Roaring good time (and wine) in Santa Barbara
Adding a new take to the typical sip-and-stroll wine event, Santa Barbara Zoo is introducing the Roar & Pour Wine Festival this year. Visitors can sample wines from dozens of Central Coast wineries while also sampling the zoo’s 146 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects during the early evening hours, when many are especially active. Walking through the animals’ quarters, they’ll also be treated to zookeeper talks and animal encounters. Some of the area’s trendiest food trucks will be on hand, and catered picnic baskets can be ordered in advance.
Vitals: May 9, 5-8 p.m. $60. 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara. (805) 962-5339 or 962-6310. www.sbzoo.org/roar-and-pour
Girls’ Night Out: Placerville beckons girls of all ages to its Historic Main Street as the quaint shops stay open late and sales and promotions proliferate. But shopping is only the start; activities for girls include a scavenger hunt, trunk shows, dance demonstrations, massage and entertainment. Chocolate and olive oil tastings are among the gustatory treats. The Bell Tower, Main Street’s centerpiece, is the place to pick up a program and a scavenger hunt card. May 9, 6-9 p.m. Free. (877) 342-0738. www.placerville-downtown.org
Rare vintages: The mountains separating the Salinas Valley from Big Sur are filled with artisan wineries, left, that produce some of the world’s best Pinot, Chardonnay and Syrah. Except for some along River Road, few are open to the public; for many, the Santa Lucia Highlands’ annual gala is their only public tasting. More than 30 vintners will pour rare vintages in the barrel cellar of Mer Soleil, the northernmost winery, accompanied by tastes from some of Monterey County’s top chefs. May 16, 1-4 p.m. $85. (408) 2051516. www.santaluciahighlands.com