Take a break from the rush and stress of city life and sink into the scents and tastes of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Just a short drive northeast from the city, this region provides world-class lodging and comforts to make your stay one to remember. If you are a fan of the award-winning movie Sideways, you’ll enjoy spotting locations from the film, which was shot in this area.
Santa Barbara Wine Country hosts some of California’s best tasting and most delicate wines. The region has a topography that’s ideal for producing classic wine varieties such as chardonnay, cabernet and pinot noir.
For a great wine-tasting experience, try the Sunstone Vineyards & Winery. Pair your wine with views of rolling hills covered in vines, a scene framed by the Santa Ynez River and a spectacular mountain backdrop. Head to the Kalyra Winery to taste distinctly Australian-style wines and enjoy the company of fellow grape lovers in a friendly tasting room atmosphere.
The curious will want to see the vineyard-to-bottle process on public display at the Gainey Vineyards. While here, take the opportunity to try the chardonnay.
Sample pinot noir made with the produce harvested from the vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills.
After a day of tasting wines, have dinner in one of the region’s three towns: Solvang, Los Olivos or Santa Ynez. Choose from a variety of top-class restaurants with all tastes complemented by locally sourced wines.
Each town has its own charms. Solvang has some of the region’s most romantic lodging and scenery while Los Olivos has a number of quaint art galleries. The nearby Los Alamos has some great antique stores, so be sure to explore.
To see the best of Santa Barbara Wine Country, choose from one of many affordable tours that take you to a selection of vineyards over the course of a day. The adventurous should try an unforgettable bike or horse-riding tour of the spectacular landscape.
Vineyards charge a small wine-tasting fee and are open daily.
