Slated for Sunday October 23, the event will host 100 participating wineries on the downtown plaza square from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $75, but a $5 discount is given to those who use the code earlybird.

For more information visit www.pinotfestival.com.

EXPERIENCE ECOTOPIA — Sustainably-minded travelers can experience “Ecotopia” in Santa Barbara this spring. From exploring car-free <http://www.santabarbaraca.com/experience-santa-barbara/sustainable/classicsantabarbaracarfree/>  and eating locally-sourced foods <http://www.santabarbaraca.com/experience-santa-barbara/sustainable/locavore-experience/>  to hiking nature preserves and celebrating Earth Day <http://www.sbearthday.org/>  (Apr. 16-17) in its home town, visitors can tread lightly on planet earth while embracing the greener side of The American Riviera. Visit GreenSantaBarbara.com <http://www.greensantabarbara.com/>  for itineraries, car-free discounts and more sustainable travel planning resources. Follow the Earth Day Festival info-stream on Twitter via @sbearthday <http://twitter.com/sbearthday> .

SANTA BARBARA BOWL’S 75th SEASON OPENS — Live music venues simply don’t get much better than the Santa Barbara Bowl <http://www.sbbowl.com/> , celebrating its 75th year in 2011. The 4,562-seat amphitheater is nestled in Santa Barbara’s foothills and there’s not a bad seat in the house—some even grant ocean views. It’s a long-standing favorite of music fans and international rock stars alike. Shows on the books to date include: Janet Jackson (Apr. 9 & 10), Mumford & Sons (Apr. 18),  Robert Plant & The Band of Joy (Apr. 25), Zac Brown Band (May 13), Buffalo Springfield with Gillian Welch (Jun. 7 & 8), Peter Gabriel (Jun.11), Steely Dan (Jul. 6), Eddie Vedder (Jul. 9), George Lopez (Jul. 30), Peter Frampton (Jul. 31) and Katy Perry (Aug. 13 & 14). The 2011 season will run through November and acts will continue to be announced as summer approaches.

SIGNATURE SUMMER FESTIVALS — Santa Barbara’s peak festival season is summer, when visitors can count on a free festival or cultural celebration nearly every weekend. Summer kicks off with the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival <http://www.imadonnarifestival.com/> (May 28-30), a Memorial Day weekend tradition at Mission Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara lets its freak flag fly during the colorful Summer Solstice Parade & Festival <http://www.solsticeparade.com/> (Jun. 24-26). Independence Day <http://spiritof76sb.org/> (Jul. 4) festivities include a parade on State Street, a Pops concert in the Courthouse Sunken Gardens and fireworks on the waterfront. Santa Barbara’s Pacific Pride Festival <http://www.pacificpridefestival.org/> (Jul. 9) at Chase Palm Park is the region’s largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer Pride celebration. The largest Bastille Day celebration west of the Mississippi, Santa Barbara’s French Festival <http://www.frenchfestival.com/> (Jul. 16-17) attracts over 20,000 Francophiles for two days of French food, music and dance. Old Spanish Days Fiesta <http://www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org/new/index.php> (Aug. 3-7) spices things up with a five-day celebration of Santa Barbara’s American Indian, Spanish and Mexican heritage. The annual culinary extravaganza epicure.sb: a month to savor santa barbara <http://www.epicuresb.com/> (Oct. 1-31) marks the transition to Indian Summer with 100+ events including food and drink festivals, cooking classes, winemaker dinners, epicurean-inspired art exhibits and more foodie fun.

STREET FOOD — A few new food trucks have made mobile food an official “movement” at last in Santa Barbara. The Burger Bus <http://theburgerbus.com/> drove Santa Barbara into the movement when they came onto the scene (powered by biodiesel) in 2009. Their signature burger is a CB&J, a cheeseburger with jelly! Entering the fleet in March, O Street Truck <http://www.ostreettruck.com/> serves up Mediterranean, French-Mex and French Vietnamese fare, while Culture Shock <http://cultureshocksb.com/index.html> specializes in exotic and spicy Sri Lankan cuisine. Don Paco’s <http://www.examiner.com/local-getaways-in-santa-barbara/don-paco-s-taco-truck-mobile-mexican-goodness> is a Mexican food truck that was popular long before mobile food was considered a trend. Locals in the know beeline to their parking spot at a gas station on Micheltorena and San Andres Mon.-Fri. nights 8-11pm. Nightlife revelers can get their gourmet fix into the wee hours of the morning thanks to chef Cindy Black who operates The Blue Owl at Zen Yai <http://www.theblueowlsantabarbara.com/> Thu.-Sat. nights.The Asian-influenced “city food” is served 11:30pm-2:30am out of the Thai restaurant space on lower State Street.

THIS & THAT — Cadiz <http://www.santabarbaraca.com/blog/index.cfm/2011/3/24/More-Cadiz-Please/> , a new Mediterranean, Spanish/Italian-leaning restaurant with a farm-to-fork bent, opened at 509 State Street in March 2011. With Chef John Pettitt (Seagrass, Wine Cask, Hungry Cat) at the helm and a stylish downtown space, the restaurant is sure to be a hit.  Santa Barbara’s newest experience provider, Craving Adventures <http://www.cravingadventures.com/> , creates customized, full-day experiences in food and outdoor adventure. Whether looking for a simple day spent hiking to waterfalls, chowing down on burgers and taking a Brazilian dance class or seeking an intense day of skydiving, surfing with a local pro and dining in gourmet style on the beach, Craving Adventures creates an experience to match each client’s specific wishes. Kids Corner <http://www.sbkidscorner.com/> , a new family-owned children’s shoe store, opened Apr. 1 within Santa Barbara Running. Kids Corner carries the widest variety of casual and sport footwear in town, including brands like Nike, Adidas, Keen, UGG Australia, Minnetonka Moccasins, Livie & Luca and Saltwater Sandals. Conway Deep Sea Tasting Room <http://www.conwayfamilywines.com/> took over the wine tasting space on Stearns Wharf and is expected to open by June. Two new Santa Barbara websites, www.bike-santabarbara.org <http://www.bike-santabarbara.org> and www.SBBikeBoom.com <http://www.SBBikeBoom.com> , are geared towards cycling enthusiasts and include bike-friendly resources, tours and ride listings.

BBQ BOOTCAMP AT THE ALISAL — On the heels of their wildly popular Cowgirl and Couples’ Bootcamps, Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort <http://www.alisal.com/> presents their first annual “BBQ Bootcamp,” Oct. 27-30, 2011 with special guest Grillmaster and Hitching Post II owner Frank Ostini. The Ranch has been specializing in barbecue for over 60 years and now are letting guests in on a few of their trade secrets. During this three-night, four-day program, guests will hone their grilling skills, gain grilling confidence and learn the ins-and-outs of Santa Maria-style BBQ from Alisal Executive Chef Pascal Godé and Hitching Post II Owner Frank Ostini. Each morning will be focused on a different aspect of grilling and afternoons will be free for horseback riding, golf or a visit to the spa. In the evenings, local guest chefs and winemakers will man the grills and guests will have the opportunity to taste some of the rich varietals for which the Santa Ynez wine region is known. The package includes studio accommodation with wood burning fireplace for three nights, welcome basket with Western-style weekend amenities, all meals and special dinners with local celebrity chefs, winemakers and brew masters and more. Packages start at $2500 for four days and three nights based on double occupancy.

HOTEL OCEANA INTRODUCES CYCLIST CENTRIC AMENITIES & COUPLES RETREAT — Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara <http://www.hoteloceanasantabarbara.com/> has become the hotel for cyclists and bicycle lovers. With new Cyclist Centric amenities and features specifically tailored to the cycling community’s needs, the hotel ensures that bike enthusiasts of all kinds feel at home. Some of these new additions include: complimentary use of Giant Simple Cruisers; secure bike storage in-room or in the Hotel Oceana Bike Closet; bike wash and maintenance area; maps and Information on trails and rides throughout the area; and 10% off the best available rate. In addition to these features, the hotel partnered with Open Air Bicycles on State Street to provide guests with a go-to store for bike rentals, purchases, supplies and maintenance. Hotel Oceana also introduced a “Couples Retreat <http://www.hoteloceanasantabarbara.com/full_details_promotions.asp?erow=0&sid=13> ” package including a two-night stay, horseback riding and wine tour for two with Captain Jack’s Tours, late checkout (1pm), complimentary bottle of wine in-room and many other fun surprises like a poolside cabana reservations.

NEW CLOUD CLIMBERS FAMILY/GUY JEEP TOURS — Discover the mountains and backcountry of beautiful Santa Barbara on Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours <http://www.ccjeeps.com/> new “Celebrate Spring Family Discovery Tour.” Take an invigorating family hike, winding your way through huge rock formations and boulders to sandstone cliffs for a bird’s eye view of the Central Coast and the mysterious Channel Islands. Visit ancient Chumash cave paintings and learn history and nature as your experienced driver/guide shares fascinating information and entertains you with colorful insights about the region, its plants and wildlife. The discounted “Discovery” tour is offered through May 31 with promo code “wildflower”; $325 per exclusive Jeep (a savings of $150). Jeeps accommodate up to 6 passengers and kids must be 6+ years. Cloud Climbers “Tours for Guys” are the ideal Father’s Day gift or bachelor party adventure. Climb aboard a classic, custom CJ8 Scrambler and get off the beaten path. The back-country wine tour combines off-roading with stops at four wineries and a no-frills picnic lunch. Or skip the wine and stick to the dirt for a mountain adventure including trap shooting, a short hike and a stop at Cold Springs Tavern to toast the day with a brew.

EVENT & EXHIBIT CALENDAR

Through Apr. 17: Santa Barbara Museum of Art <http://www.sbma.net/> presents Charles Garabedian: A Retrospective.

Through Apr. 23: Penelope Gottlieb’s Gone, an impressive exhibition of 25 botanical paintings at Ganna Walska Lotusland <http://www.lotusland.org/> .

Through Apr. 30: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden <http://www.sbbg.org/>  heralds spring with their popular month-long Spring Plant Sale. From Abutilon to Zauschneria, visitors can find a wealth of California’s Flora in one place.

Apr. 8: Camerata Pacifica <http://www.cameratapacifica.org/>  principal oboist Nicholas Daniel joins principal violist, UCLA faculty member Richard Yongjae O’Neill, for the world premiere of Book of the Forgotten by composer Huang Ruo.

Apr. 10: Santa Barbara Kite Festival <http://www.sbkitefest.com/> 11am-4pm on the West Campus Lawn at Santa Barbara City College.

Apr. 11: Lobero Live presents Madeleine Peyroux, 8pm at the Lobero Theatre <http://www.loberotheatre.com/> .

Apr. 14: Green Shorts Film Festival <http://www.greenshortsfilmfest.org/> 6-9pm at the Lobero Theatre.

Apr. 15 & 16: Santa Barbara Dance Alliance <http://www.sbdancealliance.org/>  presents BASSH 2011: Ballroom, Aerial, Swing, Salsa, Hip-Hop and more at the Lobero Theatre.

Apr. 15-18: Taste your way through Santa Barbara wine country during the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Festival <http://www.sbcountywines.com/> weekend. The centerpiece multi-winery tasting event takes place 1-4pm Apr. 16 at River Park in Lompoc.

Apr. 15-May 27: The Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara <http://www.afsb.org/>  Gallery presents a solo exhibition by Karin Aggeler, entitled Zeitgeist: Abstract and Personal.

Apr. 16-Sep. 18: Santa Barbara Museum of Art <http://www.sbma.net/>  presents Drawn to Modernism: Selected Gifts from Wright S. Ludington in honor of the museum’s 70th anniversary. This exhibition celebrates the legacy of Wright S. Ludington (1901-1992), one of the Museum’s founders and a collector whose wide-ranging interests and keen eye played a central role in shaping the permanent collection.

Apr. 16: Celebrate Santa Barbara’s Founding Day <http://www.sbthp.org/> (and 229th birthday) at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park 11am-3pm.

Apr. 16-17: Celebrate Earth Day in its hometown at the 41st annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival <http://www.sbearthday.org/> at Alameda Park.

Apr. 16 & 17: Santa Barbara Symphony <http://www.thesymphony.org/> presents “Mozart’s Jupiter” at The Granada Theatre.Mozart’s final symphony is an exceptionally rich, highly dramatic work that is both immensely pleasing and deeply profound. It will be paired with the little-known but utterly delightful Harp Concerto by pioneering French composer Henriette Renié.

Apr. 19: Jazz at the Lobero <http://www.lobero.com/calendar/jazz/>  presents one of the world’s finest male vocalists, Kurt Elling <http://kurtelling.com> .

Opening Apr. 21: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum <http://www.sbmm.org/>  presents The Spill’s Broad Reach. The 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara gave birth to the modern environmental movement. The activism inspired by the disaster quickly spread across the country and spawned landmark legislation, the first Earth Day, and the Environmental Studies program at UCSB. Featuring selections from Paul Lynch’s documentary short Birth of a Movement, and artifacts relating to the 1969 oil spill and resulting activism, the exhibit will capture Santa Barbara’s unique role in shaping the modern environmental movement.

Apr. 23: Riverbench Winery <http://riverbench.com/>  presents two Easter Egg Hunts (11am & 2pm). Kids who find eggs hidden on the grounds will be awarded candies, including chocolate bunnies. Wine-related prizes ranging from wine discounts to small gift packs and more will be awarded to entrants 21 years and older. Cost: Included with $10 tasting fee; free for children and Benchmark Members.

Apr. 24: Celebrate Easter at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort <http://www.fessparkersantabarbarahotel.com/>  with a Sunday Champagne Brunch & Easter Egg Hunt. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and piano entertainment will be provided indoors. An egg hunt for all the children attending the Easter Brunch will take place on the front lawn prior to the 10am-3pm Brunch.

Apr. 30: The first annual Taste of UCSB <http://www.ucsbalum.com/agr> features alumni vintners, brewers, chefs and caterers as part of the UCSB All Gaucho Reunion.

May 1-31: CycleMAYnia <http://www.cyclemaynia.org/> returns for the second year of good clean cycling fun with more than 30 events and rides currently on the agenda.

May 1: UCSB Arts & Lectures <http://www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu/>  presents Anthony Bourdain & Eric Ripert at The Arlington Theatre.

May 14: 6th Annual Women’s Literary Festival <http://www.womensliteraryfestival.com/> celebrates readers and women writers with a day of interactive presentations and book signings at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort. The day-long event includes authors Lynne Cox, Lisa Fugard, Nora Gallagher, Harryette Mullen, Nina Revoyr, Rosa Martha Villareal and Diane Wilson.

May 14: Sea Festival and Harbor Swap Meet 11am-5pm at the Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa Barbara Maritime Museum <http://www.sbmm.org/> .

May 21-Jul.17: Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum <http://www.sbcaf.org/>  presents a tour-de-force solo exhibition entitled Michele O’Marah: Video Portraits, together with an ambitious off-site project The Home Show, Revisited.

May 26: The Downtown Art & Wine Tour <http://www.santabarbaradowntown.com/FeaturedEvents.asp#2136> evening tasting event features several local wineries pouring tastes in downtown galleries and an after party at the Historical Museum. Tickets on sale May 2.

May 28-30: The plaza of the Old Mission is transformed with 200 colorful street paintings created by 400 artists during the annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival <http://www.imadonnarifestival.com/> .

Jun. 4-Aug. 28: Santa Barbara Museum of Art <http://www.sbma.net/>  presents a major summer exhibition, Van Gogh to Munch: European Masterworks from the Armand Hammer Foundation and Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation.

Jun. 11: The Santa Barbara Zoo’s <http://www.sbzoo.org/>  second annual Zoo Brew fundraiser features tastings from up to 20 breweries from throughout the region and beyond. Ticket price includes a commemorative four-ounce tasting glass, unlimited brew samples and special animal encounters.

Jun. 20-Aug. 13: Music Academy of the West <http://www.musicacademy.org/> Summer Festival.

Jun. 24-26: Summer Solstice Parade & Festival <http://www.solsticeparade.com/> features more than 1,000 parading participants, extravagant floats, whimsical costumes and creatively choreographed dancing ensembles. From its beginnings as a small parade featuring street artists, the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration is now the premier Santa Barbara County arts event, drawing crowds of over 100,000 spectators from around the world.

Jul. 9: The Pacific Pride Festival <http://www.pacificpridefestival.org/> at Chase Palm Park is the region’s largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer Pride celebration.

Jul. 16-17: Santa Barbara French Festival <http://www.frenchfestival.com/> attracts over 20,000 Francophiles for two days of French food, music, dance, libations and more at Oak Park.

Aug. 3-7: Old Spanish Days Fiesta <http://www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org/> , Santa Barbara’s largest annual celebration started in 1924 and features parades, rodeo, dancing and more.

Aug. 26-28: Athletes descend upon The American Riviera for the Santa Barbara Triathlon <http://www.santabarbaratriathlon.com/> .

Oct. 1-31: The annual culinary extravaganza, epicure.sb: a month to savor santa barbara <http://www.epicuresb.com/> , features food and drink festivals, cooking classes, winemaker dinners, epicurean-inspired art exhibits and more foodie fun.

School may be out for Summer, but for working parents and adults itching for a summer break, San Luis Obispo, CA <http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/>  offers the perfect weekend escape. Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the California coast,  San Luis Obispo is a convenient short distance away from many major metropolitan areas, yet offers the fresh air, sunny skies, scenic open spaces and unique leisure activities that leave visitors feeling refreshed and renewed.

As Oprah Winfrey Show <http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Happiest-City-in-America-San-Luis-Obispo-Video> fans learned recently, San Luis Obispo has been dubbed “The Happiest City in America,” <http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/happiest-place-in-america.php> due in part to its community venues that invite social togetherness and its open spaces that encourage outdoor activity. Get a taste of the happiness at these fun, early-summer events (below), or grab a bike, beach sandals or hiking boots and design your own weekend getaway adventure <http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/things-to-do> .

<http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/things-to-do>  <http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/things-to-do>  <http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/things-to-do>  <http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/things-to-do>  <http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/things-to-do> And any day is happier when the family dog can tag along. Select from the 37 hotels of downtown San Luis Obispo <http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/find-a-hotel>  to find the right accommodations for your travel companions, including dog-friendly and family-friendly hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts.

FREE – Farmers’ Market
Year-Round: Thursdays, 6 PM – 9 PM
Make it a long weekend, and arrive in San Luis Obispo in time for the world-famous Farmers’ Market on Thursday evenings. Get a taste of fresh local produce along with barbecue, live entertainment, face-painting, bounce houses, boutique olive oils and preserves, unique crafts and more along the main street of downtown San Luis Obispo.

FREE – Art in the Park
May 1, 2011 – November 27, 2011: 10 AM – 4 PM
Enjoy this monthly art and music festival in the unique and beautiful coastal setting of Shell Beach’s Dinosaur Caves Park. Held on the first Sunday of the month from May through November, this free event invites families to bring their dogs and picnic gear for a fun day in the sun, just a short drive from downtown San Luis Obispo.

FREE – Mother’s Day Concert
May 8, 2011: 1 PM – 4 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of music in the serene Jack House Gardens and tour the historic Victorian home of the Jack family. All attending mothers receive a complimentary flower.

FREE – Concerts in the Plaza
June 10, 2011 – September 2, 2011: Fridays, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Held in the Mission Plaza, right outside the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Concerts in the Plaza offers a great selection of music, from country, rock and roll, reggae and jazz, to get everyone’s toes tappin’.

SLO Vintners Roll Out the Barrels Weekend
June 23, 2011 – June 26, 2011
This annual San Luis Obispo wine event features a “Barrels in the Plaza” local food and wine experience, winemaker dinners at select wineries, special tastings, barrel samples, and entertainment during a self-guided tour of the San Luis Obispo wine region. Prices vary depending on event.

Downtown San Luis Obispo is the cultural hub of the Central Coast, ideally positioned minutes from beaches, hiking trails, and wine country, and boasting a vibrant city center with shops, restaurants, parks, events and attractions to keep the whole family entertained. San Luis Obispo Vacations offers 37 options in downtown accommodations <http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/> —from B&Bs to economy lodging, unique regional hotels and high-end chains—to provide the ideal home base for any family looking to explore the region’s many attractions.

Find more summer activities and local events at SanLuisObispoVacations.com <http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/> . Editors seeking additional information, images, or press accommodations may contact Jamie Relth (Jamie@thepressroom.com) at On the Horizon Communications, (805) 773-1000.

Well-heeled hungries can look forward to chef battles, free outdoor grilling demonstrations, a celebrity chef luncheon, gourmet marketplace vendor fair, grape stomp, wine walk, art and sculpture exhibit, winemaker dinners and more.

For a complete schedule of events and room rates, visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com. Tickets go on sale in July.

Auberge du Soleil

The 30th Anniversary Experience is available Sundays through Thursdays from April 1 through November 30, priced honoring the restaurant’s year of origin, $1,981. The luxe package is filled with indulgences such as a two-night stay, Chef’s Tasting menu for two, as well as signed copies of the new Relais and Chateaux cookbooks, 85 Inspirational Chefs and Chefs at Home featuring recipes from Auberge du Soleil’s own Executive Chef Robert Curry and Executive Pastry Chef Paul Lemieux.

The package also includes a charcuterie plate delivered to room arrival and breakfast for two each day in the restaurant.

For more information visit www.aubergedusoleil.com.

Here’s what Hershberger had to say about the partnership with the Philippe Starck-designed hotel: “It’s the perfect extension of my brand and theirs.  My salon clients include A-list celebrities, Hollywood power players and tastemakers as well as international jet setters which are certainly in line with the SLS guest that seeks the best in style and service.  From the minimalist décor to the unparalleled talent of the stylists on-hand… the Style Studio offers SLS Hotel guests the complete Sally Hershberger Salon experience without leaving the hotel.”

At an expansive 2,363 square feet, the suite has all the privacy a VIP guest could ask for (think separate entrance and elevator). We think this suite is great for a family wanting to get away on a ski vacation. The space includes a large, state-of-the-art kitchen with granite counter tops, Sub Zero refrigerator and wine chiller, dishwasher, Wolf range, double oven and convection microwave. Note: The hotel can arrange for a private chef to put together an in-suite dinner (because who wants to cook on vacation!).

Other Touches: The suite has a large hardwood-floored dining room and living room with vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, flat-screen TV and a six-speaker integrated surround-sound stereo. The suite also includes a small office and washer/dryer for longer stays.

Note: Continental breakfast is included daily for up to eight guests as well as s’mores and hot chocolate by the fire pit nightly. There are also complimentary ski valet and mountain concierge services. To book, luxury travel advisors should contact Director of Leisure Sales Jodi Demko (jodi.demko@ritzcarlton.com; 530-562-3015).

We hear Mr. C represents a “modern version of old-world simplicity and stylish European glamour” (think discreet, personalized service). The 138-room hotel will feature 12 Signature Suites and Classic Suites, alongside spacious guest rooms, all ranging from 365 square feet to 800 square feet with private balconies and panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. The interior design is rich and welcoming, complete with dark hardwood floors, burgundy and grey color palettes and crisp white accents. Note: Bathrooms feature teak flooring and marble accents. Top Touch: Vintage black-and-white film photography of historical cultural moments will hang from the hotel’s walls.

Additionally, there will be five multi-level, residential-sized bungalows averaging approximately 3,000 square feet, each with a private garden, gourmet kitchen, plunge pool and views of Beverly Hills. Californian architect Ray Kappe designed the bungalows, which will feature all the Mr. C amenities, including spa treatments, housekeeping and room service.

Mr. C restaurant will serve classics from Cipriani as well as grilled specialties and pizzas. The restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor seating, a separate entrance for non-hotel guests and two private rooms for more intimate occasions.

In addition, Mr. C will have an outdoor pool for hotel guests only and an indoor/outdoor private event space with 360-degree panoramic city views from the 12th floor of the hotel (a private exterior glass elevator only adds to the luster). Luxury travel advisors can contact the hotel’s general manager, Sam Jagger (sjagger@cipriani.com; 310-277-2800), directly with questions.

This outdoor extravaganza will host over 70 wineries from throughout California and is anticipated to draw over 1,500 people. The festival takes its name from the barbera wine style, which originated in Italy‘s Piemonte region. Today almost 200 California wineries pour out Barbera wines.

Palette pleasures: Barbera is known for its acid structure. There are different styles, which range from tart cherry, raspberry and spice to flavors of black cherry, blueberry and vanilla.

The festival will round out with live music, art and artisan crafts. Tickets go on sale March 1 and are $30 per person in advance and $40 at the door.

For more information visit www.barberafestival.com

Spend your days checking off your shopping list at a combination of stores you won’t find anywhere else in the world in the city’s two main shopping districts– Sunset Plaza and The Avenues. The legendary Sunset Plaza is known for its exclusive collection of upscale boutiques including Nicole Miller, Catherine Malandrino, Code C and Claudio Milano. The Avenues – Art, Fashion and Design District (http://www.avenueswh.com) is home to high-end designer stores such as Stella McCartney, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Christian Louboutin and Alberta Ferretti. Plus find unique local retail and gift stores throughout West Hollywood like Book Soup, Alpha Men’s Store, Kitson, Soolip Paperie & Press and Lemon Tree Bungalow.

The highlight of the season in West Hollywood will be The Third Annual Holiday Walk on The Avenues. Stores along Melrose Avenue from San Vicente to Orlando, will be hosting this holiday shopping event on Friday, December 10, from 6-10 p.m. The evening will be complete with entertainment, carolers, food trucks, refreshments and special in-store promotions and sales. Sale prices will also be offered the following afternoon, Saturday December 11, from noon – 4 p.m. Participating stores include Alberta Ferretti, Alpha, Beckley, J Gerard Design Studio and Peace Gallery, Arcade, Vera Wang, Coco de Mer and many more.

At night enjoy West Hollywood’s exciting dining and nightlife and then rest your head in one of the city’s luxurious hotels with these unique packages:

Chamberlain West Hollywood
Unwrap the newly refurbished Chamberlain West Hollywood this holiday season and receive the gift of special savings and shopping discounts. Book a stay between November 15 and December 28 and enjoy: special [re]introductory rates starting from $195; an exclusive, invitation-only shopping experience at the Beverly Center that provides discounts at over 30 stores and boutiques; champagne for two to celebrate the season; and a gift-wrapping kit. For more information, please contact events@chamberlainwesthollywood.com. For more information on Chamberlain, visit http://www.chamberlainwesthollywood.com or call 310.657.7400.

Le Montrose Suite Hotel
Le Montrose is offering Winter Getaway Rates from November 15 through December 30. Please visit the website and use the code “WINTER” to book these special discounted rates: $169 for a Junior Suite, $189 for an Executive Suite and $259 for a One Bedroom Suite. For more information on Le Montrose, visit http://www.lemontrose.com or call 310.855.1115.

Le Parc Suite Hotel
Le Parc Suites is offering a Bed & Breakfast package featured at $219 for a luxurious Studio King Suite and a delicious breakfast for two at Knoll, Le Parc’s award-winning restaurant, or have it delivered to your room or served poolside. Best of all, parking is included. Offer is valid November 11 through December 28, 2010. For more information on Le Parc Suites, visit http://www.leparcsuites.com or call 310.855.8888.

Mondrian Hotel
Mondrian is offering a Shop, Stay and Play Package with Holiday rates from $195. This package includes a complimentary ping pong table at SPiN Hollywood, two complimentary cocktails and discounts with select local retailers. Participating stores include: Catherine Malandrino, Live! on Sunset, Book Soup, Paige Premium Denim, Ted Baker, Reiss, Vionnet Boutique, 7 for All Mankind, Rock & Republic, Intermix, Splendid, Moods of Norway, Ron Robinson | Fred Segal, Warren Tricomi, Beckley, Soolip Paperie & Press, Serge Normant at John Frieda, Diesel, Zero + Maria Corenjo, Chloe, Temperley London, Frederic Fekkai, Dolce Vita, Ports 1961. Mention the promotional code SPCAND when booking, valid through January 16, 2010. For more information on Mondrian visit http://www.mondrianhotel.com or call 323.650.8999.

Petit Ermitage
Petit Ermitage proudly announces “Shop Hollywood!” an indulgent fashion experience allowing guests to enjoy unique access to Hollywood stylists, private trunk shows, fashion cocktail events and exclusive discounts at the shopping destinations of the stars. Exclusive boutiques from Robertson Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard and Melrose Avenue will offer discounts to guests, champagne greetings upon arrival in stores and the option for guests to close boutiques for their personal shopping leisure. Partnering retailers include: Alberta Ferretti, alice + olivia, Anya Hindmarch, ARCADE Boutique, Catherine Malandrino, Coco de Mer, Diane von Furstenberg, Diavolina, H. Lorenzo, H-L-N-R, Kitson, LEADAPRON, lisa kline, MADISON, Ports 1961, Rock & Republic, Sielian’s Vintage Apparel, Ted Baker, undrest, Vince, and WeSC. The Shop Hollywood! experience will be available at Petit Ermitage and their retail partners from November 11 through December 30, 2010. For more information on Petit Ermitage, visit http://www.petitermitage.com or call 310.854.1114.

Ramada Plaza
From November 1 through December 29, Ramada Plaza is offering an additional 15% off for stays of 3 nights or longer. Please email info@ramadaweho.com to book this special offer. For more info on the Ramada Plaza, please visit http://www.ramadaweho.com or call 1.800.845.8585.

The London West Hollywood
Deck the halls this year at The London West Hollywood with holiday sweets and feasts. A fireside bites menu will be offered beside the rooftop fire pit every evening through February 2011. The Gordon Ramsay restaurant will feature special holiday-inspired sweets with their Twelve Days of Desserts, December 13 – 24. Holiday menus will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Years Eve and Day. Plus, special holiday Chef Masterclasses will be held November 20 and December 4 featuring holiday meals and desserts.  And if you’re looking for a holiday getaway, The London West Hollywood rates start from $229 per night, through Dec. 30. For more information on The London West Hollywood, visit http://www.thelondonwesthollywood.com or call 866.282.4560.

ABOUT THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MARKETING & VISITORS BUREAU

Located at the foot of the Hollywood Hills in the heart of Los Angeles and just 1.9 square miles in size, the city of West Hollywood rivals the world’s most exciting travel destinations. Visitors can spend their days shopping in the colorful design district, lounging at a rooftop hotel pool, or visiting one of the area’s cultural attractions. And when the sun goes down, West Hollywood really heats up with world-class dining experiences and the legendary nightspots of The Sunset Strip and Santa Monica Blvd. The city’s small size and central location make it a friendly, walkable haven for travelers.

The West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau is a 501(c) non-profit organization dedicated to marketing the City of West Hollywood as a “living forward” visitor destination to business and leisure travelers by promoting awareness of the city’s unique location, image, businesses and industries and by providing support for the city’s economic development efforts. For more information on West Hollywood’s cutting edge businesses or to plan the ultimate getaway, please visit http://www.visitwesthollywood.com . For the latest offers and tips on living like a West Hollywood insider, visit www.WeHoInsiders.com <http://www.WeHoInsiders.com> .