Spot is enjoying the vineyards in Santa Barbara Wine Country.
We moved to Los Angeles in October. We have been to wine country three times already. Yeah, we are boozers.
It is so incredible! As I have mentioned we are big “Sideways” fans. So, the first time we went up there, we did the “Sideways” tour. They have the “Sideways” map and everything. The places on the map do not disappoint at all. I can not rate any other wine country because this is the only one I have ever been to before. You drive around these beautiful landscapes to vineyards and it is just so peaceful.
Most of the wine tasting rooms you pay $5-15 dollars to taste 6-8 wines and most of the time keep the wine glass. You walk in, pay and find a place at the bar where someone will give you a list of wines you will be tasting. They don’t pour much wine into your wine because it is just a tasting. A lot of them have a stopper that only allows a certain amount, so there is no variant from the person next to you. No one is getting more than any other person. Come on, you know you are looking around at other people’s glasses looking for the best server.
Advice: Find someone who is pouring that is energetic and fun. Not because you will get more wine because you won’t, but because they will offer more information. This is where you can ask all those questions you always felt stupid asking about wine. “When someone says they taste asparagus, does that mean there is asparagus in the wine?”
There are only two places that give tours in the area so make sure to ask if that is what you are looking for.
The police are around so make sure to be really careful! They thrive on giving tickets to people with one glass of wine in them. You can taxi, but it is expensive driving through the back country in a taxi. There are a lot of limousines and other party vans, etc. that you can rent. Or just take it at a very nice easy pace, take your time and drink water.
I highly recommend Solvang, Buellton, Los Olivos for vacationing. In those little towns are tasting rooms. These tasting rooms are just the wine tasting and you are not in the vineyard. You have to drive on the outskirts of these towns to taste at vineyards and take the tours. Also, pack a picnic. Most vineyards have places with tables or grassy knolls to eat.
Our favorite vineyard is Sanford. Amazing outdoor area is breathtaking and the wine is delicious.
Slovang is a Dutch inspired town. Most of the buildings are faux “english tutor” design. Instead of the real wood siding to give it the “english tutor” look, they painted the look on. Kind of cheezy but very charming and fun to walk around.
Buelton & Lompoc are very small and not so pretty towns, but has fun places to eat and cheaper places to stay.
Los Olivos is definetly more high end in places to stay, eat and shopping. It is the most ascetically pleasing town, absolutely adorable with antique stores and tasting rooms.
You can not lose on the views of the vineyard countryside. So….relaxing.
