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        • Napa Valley
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Wine Country

Santa Ynez Valley
Wine Travel Guide

This stunning wine region on the southern end of California’s Central Coast is by far one of the more unique and dynamic in the state.

We have all heard of Napa Valley and Sonoma, two of the most renowned wine regions in California and all of the United States. But, have you heard of the Santa Ynez Valley? If not, you should, and our guide is the perfect place to get you started on understanding the Santa Ynez Valley wine country and planning your next grape escape. 

Discover the
Santa Ynez Valley

Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley

HISTORY

The Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns, each with its own lodging and restaurant scene, but all only 10-15 minutes from one another.

Get to know each one.

TERROIR

The movie, Sideways, may have put the Santa Ynez Valley on the map. But its terroir has its own sideways effect as it’s  home to the West Coast’s only east-west transverse mountain range. Which means the winds go from east to west, making them direct conduits for winds that carry the cool air and fog from the Pacific Ocean.

Learn more here.

Pence Vineyards, one of the Santa Ynez Valley wineries not to miss

PLANNING YOUR
WINE COUNTRY VACATION

Location. Only 40 minutes from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, two hours north of Los Angeles and four-hours south of San Francisco, you’ll find the Santa Ynez Valley. What might be Hollywood’s closest wine region is the furthest thing like its star-studded neighbor.

When to Visit. The weather in this Central Coast wine region allows for year-round activities making it ideal for any season. The Santa Ynez Valley features more than 100 wineries, 50 unique accommodations for every price point, chef-driven cuisine, and festive events, all painted into atmospheric backdrops which colorfully mesh Old World, Old West, Victorian-era, and mid-century to modern Danish.

We have first-hand travel tips and recommendations to help make your stay in the Santa Ynez Valley a GRAPE escape.

WHERE TO SIP

There are 100+ Santa Ynez Valley wineries, you’re bound to sip well no matter where you go. See our suggestions.

WHERE TO STAY

There is no shortage of hotels and B&Bs in Santa Ynez wine country. We have a few favorites to check out.

ITINERARIES

We have mapped out wine tasting itineraries to help you sip your way through Santa Ynez Valley wineries.

WHERE TO EAT

Santa Ynez wine country is home many great restaurants. See our top restaurant recommendations and featured food and wine pairings from local chefs.

GETTING AROUND

Should you rent a car and do it yourself? Hire a driver? Uber Wine? Read on to determine which is the best wine country transportation option for you.

WINEMAKERS

Getting to know Santa Ynez wine country means getting to know those behind the bottle. Meet the winemakers…

California Wine Festivals Not to Miss

THINGS TO DO
BEYOND THE VINES

With more than 100 wineries, wine tasting is one of the top things to do in the Santa Ynez Valley, but you will miss out on a lot if you don’t go beyond the vines. The area is home to so many fun activities! If you’re in the area and looking for things to do in Santa Ynez Valley besides wine tasting, we’ve got some great picks for you.

Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley - olive oil tasting at Global Garden

Planning a Wine Country Vacation?

get the guide

Sip In More Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country

The Bakers Table in Santa Ynez Valley, chocolate espresso cookie recipe
Featured Food & Wine Pairing: The Bakers Table, Santa Ynez Valley
Hitching Post II in Santa Ynez Valley shares its recipe and wine pairing for its Oak-Grilled Steak with Mushrooms, Onions and Pinot Noir Sauce
Featured Food & Wine Pairing: Hitching Post, Santa Ynez Valley
Food and wine pairing from the Ballard Inn and Gathering Table
Featured Food & Wine Pairing: The Gathering Table, Santa Ynez Valley
How to make Bobs Well Bread Meatloaf Sandwich
Featured Food & Wine Pairing: Bob’s Well Bread, Santa Ynez Valley
Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley - olive oil tasting at Global Garden
Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley Beyond the Vines
Where to eat in the Santa Ynez Valley
Uncorking the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country
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Elaine Schoch, Carpe Travel

 

Cheers! I’m Elaine Schoch, the editor and founder of Carpe Travel. I’m an award-winning travel writer, wine judge and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II), one of the world’s leading providers of wine education and certifications and an American Wine Expert. More…

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