Destination: Santa Barbara Wine Country
By Tara de Lis, City Editor
L.A's secret wine country escape for years before a little film called "Sideways" cast it into the spotlight, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to many world-class wineries, top restaurants and great getaway hotels and bed and breakfasts.
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Buttonwood Farm Winery
1500 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA
Slow-paced, family-run working farm and winery known for great value vintages, sensational summer peaches and gorgeous gardens. -
Ampelos Cellars
1633 W Central Ave, Lompoc, CA
Former Disney exec turned Danish cowboy unironically wrangles some of the Santa Rita Hills' top limited production wines. -
Stolpman Vineyards Tasting Room
1659 Copenhagen Dr Ste C, Solvang, CA
In the heart of downtown Solvang, this elegant corner tasting room features all-estate wines, olive oil and upscale accessories. -
Palmina
1520 E Chestnut Ct, Lompoc, CA
Based out of Lompoc's "Wine Ghetto," Steve Clifton's "passion project" specializes in Italian varietals and Italian blends. -
Foxen Vineyard
7200 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, CA
Longtime winemaking collaborators' rustic outpost and namesake location for small, backroads trail of tasting rooms offers famed Pinot Noirs, more. -
Melville Vineyards & Winery
5185 E Hwy 246, Lompoc, CA
Visitors enjoy endless shade amid the expansive picnic area outside this Spanish-style tasting room situated in the Santa Rita Hills. -
Daniel Gehrs Wines
2939 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA
Situated along tasting room row, this turn-of-the-century cottage stands out for its affordable wines and country decor.
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Ballard Inn Restaurant
2436 Baseline Ave, Ballard, CA
Intimate epicurean experience transcends hotel dining with elegant Pacific Rim-influenced New American menu and lovely local wine pairings. -
Los Olivos Cafe
2879 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA
Relaxed wine-shop-attached and patio dining for locals, "Sideways" fans and oenophiles in search of solid California cuisine with Mediterranean influences. -
The Hitching Post II
406 E Highway 246, Buellton, CA
Round up a steak fit for a cowboy at this rough-riding restaurant made more famous in "Sideways." -
Grappolo
3687 Sagunto St Ste C, Santa Ynez, CA
Tucked away in Santa Ynez, this bustling trattoria is a hidden gem favored by families, Barolo-seeking winemakers and in-the-know travelers. -
Patrick's Side Street Cafe
2375 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA
Beloved local's favorite features market-fresh California cuisine, organic ingredients and high-quality meats. -
Paula's Pancake House
1531 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Solvang breakfast institution serves traditional American favorites along with specialty Danish pancakes and sausage. -
Cold Spring Tavern
5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara, CA
Old San Marcos Pass stagecoach stop lassos a little bit of the Wild West--and cooks up classic American eats.
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Fess Parkers Wine Country Inn and Spa
2860 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA
Owned by its namesake former frontiersman-portraying actor, this luxury resort offers an unbeatable location for epicurean suburbanites on retreat.
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Hadsten House Inn & Spa
1450 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA
Santa Barbara wine country's first luxury boutique hotel opens after 5 million dollar renovation updates an old Vagabond Inn. -
Ballard Inn
2436 Baseline Ave, Ballard, CA
Idyllic 15-room bed and breakfast in the heart of Santa Ynez wine country offers quiet escape and gourmet food. -
Days Inn
114 E Highway 246, Buellton, CA
Know as the Windmill in "Sideways," the Buellton branch of this budget travel chain provides basic amenities for comfortable stays. -
Wine Valley Inn
1554 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
Scandinavian-style hotel ideally situated in Solvang Village offers four different styles of guestrooms, including private cottages. -
Chumash Casino Resort
3400 E Hwy 246, Santa Ynez, CA
Upscale Native American hotel and gaming property combines modern luxury with interpretive reminders of tribal heritage. -
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort
1054 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA
Minutes from Solvang's tourist jam, this upscale dude ranch gives urban cowpokes a taste of the Old West--and modern luxuries.
