Held each July at Chase Palm Park on the Santa Barbara waterfront, the California Wine Festival is the city's biggest wine event. More than 400 California labels pour over two days, alongside live blues music and food from local chefs. The Friday night "Sunset Reserve & Rare Wine Tasting" is the more interesting session for serious tasters; the Saturday "Reds, Whites & Blues" is more of a party.
Tickets are not cheap and sell out in advance — book online. The festival is held at a beachfront park, so come for the wine but stay for the sea breeze and the music.