The Santa Ynez Valley, just north of Santa Barbara, is one of most diverse grape-growing regions in Santa Barbara County. Near the Pacific, fog and cool air rolls in at dusk, ideal for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Thirty miles inland at Happy Canyon, it’s sunny and hot—perfect for Bordeaux varieties like Cab Franc and Merlot.
Santa Ynez Valley Wineries
Where to go to get a taste for this under-the-radar wine region? Why not start at Sunstone Winery. It has a cool wine cave, sustainably grown grapes, and a spectacular limestone chateau available for overnight stays. Or check out Andrew Murray Vineyards, where the signature pour has an interesting origin story: Due to an error at the vine nursery, the winery’s debut 1993 Viognier harvest turned out to be Syrah grapes. In subsequent years, dead vines were replaced with the originally intended Viognier, and today the resulting celebrated blend, called Roasted Slope, is 6 to 8 percent Viognier. Another tip: buy a pass from Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association to save on tastings at 15 participating boutique wineries.
Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tours
In the Santa Ynez Valley, wine lovers can spend a day—or more—exploring a diverse collection of estates and tasting rooms across its many appellations. Whether you opt for a guided tour by van, bike, or craft your own path, you’ll encounter everything from rustic barn-style wineries to sleek modern vineyards. Many tours combine tastings with lunch or picnic-style meals, often winding through dramatic landscapes shaped by coastal breezes and valley microclimates. Local tour companies include Heritage Farmland Touring Company, Grapeline Wine Tours, Stagecoach Co. Wine Tours, and Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours, to name a few.
If you’re looking for a totally different way to tour the region, sign up for a Cloud Climbers Jeep Tour. Guides take you four-wheeling on mountain roads to various wineries, including picnic lunch.
For those seeking a more personalized experience, private tastings and estate-level access offer an intimate look at the winemaking craft. Keep in mind that it’s often necessary to book ahead—check the websites of wineries such as Crown Point, Stolpman Vineyards, Brewer-Clifton Vineyards, Dragonette Cellars for details.
Cinematic Santa Ynez Valley
The setting for all this is as magnificent as you might expect from California wine country. Rolling hills, endless vines, and ancient oaks to the horizon… Between the wines and the views, it’s easy to see why the region became a star in the 2004 surprise hit, Sideways. Take a self-guided tour of the film’s many shoot locations in Buellton, Los Alamos, and Los Olivos—even if you don’t remember the movie, these places are all worth a visit. Also worth a visit is the Danish-inspired town of Solvang, famous for its bakeries.
More Things to Do in the Santa Ynez Valley
While in the area, take advantage of some of the other activities, like horseback riding (destinations can include the beach, or a few wineries); hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains; or cycling, in the form of a leisurely, family-friendly ride or a fitness climb up Mt. Figueroa or into Foxen Canyon. Renting a bike is easy with Wheel Fun Rentals, Dr. J’s Bicycle Shop, or Pedego Electric Bikes. Feel like getting airborne? Or, hop on a hot-air balloon with Sky's the Limit Balloon Adventures.