Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Ynez Valley
4.5
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This burgeoning wine region is located just north of Santa Barbara and is home to more than 60 vineyards.
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4.5
137 reviews
Excellent
109
Very good
25
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
2
James Weaver
Irvine, CA2,287 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
Street scenes of Santa Ynez. Small downtown two or three blocks in each direction. Restaurants really good reputation, a Post Office, stores for clothing and art.
Written 18 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul B
Riverside, CA61 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Over the years, the SYWCA has offered a number of "passport" events whereby for a single price, you get "tastings" in as many as 14 or as few as 11 local wineries or tasting rooms. The first one we attended several years ago was the "Stars, Stripes, and Syrah" event held on a weekend close to the fourth of July. The price varies from 30 to 40 bucks per passport.
The latest offering which we took advantage of this Labor Day Weekend was the tail-end of what they called their "Summer Passport." Rather than forcing you to try and do all 14 wineries on a Saturday (and a repeat on a Sunday), this one extends to the entire summer. (It ended on Saturday, the 31st, but there will be more events by this organization, I'm certain.) I think the single weekend event was discouraged by local law enforcement and the California Highway Patrol, because a lot of people tended to try and hit as many of the establishments as they could (and you could do 'em again on Sunday.)
So with this passport, you could do a few, and then come back another weekend, and another until you've hit all 14. It was forty dollars each. That's less than three dollars per "tasting" - about 5 or six oz of a variety of wines. Usually, a "walk-in" tasting will set you back 8 to 10 dollars each.
Santa Ynez Valley encompasses the village of Solvang (a "Danish" themed village), Los Olivos, small-town feel, Santa Ynez, Buellton, and the community of Ballard.
The wineries that participate vary from event to event, but it's a great time.
Finish up in Solvang where the tasting rooms are open later on the weekends (usually 7 or 7:30). Start at Lincourt where they open at 10am. Los Olivos for lunch maybe where there are usually a half dozen tasting rooms open. Get a map, check it out. Either take a limo or have a designated driver, as sometimes law enforcement has check-points - especially if you're getting a cheaper hotel in Lompoc - they may well stop you along the way back to your place.
Don't drink so much you fall asleep at the very excellent PCPA outdoor "Theaterfest" in Solvang. Great shows and great seats for not too much. Hotel Corque is the best in town, and has a pool whereas Petersen House does not and is more expensive. Other hotels are less, but... you get what you pay for. Indulge yourself!
Upcoming events are:
Winter Pass
October 1, 2013-January 31, 2014
A Wine Fantasy in February
February 14-17, 2014
Summer Pass
May 1 - August 31, 2014
The latest offering which we took advantage of this Labor Day Weekend was the tail-end of what they called their "Summer Passport." Rather than forcing you to try and do all 14 wineries on a Saturday (and a repeat on a Sunday), this one extends to the entire summer. (It ended on Saturday, the 31st, but there will be more events by this organization, I'm certain.) I think the single weekend event was discouraged by local law enforcement and the California Highway Patrol, because a lot of people tended to try and hit as many of the establishments as they could (and you could do 'em again on Sunday.)
So with this passport, you could do a few, and then come back another weekend, and another until you've hit all 14. It was forty dollars each. That's less than three dollars per "tasting" - about 5 or six oz of a variety of wines. Usually, a "walk-in" tasting will set you back 8 to 10 dollars each.
Santa Ynez Valley encompasses the village of Solvang (a "Danish" themed village), Los Olivos, small-town feel, Santa Ynez, Buellton, and the community of Ballard.
The wineries that participate vary from event to event, but it's a great time.
Finish up in Solvang where the tasting rooms are open later on the weekends (usually 7 or 7:30). Start at Lincourt where they open at 10am. Los Olivos for lunch maybe where there are usually a half dozen tasting rooms open. Get a map, check it out. Either take a limo or have a designated driver, as sometimes law enforcement has check-points - especially if you're getting a cheaper hotel in Lompoc - they may well stop you along the way back to your place.
Don't drink so much you fall asleep at the very excellent PCPA outdoor "Theaterfest" in Solvang. Great shows and great seats for not too much. Hotel Corque is the best in town, and has a pool whereas Petersen House does not and is more expensive. Other hotels are less, but... you get what you pay for. Indulge yourself!
Upcoming events are:
Winter Pass
October 1, 2013-January 31, 2014
A Wine Fantasy in February
February 14-17, 2014
Summer Pass
May 1 - August 31, 2014
Written 1 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DWolf1
Los Angeles106 contributions
May 2013
There is some wonderful bicycling in the Santa Ynez valley. Get off the marked bicycle lanes! Foxen Canyon is a beautiful ride. Ballard Canyon Road is also wonderful. Rusack Winery is on Ballard Canyon Road - and there are too many others to list here. For dining in Santa Ynez, skip the Vineyard House and go straight to Grappolo. We rented a guest house throug VRBO which was just off Baseline and Alamo Pintado, it was like having our own country home.
Written 15 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed P
Santa Maria, CA15 contributions
Jan 2020
We have gone to the Chumash Casino for years. Long before they built the Casino and Hotel there today. Once in a while, we would come out winners. There are a lot of nice People we have met there from all over the Country. We always played the Keno Slots. For a long time we could win something but, after they started with building the Chumash Museum, wining is a thing of the past. We have gone this last week and let me tell you, if you win a little when you first sit down, take it and leave. The chance you will win anything the second is nil. We don't use their membership card anymore because, we could never win anything when the card was in use. When we yanked the card, we would start to win. I have been reporting about how people we have met are no longer going to the Casino. At the rate of losing every time you go there, it is amazing how your Bank Account grows when you stay away for a few months. Earlier this month I hit a 7 out of 7 on the slots. I have to say I was shocked. That way the first time in more then three years that this has happened. Some thing must have went wrong with their Computer. That is a rarity for over three years now. Small money like 5 out of 5 is about the only thing you can win with. 7's, 8's and 9's are not going to happen if you sit there and stuffed ten thousand dollars into their slots.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger A
Anaheim, CA127 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
Santa Inez Valley is a beautiful area, 35 miles above Santa Barbara of the 101, there are many things to see and do in Santa Inez:
1) On the way up there is a beautiful lake called Catchuma lake recreation area Set in beatiful wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, you can do the followings:
tent sites, hookups, cabins, yurts and group area, they have strict rules for boating due to keeping the water clean and environmental friendly, please check their web site. Reservation a must
.
2) You can visit Late President Ronald Reagan Ranch called Rancho Del Cielo located atop of santa Inez mountain.
3) There are a lot of wineries to visit and sample their wine, there is a small charge for the samples but many hotels have discount coupon on the visitor stands two for one to most winery, also the wineries has outdoor picnic area seating to enjoy their wine, they don't mind if you bring a picnic basket as long you don't bring you own wine unless it is a sample or a purchase from their winery.
3) Don't forget to visit the historical beautiful Dutch town called Solvang it is a small town you will enjoy their bakeries, restaurants and shopping try the IZOD always have the best sale.
4) And if you have the urge to gamble , there is a casino on your way in to solving called the Chumash Casino.
5) Visit los Olivos has a lot of coffee shops and high end restaurants.
6) there is a great hiking and jogging trails
7) Also the town of Buellton has the famous place called Pea Soup Andersen's, and if you feel you want to do some exercise you could try the New ALL Sport Fitness gym near Andersen's.
I don't thing I left anything out, so go ahead spend a day or two or three or a week and enjoy Santa Inez mountain and all has to offer.
1) On the way up there is a beautiful lake called Catchuma lake recreation area Set in beatiful wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, you can do the followings:
tent sites, hookups, cabins, yurts and group area, they have strict rules for boating due to keeping the water clean and environmental friendly, please check their web site. Reservation a must
.
2) You can visit Late President Ronald Reagan Ranch called Rancho Del Cielo located atop of santa Inez mountain.
3) There are a lot of wineries to visit and sample their wine, there is a small charge for the samples but many hotels have discount coupon on the visitor stands two for one to most winery, also the wineries has outdoor picnic area seating to enjoy their wine, they don't mind if you bring a picnic basket as long you don't bring you own wine unless it is a sample or a purchase from their winery.
3) Don't forget to visit the historical beautiful Dutch town called Solvang it is a small town you will enjoy their bakeries, restaurants and shopping try the IZOD always have the best sale.
4) And if you have the urge to gamble , there is a casino on your way in to solving called the Chumash Casino.
5) Visit los Olivos has a lot of coffee shops and high end restaurants.
6) there is a great hiking and jogging trails
7) Also the town of Buellton has the famous place called Pea Soup Andersen's, and if you feel you want to do some exercise you could try the New ALL Sport Fitness gym near Andersen's.
I don't thing I left anything out, so go ahead spend a day or two or three or a week and enjoy Santa Inez mountain and all has to offer.
Written 19 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SLOnative
San Luis Obispo, CA392 contributions
Dec 2012
My father kept his ketch in the Santa Barbara Marina for over 25 years. Before that we trailed an 18-foot sailboat to regattas in Southern California. We've always taken the San Marcos Pass shortcut through the Santa Ynez Valley, recently made popular in the film "Sideways". This is horse county. Actress Bo Derek lives here with her horses. The late "Davy Crockett" "Daniel Boone" actor Fess Parker has a winery and Inn in Los Olivos where scenes were shot in "Sideways". Michael Jackson's "Neverland" ranch, whatever is left of it, is just 8 miles north of downtown Los Olivos. Some of the best Pino Noirs are grown and made in the Santa Rita Hills west of downtown Buellton (home of Andersen's Split Pea Soup restaurant). The charming Danish town of Solvang is loaded with bakeries, restaurants and the most hotels in the Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Ynez also has quaint restaurants and western saloons with major live western bands during the summer. There is golf in Alisal and Solvang, Two historic missions, and west of 101, the Las Purisima Mission and PGA Qualifying golf course. Sure it's long and hard, but without anything around it the view are great as long as you aren't hitting you ball into the summer westerlies. No wonder Ronald Reagan chose this beautiful spot chop wood when he was vacationing from the harsh realities of being President.
Written 25 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie J
Burbank, CA13 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
We don't drink so we don't do the wine tasting thing. Instead, we just start driving and see where we end up. We found a buffalo, ostriches, a farm where you can pick your own vegetables, a beautiful park in the middle of nowhere, wooden bridges on dirt roads, happy cows, beautiful horses, unbelievable views, etc, etc.
Written 6 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We3luv2travel
Big Bear Region, CA242 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
This is Wine Country at its best!!! Beautiful vistas in an old California feel of rolling hills covered with California Live Oaks and ranches everywhere. Rural and rustic charm.
There is so much to see in the Santa Ynez Valley. You can visit the very touristy Solvang and eat good pastries. Or you can spend an eternity going from winery to winery and/or wine tasting room to wine tasting room.
Our favorite Wineries (mostly because they have gorgeous grounds as well as good wine) are:
Rusack
Sunstone
Bridlewood
Lincourt
But this is only the beginning for us - as this was only our 2nd visit to the area and we have many many more wineries to explore - which we plan to do.
The little towns of Santa Ynez and Los Olivos are very quaint and charming and there is plenty of great restaurant choices - our favorite is the Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe.
Of course you can stay in Solvang or Buellton for easy access to everything there is to see, but it is an easy day trip from Santa Barbara as well.
There is so much to see in the Santa Ynez Valley. You can visit the very touristy Solvang and eat good pastries. Or you can spend an eternity going from winery to winery and/or wine tasting room to wine tasting room.
Our favorite Wineries (mostly because they have gorgeous grounds as well as good wine) are:
Rusack
Sunstone
Bridlewood
Lincourt
But this is only the beginning for us - as this was only our 2nd visit to the area and we have many many more wineries to explore - which we plan to do.
The little towns of Santa Ynez and Los Olivos are very quaint and charming and there is plenty of great restaurant choices - our favorite is the Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe.
Of course you can stay in Solvang or Buellton for easy access to everything there is to see, but it is an easy day trip from Santa Barbara as well.
Written 4 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
50-State-Traveller
Santa Barbara, CA19 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
There are over a hundred tasting rooms in the area, and pretty much all have a few good wines. But if you really want a good deal, and a great way to sample some of the smaller, boutique wineries, you should invest in one of the tasting passes offered from the Santa Ynez Wine Association. You get 14-15 tastings over a 3 month period, for just $40! Many of the wineries charge $12-$15 a tasting, so this is a true bargain. The passes are offered in the summer and winter, and the wines are reasonably priced.
Loved the Brander Vineyard, Buttonwood Winery, Cimarone Wines, and Daniel Gehrs. Didn't get to taste them all, but we'll be back!
Also, had great meals at Succulent Cafe in Solvang, Grappalo in Santa Ynez and Petros in Los Olivos.
Loved the Brander Vineyard, Buttonwood Winery, Cimarone Wines, and Daniel Gehrs. Didn't get to taste them all, but we'll be back!
Also, had great meals at Succulent Cafe in Solvang, Grappalo in Santa Ynez and Petros in Los Olivos.
Written 28 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
caseybemis
Santa Ynez, CA29 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
I moved here from Santa Barbara 7 0r 8 years ago and have never regretted it. If you are looking for pastoral with a little fun on the side, this place is for you. This is a valley surrounded by mountains with a river that runs through it into the ocean. We are "Central Coast CA". The summer temperature can get up to 100 but the nights cool into the low 60's 99% of the time. Fall, water and spring temperatures are in the 60's with nights getting into the 30's during the winter.
There are a number of hotels and motels that are high quality, but there are some that are average. What to do here? Relax and read a book. Take a beautiful drive on top of Figueroa Mountain. Dine in one of our many good restaurants. Other activities are cycling, gambling and museums. And this is a top notch place for wine tasting. In fact Vineyards abound here.
The Valley has about 5 small towns each within 5 minutes of each other. Each has its own character. Solvang is a quaint Danish town with everything a tourist would want. Santa Ynez has a definite western flavor. Los Olivos has become a wine taster's paradise. Buellton has major grocery and drug stores and is currently adding a large shopping center. Ballard is tiny, but the Ballard Inn is a quality place to stay with an exceptional restaurant.
It seems that every other week there is fun event or festival including Danish Days, a great 4th of July celebration, Christmas concerts, A Day in the Country in Los Olivos, etc.
And the Chumash tribe has build a large hotel and casino that includes entertainment by big name entertainers. My husband loved Willy Nelson.
I'm not sure why I'm extolling this place because that just means more tourists and the congestion that comes with it for the locals. But I can't deny how much I love it.
I really need to add to the food, gratuity, transportation, family/non family section as it really doesn't apply here. This is a place to stay several days. While there is public transportation you are better off with a car. Many tour busses go through the Valley, and you can do private wine tasting tours by bus or bike. This is a place for families and couples. Many people get married here. If it rains, there are museums, theaters and restaurants that provide shelter. Gratuities are usual in restaurants and with some tours.
There are a number of hotels and motels that are high quality, but there are some that are average. What to do here? Relax and read a book. Take a beautiful drive on top of Figueroa Mountain. Dine in one of our many good restaurants. Other activities are cycling, gambling and museums. And this is a top notch place for wine tasting. In fact Vineyards abound here.
The Valley has about 5 small towns each within 5 minutes of each other. Each has its own character. Solvang is a quaint Danish town with everything a tourist would want. Santa Ynez has a definite western flavor. Los Olivos has become a wine taster's paradise. Buellton has major grocery and drug stores and is currently adding a large shopping center. Ballard is tiny, but the Ballard Inn is a quality place to stay with an exceptional restaurant.
It seems that every other week there is fun event or festival including Danish Days, a great 4th of July celebration, Christmas concerts, A Day in the Country in Los Olivos, etc.
And the Chumash tribe has build a large hotel and casino that includes entertainment by big name entertainers. My husband loved Willy Nelson.
I'm not sure why I'm extolling this place because that just means more tourists and the congestion that comes with it for the locals. But I can't deny how much I love it.
I really need to add to the food, gratuity, transportation, family/non family section as it really doesn't apply here. This is a place to stay several days. While there is public transportation you are better off with a car. Many tour busses go through the Valley, and you can do private wine tasting tours by bus or bike. This is a place for families and couples. Many people get married here. If it rains, there are museums, theaters and restaurants that provide shelter. Gratuities are usual in restaurants and with some tours.
Written 1 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can anyone recommend which wineries are the best to visit? I’ll have a couple of days and be staying in Solvang. Any help would be appreciated !
Written 19 March 2019
Correction...Firestone in LOS OLIVOS
Written 19 March 2019
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