The beautiful, coastal beach town of Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera for good reason. With an array of restaurants in close proximity to the shore and tasting rooms throughout, the lively downtown scene can keep you quite busy for a weekend. The aptly named “Funk Zone” and the very walkable, Urban Wine Trail, will set you up for some amazing wine-and-shine fun-in-the-sun while staying in the city. If you want the full experience of wine country, away from the urban bustle, you’re not too far off either!

If you came to Santa Barbara by plane or train, want to experience the vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms, and are down for a mini road trip, I recommend heading 30 minutes northwest into Santa Barbara Wine Country! The region was recently named A Sustainability Leader: Wine Region of the Year for 2021 by Wine Enthusiast - Wine Star Award and there is so much to explore.

The short drive up is beautiful with rolling hills as you head into the beautiful countryside over the Santa Ynez mountains. Over the pass, views of Lake Cachuma, with scenic turnouts call you to stop and take pictures on your way.

Upon arrival, you will find more than 200 wineries, ranging from small to large production operations. Most are family-owned and operated boutique wineries and when you’re there, you feel like family as well.

I love coming up from San Diego because there is so much to explore. I have been up several times and every time, it is a new experience. I try to visit new wineries and restaurants each time (keep an eye on the comments of this post for some new additions and please drop your favorites there also!) but there are a few tried and true ones I'll return to because they are so amazing! If I didn’t love my home in San Diego so much, I’d move up here in a heartbeat. Sigh, one day…

Pro Tip: Plan Ahead

Make reservations ahead of time: Since the pandemic, most wineries require reservations to help with staffing and to create the best experience for guests. If not required, they are highly recommended. I have found that making all your reservations ahead of time is super helpful -- you really get the most out of your day.
Check Hours of Operation: Most wineries are only open from about 10:00 am - 4:00 pm each day so plan accordingly. Again, make those reservations!
Dining Out: For dining, again, reservations are also a necessity! Even if they are not required, the best restaurants fill up and you don’t want to miss out.
Organize Your Route: When planning your trip, I recommend starting from the farthest winery, from your accommodations, and working your way back.
Rent Some Wheels: As with many wine regions, it's ideal to have your own vehicle during your visit. We know wine and driving don't mix, but getting around is tough without a car. Lyft and Uber are few and far between in this area, as are Taxi services. The best approach is to take turns as designated drivers each day. Besides, when you spit your wine you'll have a much clearer memory of the trip!

About the Santa Barbara County Wine Region

Remember the movie Sideways? You know, the one that led to the unjust decline in Merlot sales. This movie heightened the popularity of this region, and Pinot Noir became King. The region itself is literally “Sideways”, as it is the longest transverse valley (running East to West) on the entire western Pacific coast, from Alaska to South America. This is unique because, while most mountain ranges trend North to South, the East to West valley allows cool, coastal winds to funnel further inland – Perfect for Pinot!

Although Pinot Noir may be thought of as King, Santa Barbara County is not just a one-trick pony! The transverse orientation of the valley enables a large diversity of grapes to thrive here. Microclimates and soil variety aid in this unique terroir.

The cooler climate on the west end, produces beautiful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, in Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley, which lie on the westernmost edges of the county. Bordeaux varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as, Rhône varieties, like Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier are grown further inland where warmer temperatures facilitate ripening. There is something for everyone here!

Are you ready to go? Let me help you plan your trip! I've highlighted my favorite places including wineries and tasting rooms, restaurants, and some great places to stay. Follow my lead!

Wineries to Visit

Foxen Winery

Foxen Winery is named after the co-founder’s great-great-grandfather, William Benjamin Foxen, an English sea captain who settled in Santa Barbara in the 1800s. He purchased the 9,000-acre Mexican land grant, Rancho Tinaqaic, now known as the Foxen Canyon. They serve amazing Burgundy, Rhône, and Loire varieties in their solar-powered tasting room. The winery is SIP Certified Sustainable and a Green Fleet Pioneer LCFS Member. Foxen is rich in history and the wines are delicious! Visit Foxen online

Zaca Mesa

Zaca Mesa, a pioneering producer in Santa Barbara County, is a family-owned estate winery. They have a spacious outdoor patio, knowledgeable servers, and exquisite Rhone-style wines created by winemaker, Kristin Bryden. You must try their 'GSM' (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) blends when you visit! Visit Zaca Mesa online

Demetria

If you feel lost while driving to this next winery, keep going! Beyond the long and winding vineyard roadway lies a true hidden gem. If you ask a local for their winery recommendations, Demetria will very likely be one of them. The grove-shaded outdoor courtyard looks out onto a sprawling lawn with the vineyard and rolling hillsides beyond. Sustainability is the game for their Rhône and Burgundy-style wines, being among the first in Santa Barbara County to be farmed Biodynamically. Visit Demetria online

Andrew Murray Vineyards

Andrew Murray is known for his amazing Syrah. The winery has a beautiful tasting room with an outdoor area surrounded by trees and foliage. With thirty years of experience making wine in France, Australia, and California, Andrew has adopted the philosophy is that remarkable wines are made in the vineyard and winemakers ought to behave as stewards of the land. The production is all about the expression of terroir with a cool, coastal climate, sitting on ancient sea-bed soils with uplifted, hilly topography. The estate-grown grapes are sustainably farmed, with modest yields for concentrated, high-quality wines. Visit Andrew Murray online

Dovecote Estate Winery & Ranch

This winery is tucked in the hills between the historic towns of Los Alamos and Los Olivos. You'll taste amazing their lineup of estate wines crafted from Rhône varieties at their rustic-chic, pond-side tasting patio. Taking in the view of the Thompson Vineyard in the Alisos Canyon AVA while sitting amongst the old oak trees is so peaceful and serene. The picnic tables under a 240-year-old oak next to the heart-shaped Mission Pond are the perfect spot to have a snack and enjoy their delicious wines! Visit Dovecote Estate online

A Tribute to Grace

A Tribute to Grace is an intimate tasting room in the historic town of Los Alamos. Angela Osborne, a New Zealand winemaker, came to California in 2006 with dreams of growing Grenache. All her wines are single-vineyard sourced and made of 100% Grenache. It is an incredible experience to taste how uniquely different each of the wines is! The expansive microclimates and topography throughout Santa Barbara County, enable this creative winemaker to coax such expression and character from just a single grape variety. The winery is named after her grandmother and her most beloved personal attribute: Grace. Visit A Tribute to Grace online

Casa Dumetz Wines

A quirky tasting room in the historic town of Los Alamos. Sonja Magdevski is the winemaker, who says she feels like a “small person in a really big, fun, and complicated world.” Casa Dumetz Wines reflect Sonja's journey and the three labels represent her three paths. Casa Dumetz expresses a single Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills and a newly released 2020 vintage Chardonnay. Clementine Carter is about where she is today, focusing on Rhône varieties from brilliantly farmed sites in Santa Barbara County. Finally, The Feminist Party represents where she is going with a multi-varietal blend. Visit Casa Dumetz online

Melville Winery

You'll feel like you're driving into the Old World as you pass the Italian Cypress trees swaying in the breeze along the driveway to the estate. Relax and “unwine” as you take in the vines planted around you at Melville Winery. I was lucky enough to book the first tasting of the day on a weekday in October 2021. We were the only guests there for most of our tasting and we enjoyed undivided attention from the staff. It was so peaceful and serene! The wines are exclusively estate-grown and organically farmed. The knowledgeable, friendly staff will pour you an unbelievable tasting of stunning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Visit Melville Winery online

Check out the episode of The Wine Ship Podcast featuring winemaker, Chad Melville!

Peake Ranch

Another hidden gem tucked away on the eastern end of Santa Rita Hills. The Peake Ranch has beautiful landscaping and architecture with views of rolling hillsides and vineyards and a classy, modern tasting room. You will enjoy stunning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhône varieties by winemaker, Wynne Solomon. They also have a fantastic Grüner Veltliner! A portion of their proceeds is donated in support of the Yellowstone Forever non-profit organization to help protect, preserve, and enhance the Yellowstone National Park. Visit Peake Ranch online

The Hilt Estate

Winemaker Matt Dees is in his element at the remarkable, state-of-the-art winery at The Hilt Estate. Surrounding the tasting room and winery are vineyards planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The soil is "moon dust" consisting of diatomaceous earth created by fossilized algae from an ancient seabed. The diversity of slopes and aspects is a sight to behold and the wines express the terroir beautifully. In addition to The Hilt Wines, Dees creates the wines for Santa Barbara cult brand, Jonata, here. You can taste through a lineup including both during your visit. Visit The Hilt Estate online

Dining Recommendations

Los Alamos

Pico Restaurant

Pico is located inside a historic general store in Los Alamos. They offer a menu of California-inspired cuisine made from locally-farmed, seasonal ingredients. They carefully source their ingredients from farmers who are committed to sustainable, organic, and humane practices. An extensive wine list is presented in a large, heavy book with many local options, as well as wines from around the world. I could have spent all night just reading the wine list! The wines are selected to pair with their menu and adhere to similar ethical guidelines with a bias toward handcrafted, terroir-driven wines. The food, wine, service, and atmosphere are amazing -- reservations are a must! Visit Pico Restaurant online

Bell’s

Bell’s is a family-operated, French-inspired bistro that opened in 2018 and recently received its first Michelin Star. It has a rustic dining room with an open kitchen inside a historic structure that used to be the town bank. They offer a daily prix fixe menu with several options for each course. You can’t go wrong with any selection and hopefully, your dining companion will share. The food is exquisite, and their wine list is superb. Reservations are hard to come by, so try and reserve early so you can get in! They are open for lunch and dinner. Visit Bell's online

Buellton / Santa Ynez

The Hitching Post II

The Hitching Post originated in 1952, and the Hitching Post II opened its doors in 1986. The restaurant's popularity skyrocketed after it was shown in a segment of the movie Sideways. Their wines were also featured in the film and received international acclaim. You can come for a wine tasting and stay for the “World’s Best BBQ Steaks”. It's a classic dining experience and one to remember! I highly recommend taking a bottle of their proprietary BBQ rub home with you. Grab one for me too while you’re at it because I’m out! Visit The Hitching Post II online

Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn

Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn has innovative “made from scratch” cuisine with a welcoming comfortable atmosphere. You will enjoy juicy steaks cooked to perfection and huge prawns that taste like lobster! Make sure you save room for the mud pie dessert. Everything is delicious! They have a great wine list specializing in wines from the Central Coast, concentrating on the local AVAs. Visit Brother's Restaurant at The Red Barn online

The Ballard Inn and Gathering Table

The Gathering Table at the Ballard Inn is warm and inviting. Inspired dishes from Chef Ramirez's global adventures infuse flavors from Japan, Taiwan, Bangkok, France, Copenhagen, and beyond. Locally sourced produce, seafood, and meats are served to perfection. It's a great place to share bites, with Bouchées, Tapas, Gumbos, and more. If you like spice, there are plenty of dishes to choose from. I really loved the BBQ Quail Jambalaya. The servers are super friendly, and you will find Chef Ramirez in the dining room chatting with guests and making sure you are enjoying his amazing cuisine. Visit The Ballard Inn and Gathering Table online

S.Y. Kitchen

You can't visit this part of California without having dinner at S.Y. Kitchen. Originally from Verona, Italy, Executive Chef Luca Crestanelli and his younger brother, Sous Chef Francesco, dish up an unbelievable menu of shareable starters and incredible entrées. If you're lucky, they'll be serving their special black truffle pizza while you're there! Visit S.Y. Kitchen online

Places to Stay

Vinland Hotel

Vinland Hotel is conveniently located on the edge of Solvang within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and tasting rooms. The rooms are contemporary and stylish. Their customer service is excellent! The hotel manager sent me text messages throughout my stay to make sure we had everything we needed. We were celebrating a birthday and they gifted us a bottle of Zaca Mesa wine, complete with a birthday card. They also have Malin + Goetz bath products, which I love! Their amenities include a hot tub, pool, underground parking, and a lounge. Visit Vinland Hotel online

Hadsten House Inn

Hadsten House Inn is a charming French country-style inn located on the edge of Solvang with modern, clean, and comfortable accommodations. Parking is conveniently located, right outside your door. I stayed here during Covid, so their restaurant was closed. Vouchers for the delicious Danish bakery down the street were provided, so that breakfast was still included. It is currently under renovation, and I can’t wait to see what they do with the place, since it already looked renovated and beautiful while I was there! Visit Hadsten House online

The Landsby Hotel

Located, in the town of Solvang, the Landsby is a Scandinavian-inspired boutique hotel. You'll find shopping and a handful of wine tasting rooms, bars, and restaurants within close walking distance. A perfect choice for a cozy, central place to stay in the valley! Visit The Landsby online

We hope you have an amazing experience in Santa Barbara! Let us know about your trip in the comments below.