1. Santa Ynez Valley
Situated between the San Rafael Mountains and the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Santa Ynez Valley is a charming vacation destination that is filled with gorgeous scenery and wonderful weather all year round.
There are six different communities within the valley, each of which offers a different experience.
For example, Los Alamos has a more vintage western feel whole Solvang is more European. You can spend your time there walking through the towns, taking in the history and culture, and dining on delicious foods while trying out some of the many wines the valley is known for.
2. Carr Winery - The Santa Ynez Tasting Room & Warehouse
With two California-based locations, Carr Winery - The Santa Ynez Tasting Room & Warehouse features a 3,800-square-foot climate-controlled facility that stores the many delicious wines produced by Carr.
The open-floor layout lets you see where the wines are waxed, bottle-aged, and crated for shipment all from the comfort of the u-shaped bar and booths that are available there.
You’re invited to visit with friends and family and enjoy wine on tap, wine by the glass, and private wine tastings which you can schedule in advance.
Popular wines include the Carr Sauvignon Blanc, Carr Pinot Gris, and Carr Grenache all of which are made with Santa Barbara County grapes grown by Ryan Carr.
3563 Numancia Street #101, Santa Ynez, CA 93460, Phone: 805-688-5757
3. Crown Point Vineyards
Crown Point Vineyards is an estate winery that is dedicated to crafting highly distinctive premium wines that rival the best throughout the world. It is a true vanguard in the region and can be found along the foothills of Santa Barbara’s Happy Canyon Valley. The first release was a 2013 vintage 100% estate Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the unique character of the estate and its distinct climatic conditions. Visitors from all over the world head to the vineyard and winery for a unique tasting experience which includes a tour of the grounds and facilities, a tasting of the Crown Point Cabernet Sauvignon and the Crown Point Estate Selection, and a delicious cheese pairing.
1733 Fletcher Way, Santa Ynez, CA 93460, Phone: 707-287-7743
4. Roblar Winery & Vineyards
Roblar Winery & Vineyards can be found in the heart of Santa Barbara County on an oak tree-studded 40-acre property.
Authentic, rustic, and bold, the winery and vineyard offer one of the area’s most memorable experiences as you and friends come together with great wine and food.
The stunning 5,000 square foot tasting room includes everything from an indoor-outdoor stone fireplace to a trellis-covered patio where you can take in the panoramic views of the gardens.
For a more intimate dining experience, reserve the Potting Shed, which is one of the most renowned private spaces in the Santa Ynez Valley.
3010 Roblar Avenue, Santa Ynez, CA 93460, Phone: 805-686-2603
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Kalyra Winery
With an outstanding portfolio of wines, the Kalyra Winery offers an entertaining and educational place to learn about winemaking and try some of the imaginative and delicious Kalyra wines.
The winery is nestled amongst hundreds of acres of rolling vineyards, ensuring that you enjoy sweeping views of your surroundings during the memorable wine tasting.
You can spend your time at the wonderful tasting bar, on the full-length deck, enjoying a tranquil picnic, or at the extensive gift shop.
They host many events at the winery throughout the year, including one of the Central Coast’s best wine-related events, The Great Grape Stomp.
343 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA 93460, Phone: 805-693-8864
6. Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House
The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House all started back in 1961 when a group of residents recognized the need to preserve and celebrate local history.
They organized the historical society and opened a small, two-room museum - the museum is now one of the most stunning buildings in Santa Ynez.
Even more breathtaking is the array of artifacts and memorabilia that you will find inside of the museum.
Exhibits include the Jeannette Lyons Costume Room, the Native American Room, the Pioneer Room, the Valley Room, and the Ellen Gleason Library which has an extensive archive collection.
7. Rancho Olivos, Santa Ynez
Located with California’s beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, Rancho Olivos is a family owned and operated business that has over seven acres of thriving olive trees on their ranch.
From this, they create local, fresh, and flavorful handcrafted extra virgin olive oil - people come from all over to the taste the artisan oils as they are the only olive oil producers in the valley.
You’re more than welcome to visit their ranch, farm, and orchard for a day of relaxation and fun. The family is more than happy to converse with you about their history and processes while enjoying complimentary tasting of the award-winning olive oils.
2390 Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA 93460, Phone: 805-686-9653
8. The Brander Vineyard
Family owned and operated, The Brander Vineyard’s Fred Brander is often called the “King of Sauvignon Blanc” in the wine world.
Rightly so, as the wines produced on the estate vineyard infuse traditional methods of wine making with modern chemistry and high-end tools. Wine tastings at the Brander Vineyard are held in a temperature-controlled setting that reflects the family, as many of the paintings on the wall were painted by Fred’s father.
During your visit there you’ll be able to try an array of white and red wines such as the Cuvee Natalie, au Naturel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rose. Their on-site gift shop has many items as well, including their popular lavender-infused grapeseed oil.
2401 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA 93460, Phone: 805-688-2455
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