By Jamie Knee
A Toast to Humanity and Wine Excellence at The Santa Barbara Wine Auction
This past weekend the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara transformed into a haven of elegance, philanthropy, and exceptional wine. The 2024 Santa Barbara Wine Auction by the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation brought together winemakers, and wine lovers for a weekend of celebration and purpose, all in support of Direct Relief. I had the privilege of attending and witnessing firsthand the profound impact that a community can make when united by a shared mission to help those in need.
The weekend began on Friday evening with a casual gathering in the Bacara ballroom where guests sipped on Santa Barbara County wines and mingled with the winemakers. Local band Tepusquet Tornadoes set the tone with live music, creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere. Guests browsed silent auction items, including rare wines and one-of-a-kind experiences, while admiring Pedro de la Cruz’s paintings created for the event, which would be up for grabs in the live auction the following night.
Saturday’s Gala Dinner was a black-tie affair, starting with a “Bubbles Bar” reception where sparkling wines and canapés were served as guests explored the silent auction one last time. Dinner was an extravagant experience, featuring dishes prepared by award-winning chefs Neal Fraser of Redbird in Los Angeles, Lincoln Carson, and Jason Paluska of The Lark in Santa Barbara. Each course was carefully paired with Santa Barbara’s finest wines, creating a dining experience that showcased both culinary and winemaking talents.
One of the silent auction items in this year’s auction was a unique experience that my brand, Petite Wine Traveler, donated in collaboration with SAMsARA Wine Co. This item invited the winning bidder to an immersive journey of Old World vs. New World wines at SAMsARA Wine Co.’s cellar in Goleta, California. This 75-minute tasting experience will compare SAMsARA’s wines with the French wines that inspire them, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the techniques and philosophies that guide both old-world and new-world winemaking. Co-led by myself, and Tristan Pitre, SAMsARA’s Director of DTC Sales, formerly of the San Ysidro Ranch. Together, we will explore how SAMsARA’s winemaker, Matt Brady, mirrors traditional French winemaking methods in his Californian creations. Congratulations to the highest bidder!
The live auction during Saturday’s Gala, with master of ceremonies Andrew Firestone, included items that were as memorable as they were valuable. Among the many incredible items that fueled bidding wars, and raised substantial funds, were exclusive experiences and rare offerings from Santa Barbara’s finest. Top auction items included a four-course truffle dinner for 20 at the beautiful Presqu’ile Winery, a five-night getaway at Villa Flora in Montecito courtesy of Babcock Winery, a lavish dinner for 25 couples hosted by Acme Hospitality and Stolpman Wine, and a custom painting by local artist Pedro de la Cruz created specifically for this year’s event. The energy was electric as paddles flew up, showing the generosity and enthusiasm of those in the room. Each item represented not only a unique experience but also the generosity and creativity of the Santa Barbara wine community.
The excitement continued with the “Stand Up and Be Counted” paddle raise, an emotional moment dedicated to supporting Community Health Centers of the Central Coast. This portion of the event inspired guests to raise their paddles high, knowing that their contributions would provide essential healthcare services to underserved populations. The collective impact of the paddle raise was profound, showing once again the power of this community to come together for a common cause.
Throughout the evening, guests celebrated not only their love for wine but also their shared dedication to making a difference. The 2024 Santa Barbara Wine Auction marked its 13th year, a testament to the wine community’s commitment to giving back, whether helping local health centers, or supporting disaster relief worldwide through Direct Relief. It was a night of connection, hope, and purpose—a true celebration of humanity.
Reflecting on the weekend, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be part of an event where generosity flowed as freely as the wine. This year’s auction reminded all of us of the impact we can make when we gather for a greater cause. As a Santa Barbara Wine Writer, I am proud to share the stories of those who make Santa Barbara Wine Country so remarkable. Cheers to many more evenings of celebration, compassion, and purpose—may we continue to raise our glasses and our paddles to bring hope and help to those who need it most.
