Category Archives: Movies

The Granada Theatre’s new “Monday At The Movies” Series

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"Bugsy malone movie poster". Via Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bugsy_malone_movie_poster.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Bugsy_malone_movie_poster.jpg

“Bugsy malone movie poster”. Via Wikipedia –

Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts (SBCPA) recently announced the launch of MONDAY AT THE MOVIES!, a special series of films to be screened throughout the year in the Granada Theatre. The first in the film series will be Bugsy Malone on  on Monday, September 8 at 7 p.m.

Bugsy Malone is a 1976 British musical gangster film, directed by Alan Parker. Set in Chicago, the film is loosely based on Chicago events from the early 1920s to 1931 in the Prohibition era, specifically the exploits of gangsters like Al Capone and Bugs Moran, as dramatized in cinema.

This season’s filmed entertainment programming features the Elmer Bernstein Memorial Film Series, established by the SBCPA to honor the life and work of noted film composer and Santa Barbara resident Elmer Bernstein. The series presents an annual selection of films noteworthy for the importance of their musical scores to the telling of each film’s unique story.

Dates and film titles for the inaugural Elmer Bernstein Memorial Film Series are:

9/8/14 Bugsy Malone

11/24/14 To Kill a Mockingbird

1/26/15 Magnificent Seven

3/30/15 The Great Escape

“Elmer’s greatest passion was creating music for the arts, and it is truly an honor to have his legacy in film be memorialized in Santa Barbara, a city he called home,” says Elmer Bernstein’s widow, Eve Bernstein.

The inaugural series features selections by guest curator Paul Williams, an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe award-winning lyricist and composer.

“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to be the first guest curator for this extraordinary cinematic series,” says Williams. “The first film BUGSY MALONE holds a special place in my heart as I wrote many of the lyrics in the original film. This program will be a fantastic collaboration of impressive musical scores with the most advanced level of technology in the 21st Century.”

Screenings will be preceded by a conversation with Williams and other special guests about each film and its musical score.

Tickets range in price from $9 – $20, and are available through The Granada Theatre’s Box Office—please click here to purchase or call the Box Office at 805/899-2222.  The Granada Theatre is located at 1214 State St. For more information,  visit www.granadasb.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 4, 2014.

Film of 1964 Rock ‘n Roll “T.A.M.I. SHOW” Benefit for Plaza Playhouse Theater in Carpinteria

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James Brown and Mick Jagger, courtesy photo

James Brown and Mick Jagger, courtesy photo

Classic rock lovers, are you ready to rock out like it’s 1964? Then, make plans to be at the Plaza Playhouse in Carpinteria for a rare public screening of one of the greatest rock and roll shows you’ve never seen from 1964.  The T.A.M.I. Show features performances from James Brown, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes and The Beach Boys to name a few.

TAMIshowPOSTERPlaying one night only Saturday, August 23 at 7:15 p.m., this one-time only presentation of the “T.A.M.I. Show” will serve as a fundraiser for the non-profit theater, which is on track to purchase a new, much wider screen for the venue.  It will be 20’x12’ and allow for the showing of many of the great wide screen classics of the past 60 years as well as contemporary films.

Steve Binder, the producer/director, will be on hand to introduce the film and will stay for a Q&A after the film.  (Running time 100 minutes). He will have copies of his book for sale as well.

Tickets are $20 each and available for purchase at plazatheatercarpinteria.com. Doors open at 6:30pm and tickets (if available) can be purchased at the box office the night of the show. Located at 4916 Carpinteria Ave. the theatre is wheelchair accessible.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 21, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Going Sideways

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We indulged in a "Pig Pickin' Party" tradition by drinking bourbon toast in salute to our dinner at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

We indulged in a “Pig Pickin’ Party” tradition by drinking bourbon toast in salute to our
dinner at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s been 10 years since Miles and Jack’s wine-soaked romp  through the vineyards of Santa Barbara wine country, and the impact of these memorable Sideways characters—created by by author Rex Pickett and brought to life by director Alexander Payne and a top-notch cast and crew—is still being celebrated throughout the region. This Academy Award-winning movie introduced the world to the incredible Pinot Noirs of Santa Barbara, and has forever changed the wine world’s perception of the bounty that Santa Barbara County has to offer.

The 10th anniversary celebrations for the movie Sideways kicked off last weekend with a wonderful party at Clenenden Ranch. Hosted by restaurateur and winemaker Frank Ostini (The Hitching Post II Restaurant & Winery) and winemaker Jim Clendenen (Au Bon Climat), this “Pig Pickin’ Party” was quite the shindig, featuring director Payne and movie star Paul Giamatti, an impressive roster of local winemakers, as well as special guests Jim n’ Nick’s BBQ of Birmingham, Alabama.

Enjoying the festivities (L-R), Gray Hartley of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post wines; Sideways star Paul Giamatti, Frank Ostini of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Wine; Sideways director Alexander Payne, Sideways producer Michael London and Jim Clenenden of Au Bon Climat wines. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Enjoying the festivities (L-R), Gray Hartley of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post wines; Sideways star Paul Giamatti, Frank Ostini of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Wine; Sideways director Alexander Payne, Sideways producer Michael London and Jim Clenenden of Au Bon Climat wines. Photo by Krista Kennell.

As you might imagine, Ostini and Clendenen served some amazing hand-selected Sideways original era 2004, 2005 and 2006 wines from Au Bon Climat, Hitching Post and Clendenen Family Vineyards—and other vintners also brought along some specially selected bottles to pair with Jim ‘n Nick’s southern-style barbecue feast, which included flying in their own heritage breed pig that was then slow roasted overnight for the party.

In addition to the party at the ranch, which I was fortunate to be able to attend, the following evening the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation continued the festivities by celebrating the Sideways milestone anniversary partnering with Direct Relief  (a 14-year partnership) on the Santa Barbara Wine Auction, a biennial gala event that since 2000 has raised $3 million in support of Direct Relief’s mission to provide medical aid and relief to people facing emergency situations around the globe.

“At this year’s auction, through the generosity of local vintners and Direct Relief supporters, we were able to raise $1 million,” reports Foundation president Jennifer Williamson Doré.  “A significant component of that number was contributed by bidders desiring the chance to come together to celebrate the anniversary of the release of Sideways at a 10 Year reunion dinner, generously donated by Frank Ostini and the Hitching Post II and Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat Winery.” To Jack and Miles we say, “Well done!”

Sideways star Paul Giamatti and Frank Ostini of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post wine skyped with Giamatti's co-star Virginia Madsen at the benefit event for Direct Relief International. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Sideways star Paul Giamatti and Frank Ostini of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post wine skyped with Giamatti’s co-star Virginia Madsen at the benefit event for Direct Relief International. Photo by Krista Kennell.

In addition to the gala Santa Barbara Wine Auction, the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation raises funds annually through silent auctions at both the Vintners Festival and Celebration of Harvest in support of local nonprofit organizations including Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People, sponsorship of Vino de Sueños annual event, FoodBank of Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation Scholarship Program, Annual Scholarships to qualifying high school seniors in northern Santa Barbara County and Annual Scholarships to qualifying students in the Allan Hancock College Enology and Viticulture program.

In what’s sure to be one of many more Sideways celebrations to come, the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau is holding a  Merlot Taste-Off event on September 13 to  pay homage to wine variety made famous in the Oscar-winning film.  As may recall, in the movie the character of Miles has the memorable line: “If anyone orders merlot, I’m leaving. I am not drinking any (expletive) merlot!”

Tracy Farhad, executive director of the Solvang CVB retorts, “No more denigrating merlot! Come taste these marvelous wines for yourself.”

Participating wineries include Baehner Fournier, Buttonwood, Carivintas, Core, Dascomb, Happy Canyon Vineyard, J. Ludlow, Lions Peak, Lucas & Lewellen, Point Concepcion, Sagebrush Annies, Sevtap and Sunstone. Local restaurants will provide gourmet appetizers.

The tasting will take place in the garden courtyard of the Solvang Festival Theatre (420 Second St.), and proceeds will benefit the nonprofit theater. For information and tickets call 805/688-6144 or visit SolvangUSA.com. 

Stay tuned, there are many more Sideways celebrations to come.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Jim Clenenden greets guests at his ranch in Los Alamos. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Jim Clenenden greets guests at his ranch in Los Alamos. Photo by Krista Kennell.

 

Winemakers enjoyed a special "Pig Pickin' Party" bourbon toast in salute to the pig at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Winemakers enjoyed a special “Pig Pickin’ Party” bourbon toast in salute to the pig at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Just a peek at the fabulous fixings at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Just a peek at the fabulous fixings at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

 

A view worth turning sideways to see, at Clenenden Ranch in Los Alamos. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A view worth turning sideways to see, at Clenenden Ranch in Los Alamos. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 8, 2014.

Oprah and UGG Australia: A Match Made in Film Fest Heaven

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Oprah Winfrey (SBIFF)

Oprah Winfrey (SBIFF)

As loyal viewers know, UGG’s iconic sheepskin boots are one of Oprah Winfrey‘s “favorite things.” The classic boots have been featured on Oprah’s “favorite things” show a record five times, so it’s not surprising that UGG Australia president, Connie Rishwain is thrilled to be up on stage at the Arlington Theatre on Wednesday night introducing Winfrey as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival‘s Montecito Award recipient.

This is UGG’s eighth year as a sponsor of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) but its first as the presenting sponsor. When asked why the company decided to make an even stronger financial commitment now, Rishwain expressed gratitude to the company’s corporate base in Santa Barbara.  “UGG has enjoyed great success, as has Deckers, and we’ve consistently put the majority of our philanthropic dollars back into our local community. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s also a privilege to be able to do it. Sponsoring the SBIFF is a way to thank not only the fans of the brand who continue to support us, but also our own Deckers family who live and work here,” she said.  “Last year was a good year for our business and it seemed like an ideal time to become the presenting sponsor of the SBIFF. ”

Connie Rishwain (courtesy photo)

UGG Australia president Connie Rishwain (courtesy photo)

She continued,  “It’s a thrill to have the opportunity to celebrate Oprah Winfrey, and I am honored to be able to thank her in public for all that she has done for UGG.  We’ve been featured on her ‘favorite things’ show five times, and we attribute part of our global success to her love of UGG.  It’s wonderful to be able to express our love and admiration for her and all that she’s done in film, but beyond that, in the way she’s helped us understand our place in this world and how to make it better.  She’s a real inspiration.”

Deckers has more than 400 employees in Santa Barbara, and most of the UGG brand team is in Goleta in the new corporate headquarters.  “We’ve just moved into our new campus headquarters (at Hollister Ave. and Los Carneros Rd.),” Rishwain said, “so it’s an exciting time for us as we bring together people from the four offices from which we were operating, and are all together again under one roof.”

When asked about the company’s local nonprofit support, Rishwain said, “Giving back to our community and causes has been a part of Deckers’ DNA since its founding. We are a lot bigger now, and support nonprofit organizations all over the world because we have Deckers and UGG employees all over the world committed to causes and programs they care about, but the ethos is the same: ‘to whom much is given, much is required.’  We can’t be a successful company without the employees who work with us, the customers who choose to wear us, and vibrant communities in which to work and live, and we take our obligations to ‘do well and do good’ very seriously. ”

The Montecito Award was created in recognition of a performer who has given a series of classic and standout performances throughout his/her career and whose style has been a contribution to film. Previously, the award has been given to such luminaries as Daniel Day-Lewis, Geoffrey Rush, Julianne Moore, Kate Winslet, Javier Bardem, Naomi Watts and Annette Bening, who was the very first recipient in 2005. Winfrey, who appeared most recently in Lee Daniels’ The Butler, will receive the award on Wednesday, February 5 at 8 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 4, 2014.

SBIFF Has Free Lunchtime Seminars

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film-fest-posterThere’s a great new addition to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival this year: free educational seminars on a variety of topics that are related to film.

Here’s the schedule:

Topic: Social Justice

Monday, Feb. 3 at noon. Moderated by Geoff Green, executive director of The Fund for Santa Barbara.

Topic: Breaking into the Industry

Tuesday, Feb. 4 at noon. Moderated by Nico Maestu, film studies professor.

Topic: Santa Barbara Filmmakers

Wednesday, Feb. 5 at noon. Moderated by Russ Spencer of Bison Films.

Topic: Representing Women of Color

Thursday, Feb. 6 at noon. Moderated by Gaye Theresa Johnston and Ingrid Banks, UCSB Department of Black Studies.

Topic: Screen Cuisine

Friday, Feb. 7 at noon. Moderated by Steve Chagollan from Variety.

Participants in each seminar will include industry professionals as well filmmakers with films in the festival.

All remaining seminars take place in the UGG Australia Pavilion, which is located behind the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Due to limited space, admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to pass-holders.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 3, 2014.

World Premiere of “Mission Blue” Opens SBIFF Tonight

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Mission_Blue.1The 2014 Santa Barbara International Film Festival kicks off tonight with the world premiere of Mission Blue, a story of the ever-changing ocean, at Arlington Theatre on Thursday, January 30 at 8 p.m.

The documentary film highlights oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer Sylvia Earle’s life’s work and follows the increasingly urgent international effort, coordinated by the National Geographic Society, to build awareness about the state of our oceans. Called “Her Deepness” by The New Yorker and The New York Times, and a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, Earle has led more than 60 expeditions and logged more than 6,000 hours underwater.

The film features James Cameron and the late Mike deGruy. Both Earle and Stevens will be in attendance on opening night. Following the film, guests over 21 can attend a film-themed gala at Paseo Nuevo, including food, drinks, dancing, and entertainment.

To purchase tickets for these events click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 30, 2014.

 

“Selma Rubin and Community of Life” at Santa Barbara International Film Festival

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Selma Rubin and Beezhan Tulu at El Capitan (courtesy photo)

Selma Rubin and Beezhan Tulu at El Capitan (courtesy photo)

The legacy of beloved local activist Selma Rubin lives on in filmmaker Beezhan Tulu‘s new documentary, Selma Rubin and Community of Life, which is an official selection of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. 

When asked what inspired him to do the film, Tulu said, “I believe we don’t own this planet and we share it with billions of other species that our health and livelihood completely depends on theirs. Therefore I always look for stories that promote a healthier planet for all species. Selma Rubin and her community has done that. Therefore a story like Selma’s and how she has encouraged every one around her to build strong organizations such as EDC (Environmental Defense Center) and CEC (Community Environmental Council) has been very inspiring to me.”

The documentary focuses on the period of time when Rubin (who passed away in 2012) finds out that a developer is planning to build 1,500 homes on the Gaviota Coast and decides to stop him. It’s definitely a must see for locals. Along with footage of Rubin, it also features Dave Davis (CEO/Executive Director of the Community Environmental Council), Chris Mobley (Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent), David Landecker (former Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Center), Jean-Michelle Cousteau (explorer, environmentalist and Chairman of the Board and President of Ocean Futures Society), Linda Krop (Chief Counsel of the Environmental Defense Center), Marc McGinnes (UCSB Environmental Studies Program), Paul Relis (founding Executive Director of the Community Environmental Council) and Mike Lunsford (charter member and president of the Gaviota Coast Conservancy Board of Directors).

In addition to a touching local story, what Tulu hopes people will take away from the film is an encouraging message. “I  believe in people and know that we need to be working to gather for a better world. I believe that focusing on a healthier planet for all species goes beyond our differences in culture, religion, nationality, race, sex, skin color and all other shallow thoughts that have separated us and made us suffer. And although we live in hard times and 98% of scientists agree that global climate change is real and we need to do something very serious, really fast, and really soon. But I believe this is also a great opportunity to unite us again as humanity.”

Selma Rubin and Community of Life will screen at Santa Barbara Museum of Art on February 4 at 7 p.m. and at Metro 4 Theatre on February  5 at 10 a.m.

 

—Leslie Dinaberg
Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 28, 2014.

Bruce Dern to Receive SBIFF’s Modern Master Award

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Bruce Dern, courtesy SBIFF

Bruce Dern, courtesy SBIFF

We received word today that  Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) will honor Academy Award-nominated actor Bruce Dern (who was so fabulous in Nebraska) with the Modern Master Award  on Saturday, February 8, at the  Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St..

The Modern Master Award is the highest honor presented by SBIFF. It was created in 1995  “to pay tribute to an individual who has enriched our culture through his/her multi-faceted accomplishments in the motion picture industry.” Dern joins a prestigious list of past recipients including Ben Affleck, Christopher Nolan, Michael Douglas, Jodie Foster, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Diane Keaton, Sean Penn, Jeff Bridges, Peter Jackson, George Clooney, Will Smith, Cate Blanchett (who will receive this year’s Outstanding Performer of the Year Award on February 1 at the Arlington), Clint Eastwood, Christopher Plummer and James Cameron.

Emma Thompson was slated to receive the Modern Master Award, but according to a press release she is “not able to be in attendance as she is required for rehearsal in London on the New York Philharmonic staging of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, which will be directed by Lonny Price.”

Thompson, who currently stars in Saving Mr. Banks, was not nominated for an Oscar this year.

Dern will be honored for his distinguished career, which includes his most recent role as the headstrong Woody in Alexander Payne’s critically acclaimed film Nebraska. Also being honored by SBIFF this year is Dern’s Nebraska co-star June Squibb (and fellow Academy Award nominee), who is one of the Virtuosos being honored at the Arlington on February 4.

“We’re deeply humbled and grateful to Bruce Dern for accepting this award—he’s not only a Modern Master —he’s a hero. Year after year, performance after performance, Bruce Dern has enthralled audiences and with Nebraska he has given us a character for the ages in ‘Woody Grant.’ It’s his time and we’re delighted to honor him,” said SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling.

Through decades of critically acclaimed performances, Dern has acquired the reputation of being one of the most talented and prolific actors of his generation. A celebrated stage actor, Dern was trained by famed director Elia Kazan at The Actor’s Studio and made his film debut in Kazan’s Wild River (1960). He went on to work with director Roger Corman and appeared in several of his classic and decade defining films including Wild Angels. He received critical success for films such as They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? opposite Jane Fonda and Drive, He Said, directed by Jack Nicholson, and went down in history for his role as Long Hair in The Cowboys in which he became the first man ever to kill John Wayne on screen.

His performance in Hal Ashby’s Coming Home that earned him both an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination. Dern co-starred with Charlize Theron in Monster, one of the most critically acclaimed independent films of all time. Most recently Dern has worked with directors Francis Ford Coppola in Twixt and Quentin Tarantino in Django Unchained.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the tribute click here.


—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 28. 2014.

SBIFF Announces Guests for Producers and Womens Panels

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courtesy SBIFF

courtesy SBIFF

The film festival isn’t just about about movies and movie stars, the industry panels are also a fabulous treat.

Movers and Shakers—the first Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) panel of the weekend, which brings together some of today’s most established producers to the Lobero Theatre on Saturday, February 1 at 11 a.m.—will feature Albert Berger (Nebraska), Robbie Brenner (Dallas Buyers Club), Dana Brunetti (Captain Phillips), Dede Gardner (12 Years a Slave), Joey McFarland (Wolf of Wall Street), Charles Roven (American Hustle), Gaby Tana (Philomena) and Ron Yerxa (Nebraska).  The moderator will be  Los Angeles Times film writer John Horn.

At 2 p.m. is SBIFF’s Creative Forces: Women in the Biz panel which spotlights creative decision-makers sharing the challenges and successes they have faced as women in the industry. Moderated by Madelyn Hammond, this year’s panelists include: Kristine Belson (producer, The Croods), Dede Gardner (producer, 12 Years a Slave), Lauren MacMullen (director, Get A Horse, animated short), Rachel Winter (producer, Dallas Buyers Club) and Sara Woodhatch (producer, Before Midnight).

All panels take place at the recently renovated Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. For more information or to purchase tickets click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 29, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Wine and Film Pair Perfectly With Santa Barbara Film Feast

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Star in your own romantic comedy with SB Film Feast's wine tasting specials. (photo: photostock, freedigitalphotos.net)

Star in your own romantic comedy with SB Film Feast’s wine tasting specials. (photo: photostock, freedigitalphotos.net)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg 

Santa Barbara’s Film Feast, coinciding with the 29th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) January 30th – February 9th, has something for everyone, including a slew of great wine specials and award-worthy prix fixe tasting flights.

Nominees include “The Graduate Wine Flight” at Au Bon Climat Wine Tasting Room and The Jim Clendenen Wine Library (813 Anacapa St.), which includes eight wines comprised of four sets—one older and one younger vintage of the same wine. Taste the youthful, perky vintage against the graceful, nuanced library edition, accompanied by artisan cheeses from C’est Cheese.

“Film Noir and Pinot Noir,” is on the marquee at Conway Deep Sea Tasting Room (217-G Stearns Wharf), offering a flight of three different Pinot Noirs. The grapes all come from within Santa Barbara County and highlight movies that focus on Pinot Noir’s as well.

Featured at Grassini Family Vineyards Tasting Room (813 Anacapa St.) is the documentary film “Wine for the Confused,” a light-hearted introduction to wine for novices.  John Cleese, a longtime resident of Santa Barbara, hosts the film. Tastings will offer interactive lessons on tasting wine, including blind tastings, as well as sensory experiences to help you decipher the sometimes confusing world of wine.

At Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant (131 Anacapa St.), it’s your turn to be the sommelier with “SOMM II: The Sequel.” Join the SOMM movie talent, Brian McClintic, as he and the Les Marchands team guide you through your own blind tasting just like in the movie. Enjoy a wine flight with your choice of red or white and take your best guess, while exploring and learning a little more about wine. 

At Margerum Wine Company Tasting Room (812 Anacapa St.) enjoy the “It’s Complicated“ tasting flight and see where parts of the movie were filmed. Try a speciality tasting of the single vineyard Syrah flight, while enjoying clips from the film.

Silent films take center stage at Municipal Winemakers (22 Anacapa St.). With “Blind and Silent,” sharpen your wine tasting skills while enjoying a variety of famous films that will be silently projected. Muni will be offering blind tastings of a variety of its wines, while letting you guess the blend and silent film.

It’s opening night at Santa Barbara Winery (202 Anacapa St.) “Starring Grenache!” and featuring a new release wine flight starring their 2011 Grenaches. Co-starring in the performance will be boxes of locally made Grenache chocolate truffles. Sounds like a delicious way to celebrate the film festival.

Cheers!
Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 24, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”