The 6th Annual Vino de Sueños (Wine of Dreams) Wine Release Celebration will be held November 2nd at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott in Buellton, CA from 3-6 PM. The public is invited to attend to celebrate the contributions of farm and vineyard workers to the County’s and Valley’s economies and culture.
This year, the event features 13 Santa Barbara County premium wines donated for the Vino de Sueños wine label. Each of the 13 wines has a label derived from original art submitted by local professional artists. In addition to the wine tasting, the wines and original art pieces will be available for purchase. There also will be live music by José Elizarraraz and gourmet appetizers from Ballard Inn, La Bodega de España, New West Catering, and Trattoria Uliveto.
Vino de Sueños is the brand name for the wine series released each year for the benefit of People Helping People (PHP) and services they provide to farm and vineyard workers. Each year, PHP furnishes in excess of $250,000 in services to these workers and their families.
Dean Palius, PHP Chief Executive, reported that the number of wineries participating initially began with just seven. Palius refers to the original seven as “visionary.” “They were willing to pursue this idea without a safety net,” he said. “We had no sponsors, location, or artists, but, we all shared a passion to help those upon whose shoulders a major industry has literally been built. The founding seven winemakers are Longoria, Buttonwood, Alma Rosa, Clos Pepé, Feliz Noche, Presidio, and Foxen.
Palius said that now each year PHP has more requests from wineries who want to participate than their venue can accommodate. In addition, the event, PHP, and those farm and vineyard workers who are assisted, have also attracted other supporters in the form of event underwriters.
The Santa Barbara County Vintners Foundation is the lead double gold sponsor. There are three gold ($5,000) level sponsors including the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Uva Design Studio, and TAPP Printing. At the silver ($2,500) level are New West Catering, Ballard Inn, La Bodega de España, Trattoria Uliveto and Terravant Wine Company. Bronze ($1,000) sponsors are Coastal Vineyard Care Associates (CVCA), General Paving Management (GPM), Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, Foxen Winery, Frey Farming, Cal Glads, Windmill Nursery, and Park Central Web Design.
“There is no way that we could finance such a large event and pay for all of the needed services without the help of some very generous donors,” said Palius. “In addition, there are the very talented artists that have given their original works for wine labels and auction and also those who donated travel, restaurant, wine and other items for the lifestyle auction. We are very grateful to have earned this level of community support.”
Tickets for Vino de Sueños are $50 each, include a 14-ounce Vino de Sueños logo glass, and are on sale now. To buy tickets or to receive more information about the Vino de Sueños release celebration, visit the Vino de Sueños website at www.vinodesuenos.com or contact People Helping People at (805) 686-0295 or at fahim@syvphp.org.