Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance Brings 'Wine & Fire' to Santa Barbara

The first stop of the 'Wine & Fire On The Road' spring series kicks off at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum on April 18.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a single, iconic wine bottle or grape cluster repeated in a tight grid pattern, using a bold, neon color palette to capture the energy and artistry of the Sta. Rita Hills wine region.The Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance's 'Wine & Fire On The Road' event series brings the region's acclaimed cool-climate wines directly to consumers in Santa Barbara and beyond.Goleta Today

The Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA by bringing its signature 'Wine & Fire' event directly to consumers with a new 'Wine & Fire On The Road' spring series. The first stop will be at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum on April 18, featuring tastings, seminars, live music, and local cuisine.

Why it matters

The Sta. Rita Hills is one of California's most acclaimed cool-climate wine regions, known for its exceptional pinot noir, chardonnay, and Rhône varieties. By taking the 'Wine & Fire' event on the road, the Alliance is connecting the region's producers with a broader audience beyond the Santa Ynez Valley.

The details

The Santa Barbara event will highlight new and limited-release wines from 30 of the Alliance's leading producers. General admission includes entry to the Grand Tasting, where consumers can meet and taste with the wineries, as well as admission to the museum's historic Casa Covarrubias. The afternoon will also feature live music, local bites, and wood-fired fare. Limited VIP tickets offer access to an intimate tasting and seminar led by Master of Wine Amy Christine.

  • The Santa Barbara 'Wine & Fire On The Road' event will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 2-5 p.m.
  • The series will continue in Los Angeles on May 17 and Orange County on May 30.

The players

Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance

A regional organization that represents growers, producers, and enthusiasts in the Sta. Rita Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA).

Laura Hughes

The president of the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance, as well as the associate winemaker at Sanford Winery & Vineyards and owner/winemaker of Loubud Wines.

Amy Christine

A Master of Wine and the co-founder of Holus Bolus, one of only 419 Masters of Wine worldwide.

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What they’re saying

“Wine & Fire has always been about celebrating what makes the Sta. Rita Hills AVA so special — our cold oceanic climate, unique geography, and marine-based soils that support world-class pinot noirs, chardonnays, sparkling wines, and Rhône varieties that pair perfectly with wood-fired cuisine.”

— Laura Hughes, President, Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance

“The Alliance's events are so meaningful to me because they bring together both the pioneers and the next generation of winemakers to showcase the exceptional quality of our cool-climate wines in the Sta. Rita Hills.”

— Laura Hughes, President, Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance

What’s next

The 'Wine & Fire On The Road' series will continue in Los Angeles on May 17 and Orange County on May 30.

The takeaway

The Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance's 'Wine & Fire On The Road' events provide an opportunity for wine lovers beyond the Santa Ynez Valley to experience the region's acclaimed cool-climate wines and celebrate the area's vibrant wine community.