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 Lavender 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) 750mL bottles of custom-blended Artiste wine
• 750mL 2020 McKinney Family Vineyards 'Blood of Jove' Sangiovese
• 750mL 2020 McKinney Family Vineyards 'Napoleon's Secret' Bordeaux Blend
• 750mL 2021 McKinney Family Vineyards 'Queen Charlemagne' Chardonnay

RESTRICTIONS: Must be booked at least 60 days in advance on mutually agreeable dates and is subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. Expires April 30, 2026.

This massive 9-liter bottle of Artiste Patriotic 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is not your everyday wine - it's a show-stopping collector's item, rarely seen in this impressive format.

From grapes grown on American soil, this limited 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon was handmade by third-generation winemaker Bion Rice of Artiste Winery in Santa Barbara County. Barrel-aged in American Oak barrels for 20 months, the wine displays aromas of brambleberry, wild blackberry, and dark chocolate, followed by wild sage and toasty oak. With vibrant acidity on the palate, this medium-bodied wine is powerful yet gracefully soft with a long finish. This wine features beautiful works of art both inside and out of the bottle. Portrayed on the label is an original oil on canvas "The Patriot" by American artist, Steven Quartly.

THIS LOT INCLUDES:

• 9L 2021 Artiste Patriotic Cabernet Sauvignon

RESTRICTIONS: Auction lot redemption will be available by appointment at the DCWAF office starting at 10 am on Tuesday, 4/29/25.