Wine Down at Friendship Center

Next week marks the 8th annual Wine Down & Big Heart Awards at Friendship Center in Montecito; members of the community are invited to join for a relaxing and festive gathering in the courtyard with 12 local wineries/breweries pouring their beverages for tasting, along with hors d’oeuvres by Spices N Rice, and live music by Montecito Jazz Project. 

The annual Big Heart Awards will be presented to notable supporters and guests will have chances to contribute much-needed funds with a silent auction of unique gift baskets and a small live auction courtesy of auctioneer Stephen Meade of KJEE. A portion of the proceeds from this event go to LEAP (Life Enrichment Activity Programs), providing music and movement sessions led by local entertainers and instructors to engage Friendship Center members in body, mind, and spirit.

Participating wineries include Andrew Murray Vineyards, Au Bon Climat, Buttonwood Farm Winery, Fess Parker Winery, Gainey Vineyard, Kitá Wines, Lafond Winery, Qupé Winery, Santa Barbara Winery, Vinemark Cellars, Zaca Mesa Winery, and Captain Fatty’s Brewery. 

“As always, we could not put this event on without our generous sponsors,” said Justine Sutton, Development & Communications coordinator for Friendship Center. Sponsors include Heritage House, Lynda Fairly, David and Louise Borgatello, Sally Boughton, Tom and Nancy Crawford, Sharon Kennedy Estate Management, Penny Mathison and Don Nulty, Dr. and Mrs. Randall VanderMey, Sue Adams, Boone Graphics, Castle Wealth Planning, LLC, Easy Lift Transportation, Inc., First American Title Co., Vangie Herrera and Al Anglin, Home Care Assistance, Sharon and Andy Siegel, Vince Turano and Steve Warner, Linda Seltzer Yawitz, Pat Forgey and Jerry Wilson, Karolyn Hanna, Andriana and Sophia Hohlbauch, Sey Kinsell, Kathy Marden and Pamela Vander Heide, Agris and Elza Petersons, Senior Planning Services, and Mary H. Walsh.

The event is Thursday, September 13, from 4 to 7 pm. Tickets are $75 each. For more info, visit www.friendshipcentersb.org. Friendship Center is located at 89 Eucalyptus Lane.