Touring & Tasting and Santa Barbara Wine Festival

Touring and Tasting's latest magazine issue is the  largest and most comprehensive yet! President Paul Arganbright was giving away free copies at the Santa Barbara Wine Festival, held at oak-shaded, creekside grounds of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Also, a free wine gift basket was the prize for the person who could correctly guess the number of corks on a glass jar.

I was in the neighboring booth with my catering friend Lila helping serve Via Maestra 42's fragrant, hand-made Porcini Mushroom Ravioli With Black Truffle Sauce. The aromas were intoxicating and we had a long line of people waiting for samples. Via Maestra 42 is a Santa Barbara locals favorite restaurant, plus they cater many events and parties around town. I became infused with the delightful smell of truffles and carried it around with me when the next team of volunteers came to take our place and we had a chance to try some of the food and wine of the festival.

Short on time, we hit a few of the booths where we knew the wine would be excellent: Palmina Winery for my favorite Barbera and their delightful Malvasia Bianca, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards where the legendary Richard Sandford was pouring his Sta Rita Hills Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, and Au Bon Climat with another legendary winemaker, Jim Clendenen with his highly-acclaimed wines. CORE Wine Company, with the hand-made wines of Dave Corey was a new discovery for me, though he and his wife have been making wine in Santa Maria for 11 years.

Besides the amazing ravioli, top foodie discoveries included the passion fruit dessert by Renaud's Patisserie and Bistro--no surprise. Executive pastry chef Renaud Gonthier makes elegant desserts int he French tradition and makes the best croissants in town--crisp and flaky on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Freezer Monkeys are pastry chef Tiffany Buchanan's creations--handmade natural-flavored popsicles with great taste combinations like Raspberry Thai Chili and Caramelized Pineapple. A beautiful day--and proceeds benefited the Museums exhibits and science education for school children!