be available on-site at Firestone Estate. ADA parking spaces will also be clearly marked at the venue.
Because the festival involves wine tasting, anyone planning to drink should arrange a safe ride in advance. Visitors staying in the Santa Ynez Valley can also consider making the festival part of an overnight wine country trip.
Why Attend the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival?
The Santa Barbara Vintners Festival brings together many of the elements that make Santa Barbara County wine country such a popular destination: locally produced wine, regional food, beautiful scenery and a strong connection between visitors and the people who make the area's wines.
With more than 70 wineries and more than 25 food purveyors participating in the 2026 Grand Tasting, the event offers plenty to explore in a single afternoon.
For Central Coast residents, it is also a convenient way to enjoy one of Santa Barbara County's signature wine events without traveling far from the 805 region.
Santa Barbara Vintners Festival 2026 Quick Facts
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Location: Firestone Estate, 4875 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Early Entry: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
General Admission: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Participating Wineries: 70+
Food Purveyors: 25+
Early Entry Ticket: $175
General Admission: $125
Santa Barbara County Locals Ticket: $95, limited to the first 250 buyers
Parking: On-site parking
Plan Your Santa Barbara Wine Country Visit
If you're looking for a Santa Barbara wine festival to attend in 2026, the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival is one to put on your calendar. The October event combines wine tasting from more than 70 wineries with food from local businesses, live music and the opportunity to experience Santa Ynez Valley wine country.
For visitors coming from Ventura County, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo County or elsewhere in the 805, the festival offers an easy excuse to spend a day or an entire weekend exploring one of California's best-known wine regions.
Before heading to Santa Ynez, check the official Santa Barbara Vintners Festival website for the latest information on tickets, participating wineries, food vendors and additional weekend events.
Event dates, times, venue information, ticket prices, and other details can change. Please check the official Santa Barbara Vintners Festival website before making plans to confirm the most current information.
Published September 10, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)