Given that the Santa Barbara Region is rich in Catholic history and in the vineyards planted by California's first Catholics more than 200 years ago, it seems inevitable that the two would be an ideal pairing, as it were, for a unique kind of tour.

Thus it was that St. John's Seminary in Camarillo last fall began periodic "Wine and Wisdom" Tours, led by Father Leon Hutton, St. John's professor of Church History and director of human formation and evaluation. The tours take guests from the seminary grounds to the Santa Ynez Valley, with Father Hutton providing historical background on both the Native American and Catholic roots of the region.

In Solvang, visitors tour and celebrate Mass at historic Mission Santa Inés, and visit three wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley, known in particular for its Pinot Noir but also for producing a large variety of wines (and wineries).

"We are looking to make the Seminary more visible in the local community, by hosting events that are both educational and entertaining," said Msgr. Craig Cox, Seminary rector.

The next "Wine and Wisdom" Tour will be held March 28. For information and cost, call St. John's Office of Development, (805) 389-2037.

Additionally, the seminary will host its annual Rev. Charles E. Miller, CM Symposium lecture on March 24 (7:15 p.m.). The lecture is named for the late professor of liturgy and homiletics who taught at St. John's for half a century, and also served as its rector.

This year's featured speaker is Vincentian Brother Mark Elder, instructor of art at De Paul University, Chicago, who will speak on "The Role of Visual Art and Aesthetics in the Church Today." Brother Elder will explore how the Church uses visual arts as a fundamental building block for evangelization, and how visual arts can help unify a community.

On April 18, St. John's will host an Open House (1-4 p.m.), where the public may tour the facilities, meet seminarians and faculty. Later this year, said Msgr. Cox, the seminary plans to host a special event in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the death of Cardinal Timothy Manning, and will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the dedication of its chapel. For information, call St. John's Seminary, (805) 482-2755.

---Mike Nelson