Master Sommelier Brian McClintic and Sommelier Eric Railsback, partners of Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant, the award-winning wine bar and retail shop in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, announce the 2nd Annual 2014 Santa Barbara County Wine Futures Tasting. On Saturday, April 19, 2014, more than 50 of the hottest local wineries will gather for an exclusive tasting next door to Les Marchands at 131 Anacapa Street, which will be transformed into an indoor tasting room. Attendees have the rare opportunity to be among the first to taste and purchase special cuvees available prior to release at a 20% discount off standard retail price. The Santa Barbara County Wine Futures Tasting will shine a light on the emerging local wine area and allow consumers and trade to secure allocations of the most dynamic and relevant producers of the region. Notable producers Au Bon Climat, Qupe, The Ojai Vineyard, as well as recent standout projects Sandhi and Tyler Winery participated in the inaugural 2013 tasting. Tickets for the 2014 Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant’s Santa Barbara County Wine Futures Tasting are $70 for advance purchase on the Les Marchands website or $80 at the door. The event will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. next door to Les Marchands at 131 Anacapa Street in Santa Barbara. Parking is available on the street or adjacent parking lots.
The Santa Barbara County Wine Futures Tasting exists to raise awareness of the pedigree and diversity of our local terroir. Santa Barbara County is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting regions in the country to make wine. Prominent figures in the industry from around the world are recognizing the tremendous potential of the inlying appellations: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Happy Canyon. The unique soil and climatic conditions of this coastal hamlet are inspiring ambitious new wine projects. Les Marchands intends to spotlight the small, hidden gem producers while paying homage to the pioneering wineries that paved the way.
In years past, the Wine Cask made the Santa Barbara County Wine Futures Tasting one of the premiere tasting events in the country. Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant aims to build upon the foundation that Doug Margerum and his team laid down and continue to grow the event in scope and importance.
posted by Sarah McCallum
02/18/14
