Santa Barbara wine country offers the wine-curious traveler an authentic experience all its own.
Diversity is what defines the authentic vibe of the Santa Barbara wine experience. Amidst a buzzing downtown scene, the urban wine trail is electric, with dozens of tasting rooms and working wineries peppering the city. In the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valleys, an easy 45-minute drive over the hill, though, reveals rolling vineyards as far as the eye can see, and a quintessential wine country experience is marked by world-class wine, cuisine, and hospitality.
However, much of the magic that makes Santa Barbara a world-class winemaking region is Mother Nature’s handiwork. The Santa Ynez Mountains that anchor this area, and the fertile valleys that they create, represent the only traverse along the entire Pacific Coast — from Alaska all the way down to Chile — that runs east-west. The weather conditions that this creates, driven by a steady influence of ocean air and marked by distinct weather swings from morning until night, translate into prime grape-growing conditions. The 30-mile drive from the western stretches of Lompoc to the eastern pockets of Los Olivospaints the picture: the air temperature will often climb one degree for every mile you travel.
These very special weather conditions, combined with an unbeatable variety of soils, have defined Santa Barbara wine country in exciting ways. For one, diversity is the calling card here. Unlike other regions that are known for the handful of grapes they grow well, all varieties thrive in Santa Barbara County: Burgundian grapes like pinot noir and chardonnay in the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley; Rhone grapes like syrah and grenache in Ballard Canyon; and Bordeaux heavyweights like cabernet sauvignon and merlot in Happy Canyon. Toss in projects that feature Italian and Spanish varieties, late harvest wines and a surging focus on bubbly, and the options are limitless.
Let us take care of all the details while you enjoy the heart of Santa Ynez wine country, home to some of the best California vintners. All of our tours are a great opportunity to sample and learn about the region’s wines. Santa Ynez Wine…
Certified sustainable winery focused on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines from a single vineyard on the bank of the ancient Sisquoc River, known as the Santa Maria Bench. Riverbench Vineyard was established in 1973, when the first grapes…
Beckmen Vineyards is one of North America's premier producers of Rhône varietal wines since our establishment in 1994. A family owned and operated vineyard and winery, we craft premier wines with a focus on Rhone varieties, sourcing fruit…
Totally Cali Tours delivers an authentic and in-depth Santa Barbara experience! Choose from History, Wine & Beer Tasting or Cultural tours of downtown Santa Barbara as well as our prestigious Wine Country. We also specialize…
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, just minutes from the beach, Jaffurs Wine Cellars produces world class hand-crafted wines. Since 1994 our family owned winery has focused on producing limited quantities of top quality Rhône…
Elevate your sniff, swirl and sip experience to a new standard of memorable, with these anything-but-ordinary ways to wine when you’re on The American Riviera®. Photo Credit: Demetria Estate Winery
There's nothing better than a gorgeous afternoon tasting your favorite wines and basking in the golden sun of the majestic Santa Ynez Valley. Photo Credit: Instagram @santabarbarawinecountry
A secluded spot for two. Enjoy a glass of premium wine within the comfort of Sunstone Vineyard's wide-open spaces. Photo Credit: heidi1002 via Instagram
Outside is the best place to be. Happy Canyon Vineyard has updated the El Paseo courtyard with new tables and plenty of shade. Photo Credit: downtownsantabarbara via Instagram
Wine tasting done right. Arrive at Sanford Winery for your private tasting in style. Let Nanco Helicopters be your designated pilot. Photo Credit: Instagram @nancohelicopters
