It’s wine-grape harvest time in Santa Barbara County

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The wine-grape harvest is in full effect in Santa Barbara County from now through November.

At Bien Nacido Vineyards, harvest officially started at the end of August, after a challenging growing season, with Pinot Gris for Au Bon Climat. The vineyard, consisting mainly of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Syrah, has a long list of prominent winery clientele, including Tantara, the Ojai Vineyard, Gary Farrell and Qupé. Next up is Pinot Noir, which the Santa Maria Valley vineyard has found to be lighter than predicted but readily ripened thanks to Southern California sunshine. 4705 Santa Maria Mesa Road, Santa Maria, (805) 937-2506, biennacidovineyards.com.

Stay updated on Santa Barbara County’s wine-grape harvest at sbcountywines.com. Starting Oct. 8, a weekend-long ‘Celebration of Wine’ will take place at Rancho Sisquoc Winery in Santa Maria. Participating winemakers -- from Santa Maria Valley, Santa Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley -- will showcase their latest wines, including many newly bottled; in addition, there will be winemaker dinners and barrel tastings. Tickets from $35 per person.

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-- Caitlin Keller