35. Ultimate Santa Ynez Wine Retreat

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Immerse yourself in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country with this luxurious retreat in the charming Santa Ynez Valley. This exclusive experience combines elegant accommodations with intimate, hands-on wine adventures led by acclaimed winemakers, perfect for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a serene escape.

Your retreat begins with a three-night stay at the ForFriends Inn, a boutique bed and breakfast known for its warm hospitality and beautiful bungalow accommodations. Nestled in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley, the inn offers a peaceful setting to unwind and savor the region’s natural beauty. Start each day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on your wine-filled adventures.

Elevate your wine knowledge with a private blending workshop and gourmet luncheon at Artiste Winery, led by renowned winemaker Bion Rice. This hands-on experience allows you to create a unique blend while enjoying a thoughtfully curated meal paired with exquisite wines. Take home a case of your personally blended wine to commemorate your trip. Spend the next morning taking in the sites as you drive through the Santa Ynez Mountains toward Santa Barbara. An easy 38 miles from ForFriends Inn, enjoy the breathtaking view of Santa Barbara sprawled below as you head into the valley for lunch in the famous Funk Zone district. Return to Santa Ynez in the afternoon for a private vineyard tour and tasting with Matt McKinney, the celebrated winemaker behind McKinney Family Vineyards. 

Take home a truly one-of-a-kind 9-liter of Artiste’s custom red blend, crafted exclusively for DCWAF friends and family. Sure to be a focal point in any wine enthusiast’s cellar, this special large format blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot is the only one of its kind. 

This Lot Includes:

  Three (3) night stay at the ForFriends Inn in Bungalow accommodations in Santa Ynez, CA, for two (2) people

  Private blending workshop and gourmet wine luncheon at Artiste Winery led by winemaker Bion Rice 

  Tour of Los Olivos Lavendar and Olive Oil Farm for two (2) people

  Private vineyard tour and tasting at McKinney Family Vineyards with winemaker Matt McKinney for two (2) people

  Driving tour from Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara and lunch in the Funk Zone district of Santa Barbara for two (2) people

  Homemade 3-course breakfast and happy hour with hors d’oeuvres daily at ForFriends Inn for two (2) people

  Access to a Friendship Pass providing complimentary tastings at additional nearby wineries

  Daily housekeeping 

  9L of 2024 Artiste ‘DCWAF 20th Anniversary’ Red Blend - only one ever bottled  

  Twelve (12) bottles of custom blended Artiste wine

  2020 McKinney Family Vineyards ‘Blood of Jove’ Sangiovese

  2020 McKinney Family Vineyards ‘Napoleon’s Secret’ Bordeaux Blend

  2021 McKinney Family Vineyards ‘Queen Charlemagne’ Chardonnay

 

Donated by: Artiste Winery, McKinney Family Vineyards, and ForFriends Inn

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Founded in 2005, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has donated more than $35 Million to Northwest Florida children's charities by hosting world class wine and culinary events. These funds have impacted the lives of over 100,000 youth, including those afflicted by health issues and abuse. Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has been recognized as one of the nation’s ‘Top 10 Charity Wine Auctions in the U.S.’ by Wine Spectator Magazine for more than a decade.

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