Only 40 minutes from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, two hours north of Los Angeles and four hours south of San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns: Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang. This California Central Coast wine region’s temperate weather allows for year-round activities. The Santa Ynez Valley features more than 100 wineries, 30+ unique accommodations for every price point, chef-driven cuisine, and festive events, all painted into atmospheric backdrops that colorfully mesh Old World, Old West, Victorian-era, mid-century, and modern Danish.
Where to wine:
Wine tasting along Foxen Canyon Road
Just a few minutes from downtown Los Olivos (which itself is home to more than 30 tasting rooms), the Fox Canyon Wine Trail is noted for its world-class wines and its pastoral setting. Here, the gorgeous drive is almost as big an attraction as the wines, which include the Demetria, Dovecote, Fess Parker Winery, Foxen Vineyard & Winery, Zaca Mesa, and many more).
Zucca Mesa-
With its first vines planted in 1973, Zaca Mesa was just the third winery in Santa Barbara County when it was founded. It remains a family-owned estate winery dedicated to Syrah and other Rhône varietals. Zaca Mesa is known for producing great wines and some of the region's best winemakers
Presqu’ile Winery-
Designed and planted to create a diverse tapestry of vineyard blocks, the sustainably certified, 73-acre Presqu’ile Vineyard features an array of clones, exposures, and elevations. Situated high atop a hill, with ocean and vineyard views, the stunning Presqu’ile Winery offers one of the most memorable wine-tasting experiences on California’s Central Coast.
Sunstone Vineyards & Winery-
This winery holds itself to the highest standards of organic viticulture, and the property is characterized by its Provencal French courtyards, stone barrel-aging caves, and picnic grounds. Sunstone transports guests to the French countryside.
Where to play:
Vino Vaqueros Outfitters
This horseback ride is one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences the Santa Ynez Valley has to offer as you get views of the coast and ride through vineyards.
Spend the afternoon in Los Alamos-
Lined with restaurants and boutique tasting rooms, mainly along Bell Street, feel free to explore the quaint charms of Los Alamos. Los Alamos’ evolution into a culinary hotspot began in 2003 when Clark Staub discovered the small town and opened Full of Life Flatbread. Over time, the Los Alamos food scene has grown with the additions of innovators like Bob’s Well Bread, Pico, Bell’s and so many more that have each contributed significantly to Los Alamos’ growing culinary reputation. It’s also grown into a center for wine, with Bodega Los Alamos, Casa Dumetz Wines & Babi’s Beer Emporium, Lo-Fi Wines, and Lumen Wines among the many high-profile winemakers that call Los Alamos home. And unique retail spots like Elder FlatFarm Store and Greenhouse.
Downtown Los Olivos
Stroll the quaint streets of downtown Los Olivos. Here you’ll find streets lined with interesting and fun boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Find all the modern western and in-trend wear at the Los Olivos General Store. Breakfast, lunch or dinner at Mattei's Tavern is a must. The Tavern is a California ranch-inspired restaurant spotlighting flavorful dishes and honest ingredients, many of which are harvested from Mattei’s on-site garden and surrounding local farms. Paying homage to its century-old roots, the menu is elevated yet unfussy, offering grilled dishes and vegetables alongside seasonal specialties. And the exceptional wine program is a singular and definitive draw of The Tavern. Head to Nella and grab a seat at the bar and enjoy the locally sourced offerings and impressive wine offerings. Located inside Fess Parker Wine Country Inn.
Downtown Santa Ynez-
Santa Ynez General Store- A curated edit of objects and apparel for men, women and the home
Charlotte's- Beautiful vintage silver jewelry! Art & western collectibles
Brass Track- Your new favorite second-hand shop
Mavericks Saloon- Live music in some form every night.
Where to stay-
Mattei's Tavern
The Genevieve
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn
The Sunstone Villa
To learn more, visit https://www.visitsyv.com/