Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tools

Wine Lovers Gather for California Wine Festival

KEYT Producer

Story Created: Jul 17, 2010 at 4:32 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 19, 2010 at 3:56 PM PDT

Thousands of wine lovers gathered at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara Saturday for the 7th Annual California Wine Festival.

More than 80 wineries and restaurants took part in the 2010 event.

People started filing in as early as 11 a.m. to enjoy premium wine, craft beers, food, and live entertainment. Vendors came from several wine regions including Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Napa and Sonoma.

Organizers say it was the largest wine festival of the year.

Wine grapes have become a top crop in the Central Coast region in recent years. According to the Wine Institue in San Francisco, there are 27,600 acres of wine grapes planted in San Luis Obispo County and 16,600 acres planted in Santa Barbara County, totaling more than 44,000 acres. Together they make up 7.4 percent of the total state winegrape crush. The number one wine grape variety in San Luis Obispo County is Cabernet Sauvignon with 8,600 acres. Merlot is second with 4,200 acres. There are about 110 wineries in the County. In Santa Barbara County, Chardonnay is the predominant grape with 7,100 acres, and Pinot Noir follows with 3,200 acres. There are almost 90 wineries.

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Primetime

8.00
wife swap
9.00
primetime: what would you do?
10.00
20/20
11.00
key news