Six Santa Barbara Wines

Two advantages of having a wedding in Santa Barbara Wine Country is not only that it is one of the world's most stunningly beautiful wine regions, it is also a famous wine destination. Brought to the spotlight in 2004 by the film Sideways, the Central Coast Valley features some of the world's finest wine. Foodie couples are in vino veritas heaven when they host their wine country wedding, with the capabilities to select and pair a delicious wedding reception, rehearsal or elopement dinner with some of the most dynamic varietals, such as these six savory sip suggestions from Jacki Strum, Founder of ThirstyNest, a wine and spirits wedding registry.

• Viogner is a wonderful varietal when grown in this region. It gives delicious stone fruits with an acidic sizzle and the Fess Parker 2015 is a perfect representation of the local style. 
• Made from ripe, sun-soaked fruit grown at prime vineyards in both Santa Barbara and Monterey, the Kendall Jackson 2013 Grand Reserve Chardonnay is a rare gem from an early American (now household name) winemaker. It was aged in French oak to really bring out its bright, almost fizzy, almost Jolly Rancher citrus fruit flavors balanced with a hint of wild garden herbs.
• The Curran 2016 Grenache Gris Rosé is a beautiful pale pink wine that makes a perfect pairing with a warm sunny afternoon in the Central Coast California heat. 
• J Vineyards & Winery always makes wonderful and affordable wines and their 2015 Pinot Noir does not disappoint. For a region that really shines with this great this bottle is a great representation. 
• For a bold red with a Spanish accent, the 2012 Curran Tempranillo from Santa Barbara County is a wonderful choice with tart sour cherries and a hint of leather.
• Fess Parker’s 2014 Syrah is a great way to end a meal alongside a big juice steak rich in black currant and tobacco. The sunshine of Santa Barbara really brings out the fruit in this smoky and layered red. 

Photo Credits: Featured Image: Megan Kelsey Photography | Top Image: Elizabeth Messina Photography | 2nd Image: Brett Heidebrecht Photography | Final Image: Anna J Photography