You just woke up at the World of Pinot Noir in a luxurious room with a romantic view of the ocean. On your nightstand, there’s a schedule for the day: a luncheon celebrating 25 years of artisanal making at Tolosa Winery, then a five-course dinner at Goldeneye Winery, whose Pinot Noir is inspired by the natural intensity of the Californian environment. Where else would you want to be? Held at the stunning Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, this weekend-long wine festival gathers the most famous local wineries, winemakers, sommeliers and wine scholars to dive into the universe of Pinot Noir, an exceptional product of this area.
The festival kicks off with a welcome toast in the airy Ballroom Foyer and outdoor Terrace at the Ritz-Carlton on Thursday night. The events that follow vary in length, scope and experience. You can book your seat at the Women of Russian River Valley Lunch, organized by women winery owners and winemakers such as Mari Jones from Emeritus Vineyards and Yolanda Papapietro from Papapietro Perry. You can dive into the history of premium Pinot Noir in California with the new “Grand Cru” of California Seminar, led by master sommelier and founder of the San Francisco Wine School, David Glancy. Or, if you are an early bird, you can join Sommelier Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant for a morning discussion on pairing international cuisines with bubbles from Champagne, Australia, and more.
The World of Pinot Noir is a non-profit organization, so part of the proceeds will be donated to non-profit institutions that support the world of Pinot Noir grapes.
The Specs
- Every year nearly 3,000 people gather to celebrate Pinot Noir.
- Tickets range from $150 to $8,850. The cheapest tickets include one entry for seminars led by winemakers, whereas the most expensive tickets include a weekend all-access VIP entry with an Ocean View suite for two guests at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Hotel.
- Did you know that Santa Barbara is considered one of the best places to visit with your partner? Take a look at our Fifty Grande list of the Best Cities for a Romantic Weekend Trip. And here‘s our guide to the state.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the World of Pinot Noir?
Fly into the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is a 2-hour drive from Santa Barbara.
Is the festival family-friendly?
The festival is for those 21 and older. If you are traveling with kids, check out the hotel childcare services.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are not allowed at the festival.
Can I purchase wine at the festival? And how do I pay?
Yes, you can buy both large format bottles or special packages from the participating wineries. The festival is cashless, only credit cards are accepted.