With a higher percentage of female winemakers than most of the world's wine regions, Santa Barbara wine country has much to celebrate for International Women's Day, which focuses on working women. Our belief is that our wines shine with great food and good company. We invite you to join us in our own “back yard” to savor every last sip (+ bite).

Meet Director of Winemaking Megan McGrath Gates and 30+ women winemakers pouring their wines during a walk-around tasting reception, paired with bites prepared by some of the area's best female chefs, restaurateurs and food crafters, served right in the middle of one of the region’s newest hospitality properties: The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection.

Culinary talent for this year's event is organized by Brooke Stockwell, Executive Chef, Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, and will include Rhoda Magbitang, Executive Chef, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern; Chef Golzar Barrera, owner of Santa Ynez Valley's All Purpose Flower; Janelle Norman, owner and cheesemonger at Solvang’s Cailloux Cheese Shop; Sarah Price, owner/operator of Lompoc-based Sassafras Mobile Food Truck and Restaurant; Kimberly Zimmerman, owner, The Juicy Life; Lisa Thompson, chef at Global Gardens; Shanté Norwood, owner/baker at Té'Stees Cupcakes; and treats- and truffle-maker Jessica Foster of Jessica Foster Confections. Additional foodie donations will be made by Theo Stephan, owner of Global Gardens, and Shawnda Marmorstein, owner, Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café and Café Farm. Additional event chefs and participating food businesses will be announced over the next few weeks.

All participating women winemakers will be on-hand to pour tastes of their wines and talk with event guests during the wine tasting reception (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM), which will include passed appetizers, a cheese table, and live music.