There are many ways to experience wine in Santa Barbara County. There’s the traditional estate model of the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria valleys, where sips are surrounded by views and vines. A more cosmopolitan setting awaits in the seaside city of Santa Barbara, located 45 minutes south, where pours come alongside palm trees and popular restaurants. And then the small wine country towns of Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Solvang and Lompoc offer something a little bit in between, serving the latest vintages in quaint cottages and stylish salons just minutes from both estates and upscale eateries.
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There’s no wrong way to do it, and a perfect day just might combine all three. To best navigate this ever-evolving landscape, we sought the advice of wine professionals from across Santa Barbara County who are even more up-to-date on the latest tasting room trends than me.
Given the expansive landscape, we’ve separated our Santa Barbara County suggestions into two guides. One roundup is all about the seaside sips of Santa Barbara proper. This one is focused on the Santa Ynez Valley, its small towns and, to the north, Los Alamos and the Santa Maria Valley. Let’s start our tour in the north and then explore the Sta. Rita Hills before moving deeper east into the Santa Ynez Valley.
Image Courtesy of Deborah Chadsey Santa Maria Valley & Los Alamos
Los Alamos, a tiny western town
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
