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an ideal climate year round, Santa Barbara enjoys a myriad of cultural
and recreational happenings year round. Whether you are whale watching
in spring or picking raspberries in midsummer Santa Barbara plays
host to a virtual panoply of events for all ages.
Historic Downtown Walking Tour
An easy stroll lets you experience Santa Barbara's past. Led by
trained docents, the tour focuses on significant historic buildings,
architectural styles, landscaping, and our rich cultural past. Walking
shoes and a hat are recommended. Meet on the steps of City Hall,
de la Guerra Plaza, Santa Barbara.
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Phone: (805) 965-6307 Website: www.afsb.org
Ongoing -- Backstage
Tours at The Lobero Theatre
The Lobero offers free docent guided tours upon request.
Get the inside scoop on what happens behind the scenes of California's
oldest, continuously operating theatre. Tour takes approximately
50 minutes and is a great alternative lunchtime activity. 33 East
Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara.
Daily. Phone: (805) 966-4946 x 613 Website: www.lobero.com
Sundays -- Santa
Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
The show is now the only continuous arts festival of original drawings,
paintings, graphics, sculpture, crafts, and photography in the world.
Approximately 300 Santa Barbara County resident artists display
their own works in an informal atmosphere under the palms of Chase
Palm Park. All items are original art, created by the artists you
meet. The show is held on all Sundays and holidays.
Time: 10:00 AM until Dusk Phone: (805) 897-1982
Saturdays -- Horse
Whisperer Demonstrations
Monty Roberts, modern day horse whisperer & NY Times
best selling author of “The Man Who Listens to Horses,”
trains horses in their own language and a non-violent method he
calls Join-Up®, allowing him to achieve in 30 minutes, without
the use of violence, what can take traditional cowboys 3 weeks.
Time: 2:00 PM Phone: (805) 688-6288 Website: www.montyroberts.com
Saturdays -- The
Grapevine
The first and only radio show dedicated exclusively to the
Santa Barbara county wine industry on AM1290 KZBN Radio out of Santa
Barbara. The Grapevine is hosted by Gabe Saglie. This live program
features local vintners, merchants, chefs, and wine events. Tune
in on your drives!
Time: Noon - 1:00 PM The Grapevine GrapeLine: (805) 453-1209
Daily -- Santa Barbara
Sailing Center
Choose from whale watching expeditions, Channel Island getaways
and sailing for individuals or couples! We have a great number of
boats to choose from. Call for information.
Time: Varies Phone: (805) 962-2826 Website: www.sbsail.com
October - January
-- Bits 'N Spurs
Looking at the "Bits n' Spurs" of early California,
the Santa Barbara Trust For Historic Preservation presents the 3rd
installment in a series of annual exhibits featuring local ranching
culture. At Casa De La Guerra, 15 East De La Guerra Street. Phone:
(805) 965-0093 Website: www.sbthp.org
November - March
-- Santa Barbara Fisherman's Market
Come down to the Santa Barbara Harbor at the Breakwater
and buy fresh fish, crab, or lobster right off the decks of the
fishing boats. Fresher seafood cannot be found! Saturday mornings
only.
Time: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM Phone: (805) 965-8112
February - November
-- Family Tours at Lotusland Garden
Family tours for all ages are offered the first Thursday
morning of each month at 10:00 AM, and the third Thursday afternoon
of each month at 1:30 PM (except between November 15 and February
19). Family tours are child and parent friendly and are separate
from regular adult tours. Adult members $15 or use admission passes;
children under ten $8; children under two free. Call for reservations
from 9:00 AM - Noon, Monday - Friday.
Phone: (805) 969-9990 Website: www.Lotusland.org
February - May --
Gray Whale Watching
Take a whale watching cruise to the Channel Islands. Along
the way see many gray whales in their natural habitat. Please call
the Santa Barbara Sail Center for more information on location and
other details. Phone: (805) 962-2826 Website: www.sbsail.com
Wednesdays -- Sunset
in the Park Mixer
Each month during the summer, Elings Park hosts a no-cost
mixer for all to enjoy. There are a variety of delectable treats
and beer and wine to enjoy from the lovely and scenic decks of Godric
Grove. Join us each Wednesday through September. Godric Grove in
Elings Park, Santa Barbara.
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Phone: (805) 569-5611 Website: www.elingspark.org
Third Thursday of
Every Month -- NIGHTS
If you want to unwind after work and enjoy a varying mix
of music, performances, special activities, cocktails, and hors
d’oeuvres, come to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA)
the thrid Thursday of every month. Tickets, which include admission,
entertainment, and hors d’oeuvres are only available the evening
of the event.
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Phone : (805) 963-4364 Website: www.sbmuseart.org
June - August --
Mysteries of Mars at Gladwin Planetarium
The Red Planet. The show includes spectacular images from
various NASA expeditions to Mars: Viking I and II, Mars Pathfinder
and the Sojourner missions. This show includes a guided tour of
the night sky. At the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559
Puesta de Sol Road, Santa Barbara. Phone: (805) 682-4711 Website:
www.sbnature.org
July - August --
Pick Your Own Berries
Pick your own raspberries and blackberries at the Morrell
Nut & Berry Farm. 1980 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang. Phone: (805)
688-8969
Hang Gliding and
Paragliding Festival
Contact: Fly Above It All
Phone: (805) 965-3733 Website: www.flyaboveall.com
Wild Weekends at
the Natural History Museum
Families looking for things to do on weekends in Santa Barbara
can go wild with "Wild Weekends" at the Santa Barbara
Museum of Natural History, now through the end of January. Each
Saturday and Sunday the Museum will be alive with fun and interesting
demonstrations and learning experiences. Located at 2559 Puesta
Del Sol, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 682-4711 Website: www.sbnature.org
Fantasy Wedding
Faire
Earl Warren Showground
U.S. Hwy 101 at Las Positas
Phone: (805) 963-8862
Santa Barbara International
Orchid Show
Earl Warren Showground
U.S. Hwy 101 at Los Positas
Phone: (805) 967-3361 Website:
www.sborchidshow.com
Santa Barbara International
Film Festival
Several locations, most near downtown.
Phone: (805) 963-0023 Website: www.sbfilmfestival.org
Santa Barbara Whale
Festival
Two full days of fun, food, art and crafts! There will be
entertainment for the entire family - whale watching tours, whale
information stations, diving demonstrations, a children's carnival,
rubber duck race, and more!
Stern’s Wharf - At the south end of State Street Website:
www.sbwhalefestival.com
Kite Festival
Kite lovers share their passion at this event, which has
been in existence for over 15 years.
Shoreline Park
Shoreline Dr. Phone: (805) 967-4511, x106
Garden Egg Hunt
at Children’s Festival
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
1212 Mission Canyon Rd
Phone: (805) 682-4726 Website: www.sbbg.org
Jewish Festival
Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Ave
Phone: (805) 957-1115 Website: www.sbjf.org
Presidio Days
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
123 E. Canon Perdido St
Phone: (805) 966-9719 Website: www.sbthp.org
Spring Plant Sale
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
1212 Mission Canyon Rd
Phone: (805) 682-4726 Website: www.sbbg.org
Santa Barbara Fair
and Expo
Traditional Country Fair
Earl Warren Showground
Phone: (805) 687-0766
Family Service Agency's
Children’s Festival
Alamdea Park West
Micheltorena and Anacapa St
Phone: (805) 965-1001 Website: www.fscares.org/spotlight
Cinco de Mayo
Various locations
Phone: (805) 965-8581
I Madonnari Italian
Street Painting
Mission Santa Barbara
2201 Laguna St.
Phone: (805) 569-3873 Website: www.imadonnarifestival.com
Jose Cuervo Volleyball
Tournament
East Beach
Phone: (805) 564-5422
Santa Barbara Writers
Conference
Phone: (805) 684-2250 Website: www.sbwc.org
Summer Solstice Celebration
State St and Alamdea Park
Phone: (805) 965-3396 Website: www.solsticeparade.com
Chinese Festival
Food, culture, and art from China
Phone: (805) 964-0038 Website: www.chinesefestival.com
Big Dog Parade and
Canine Festival
Dogs and their owners woof it up.
Website: www.bigdogs.com
Semana Nautica
Athletic competitions on land and in the water through the
months of June and July
Phone: (805) 965-0509 Website: www.semananautica.com
Red, White &
Blues Festival
Join Richard Longoria Wines and Buttonwood Farm Winery for
our 6th annual concert in the vineyard. Bring a picnic and your
dancing shoes, because bluesman Finis Tasby and his six-piece band
and Special Guest Catalina Eddy deliver the real deal. At Buttonwood
Farm Winery & Vineyard 1500 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA
Phone: (805) 688-3032 for tickets
California Outrigger
Champions
Off Leadbetter Beach
Phone: (805) 962-9700
French Festival
Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Ave
Phone: (805) 683-4492
Website: www.frenchfestival.com
Greek Festival
Celebrating Greek culture with food, music, and art.
Phone: (805) 683-4492
Santa Barbara National
Horse and Flower Show
One of the top U.S. equestrian events, in conjunction with
a flower show
Earl Warren Showground
Phone: (805) 687-0766
Santa Barbara Orchid
Estate International Orchid Fair
50 guest orchid vendors
At the Horse and Flower Show
Phone: (805) 967-1284 Website: www.sborchid.com
Independence Day
Celebrations
Various Locations
Website: www.spiritof76sb.org
Website: www.sparklesb.org
Santa Barbara National
Horse Show
Earl Warren Showground
Phone: (805) 965-0509 Website: www.earlwarren.com
Stow House Old Fashioned
4th
Goleta hosts the All-American fun day at a historic location
Phone: (805) 964-4407 Website: www.goletahistory.org
4th of July Parade
This annual event attracts up to 20,000 spectators, and
includes marching bands, equestrian participants, military marching
groups and a spectacular array of antique military vehicles as well
as classic automobiles. Please call for additional information.
Phone: (805) 961-2581
Old Spanish Days-
“Fiesta”
Various Locations
Enjoy a five-day celebration of Santa Barbara's Spanish heritage,
including parades, rodeo, Mariachi Festival, El Mercado, and more.
Various locations in downtown Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 962- 8101 Website: www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org
Concerts at Alameda
Park
Come spend a delightful Sunday afternoon at Alameda Park,
and enjoy a 19-year Santa Barbara tradition. Contemporary Jazz with
the Tom Buckner Band. Location: Alameda Park, Micheltorena and Santa
Barbara Streets, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 897-1982
Concert at Chase
Palm Park
The Les Rose Swing Jazz Ensemble. Calling all swing dancers—come
jump, swing and boogie to the big band sounds of a class act. Along
with piano, drums, bass and a full horn section, you’ll be
tapping your toes and stomping your feet when this band starts to
wail! Join us on the great meadow at Chase Palm Park. Bring your
friends, your family, a picnic dinner, and your dancing shoes! Cabrillo
Boulevard at Calle César Chávez (Salsipuedes).
Phone: (805) 897-1982
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Fiesta Mercado
A variety of authentic Mexican delicacies is the highlight
of this quaint neighborhood celebration. There will also be games
and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit Our Lady of Guadalupe Church,
corner of Montecito and Nopal Streets, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 965-4060
Fiesta Parade
Join us for the annual Fiesta Parade at noon on State Street
from Cabrillo Blvd. to Sola Street!
Phone: (805) 962-8101
Santa Barbara Mariachi
Festival
Featuring Mariachi de America, Mariachi Los Caporales, Mariachi
Mujer 2000, Mariachi Las Tapatias, Ballet Folklorico Festival, and
special guests Manuel Vargas & Rhonda Garcia.
Phone: (805) 962-7411
Children's Fiesta
Parade
Enjoy the Children's Fiesta Parade at 10:00 AM on State
Street from Victoria to Ortega.
Phone: (805) 962-8101
Shakespeare Santa
Barbara
The Bard returns to the courtyard of the historic Casa De
La Guerra with Shakespeare Santa Barbara’s production of one
of his most outrageous comedies. Pack your blankets, dust off the
picnic basket, and come join us for an enchanted evening of wine
and laughter beneath the stars! August and September.
Phone: (805) 966-1279 www.shakes-sb.com
Santa Barbara Home
and Garden Show
P. S. Productions sponsors the 15th Annual Santa Barbara
Home & Garden Show at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle
Real, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 929-1903
Oktoberfest
Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar Ave
Phone: (805) 967-6422
Santa Barbara International
Jazz Festival
Leadbetter Beach
Phone: (800) 480-FEST
CALM Antique Show
Antiques and decorative arts
Earl Warren Showground
Phone: (805)898-9715 Website www.calmantiquesshow.com
Taste of the Town
Come taste Santa Barbara! An abundance of rich flavors awaits
you at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Town. Over 60 outstanding restaurants
and wineries will delight you with fantastic food and fabulous wines.
Riviera Research Park Gardens (across the street from the El Encanto
Hotel), Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 892-5556
A Taste of a Wine
Country Wedding
The first ever "mobile" bridal fair will showcase
Santa Barbara wine country as an ideal setting for weddings and
receptions. Guests planning a wedding will tour the valley's finest
venues, admire spectacular floral arrangements, and sample everything
from hors d'oeuvres, a gourmet luncheon and fashion presentation
to wedding cake.
Phone (805)-688-2934
Old Town Harvest
Festival
Take an informal tour and discover the treasures of Old
Town Santa Barbara, then join us for a fabulous final party with
great music, delicious food, and featured beverages. Downtown Santa
Barbara, Old Town district (State Street, from Gutierrez to Ortega
Streets).
Phone: (805) 962-2098 ext. 22
Santa Barbara American
Heart Walk & Run
Get a team together for the 13th Annual Santa Barbara American
Heart Walk and raise funds and awareness in the fight against heart
disease & stroke. Live entertainment, Health Fair, fun &
educational Kid's Zone, and good times & prizes for the entire
community! Fess Parker's Doubletree - Outdoor Plaza del Sol.
Phone: (805) 963-8862
Santa Barbara Book
& Author Festival
Santa Barbara's historic De la Guerra Plaza will come alive
with the 6th annual Santa Barbara Book & Author Festival. Thousands
of families and friends will gather to hear talks by celebrated
authors, engage in thought-provoking panel discussions, attend book
signings, and view more than 60 exhibitors offering books for sale.
Phone: (805) 962-9500 Website www.sbbookfestival.org
United Day of Caring
Santa Barbara County United Way's Day of Caring is an opportunity
to help local United Way services with your time and energy on a
September Saturday morning. You and several hundred of your neighbors
will be volunteering to help local programs do a variety of tasks
such as repairing wheelchair ramps, painting over graffiti, organizing
inventory, gardening and general cleaning. Page Youth Center, 4540
Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 965-8591 Website www.unitedwaysb.org
Los Alamos Old Days
Parade
The public is invited to participate in the 58th annual
Los Alamos Old Days Parade. Parade begins downtown at Main &
Bell Streets and proceeds west to St. Joseph Street.
Phone: (805) 344-5080
Casablanca Ball
Camel rides, belly dancers, henna artists, water pipes and
exotic merchants are all there to charm and amuse guests. The Society
Orchestra plays for dining and dancing pleasure and costumed waitstaff
serve a sumptuous five-course feast. And of course, Rick's wouldn't
be Rick's without the Casbah Casino...so come play and enjoy. Proceeds
benefit Transition House's Children's Programs.
Website: www.transitionhouse.com
Crush Party at Gainey
Vineyard
Make your reservations early for our most popular event
of the year. Celebrate the Art of Winemaking with us for an afternoon/evening
of Grape-Picking in the Vineyard, Barefoot Grape Stomp, Hayrides
through the Vineyard, Barrel-Tasting with the Winemaker, Santa Ynez-Style
Tri-Tip & Chicken Barbecue, Live Music & Dancing. Gainey
Winery, Santa Ynez.
Phone: (888) 424-6398 Website: www.gaineyvineyard.com
Depot Day at the
South Coast Railroad Museum
Depot Day is held each fall to commemorate and celebrate
the preservation of Goleta Depot. Depot Day, which is made possible
by members and friends, is also the museum's main annual community
fundraiser. Enjoy a silent auction, $1 train rides, music, and barbecue.
300 North Los Carneros Road, Goleta.
Phone: (805) 964-3540 Website: www.goletadepot.com
Artwalk
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta del Sol
Phone: (805) 682-4711 Website: www.sbnature.org
Fall Plant Sale
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
1212 Mission Canyon Rd
Phone: (805) 682-4726
Fiesta Italiana
Serra Hall & Garden
Los Olivos St. and Garden St
Phone (805) 564-5418
Old Time Fiddler’s
Convention
Live music and contest outdoors.
Phone: (805) 964-4407
Fiesta City Cat Show
Competition among the cats—certain to be the season’s
meow.
Phone: (805) 687-0766
California Avocado
Festival
The Avocado Festival has evolved into one of the largest
festivals in California with three days of terrific food, music,
and family fun. Ongoing events include three live music venues staging
performances by over 60 bands. The Avocado Expo Tent will be offering
art and recipe contests. Over 70 Arts & Crafts Vendors will
be showing between 7th and 8th street. Head to 6th Street for the
kid's block party.
Phone: (805) 684-0038 Website: www.avofest.com
Feast on the Bayou-
Benefit for the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
A Big Easy Supper. Enjoy an afternoon of cool jazz, while
raising funds to support the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission's Drug
and Alcohol Recovery Program. Historic Rancho Dos Pueblos in Goleta.
Phone: (805) 966-1316 x108 Website: www.sbrm.org
Autumn Arts Grapes
and Grains Festival
The festival will have something for everyone: entertainment
stages featuring bands throughout the day, wine and beer tasting,
a chalk art expose, food booths, fine arts and crafts, a fine art
show, children's activities, puppeteers, a petting zoo, community
resource displays, various art demonstrations, and hands-on children's
art projects. McClelland Street, Santa Maria.
Phone: (805) 925-2403
Celebration of Harvest
- A Passport Weekend
Each Passport holder is given a logo glass and is able to
taste wine on a complimentary basis at all the Santa Barbara County
Vintners' Association wineries for 3 days in October. Additionally,
participating wineries will highlight barrel tastings, new release
tastings, library offerings, food tastings, and entertainment.
Phone: (805) 239-8463
Barbara Ireland Walk
for the Cure
Participate in a 13-mile walk to raise awareness of breast
cancer and to generate funds for the research directed by the Susan
Love MD Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Chase Palm Park Pavilion,
Santa Barbara.
Website: www.susanlovemd.org
Goleta Valley Cycling
Club People Powered Ride
The Goleta Valley Cycling Club invites you to the 25th Annual
People Powered Ride. The three rides tour the scenic Santa Barbara
County wine country and surrounding hills. The start/finish is at
the Firestone Meadow near the intersection of Foxen Canyon and Zaca
Station roads, four miles north of Los Olivos.
Phone: (805) 968-3143 Website: www.goletabike.org
Paso Robles Harvest
Wine Tour
Join us at Meridian Vineyards on Saturday as we celebrate
the 2004 harvest. Listen to live music as you stomp away at a good
old-fashioned grape stomp! On Sunday, we will be hosting a gourmet
brunch overlooking the vineyards from 10 AM - 1 PM. Be sure to enjoy
our specialty, Sassy Sangrigio! 7000 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.
Phone: (805) 239-8463
Goleta Valley Lemon
Festival
Don't miss Goleta Valley's biggest celebration. Held on
the grounds of Girsh Park, the festival has something for everyone:
listen and dance to live bands; sample the world's best lemon meringue
pie and other lemon treats; and watch authentic blacksmith give
a demonstration. It's fun for the whole family. Girsh Park, 7050
Phelps Road, Goleta.
Phone: (800) 646-5382 Website: www.goletavalley.com
Santa Barbara MS
Bike Tour & Fest
The Santa Barbara Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society invites you to participate in our 12th Annual Bike Tour
& Fest for multiple sclerosis. Ride 12, 30, 60, or 120 miles
and raise money to fight the devastating effects of MS. After the
ride, enjoy great entertainment by local acts and incredible food
provided by La Salsa. Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 682-8783
Santa Barbara United
Way Red Feather Ball
The Annual Red Feather Ball underwrites Santa Barbara County
United Way's Linkage Programs - a unique collaboration that teams
53 existing public and private services to solve local community
problems. Currently, there are 10 Linkage projects under way. Dinner,
dancing and silent auction are among the festivities. Coral Casino,
1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 965-8591 Website www.unitedwaysb.org
Downtown Trick-or-Treat
Downtown Santa Barbara’s retailers and restaurants
welcome costumed children and their families to State Street in
search of goodies at the annual Downtown Halloween Trick-or-Treat.
State Street, from Gutierrez to Sola Streets, including adjacent
side streets and Paseo Nuevo Mall.
Phone: (805) 962-2098 x23
Evening for Peace
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation is pleased to announce
its 21st Annual Evening for Peace. This year, the Foundation will
honor Walter Cronkite with its Distinguished Peace Leadership Award.
Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 965-3443 Website: www.wagingpeace.org
Santa Barbara National
Amateur Horse Show
Ear Warren Showground
Phone: (805) 687-0766 Website: www.earlwarren.com
Santa Barbara News
Press Half Marathon
Leadbetter Beach
Phone: (800) 482-8326 Website: www.newspress.com/halfmarathon
Christmas Parade
State St.
Phone (805) 962-2098
Folk and Tribal Arts
Marketplace
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta del Sol
Phone: (805) 682-4711 Website: www.sbnature.org
The Nutcracker
Arlington Theater
1317 State St.
Phone: (805) 963-4408
Solvang Winterfest
Various Venues
Phone: (800) 468-6765
Parade of Lights
This local marine celebration floats a parade of watercraft
decorated with holiday lights from East Beach to the Harbor.
The Waterfront at Stearns Wharf
Phone: (805) 564-5520
Downtown Holiday
Parade
This special ‘Holiday Magic’ parade will feature
more than 2,500 participants including the Holiday Prince &
Fairy, community performance groups, marching bands, local celebrities,
holiday floats, a celebrity Grand Marshal and, of course, Santa!
Downtown Santa Barbara- State Street, from Sola to Cota Streets.
Phone: (805) 897-1982
Holiday Party
Join Father Christmas and his Court of Renaissance musicians,
dancers, jugglers and puppeteers for an evening of entertainment
for the young and young-at-heart. A bountiful holiday buffet, wassail,
and boundless Yuletide Cheer await you! Prepaid reservations required.
Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 East De la Guerra Street, Santa
Barbara.
Phone: (805) 966-1601
Girls Inc. Holiday
Boat Parade
Enjoy the best indoor view of the Santa Barbara Boat Parade
of Lights, along with festive food, wine tasting, fabulous music
and a silent auction. Cabrillo Arts Pavilion, Santa Barbara.
Phone: (805) 963-4757 x16 Website: www.girlsincsb.org
Celebrate the Holidays at the Stow
House
Stow House tours, Santa and his
reindog, children's activities, refreshments, country store, holiday
craft sale, and an old-fashioned bake sale. Stow House, 304 N. Los
Carneros Rd., Goleta.
Phone: (805) 964-4407 Website: www.goletahistory.org
Holiday Open House at Meridian Vineyards
Meridian Vineyards will be celebrating
the holidays with lots of holiday cheer, and wine and food samples.
We also have a variety of gifts perfect for friends and family.
Meridian Vineyards, 7000 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.
Phone: (805) 226-7133 Website: www.meridianvinyards.com
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