​A beautiful day by the beach, festive tunes and an uplifting vibe, fine food and of course excellent drink. The 14th annual California Wine Festival in Santa Barbara encompassed just about everything you could ask for in a true California experience. Taking place literally steps from the sand and surf at Chase Palm Park Plaza, this beachside wine festival brought together local eateries and fine labels from across the state for a sizeable, but not overwhelming crowd. 

Laetitia Vineyard and Winery, Rutherford Wine Company, Russian River Vineyards and Valdez Family Winery were among the highlighted purveyors, as well as favorites such as Houdini, Broken Earth Winery and Macchia. A healthy brewery lineup added a refreshing beer element to the hot summer day, with Unibroue, M. Special Brewing Co. and Island Brewing Company as just a few standouts on the list. 
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On the culinary end, Enterprise Fish Company showcased their ever-spectacular lobster bisque, along with Nana’s Kitchen, Dave’s Dogs, Blaze Pizza and Luna Grill serving up additional specialties. While California Wine Festival prioritizes beverages in their events, it’s safe to say you will walk away with your stomach full and your palate pleased. 

The festival in Santa Barbara is part of California Wine Festival, which oversees a series of annual wine & food festivals across Southern California throughout the year. For more information visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com 

Ocean Market Grill, or OMG as it cleverly goes by, has brought the build-your-own concept to fresh, sustainable seafood. In the same way you customize your burger at The Counter or your burrito at Chipotle, you’re able to create your ideal seafood dish at this growing fast-casual Southern California chain. By bringing higher-end ingredients to a more modest, yet modern environment, OMG is making exotic seafood more approachable to the masses.

Nine seafood options create the base of OMG’s dynamic menu, ranging from traditional salmon and shrimp to ahi tuna, rock cod and yellowtail. OMG prepares your selection in one of three ways: blackened, salt & pepper or garlic butter. You’re then able to have their selection served in plate, wrap, sandwich or taco form, with sides that range from salads and grilled vegetables to excellent fries and garlic rice.