By Laurie Jervis
Noozhawk Columnist
The Vintners 5 Miler will return for its fifth anniversary to Sanford Winery & Vineyards on Saturday, July 20. It is hosted annually by the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation, the umbrella under which the Santa Barbara Vintners conducts its philanthropic efforts.
The run is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and will cover a 5-mile course suitable for runners of all abilities. The terrain encompasses a challenging 350-foot ascent that offers a view of Sanford’s estate vineyards, while the Wine Walk will offer a mile-long course suitable for a leisurely stroll through the vineyard.
Participants may register online at www.sbvintnersrun.com.
“We are very excited to be celebrating the fifth anniversary of this great event at Sanford Winery,” said Jessica Gasca, president of the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation and owner-winemaker of Story of Soil Wine in Los Olivos.
Gasca is inviting local businesses to sponsor the event. She can be reached at jessica@storyofsoilwine.com.
After the race, a Finish Line Festival will celebrate the upcoming harvest with wine tasting, food from local purveyors, live music and a family-friendly kids zone.
“Continuing the emphasis on health and well-being, proceeds from this year’s event benefit Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and its Alma Cena Sana program,” Gasca added.
The Alma Cena Sana program provides food, health screenings and access to social services at weekly health fairs for families in Lompoc.
In addition to supporting the Foodbank, the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation supports many local organizations, including People Helping People of the Santa Ynez Valley, Direct Relief, Allan Hancock College’s Viticulture and Enology Program, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and the Santa Barbara Foundation, as well as a scholarship program.
