White Buffalo Is Back to Its Roots

White Buffalo Land Trust’s marquee event, Roots of the Future II: Healthy Soils – Healthy Seas, will dazzle us once again on the second Saturday of May. Roots of the Future II will be an enchanting affair overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the bluffs of Hope Ranch in Santa Barbara that connects our tight-knit community with the bountiful land that provides us. This year, greetings at the cocktail hour are sure to last a little longer and feel a little warmer to mark its grand return after the pandemic scuttled the in-person gala in 2020 and 2021. 

Steve Finkel, president of White Buffalo Land Trust, highlights the nexus between our landscape and seascape with our palate. “White Buffalo is well known for our culinary creativity and intentionality about using cuisine as a vehicle for learning and understanding our food system and how we relate to it.”

White Buffalo Land Trust is a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit organization focused on regenerative agriculture to directly address the climate, biodiversity, public health, and food security challenges that we face today. Its acquisition of the 1,000-acre Jalama Canyon Ranch last year is an exciting addition to the organization’s model of restoration to the ecosystem and serves as a pinnacle of excellence in land stewardship.

The lavish local cocktail group, Good Lion Hospitality, will be creating exclusive cocktails made from the finest fruits, herbs, spices, and produce, destined to ensure a great evening filled with culinary delights. In addition to drinks and dinner, Roots of the Future II will serve up games of chance, exclusive wine available to donors, stage shows, and favors to tote home. 

The auction highlights unique culinary opportunities – from a local dinner and wine pairing experience at Jalama Canyon Ranch, to the other side of the country in New York with a tour of the legendary Stone Barns, dinner at their new café, and an exclusive overnight stay on the property for two couples. 

White Buffalo Land Trust offers a view into unforgettable experiences. Imagine a three-night stay for three couples at the incomparable Blackberry Farm in the Great Smoky Mountains, or a weekend for four at the medieval priory and eco-luxury wine estate, La Verrière Winery, in the heart of Provence, France. There is also a chance to win a one-of-a-kind framed Lindsey Ross Ambrotype photograph captured from the landscapes of Jalama Canyon Ranch. 

Throughout the evening, food will be served by Duo Catering and will feature a menu that encompasses a variety of dishes from food purveyors in the regenerative network of growers, ranchers, producers, and fishermen.

White Buffalo Land Trust has paired with world-class sommelier and winemaker Raj Parr and Sandhi Wines to utilize grapes exclusively from the Jalama Canyon Ranch for a single vineyard-designated pinot noir. Roots of the Future II will showcase the special release of this exclusive pinot noir. 

Land Leader ticket patrons will be treated to a VIP Tour of Jalama Canyon Ranch, limited edition White Buffalo Land Trust Wine, replete with round-trip private car service to the event, White Buffalo merchandise, and acknowledgment of donations in print and online. Your vehicle will be waiting for you under the stars when you are ready to depart the event. 

The Roots of the Future II event is the grande dame of a myriad of spectacular events held in Santa Barbara every year. But despite the glitter and the glory, White Buffalo Land Trust has continued to support our local community and connect us to the nature and ocean that surrounds us.  

For information on event sponsorship, tables, and tickets, email Bre@whitebuffalolandtrust.org or visit www.whitebuffalolandtrust.org.