Ventura’s spectacular year-round climate and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Western Transverse Range make it the perfect place for a relaxing California getaway. From classic American cuisine at the Busy Bee Cafe to unique seafood dishes at the Lure Fish House, Ventura’s culinary scene is diverse and offers something for everyone. Main Street is a must for travelers and features wineries, breweries, coffee houses, shops, and more.
The Ventura Winter Wine Walk and Holiday Street Fair is one of the most anticipated fall wine and holiday events in the region, and it will take place December 2 in Downtown Ventura. This year's Holiday Street Fair features live holiday-themed entertainment and an array of vendors. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase items from a variety of crafters, artisans, commercial vendors, and specialty food vendors. Some great local nonprofits will also be on hand providing information about their respective causes. The Ventura Winter Wine Walk is a 21+ event, which leads patrons on a tasting tour to various downtown breweries, wineries, and businesses. Attendees can sample world-class wines from Navarro Vineyards, Wrath, Luck dog Winery, and more. All participants will receive a tasting cup and map of participating locations. It’s the perfect opportunity to taste great wine, explore the beautiful downtown area, and enjoy a mixture of live holiday entertainment. We interviewed Klarissa Ruiz, a representative for the event, to learn more about this remarkable celebration of wine.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
KR: This will be the 8th year we have produced the Ventura Winter Wine Walk.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
KR: The Street Fair is free and open to the public, and each year we see 30,000 guests visit the downtown area to enjoy the holiday-themed event!
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
KR: The Holiday Street Fair is for the whole family to enjoy! We have entertainment throughout the streets including local bands, artists, and more. The Wine Walk portion of the event is for those 21 and over. We see men and women of all ages enjoy the festival while celebrating a variety of events, birthdays, and anniversaries.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
KR: The Ventura Winter Wine Walk is the best way to kick off your holiday season! The event makes holiday stress a thing of the past! Wine Walk guests not only get to shop for unique handmade goods, but they also get to support the small businesses in the local community all while sampling their favorite wines!
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
KR: The day starts off with the free street fair from Noon - 8:00 pm, and there will be holiday lighting and live entertainment throughout the downtown area. Guests can expect to see anything from painting instructors to garden art and holiday-themed jewelry. The Wine Walk is the second portion of the festival. It starts at 4:00 pm and runs through 7:00 pm, and guests get to sample wine, champagne, and craft beer at over 60 tasting locations throughout the downtown shops. The tasting locations are inside the stores where guests get to shop while they sip and sample wine! Guests will be able to follow their tasting maps to each tasting location before making their way to the main stage at the corner of California Street and Main Street, where there will be snowfall from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm!
Our 21 and over VIP guests get to experience Santa's VIP Lounge! VIP ticket holders have access to additional tasting locations inside the lounge as well as pastries and catering by local favorite, Plated Events by Chef Jason Collis. There will be lounge areas and a holiday photo booth and additional entertainment inside of Santa's VIP Lounge!
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
KR: Not only does the Ventura Winter Wine Walk drive our community together and attract thousands of community members to Downtown Ventura to support our downtown businesses, but proceeds from the event go toward the Downtown Ventura Organization that helps keep Downtown Ventura beautiful!
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
KR: The event is the best way to start your holiday season. The Street Fair is a fun event for the whole family, children of all ages love to stay for the snowfall and each year we see the popularity of this event grow! The Ventura Winter Wine Walk brings family and the community together in light of the season to support our local small businesses while adding a flare to your holiday shopping routine with the Wine Walk!
For more information about the Ventura Winter Wine Walk, please visit the event website.