Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Holiday When it comes to local flavors, fine wine has joined Santa Maria Style Barbecue as a world-class speciality in the Santa Maria Valley. Indeed, two wines from the valley were named to the Wine Spectator’s most recent list of Top 100 wines in the world.

Now, with the holidays on the horizon, you can indulge in the Santa Maria Valley taste experience during the “Wine Christmas” passport weekend on December 5-6, 2009.

During this event, 11 local wineries will break out the good cheer with holiday decor, music, cookies and more. Your $30 passport ticket includes a Riedel glass and tastings at each of the participating wineries. These wineries will also be offering wine and gift specials for stress-free holiday shopping. Click here for tickets and information.

The Santa Maria Valley Wine Country has also launched a companion web site at www.winecountryholiday.com, which showcases holiday events and specials througout the region during the passport weekend.

For visitors attending the “Wine Christmas” passport event, special lodging rates are available at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, Best Western Big America, Historic Santa Maria Inn and Radisson Hotel. Breakaway Tours, Central Coast Shuttle Services, and Classic Motoring Car Rentals will also offer special rates for passport participants. Just mention the code SMVWINES at any of the above businesses for your savings.

And don’t forget: no visit to the Santa Maria Valley is complete without a taste of Santa Maria Style Barbecue. Click here for a list of local restaurants who offer this sizzling sensation.