Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, 5/1/25, Vol. 39
IN PAR TNERSHIP WITH THE JULIA CHILD FOUND A TION FOR GASTRONOMY AND THE CULINA R Y AR TS
May 12-18, 2025 MAY 2025
EVENTS SCHEDULE
For tickets visit sbce.events
ABOUT THE SANTA BARBARA CULINARY EXPERIENCE
The Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, in partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, is an annual celebration of all things food & drink in Santa Barbara County. Our mission is to shine a light on our local culinary, hospitality, tourism, artisan, and small business communities through unique events which foster learning, discovery and fun. Through our partnership with the Foundation, a portion of the proceeds from these events is used to make grants to local nonprofit organizations making a difference in Santa Barbara County’s food system.
FOLLOW IN JULIA’S FOOTSTEPS
Download an interactive map from sbce.events for a self-guided tour of some of Julia’s favorite places to eat, drink, walk and shop all over Santa Barbara County from Santa Ynez Valley to Carpinteria, where she summered as a young girl. Dig into her favorite hot dogs, tacos, martinis and sweet shops—and save time to smell the signature Julia Child roses.
May
10
Farmers Market Insights & Tours
9am, 9:30am, 10am or 10:30am | Farmers Market
$10.00
Join us for some interactive fun and market tours while you shop the Saturday Farmers Market.
May
12
Margerum Wine Company Blending Experience
3-5 PM | Margerum Wine Company Tasting Room
$125.00
This is a hands-on experience and tasting of three different red varietals that includes wide-ranging conversations about winemaking, the art of blending and viticulture.
Oyster Shucking with Clark’s Oyster Bar
4-5:30p | Clark’s Oyster Bar | $90.00
Join us for a breezy afternoon of shucking and sipping at the beautiful new Clark’s Oyster Bar in Montecito.
Craft Your Perfect Blend:
A Hands-On Wine Blending Experience
5:30 PM | Samsara Winery | $85.00
Unleash your inner winemaker in this interactive blending class led by our esteemed winemaker, Matt Brady.
Two Baking Brits Pop-Up, Winemaker Dinner with Doug Margerum
6:00 PM | The Cheese Shop | SOLD OUT
Join the Two Baking Brits (Chef’s Pascale Beale and Sandra Adu Zelli) for a five-course Provençal-inspired dinner at Cheese Shop Santa Barbara featuring local produce.
Speedy Suppers: The Bloody Mary Edition
6-8:30p | A to Z Cooking School | $160.00
Delight in our unique menu that features a local treasure, Fairy Blood, in every recipe. Fairy Blood is more than a bloody mary mix; it is the base for speedy weeknight suppers and flavor boosts to all of your favorite dishes.
May
13
Cocktails and Food Pairing
12:30 - 3pm | Lion’s Tale | $185.00
Join us at Lion’s Tale where the kitchen and bar teams have selected just the right bites to go with beverages you can create at home.
Happiest Hour - Walking Potato Taco & Drink Tour
2-5pm | Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours | $210.00
For one day only, kick off your late afternoon with a flavorful, fun, and delicious Potato Taco & Drink Tour through downtown Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Trolley Julia Child-Inspired TourMay 13 Tour
2-4:30pm | Santa Barbara Visitor Center | $55.00
Hop aboard the SB Trolley for a Julia Child-Inspired Tour, celebrating the beloved chef’s favorite Santa Barbara haunts.
A Journey Through Burgundy
3-4pm | Inn at Mattei’s Tavern | $160.00
Join us for an unforgettable wine and food celebration honoring Julia Child, featuring expertly paired Burgundy and Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noirs with gourmet bites from The Tavern.
Caviar, Bubbles, and Vodka…Oh My!
3-5pm | Hotel Californian | $130.00
Head to the Shamsah rooftop at Hotel Californian for an equally indulgent and educational tasting experience featuring award-winning Sterling caviar, Piaff Champagne, Foley Family Brut Sparkling, and Highground Vodka.
The Art of Butter
5:30-7:30pm | Helena Avenue Bakery | $90.00
Chef Emilie will take you on an educational journey through the art of butter-making, discussing the churning process behind regular and cultured butter.
Wine & Chocolate: A Perfect Pairing Experience
5:30pm | Samsara Winery | $85.00
Discover the ultimate harmony of wine and chocolate in this decadent pairing event, featuring Samsara wines and artisan confections from Jessica Foster Chocolates.
SANTA BARBARA CULINARY EXPERIENCE
The Free-Spirited Mixologist: A Hands-On Cocktail Experience!
5:30-7pm | Pearl Social | $80.00
Guided by expert instruction, you’ll explore essential techniques, from shaking and stirring to building flavor profiles and perfecting garnishes.
Ocean’s Bounty: A Shellfish & Seafood Affair 6-8:30p | A to Z Cooking School | $160.00
Join us for a night of oceanic delights, where each dish is crafted to showcase the bounty of the sea. An event not to be missed for seafood lovers.
The Farmer & The Cook 6-9pm | Bouchon | $150.00
Join us for an unforgettable evening at bouchon Santa Barbara, celebrating the harmonious relationship between Santa Barbara County’s farmers, wine makers and restaurants.
May
14
Latin & Mexican Walking Food & Drink Tour
11:30am-2:30pm | Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours
$210.00
The guided experience will take you to 4-5 downtown Santa Barbara’s local taquerias and latin-inspired spots.
Single Origin Coffee Tasting - 2pm Tasting 2:00pm | Little King Coffee | $35.00
Join Little King Coffee and Coastal Coffee Collective for a coffee tasting that will take you around the world.
Single Origin Coffee Tasting - 3pm Tasting 3:00pm | Little King Coffee | $35.00
Join Little King Coffee and Coastal Coffee Collective for a coffee tasting that will take you around the world.
Bree’osh Baguette Making Class
3-5pm | Bree’osh | SOLD OUT
Elevate your skills with this Baguette class led by #pierrelebaker.
“Interstellar Roots” Dinner at The Hilt Estate with Executive Chef Travis Westrope of SpaceX Vandenberg 5:00pm | The Hilt Estate | $175.00
Come join the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience in conjunction with The Hilt Estate and the Vandenberg SpaceX Culinary team for a wonderful evening of exceptional wines and delicious food created by Chef Travis Westrope of SpaceX.
Mixology Masterclass
5-8pm - 2:30pm | Hotel Californian | $100.00
Join us on the Mirador rooftop at Hotel Californian for a mixology class and cocktail reception hosted by Lucas Huff.
Garden Gatherings: A Seasonal Plant-Based Feast
6-8:30p | A to Z Cooking School | $160.00
Indulge in a delightful vegan menu that celebrates the freshest seasonal ingredients, vibrant flavors and nourishing dishes.
Black Sheep x Tercero Wines
6pm Reception, 6:30pm Dinner | Black Sheep | $185.00
Join us for an unforgettable evening as Black Sheep partners with winemaker Larry Chaffer of Tercero Wines for a family-style dining experience that brings together bold flavors and handcrafted wines.
The Wharf Club Dinner
6:30-8:30pm | Moby Dick | $140.00
Enjoy prized catch from the Santa Barbara Channel in a four-course gourmet meal, great local wine, and spectacular views of the waterfront, the harbor, the Channel, and the islands from every seat.
May 15
Toast to the Coast: Foley Estate Winery Tour
9:30am-5pm | Hotel Californian for Shuttle | $475.00 Tthis immersive adventure begins with a private shuttle departing from the luxurious Hotel Californian.
Ranch Table Gathering
10am-12pm | Rancho San Julian | $120.00
Enjoy homemade Ranch Table pastries and warm beverages as you walk the grounds and hear the California ranch history with Elizabeth Poett
Introduction to the Art of Roasting Coffee
10am-12pm | Zaca Creek Roastery | $65.00
Participants will learn from Zaca Coffee’s Director of Coffee, Grant Thomas, roasting coffee from green bean to cup.
Cocktail Creation
1:30 - 4pm | Good Lion | $105.00
Meet us at The Good Lion to get a peek behind the cocktail curtain.
Santa Barbara Trolley Julia Child-Inspired Tour - May 15 Tour
2-4:30pm | Santa Barbara Visitor Center | $55.00 Hop aboard the SB Trolley for a Julia Child-Inspired Tour, celebrating the beloved chef’s favorite Santa Barbara haunts.
Bree’osh Brioche Making Class
3-5pm | Bree’osh | SOLD OUT
Step into the world of artisan baking as we team up with #pierrelebaker for an exclusive hands-on brioche class.
Drink + Bites Tour
3-6pm | Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours | $240.00
This guided tour will take you to some of the best local spots, where you’ll savor a variety of delicious bites paired with local wine & a crafted cocktail.
Uncorked and On The Rocks
5:30-7:30pm | Hotel Californian | $235.98
The evening will begin with a reception on the patio, followed by a four-course dinner in Blackbird, carefully curated to perfectly pair with select wines.
An Evening of Conversation, Gastronomy & Wine with Alice Waters
6-8:30pm | Godmother’s | SOLD OUT
Beloved chef and restaurateur Alice Waters will take the stage at Godmothers to discuss We Are What We Eat and her memoir, Coming to My Senses: The Making of a Counterculture Cook
Sipping on the Sea
6-8pm | Santa Barbara Sailing | $130.00
Sip local wine from Epiphany Cellars and taste specialty cheeses from Santa Barbara Cheese Shop while enjoying a Santa Barbara sunset aboard the Double Dolphin.
Strawberry Fields Forever
6-9pm | The Lark | $155.00
Join us for an unforgettable five-course dinner celebrating the versatility and rich history of local strawberries.
Olive Oil: The New Gold Rush
6-8:30p | A to Z Cooking School | $160.00
Savor the richness and depth of flavors that premium olive oil can bring to every dish.
Ranch House Dinner
6:30pm | Inn at Mattei’s Tavern | $220.00
Join us for an evening featuring a five-course family-style dinner celebrating the finest local cuisine and world-class wine.
Uncorked and On The Rocks
8-10pm | Hotel Californian | $235.98
The evening will begin with a reception on the patio, followed by a four-course dinner in Blackbird, carefully curated to perfectly pair with select wines.
JULIA CHILD BY THE NUMBERS
Rose Garden Tour
9:30-11am | Rose Story Farm | SOLD OUT
We invite you to experience the splendor of our 15-acre farm featuring 200 varieties of roses.
New Orleans Friday Lunch
12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm | Bar Lou | $95.00
Join us on May 16th at Bar Lou for Julia Child’s favorite New Orleans lunch, featuring Oysters Rockefeller, Crawfish Étouffée, and a classic cocktail.
Pacific Pickle Works Factory Tour & Pickling Activity 11am Tour
11am-12:30pm | Pacific Pickle Works | SOLD OUT
Join us for an exclusive tour of the Pacific Pickle Works manufacturing facility, hosted by Principal Pickle & Founder, Brad Bennett.
Day at the Vineyard: Bien Nacido Tours | 12-5pm, Tours: 1pm & 3pm | Bien Nacido Vineyards | $30.00 Guests will enjoy a special tasting of 3 Estate Wines at our historical Adobe.
Day at the Vineyard: Firestone Vineyard Tours | 12-5pm, Tours: 12pm, 2pm & 4pm | Firestone Vineyard | $24.00
Guests will be treated to a special in-the-field tour of one of Santa Barbara County’s oldest vineyards.
Day on the Farm: Ballard Walnut Grove Tours | 12-5pm, Tours: 1pm & 2:30pm | Ballard Walnut Grove | $12.00
Join us for a unique walking tour of our 18 acres of walnuts and Christmas trees.
Day on the Farm: Dewlson Family Farms Tours
12-5pm, Tours: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm Dewlson Family Farms | $18.00
Join us for a fun farm experience where you will learn something, taste something, and enjoy everything.
Day on the Farm: Finley Farms
12-5pm | Finley Farms | FREE
Stop by Finley Honor stand, meet the growers, try some samples and experience produce as fresh as it gets.
Day on the Farm:
Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum Tour
12-5pm | Santa Ynez Historical Museum | $18.00 Guests will be able to explore the museum on their own, including the Pioneer Room, Valley Room and ParksJaneway Carriage House.
Day on the Farm: Tutti Frutti Farm Tours
12-5pm, Tours: 12-2pm and 1:30-3:30pm Tutti Frutti Farms | $30.00
Join us for a walking tour of one of the founding certified organic farms of Santa Barbara County.
No Forks Given: A Wood-Fired Feast
5:30-8pm | La Paloma | $140.00
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty at our one-of-a-kind, utensil-free dining experience.
Slice of the Season: Farmers Market Pizzas
6-8:30pm | A to Z Cooking School | $160.00
An intro to sourdough pizza making with Chef Jeff.
Chef’s Night Out
6-8pm | Margerum Wine Company Tasting Room | $140.00
We will go on a journey to pair Indian cuisine from Apna Indian Restaurant perfectly with Margerum Wine Company and Barden wines.
May 17
Chef’s Chat: Your Farmer’s Market Guide
8:30-11am | Farmer’s Market | FREE
Join us for some interactive fun and get your food questions answered while you shop the Saturday Farmers Market.
Pascale Beale Saturday Tour and Cooking Class
9am-2:30pm | Farmer’s Market | SOLD OUT
Join food writer, cookbook author, and chef, Pascale Beale, for a hands-on Mediterranean style cooking class, celebrating La Belle Provence.
Harbor Tour with Get Hooked Seafood 10-11:30am | Get Hooked Seafood | $40.00
Join seafood expert and veteran fisher on a walking tour of Santa Barbara Harbor.
Wanderment Farms Tour 10am Tour 10-11am | Wanderment Farms | $45.00
Come join us for a fun and educational 1 hour walking tour of our organic and regenerative farm!
Abalone Farm Walking Tour 11am-1pm | The Cultured Abalone | $55.00
Come experience the wonder of sustainable seafood, nature and science at this California landmark where we culture abalone and seaweed and ranch sea urchin.
Grand Wine Tasting 1-5pm | El Presidio | $95.00 Sip, Savor, & Meet the Makers in Santa Barbara.
May 18
Abalone Farm Walking Tour + Tasting - 11am Tour 11am-1pm | The Cultured Abalone | $80.00
Come experience the wonder of sustainable seafood, nature and science at this California landmark where we culture abalone and seaweed and ranch sea urchin.
Day on the Farm: Zaca Creek Ranch Tours
12-5pm, Tours: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm Zaca Creek Ranch | $24.00
Guests will be able to interact with and learn about the animals of Zaca Creek Ranch, including our herd of llamas and alpacas.
Floral Arrangement Workshop
1-3pm | Rose Story Farm | $360.00
Wanderment Farms Tour 1pm Tour
1-2pm | Wanderment Farms | $45.00
Come join us for a fun and educational 1 hour walking tour of our organic and regenerative farm!
Kids in the Kitchen: Cauliflower Tacos - 1pm 1-2:30pm | A to Z Cooking School | $55.00
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced flower enthusiast, this hands-on experience will guide you through the art of flower arranging.
Pacific Pickle Works Factory Tour & Pickling Activity 2pm Tour
2-3:30pm | Pacific Pickle Works | SOLD OUT
Join us for an exclusive tour of the Pacific Pickle Works manufacturing facility, hosted by founder, Brad Bennett.
A Perspective on Sta. Rita Hills Master Class
5:30-7:30pm | Paradise Springs Winery | $85.00
A Teaching and Tasting of Pinot Noir from across the St. Rita Hills with a discussion on how different microclimates, soil, and clones translate into the glass.
In this hands-on class, 1st-4th graders will make tacos with savory cauliflower filling, signature guacamole, pico de gallo, and piping hot fresh corn tortillas.
Abalone Farm Walking Tour + Tasting - 2pm Tour
2-4pm | The Cultured Abalone | $80.00
Come experience the wonder of sustainable seafood, nature and science at this California landmark where we culture abalone and seaweed and ranch sea urchin.
Honorary Committee Advisory Committee
Julia Child Award Recipients:
Alice Waters
Sean Sherman
Grace Young
Toni Tipton-Martin
Danielle Nierenberg
José Andrés
Mary Sue Milliken &
Susan Feniger
Danny Meyer
Rick Bayless
Jacques Pépin
Advisors to the Julia Child Foundation:
Jim Dodge
Sally Ekus
Erin Fairbanks
Darra Goldstein
Doug Margerum
Jacques Pépin, Emeritus
Anne Willan, Emeritus
Local Friends of The Julia Child Foundation:
Greg Brewer
Dani and Bill Hahn
Kyle Irwin
Richard and Thekla Sanford
Norm and Karleen Waitt
Lynda Weinman & Bruce Heavin
Jenny Williamson-Doré
The Julia Child Foundation For Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts
ERIC W. SPIVEY Chairman & Trustee
PHILADELPHIA COUSINS Trustee
ALEX PRUD’HOMME Trustee
TODD SCHULKIN
Advisory Committee
PHIL CARPENTER
General Manager SB Vintners
GRACE GATES
Owner Little King Coffee
KRISTA HARRIS
Edible Santa Barbara
KATHY JANEGA-DYKES
PRESIDENT/CEO Visit Santa Barbara
MATT KETTMANN
SENIOR EDITOR The Santa Barbara Independent
MARY MARANVILLE
Founder Heritage Farmland
DOUG MARGERUM
Margerum Wine Company
NANCY MARTZ
EXECUTIVE
GRAND WINE TASTING
May 17 | El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park.
Sip, Savor, & Meet the Makers in Santa Barbara!
Get ready to swirl, sip, and soak up the sunshine! The Santa Barbara Culinary Experience Grand Wine Tasting is back on Saturday May 17 at the iconic El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park — and it’s going to be bigger bolder and more delicious than ever.
With 40+ top-tier wineries, incredible food vendors, winemaker panels, and live music by Santa Barbara favorites Salty Strings, this is the signature wine event of the season!
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EVENT DETAILS
· El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
· VIP Early Access: 1–2 p.m.
· General Admission: 2–5 p.m.
· Live Music: Enjoy the foot-stomping sun-drenched vibes of local band Salty Strings as you taste your way through the afternoon.
· Winemaker Panels Moderated by editor Matt Kettmann
• Wisdom from some of Santa Barbara’s
• Panel discussions moderated by the Santa Barbara Independent’s
Spivey, Chairman & Trustee Philadelphia Cousins, Trustee Alex Prud’homme, Trustee
William A. Truslow, Emeritus Trustee Todd Schulkin, Executive Director
Salkeld, Director of Outreach
Director LAUREN SALKELD Director of Outreach Santa Barbara Culinary Experience Staff
• Food from local makers including avocado and olive oil tastings
ALL-INCLUSIVE TICKETS
• Live music with the Salty
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ONE TICKET GIVES YOU ACCESS TO:
Unlimited wine tastings from 40+ wineries
Sponsors for their generosity and for believing early-on in our mission of elevating the food and wine of Santa Barbara County. Without their support this event would not have been possible.
