SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. – A special health and wellness event will be held Saturday for workers who spend their time harvesting grapes and doing their part to produce the wine that is made in several renowned regions of Santa Barbara County.
Jessica Gasca, president of the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation, says, “Vineyard workers are, if not one of the most important parts of what we do here and in the wine industry, then certainly the most important. Without our community of vineyard workers, we have nothing.”
The third annual Vineyard Health and Resource Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Buellton.
It takes place at Coastal Vineyard Care Associates (224 East Hwy 246).
“Without this workforce, we won’t make it,” said Rueben Solorzano of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates.
He says the wellness fair makes employees healthier and more productive, and the results are immediately visible once workers return to work in the vineyards.
In addition, they have better prospects for themselves and their families.
At the fair, medical examinations are carried out, doctors are available to answer questions, there is food and educational aid, legal advice and information on women’s rights.
There will also be mariachis, food trucks and a bouncy castle.
Many of the workers who come to this fair not only work in wineries but also do other seasonal jobs, such as berry picking.
Managers say that a healthy workforce has a better view of their goals and their future plans with their families.
In the past, some people would come here just for the season and then move on. Having more than one job, with employers and a community that cares about them, is one way to stabilize life.
“Oh my God, that’s incredible to see,” Solorzano said. “On Monday, they’re going to be happy and do a better job just because they feel like I’m important now and they care about me. So they change their whole mentality, which is really good because all these years, you’ve only been here because you can do this hard work.”
Gasca said, “Seeing the smiles on the faces of our vineyard community is so wonderful.”
To register and for more information, go to: Vineyard Health & Resource Fair
