When it comes to California wine, Napa Valley and Santa Barbara immediately come to mind, but pretty soon, so will the Santa Clarita Valley.

On Saturday, April 26, the Reyes Winery will host the 2nd annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival, which will feature local wineries, breweries and tequila producers from this burgeoning winemaking region.

The festival will benefit the College of the Canyons Culinary Arts campaign, which is raising funds for the completion of the college’s new state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot building. The building will be the permanent home of the culinary arts department—which includes a Wine Studies program—at the college’s Valencia campus.

“We are so grateful to Reyes Winery for giving the college a helping hand with the completion of our culinary arts building,” said Murray Wood, chief development officer for the college’s Foundation. “It is only a matter of time before the college’s very own wine, harvested by our Wine Studies students, will be poured at a future wine festival.”

The facility, which is expected to be complete in the fall 2014, will greatly expand the number of locally available training opportunities for students interested in this important career field.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample local wines paired with gourmet food prepared by highly acclaimed chefs and artisanal food-makers in Los Angeles.

For those with a sweet tooth, the COC culinary arts students will be offering chocolate samples made in the college’s chocolates class, which is taught by award-winning pastry chef Stanton Ho.

“It is a very exciting time for the culinary arts in the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Cindy Schwanke, department chair for the culinary and wine studies programs at the college. “We are anxiously awaiting the completion of the building, which will give the culinary arts program the space to grow. We are so thankful for the tremendous support from the community and from businesses such as the Reyes Winery who are helping make our College of the Canyons Institute for Culinary Education a reality.”

With an emphasis on local craftsmanship and artistry, the festival will also feature an art exhibit from local artists and live music from many local bands. Attendees will also have the chance to win raffle prizes such as wine-and-dine gift certificates, wines and gift baskets.

General admission includes a specialty event glass and gift bag, wine and food sampling as well as free parking. General admission tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door.

Designated Driver tickets include food sampling, free parking and a specialty chocolate bar and gift bag. Designated Driver tickets are $40 in advance and at the door.

VIP ticket holders will be admitted at 11 a.m. and will enjoy a private winery tour and barrel tasting. In addition to the general admission benefits, VIP ticket holders also have access to food and wine sampling in the VIP lounge. VIP tickets are $90 in advance or $100 at the door.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door on the day of the festival.

For more information about the 2nd Annual Sierra Pelona Wine Festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.reyeswinery.com.