I’ve been visiting Santa Barbara’s wine country since 2005, and while some hotels, restaurants, and wineries may have changed over the years, my love for the region has remained unwavering. There’s something magical about breathing in the fresh vineyard air while sipping a glass of Pinot Noir—it’s in those moments that I truly know I’m in my “happy place.”
Here are my suggestions for the best Hotels, Wineries, and Restaurants in Santa Barbara Wine Country. This is an ever growing list, so check back often and let me know if you have any favorites I need to check out.
PLACES TO STAY:
I love Solvang so much! Solvang is a Danish village in the middle of Santa Barbara wine country. They have Danish bakeries, stores, and windmills everywhere! They also have wine tasting rooms and a multitude of bars & restaurants. It’s great to stay in Solvang when you are with friends and you are are in the mood for evening activities.
Hotel Corque ($$$): Boutique hotel, great location
The Landsby ($$$): Bougie! They have a great restaurant - Mad & Vin which has a vibrant lounge area. Dog-Friendly
Vinland Hotel & Lounge ($$): Convenient location! They have a bar and a pool. Dog-Friendly
Wine Valley Inn & Cottages ($$): Affordable option, nightly rate includes a daily breakfast, as well as an evening wine reception on the weekends. Onsite Spa! Dog-Friendly
Located directly off the 101, Buellton is a very convenient place to stay. It has some of my favorite restaurants and is a perfect central location to enjoy wine tasting from. Although - something to consider - it is not as walkable as Solvang & Los Alamos. If you want to partake in any nighttime festivities, you will likely have to Uber. Buellton is a great option, however, if you would prefer a quiet night at the hotel after a day of wine tasting!
Santa Ynez Valley Marriott ($$$): Modern amenities, nice pool! Bonus: You can use Marriot (Bonvoy) points Dog-Friendly*
Sideways Inn ($$): Convenient location right off the 101. Nice, quiet pool area. Walking distance to the Hitching Post II! This was the hotel featured in the movie Sideways. Dog-Friendly*
Charming! That’s the best way to describe Los Olivos. It’s just the cutest little town. You feel like you are on a movie/tv set when you are walking around. They have so many extraordinary tasting rooms and a plethora of incredible restaurants. I would recommend Los Olivos for a romantic weekend getaway rather than a place to get crazy with friends.
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn ($$$$): FANCY! They have a spa and their restaurant, Nella Kitchen, is quite the hot spot.
Wow! That’s what I can say about Los Alamos! I consider it the Las Vegas of wine country. I can’t really get into the details of why, but people do love to have a good time in Los Alamos! It’s a tiny little town with (seriously) one street and an Old West vibe. But they certainly know how to pack the fun into a small area! They have so many phenomenal restaurants that you can spend a whole weekend just in Los Alamos. Los Alamos is perfect if you want to be within walking distance of nice restaurant while still maintaining a chill vibe.
Skyview ($$$) Luxury boutique hotel! Heated pool along with a full-service restaurant - Norman. Dog-Friendly
The Alamo Motel ($$): Chic roadside motel! They have the cutest beer & wine bar located right in their courtyard. Dog-Friendly
WINERIES & TASTING ROOMS:
Alma Rosa: Fantastic Pinot Noir & Chardonnay made by a female winemaker! They have a lovely tasting room in Solvang – but I highly recommend booking a private wine and cheese experience at their ranch house located in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills. *Favorite Wine – El Jabali Pinot Noir
Andrew Murray Vineyards: Beautiful winery located on Foxen wine trail, features Rhone varietals *Favorite Wine – Roasted Slope Syrah
Babcock: Fun tasting room/winery off Route 246 in Lompoc, Pinot heaven, great place to buy souvenirs when the wine starts hitting you! *Favorite Wine – Ocean’s Ghost Pinot Noir
Brave & Maiden: Sleek, modern winery and tasting room in Santa Ynez. You will want to stock up on their delicious Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc here!
Brick Barn Wine Estate: Located in Buellton – right off Route 246. Lovely outdoor space. So many great wines – love their Albariño, Rosé and of course – their Pinot and Chardonnay
Camins2Dreams: Tasting room located in Lompoc. Women owned and operated - they focus on Syrah and Grüner and make truly special minimal intervention wine with grapes sourced from some of the best vineyards. *Favorite Wine – Zotovich Vineyard Syrah
Civilization Wine Company: Tasting room in the Lompoc Wine Factory. Winemake/Owner Kris Beverly is passionate about wines and it shows in each sip. Be sure to ask for a quick tour of the winemaking facilities. *Favorite Wine – Ampelos Vineyard Syrah
Coquelicot Tasting Room: Charming tasting room in Los Olivos. Certified organic winery with a unique selection of wine - need to try their Carbonic Sangiovese. *Favorite Wine – Estate Syrah
Demetria: Off the Foxen Wine Trail – Gorgeous views! Biodynamic Rhone and Burgundy wines. While they have good Pinot – I’m all about the Rhone varietals here *Favorite Wine: Pantheon (GSM)
Dovecote Estate Winery: Located in the Alisos Canyon AVA. Book a tasting at their idyllic pond – which is the most relaxing place to drink wine! I could never choose a favorite among their Syrah, Grenache Blanc, and Viognier!
Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard: Located off Foxen Canyon. Fun place to go with a group, nice outdoor location – opens early! *Favorite Wine – Big Easy (Syrah, Petite Syrah, Grenache)
Folded Hills: Located directly off the 101 Freeway in Gaviota! Great Rhone Varietals! Unique tasting experiences – including a full tour of the ranch to visit all of the animals! I love tasting down at the beautiful lake. *Favorite Wine: August Red (Grenache/Syrah)
Foxen: Located off of the Foxen Canyon (obvi). Such a cool experience to taste at the “Shack”. Amazing Pinot – but also some unique varietals. *Favorite Wine: Pajarito (Petit Verdot/Merlot)
Future Perfect: Cozy tasting room in Los Olivos. They source grapes from top notch local vineyards that practice sustainability and organic and/or biodynamic farming. Women-owned! *Favorite Wine: Dry Riesling
Grassini Family Vineyards: Located in the Happy Canyon AVA. Stunning place – known for Bordeaux Varietals *Favorite Wine: Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Grimm’s Bluff: Located in the Happy Canyon AVA. I recommend enjoying a full tour of the winery. Biodynamic winery. Bordeaux Varietals. *Favorite Wine: Contango Cabernet Sauvignon
Happy Canyon Vineyards: Located in the Happy Canyon AVA, they have a tasting room in Santa Barbara – however, I recommend tasting at the vineyard – surrounded by vines and horses. Beautiful Bordeaux Blends *Favorite Wine: Barrack Family Ten-Goal Cabernet Sauvignon
Holus Bolus: Cute tasting room in Los Olivos. High-quality, small batch wine made from Chardonnay, Roussanne, Gamay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. *Favorite Wine: Amy and Peter Made This, Pinot Noir
Liquid Farm: With a Tasting Room in Los Olivos, Liquid Farm produces fantastic Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They allow their wine to develop with little intervention and no winery manipulation. *Favorite Wine: Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir
Peake Ranch: Located in the Sta. Rita Hills – fairly new tasting room – very modern. Lovely Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. *Favorite Wine: Bellis Noir (Grenache, Syrah)
Pence Vineyards: Located off Rte. 246 Beautiful Tasting experiences, great Pinot and Chard – but also try the Gamay! They have the cutest dogs and you can also have a peacock sighting there. *Favorite Wine: Fugio Estate Pinot Noir
Presqu’ile: Family-owned winery located on a stunning hilltop in Santa Maria Valley! Beautiful Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – but don’t sleep on their Sparkling options. *Favorite Wine: Bien Nacido Pinot Noir
Melville: Next door from Babcock on Rte. 246. Estate winery, organically farmed! Fantastic Pinot Noir! *Favorite Wine: Anna’s Block Estate Pinot Noir
Roblar Winery: Located in Santa Ynez, Roblar offers a wide variety of wines! They have Bordeaux blends, Sangiovese, GSMs, everything! They also have a talented chef and have a fabulous Sunday Brunch menu so you can enjoy brunch favorites in their beautiful outdoor space. *Favorite Wine: Sangre de Dioses (Blend of Sangiovese, Grenache, Cabernet)
Sanford Winery: Iconic Sta. Rita Hills winery. Gorgeous location! Famous for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. *Favorite Wine: Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir
Spear: Located on Rte. 246. Family-owned, sustainable, and organic winery *Favorite Wine: Gnesa Vineyard Stainless Chardonnay
Story of Soil: Women-owned winery with a wonderful tasting room located in Los Olivos. Focus is on single varietal and single vineyard wines. They have a beautiful selection of Pinot Noir - they also make a lovely Grüner that I am quite fond of. *Favorite Wine: La Rinconada Vineyard Pinot Noir
Tribute to Grace: Small tasting room in Los Alamos, all wines are single-vineyard 100% Grenache made by uber talented winemaker – Angela Osborne. *Favorite Wine: Whole Cluster Grenache
Tyler Winery: Located on Rte. 246 in Sta. Rita Hills, beautiful Chardonnay & Pinot Noir – book a private tasting at their Mae Vineyard Estate *Favorite Wine: Mae Estate Chardonnay
RESTAURANTS:
Buellton:
Industrial Eats ($$): Truly a lunchtime gem! Amazing Pizzas, Salads, and Sandwiches *Favorite Dish: Prosciutto, Taleggio, Parmesan, Arugula Pizza
Hitching Post Tasting Room ($$): Favorite lunch spot – perfect outdoor place for delicious burgers and wine! *Favorite Dish: Oak Grilled Cheeseburger
Hitching Post ($$$): Yes – Hitching Post again – but this is the indoor restaurant – and for dinner! Fantastic steaks and wine! One of the few places I order dessert as well (the chocolate cake & ice cream!) $$$
Los Alamos:
Bell’s ($$$$): French-inspired Bistro - perfect for lunch or dinner! This place is special! *Favorite Dish: Crème Fraîche Panna Cotta: Santa Barbara sea urchin, Regiis Ova ‘Royal’ caviar, Inez olive oil
Bob’s Well Bread ($): Perfect breakfast spot – their bread/pastries are divine! Perfect lunch sandwiches! *Favorite Dish: Baguette, Prosciutto and Egg Sandwich
Plenty on Bell ($$): Open Breakfast & Lunch. Charming, locals spot! *Favorite Dish: Chorizo Breakfast Burrito
Priedite BBQ ($$): Open Thursday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm (or until sold out). This place is incredible! They have a full BBQ spread offered on Saturdays, and their iconic Bandito Burgers and BBQ Tacos, on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Don’t miss their Tortilla Chips with Guacamole. *Favorite Dish: Brisket Tacos
Los Olivos:
Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café ($$): Love this place for lunch!! (it’s open for dinner too) Extensive wine list. Nice patio seating. *Favorite Dish: Steak Cobb Salad
Mattei’s Tavern ($$$$): Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. This place has so much history and a ranch-inspired menu. Amazing wine list and beautiful open kitchen that is helmed by the uber-talented Chef Rhoda Magbitang. *Favorite Dish: Tavern Smashburger
Nella ($$$): Hot Spot! Italian-inspired dishes. Phenomenal Cocktails! They have an assortment of Roman style Pinsas that are all delicious!
Santa Ynez:
Ellie’s Tap & Vine ($$$): Warm and inviting restaurant in quiet location in Santa Ynez open for dinner only. Delicious food with new seasonal small plates. Great wine list! Outside Patio Dog-Friendly
The Victor ($$$): Cozy fireplace vibes with indoor/outdoor seating. Features coastal California cuisine. Favorite Dish: Santa Maria Tri-Tip Frites Outside Patio Dog-Friendly*
Solvang:
First & Oak ($$$): Located in the Mirabelle Inn. Highlights local and organic ingredients, seasonal menu with a three course or five course tasting menu.
Leonardo’s ($$): Great Italian place with delicious pizzas and pastas. Love the cozy back patio! *Favorite Dish: Orecchiette with Rapini, Sausage, and Garlic
Mad & Vin ($$$): Located in the The Landsby hotel. Open for Breakfast, Brunch, and Dinner. Wine-country inspired cuisine *Favorite Dish: Short Rib Breakfast Burrito
Peasants Feast ($$$): Open for Lunch and Dinner this place is a must for your next visit to Solvang. They have lovely patio seating and a casual vibe with impressive food. Peasants Feast has Michelin pedigree and of course a fantastic wine list filled with local gems. *Favorite Dish: Solvang Hot Chicken
Solvang Restaurant ($): Super-charming! My favorite breakfast spot in wine country! *Favorite Dish: Aebleskiver
