Experience the Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire Celebration: August 13-16 in Lompoc! Chris Lehoux, August 4, 2026 The Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire Celebration will take place from August 13-16 in Lompoc, California, drawing attention to the often-overlooked Santa Barbara Wine Country, renowned for its high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This festival, organized by the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance, offers an excellent opportunity to engage with wine lovers and producers, indulging in tastings and culinary experiences. The event starts on Thursday with seminars and tastings, followed by a Barn Party at Sanford and Benedict Winery. On Friday, additional tastings and seminars will take place, leading up to the highlight—the Grand Tasting on Saturday, August 15, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at La Purisima Mission. This festive occasion will feature live music and an array of food from local vendors, showcasing grilled and seasonal dishes that complement the wines. Participating wineries in the Grand Tasting include notable names such as Alma Rosa Winery, Fiddlehead Cellars, Sea Smoke, and many more, ensuring a rich variety of tasting options. Tickets for this experience are bound to sell out quickly, with the full ticket package costing approximately $156, including access to the Grand Tasting and other events, while the Barn Party ticket is around $125. A shuttle service from local hotels is available, which is highly recommended for convenience and safety. Attendees are advised to dress in layers to accommodate the changing temperatures throughout the day. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Wine and Fire Festival page. 2026 Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire FestivalGrand Tasting: Saturday, August 15, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PMLa Purisima Mission State Historic Park2295 Purisima Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436View on map About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Activities &Amp; Events Chardonnay Food Activities Pinot Noir Public Tasting Santa Barbara Sta. Rita Hills Wine Activities