BUELLTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 2005--While the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences graced "Sideways" with five Oscar® nominations, Santa Barbara wine, often referred to as the fifth character in "Sideways," was overlooked. To add insult to injury, Santa Barbara wines are being passed over in the festivities following the Academy Awards® presentation on February 27th. At this year's Governors Ball, attendees will enjoy great food from Wolfgang Puck matched with French Champagne and Napa Valley wines.

Source: Hitching Post

From Buellton, California, two hours north of Los Angeles, Hitching Post owner Frank Ostini said (in jest), "Our neighbors in Hollywood have forever overlooked our wines at Oscar® time, always enjoying the beverages from more fashionable regions, but this year's snubbing is the last straw. We are refusing to attend the awards and are having our own 'Sideways' celebration here in the Santa Ynez Valley." When questioned further, Ostini admits that he never had an Oscar® invite, and his comments against the Academy are in the spirit of "Sideways," where Alexander Payne's black comedy manages to poke fun at almost everything.

Actually, Ostini couldn't be more thrilled over the honors being bestowed upon the popular film. He said "With five nominations for 'Sideways' and widespread critical acclaim, Santa Barbara Wine Country is already a big winner." "Sideways" is set in the Santa Ynez Valley and its wineries and beautiful countryside are the real life backdrop to this original romantic comedy written by Rex Pickett.

In announcing an Oscar Night "Sideways" celebration at the Buellton Hitching Post, Ostini said, "It's a perfect time for us to celebrate the wonderful gift of worldwide recognition that "Sideways" has given the wines of Santa Barbara." Guests will enjoy a wine tasting from the best of Santa Barbara wines during the red wine-stained carpet ceremony beginning at 5:00 p.m. and watch the broadcast dining on favorites from the Hitching Post, including their famous Grilled Artichoke with Smoked Ancho Chile Mayonnaise, Oak-Fired Salmon and Vegetable Torta, Smoked Duck Salad and Oak Barbecued Prime Rib, each course perfectly matched to a Santa Barbara wine. With each and every win for "Sideways," guests will toast with Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir, the very wine featured in the movie.

This party will benefit a compelling international charity, Direct Relief International, headquartered in Santa Barbara for over 50 years. Direct Relief International provides medical supplies to needy people all over the world, and has received much attention for their recent efforts to help Tsunami victims of Southeast Asia. Tickets for this event are $150 per guest, all inclusive. The event begins at 5 p.m. for the red-stained carpet pre-show followed by the awards broadcast at 5:30 p.m.

For tickets and information regarding the Hitching Post party, the public can call: Lori Dinham at Direct Relief International, 805-964-4767, ext. 126.

For further information on Direct Relief International, please visit www.directrelief.org.

For further information on the Hitching Post restaurant and Hitching Post Wines, please visit www.hitchingpost2.com.