Experience an extravaganza of local flavors as the wineries of the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association host their annual Vintners' Festival at Lompoc's River Park. The Festival features more than 100 wineries, as well as live music, a silent auction and wine country cuisine by the area's finest chefs.

The Santa Maria Valley's excellent winegrowing climate is also very favorable to Valley strawberries and other produce, all of which contribute to the valley's rich agricultural legacy. Santa Maria Valley strawberries are renowned for their juicy, flavorful character, and they find their ultimate showcase each April during the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival at the Santa Maria Fairpark. This berry bash features strawberry varietal sampling, strawberry desserts, educational exhibits and old-fashioned carnival entertainment.

The Santa Maria Valley's signature fall event features a feast for the senses courtesy of local winemakers, brewers and artists. The festival unfolds along South McClelland Street in Santa Maria, and it includes a car show, live entertainment, art demonstrations, children's games, Santa Maria BBQ, and wine and beer tasting. Admission is free, and optional tickets can be purchased for access to the wine and beer tasting tent.

Migratory birds are starting to arrive! Both adults and young bald eagles have already made appearances in August and September. Soon, the migratory pelicans, osprey and many species of visiting ducks will ap0pear. The Fall Season offers cooler temperatures and a serene atmosphere. Winter Wildlife Cruises are offered mornings 10am – noon on Saturdays & Sundays, and afternoons 3pm - 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Santa Barbara County Park Naturalists lead 2-hour cruises that focus on wildlife, local birds, flora, geology, and Native American and settler history. $15/adults $7/kids (4-12 years old; please, no children under 4). Reservations: (805) 568-2460 weekdays, (805) 686-5055 weekends. $10 Park Admission per vehicle. Call the naturalists’ office at (805) 688-4515 for more information or visit www.sbparks.org and click on “Nature Cruises”.

Happy Hour every weekday from 4-6pm Monday-Thursday! Wine Club members get your wine by the glass for $5. (Non-wine Club $7). Take an extra 5% off any bottle (25%). Food items will also be 25% off. As always, wine club members and up to 3 guests (4 people total) can receive a complimentary wine tasting, however, complimentary glasses of wine will no longer be served. 1331 S. Nicholson. (805) 922-1468 / cdowinery.com.

Every Tuesday year-round, from 10 am to 1 pm, come out to the Oak Knolls Shopping Center at the corner of Clark and Bradley (look for CVS Pharmacy) to buy the freshest local produce, plants and flowers. Info: (805) 305-9829..