The unique microclimates of the Santa Ynez Valley AVA have led to the designation of four separate sub-AVAs. They offer fresh and seasonal bites that pair fabulously with their red wines. The luxurious Mediterranean climate of the state provides comfortable and steady temperatures that tend to sway over to the warmer side more often than not. From crisp Chardonnays to dry but acidic Pinot Noirs, this beautiful valley is well worth a visit for wine drinkers. Best Santa Ynez Wineries to Visit - Truly Experiences Blog Address: 2401 North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA 93560. The wine tasting room is open 7 days a week from 11am to 5pm. Chardonnay vs Chablis: Which One to Choose? It was really hot, so we were inside and didn't get to gaze at the beautiful views while tasting. A Sophisticated Cowboy Town. The vineyard is situated in the beautiful Stat. Also, the grounds were enormous and scenic with huge mountains in the distance. Travel Tip: Exploring Santa Barbara Wine Country Map of The Best Wineries in Santa Ynez. THE 10 BEST Santa Ynez Valley Wineries & Vineyards - Tripadvisor Do you like French Cabernet varietals? A post shared by Stolpman Vineyards (@stolpmanvineyards). Or try a wood-fired pinsa (Roman-style pizza) with baby artichokes, pancetta and carbonara. Visit the website to book private tastings, hikes and wine and cheese pairings at the vineyard itself, or to make a reservation at the new tasting room in Solvang. An All-Terrain Vehicle Experience can be reserved for $100 per person Saturdays at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. sanfordwinery.com, One of Santa Barbara County's trailblazers, Zaca Mesa continues to produce fine Rhne-style wines at relatively gentle prices. Our team of travel concierges are currently standing by to help recommend some of the best wineries in Santa Ynez for red wine. The majority of their red wine often receive above 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. Explore outstanding wines that make Napa Valley, Discover memorable wines from Sonoma Valley, Join our newsletter now to receive our free guide on how to plan the perfect wine tour, Wine Tourism Global Boasting one of the oldest organic vineyards in the valley, this winery renowned for its world-class Bordeaux and Rhone-style wines. Discover the Best Wine Tasting Destinations in Santa Ynez AVA We came here on a Tuesday for my birthday. Indoor and outdoor tastings feature five wines and cost $25. We did the Sideways self-wine tour this past weekend. What are some highly rated wineries in Santa Ynez, CA? Spending an afternoon at a vineyard in Santa Ynez is a great way to unwind and enjoy some of the tastiest wines youll ever drink. About Us It was a bit hard to find, and its a long and windy drive off the main road, but man, was it worth it. The terrain is one of the flattest, with much less of a diurnal shift than surrounding AVAs. The winery is especially popular for their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. This is one of the only wineries I've been to that requires reservations. The subregions of the Santa Ynez Valley AVA of Santa Barbara County in particular are gaining great attention, and offer excellent experiences for visitors. This creates a funnel that ushers in cool air and fog from the Pacific Ocean deep into the valley, making an otherwise warm region much cooler. 7 Best Wineries Outside Los Olivos, Foxen Canyon & Santa Ynez 1. 20 Best Things to Do in Santa Ynez, CA - Travel Lens enjoyed spending time with us as we marveled over each and every varietal we ta We came up to los olivos on a short getaway during the pandemic and signed up for a, The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, unintimidating; the. Keep reading for the 4 wineries in Santa Ynez you can visit for the best reds on this side of the Central Coast. Inside is a custom-made tasting bar adorned with pottery and their award-winning wines. Handcrafted Bordeaux, Rhone and Burgundian varietals produced in limited quantities displayed in a fun and unique wine tasting setting, A small family owned vineyard & winery in Ballard Canyon, hand crafting minimal interventionist wines with a focus on terroir. The Happy Canyon AVA is on the eastern border of Santa Ynez Valley. In addition to estate fruit from his own 11ha Mae Vineyard near Lompoc, he sources Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the 1973-planted vines of the Sanford & Benedict vineyard, the La Rinconada Vineyard and other notable sites in the Sta Rita Hills AVA. Stockholm, Sweden These are the best dog friendly wineries in Santa Ynez, CA: People also liked: Family Friendly Wineries. The winery turns out a considerable range of expressions, including the Rhne-oriented Epiphany label, most of it of high quality, and at a welcoming range of prices. We returned to Firestone Vineyard for the first time in several years. explorelompoc.com/lompoc-wine-ghetto, One of the region's most sought-after labels, Melville is a popular stop for lovers of Santa Barbara Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. , the regions found within the Central Coast AVA, including, Australian government invests A$3m to improve no/low wines, DBR Lafite in talks to buy Chablis producer William Fvre from Artmis, Decanter magazine latest issue: July 2023, March releases on the Place de Bordeaux 2023, September releases 2022: full score table, Texas Hill Country for winelovers: the places to know. 1. It was quite pleasant sitting on their patio. Los Olivos - small-town Wine Tasting & Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley Check this place out and get yourself a tasty lunch and glass of wine. Today their son Pete and his wife Jessica now manage operations. Among the grape varieties they grow are Zinfandel, Semillon, Petite Sirah, and Sauvignon Blanc. In the Pinot Noir Tasting session, youll try six of Foxen Vineyards high-quality single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills AVAs. It was a 4-course lunch and the selected wines were paired perfectly. There are a huge variety of Santa Ynez Valley wineries open for the public to visit, and this is because of the perfect climate conditions that California has for the growing of grapes and vinification of wine. On the way into the winery, youre treated to a stunning drive through their vineyards. While many people associate California wine with Napa and Sonoma Valleys, the regions found within the Central Coast AVA, including San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara County, Monterey, San Benito and Paso Robles are all worth a closer look. Our mission is to help our visitors, but this is also very clearly a for-profit site and you should realize as much. Discover the history and passion behind every bottle with the best wine tours in Santa Ynez. Take a walk down the grapevine-filled Pergola, pick colorful veggies from their organic produce farm, or relax in their renovated ranch-style home with an infinity pool and hot tub. Rita Hills tasting room, just to the back of their. A healthy roster of food and wine festivals and events, year 'round, also provides ample opportunity for getaways to . The Santa Barbara Tasting Lounge is open Sunday - Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.; and the tasting room at the estate winery hosts tastings Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. $25 gets you five samples, though that fee vanishes if you purchase three bottles. Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA is on the eastern border of these AVAs. . Their impressive portfolio includes rose, white, red, and dessert. Tastings by appointment. To see how Wine-Searcher uses average pricing and professional wine critic scores on this page, The Brander was a great stop on our wine tour in September. Nestled amongst the oak forests of Ballard Canyon, the Rusack Vineyard provides a location quite unlike any of the other Santa Ynez Valley wineries. You can park, or better yet, get dropped off by Uber and visit 20+ tasting rooms by foot. Email: info@winetourism.com. Beyond your average bakery, this is the go-to spot for indulgent breakfasts and satisfying lunches in both Los Alamos and Ballard. The tasting room is open from 12pm to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. We brought in some sandwiches and it was so fun. 41. The estate was bought in 1962 by the grandfather of now owner Dan Gainey. , delicious wines and attentive and well informed staff made our afternoon here delightful. THE 10 BEST Santa Ynez Wine Tours & Tastings (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor This is such a favorite to locals here that Sunstone Winery was named Santa Barbaras Favorite Red Wine in the Santa Barbara Independent. I would rather spend an entire day here than tasting up and down the 246. A multi-generational family winery that continues to build upon the vision of our patriarch, Fess. Each wine is crafted by expert hands with confidence and imagination. Theres a wide selection of high-quality rose, red, white, or sparkling to test. The villa is surrounded by vineyards and courtyards that make you feel as though you're relaxing in the sun in the open French countryside. There was no vineyard tour, but I walked through various lines of grapes. Amenities include a gorgeous ranch-inspired tasting room, stunning vineyards, and a winery facility. {"api":{"host":"https:\/\/pinot.decanter.com","authorization":"Bearer ZGQwMjdhYTA3YjQ4MWVkZjQ4ZmEzNDAyNGYyY2JmOWE2MDc5NDAwNTc0ZDI5MjQ1ZTJiZWQ4Y2Q0NmU0OTllMw","version":"2.0"},"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"6qv8OniKQO","rid":"RJXC8OC","offerId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","offerTemplateId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","wcTemplateId":"OTOW5EUWVZ4B"}}, {"location":"Keystone Header","subscribeText":"Subscribe Now","version":"2","menuWidgetTitle":"","myAccountLnk":"\/wine-reviews\/account","premiumLnk":"\/subscribe","menuLnks":{"2":{"text":"My Wines","href":"\/wine-reviews\/my-wines"}},"colors":{"text":"#ffffff","button":"#decc8f","link":"#ffffff"}}. Whether youre after a pleasant day out or a weekend getaway, Roblar Winery has plenty to offer you. What are the best places for wineries & vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley? Rita Hills wine tourists. An experienced associate will talk you through each wine, teaching you about their winemaking process and vineyards. Which experiences are best for wineries & vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley? Located in the heart of California's wine country, this vibrant region is renowned for its diverse and exceptional varietals that cater to every palate. Fog brought in from the nearby Pacific is common in this small region. From the acidic and bright Vognie to the berry-liscious Pinot Noir Reserve, each of Sunstones wines are delectable. Best wine tasting experiences in Santa Barbara - Lonely Planet The room itself looks modern and is open to visitors. At Rusack Vineyards, we are a boutique winery and vineyard, nestled among the oak-studded rolling hills of Ballard Canyon. Santa Barbara County is home to some of the most exciting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah in California. He went above and beyond in giving us a splendid recommendation for dinner in Santa Barbara so thanks very much if you get to read this!!! Tucked in the middle of hills and valleys of Santa Barbara lies the wine community of Santa Ynez Valley, where vineyards and wineries line up in the area. After these dates, the tasting room is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. No state in the country has more wineries than California, with over 4000 wineries within its borders. This is a review for wineries in Santa Ynez, CA: "This is my favorite winery in the S. Ynez valley. This experience was far better than expected. A fixture of Santa Ynez town since 2013, SY Kitchens executive chef and co-owner Luca Crestanelli serves rustic Italian fare evocative of his native Verona. Santa Maria Bench, which rises inland from the Santa Maria Valley AVA. Which places provide the best wineries & vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley for groups? Located only 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley is Sunstone Vineyards and Winery. But they have that fantastic" more Delivery Takeout 2. The Best Wine Tasting Rooms in Santa Barbara - AFAR We've been to Koehler many times over the course of many years, and their wines are always consistent and delicious. A post shared by Rusack Vineyards (@rusackvineyards). We have provided a list of wineries in Santa Ynez Valley open for visitors with direct booking options through our website. Gainey Vineyard. In addition, any other trademarks and logos we mention on this site are also the property of their respective owners. Today their legacy continues to thrive under the ownership of the Terlato family. Outside of a hardware store, an inn and a few restaurants, Los Olivos is all about Santa Ynez Valley wine. 2. And while there were sparse plantings to follow in the 19th century, the advent of Prohibition in the early 20th century put a halt to any significant production. We craft elegant, alluring and authentic Rhone varietals with grapes sourced from extraordinary vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Ynez, California is a small town located in the Santa Ynez Valley. The villa is also available to host weddings and private events. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. The dynamic climate also results in different soil types across the valley. Visit the website to book a 1.5-hour tasting or a three-course lunch at the Vineyard House. Our aim is to give our . Santa Barbara County in the Santa Ynez Valley rises to the food and wine occasion, with varied International and California cuisines and fine restaurants. Kaena specializes in Grenache, and has been serving up the Aloha in the Santa Ynez Valley for the last three years in the quaint town of Los Olivos. The varying climate and temperature is ideal for producing well-balanced wines with high acidity, which are commonly found in Santa Ynez. It wouldnt be until the early 1970s that the regions wine industry began with the planting of the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta Rita Hills by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict. Sunstone Winery is an organic vineyard, winery, and villa retreat located just 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. The winery offers a large assortment of wines, many of which could be exactly to your liking. Santa Ynez Valley is home to some of the most spectacular wines you can imagine, with the added bonus of having some of the most beautiful scenery. to the knowledgable and friendly staff to the stunning views, we sipped wine, while perched am Just a short 9min drive outside of the main little town, the entrance is a beautiful long driveway of scenic, Love the relaxed and comfortable vibe at this very welcoming, Would highly recommend a stop here!! We were walk in visitors , and had a great experience with a young lady sommelier who guided us through the company wines . Morris produces wines with a defined sense of place, focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Alma Rosas El Jabali estate vineyard and other top sites in Sta Rita Hills. The hourlong, $30 Estate Tasting is by appointment only, every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and includes six single-vineyard and single-block bottlings. The experience includes six wines, costs $35, and is available Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. dierbergvineyard.com, The late television actor's family runs a mini-empire in Los Olivos, which includes the main winery tasting room rustic-chic and very welcoming the sparkling wine-focused Bubble Shack, and the upscale, boutique Fess Parker Inn. The vineyards and surroundings are idyllic, and the rural estate is surrounded by rolling hills covered in oak trees. Escape to Santa Ynez CA: Wine Tasting and Natural Beauty The Classic tasting session includes six wines from their Foxen 7200 and FOXEN brands, and youll learn more about each wines history and production. The villa is surrounded by vineyards and courtyards that make you feel as though youre relaxing in the sun in the open French countryside. Both tasting sessions last 1 hour and 15 minutes. By mybav1960. Brander Vineyard. This estate vineyard located in Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA is known for producing distinguished Bordeaux varietals. 11 Best Wineries in Santa Ynez, CA - Renegade Brewing I could not ask for more. Tasting your way through Santa Barbara County Wine Countrys many varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, plus Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Riesling. Owned by the Rice family since 1989 the Sunstone Winery finds itself on south-facing slopes in a micro-climate that is almost too perfect for the production of grapes. Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Ynez Valley. Kalyra Winery Gainey Vineyard Vincent Vineyards & Winery Other Wineries Near Santa Ynez You May Interested Foxen Vineyard and Winery Final Thoughts Where is Santa Ynez Valley? Creamy Italian burrata with house-made tomato jam and sourdough bread is an excellent starter. Tasting Fee: $15 Per Person Classic Wine Tasting | $20 Per Person -Reserve Wine TastingVisit Their Site. Manage Cookies Accept & Continue. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Click Here For 2 For 1 and 50% Off Wine Tastings, Common Wine Faults | Easily Identify Them, Discount Wine Tasting | Santa Barbara Winery Deals. Its sure to be a delicious and relaxing one! Situated in the scenic valleys of Santa Barbara County, California, Santa Ynez is home to some of the most elegant wines the United States has to offer. fessparker.com, Foley's 3,500-square foot, and very comfortable Lompoc tasting room is a familiar stop for Sta. While you're on their website, make sure to check out their roster of events; the Mother's Day brunch, for example, looks fantastic. Its not as flashy as some of the other best wineries in Santa Ynez, but thats not to say the wines arent as high quality. We dropped by vineyard on a whim whilst driving through and had a brilliant few hours in the sun sipping some incredible wines! Theyre also home to varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and more. It said they specialize in Syrah and I like Syrah. Sweeping fence-lined pastures with grazing horses command the landscape, balanced by occasional glimpses of vineyard rows. I truly recommend visiting this winery, you will find Dan the man a very pleasant host and the grounds are beautiful. Wineries & Vineyards Wine Tours & Tastings. The Chefs farm-to-table lunch selections were delicious. Pico operates out of the Los Alamos General Store, built in 1880. Bells offers simple, flavourful dishes using classic French techniques. The canyon ushers in wind, fog and ocean influences, giving it a slightly warmer climate. I LOVED IT. I can't stress enough how unique this opportunity is. This fourth-generation family-owned winery, founded in 1984, is a Spanish-style retreat dedicated to producing only the highest quality of wines. Which places provide the most romantic wineries & vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley? * Gainey Vineyard-Located at 3950 East Highway 246 in Santa Ynez, this historic winery is 6 miles outside Los Olivos, CA. They craft only small quantities of wine to ensure only the best wine is made. Foley's Pinots and Chardonnays may get most of the attention, but don't overlook the ros of Grenache. The qualities of Rusack wine has always been excellent whether it's under the current winemaker or under John and Helen in the past. These are some wineries with a large number of reviews in Santa Ynez, CA: What are the best family friendly wineries? Santa Ynez Crown Point, named for its perch in Happy Canyon, isn't just making the best Cabernet in Santa Barbara County it's making some of the best Cab and Bordeaux blends coming. Grapes from the original Sanford & Benedict vineyard are among the most sought after in the region. Its known for its gorgeous scenery and hiking trails, as well as its hearty restaurants and award-winning wineries. If you're a wine member they're even more benefits. Their expansive menu means that no matter your wine preference, theres bound to be something for you to try. The view, wine, and food cannot be beat.". Are you searching for tips or advice on wineries & vineyards to visit during your holiday to Santa Ynez Valley? This trip south, we made reservations for a Friday afternoon. If you think youre the wine expert out of your friends and family, this tour is a great way to show off your skills. The basil-spinach tagliolini is a local favourite, as are the lamb chops with sauted porcini mushrooms and thyme-roasted red bell peppers and potatoes. They have a reputation for their amazing white wines, but they also make some marvelous reds too. Their wine is exclusively for wine enthusiasts who visit their winery in the countryside of Santa Ynez. Tours of that vineyard are available by appointment, and while reservations for the tasting room are recommended, they're not required. They have an awesome chardonnay." Veronicaread more, "This place is heaven on earth. Founded in 2005 by Sta Rita Hills pioneering 1970s vintner Richard Sanford (see below), Alma Rosa Winery is named for the 1839 Rancho Santa Rosa land grant that historically encompassed the region. Spear is a family owned, farmed & certified organic vineyard nestled in the heart of the Santa Rita Hills Appellation. The handcrafted wines produced in their winery reflect their love and passion for the surrounding areas and vineyards upon which their grapes grow. With hundreds of wineries both in Santa Ynez Valley and in the greater Santa Barbara County, youll want to ensure you have the full wine tasting experience. This winery prides itself on offering exclusive wine that you wont find in any store. Much of that success is thanks to a geological oddity: Coastal valleys that run west to east (as opposed to north to south), and serve as superhighways for chilly ocean air. 1. 10/10" more. You can even book the tables beneath The Vineyard Oak Tree if you'd like to open full bottles with your family and friends. Santa Ynez Valley vineyards and wineries are the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country, and the place to be for wine tasting near Solvang, CA. Wine Bars. Other visionaries like Ken Brown, Rick Longoria and Fred Brander remain a vital part of the story today, while a new generation of winemakers, including Justin Willett, Samra Morris, Trey Fletcher and Matt Dees are carrying the torch, making wines with distinctive character and sense of place, further defining the region. Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyard focuses on cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and warm climate Bordeaux varietals from Happy Canyon. Celebrating Rhone-based varietals and esoteric offerings, Epiphany addresses the needs of the adventurous wine lover. Seated in Santa Barbara County is the small town of Santa Ynez. It has a total area of 5.1 square miles, which 99.86% is land (the remaining 0.14% is water). Alongside a complimentary gourmet cheese/charcuterie platter, it involves three activities to see if you really know your wines. There are several locations to sit and try the vineyards sublime wines, as well as the locally sourced food they offer. Next, youll taste several vintages of a particular wine. I am in the wine business and I was treated amazingly well. Brave & Maiden Estate 59 Wineries "The patio area is so nice facing the winery. During the week, they normally close at 4 pm but staff stayed around sharing conversation with us and others for almost another hour. . And the wines, the majority produced in runs of less than 400 cases, are fabulous.