Santa Barbara/Buellton/Solvang area wineries to visit

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Peter C. · #1 Post by **Peter C.** » July 17th, 2019, 9:52 am

I last visited in 2006 on the ride down the PCH for our honeymoon, any can't miss wineries worth checking out?

What about restaurants?

TIA

Adam Lee · #2 Post by **Adam Lee** » July 17th, 2019, 10:00 am

Peake Ranch has just opened their tasting room on Santa Rosa Road. Definitely should check them out.

Adam Lee
Clarice Wine Company

Adam Lee · #3 Post by **Adam Lee** » July 17th, 2019, 10:00 am

Peake Ranch has just opened their tasting room on Santa Rosa Road. Definitely should check them out.

Adam Lee
Clarice Wine Company

Andrea V. · #4 Post by **Andrea V.** » July 17th, 2019, 10:32 am

Sanford in Sta. Rita Hills has a very nice tasting room, and I quite enjoy their wines. Since they have been acquired by Terlato, they lost some of their “status” in the wine world, but I think they make remarkable Pinots (in particular Vista al Rio and Dominio del Falcon are my ... but I think I am a minority on this board.
I once met John Terlato and Micheal Benedict at the tasting room and they really nice to spend some time with us talking about their wine!

#5 Post by **Anton D** » July 17th, 2019, 10:53 am

We enjoy Herman Story and Desperada, is that too far north?

#6 Post by **Jim Stewart** » July 17th, 2019, 11:07 am

You cannot be near Buelton and not stop at Firestone Walker Brewing for some brews. As for wines, we did a Santa Maria loop and stopped at four wineries. The wines were all good to very good, but the pourer/ambassador/trained monkey tasting format did not appeal to me. (heresy?!). Call ahead, go through the gate, and up through the vineyards to Demetria for some fresh air and wine. Maybe bring a picnic.

M. Meer · #7 Post by **M. Meer** » July 17th, 2019, 11:14 am

Jim Stewart wrote: ↑
July 17th, 2019, 11:07 am
You cannot be near Buelton and not stop at Firestone Walker Brewing for some brews.

Great place to stop in for lunch with said brews.

J. Rock · #8 Post by **J. Rock** » July 17th, 2019, 11:34 am

Dragonette winery tasting/tour is can't miss. This is different then going to their tasting room in Los Olivos. It's in their small winery/warehouse in a little industrial area. You can book it online and is only $25. It's a very intimate experience with very good to great wines and excellent, passionate, knowledgable staff.

I also very highly recommend Pico in Los Alamos for dinner.

#9 Post by **Ken Zinns** » July 17th, 2019, 11:49 am

I just happened to send a list of places in the area to a friend who will be relocating to Lompoc soon.

Among the places in Lompoc that I would recommend:
Ampelos
Arcadian
Bratcher
Fiddlehead
Longoria
Palmina
Piedrasassi
Stolpman
Transcendence
Zotovich

Taste of Sta. Rita Hills looks like it might be a good stop too.

In the Buellton / Los Olivos area and along the way there from Lompoc:
Alma Rosa
Andrew Murray
Babcock
Beckmen
Buttonwood
Coquelicot
Crawford Family
Dierberg
Dragonette
Hitching Post
Kaena
Ken Brown
Melville
Solminer
Tercero

And a bit farther north of Los Olivos, along Foxen Canyon Road, is Foxen.

Good places to eat besides Firestone Walker include Hitching Post (dinner) and Industrial Eats (lunch & dinner), both in Buellton. Full of Life Flatbread in Los Alamos is good too.

Pretty drives include Foxen Canyon Road and Santa Rosa Road.

Of course a lot depends on the varieties and styles of wine you're looking for. Many of the places above are quite different from one another but all are good. I know I've missed some good ones too - the ones I listed were more or less off the top of my head. The ones I listed are places that have tasting rooms, and there are a number of others that are very good but will require appointments. Hope that helps.

#10 Post by **Jeff Roy** » July 17th, 2019, 11:54 am

Great list Ken! I'd also recommend a little gem we came across in Los Olivos on our last trip.....Story of Soil.

Dan Sch · #11 Post by **Dan Sch** » July 17th, 2019, 12:08 pm

Roark in buellton was great

We really dug the wines at Solminer and Tercero in Los Olivos. Best food we had on the trip was at ember up in arroyo grande.

#12 Post by **John Morris** » July 17th, 2019, 12:14 pm

Funny, I was asking friends the same question this week. Au Bon Climat/Clendenen Family is near the top of my list. Funny no one has mentioned them, as ABC and Jim Clendenen have a long, strong track record. I really like the ABC chardonnay's and he's doing quite impressive things with nebbiolo.

Mel Knox suggested Ojai, a bit closer to LA. Again, a long, good track record.

Of course there's Sine Qua Non. And there's our own Larry Schaeffer at Tercero.

Greg Tatar mentioned some others that he's liked or that he wants to visit. Almost no overlap with the names above!

Sanguis
Jaffurs
Kunin
Margerum
Lafond
Samsara
Stolpman
Lindquist Family Wines (Bob Lindquist, ex-Qupe)
Larner

#13 Post by **Brian G r a f s t r o m** » July 17th, 2019, 12:24 pm

Arcadian

Sweetzer Cellars

#14 Post by **Gus Siokis** » July 17th, 2019, 12:24 pm

Industrial Eats - Buellton
The Lark - Santa Barbara

#15 Post by **Tom DeBiase** » July 17th, 2019, 12:28 pm

Loring Wine Company in Buellton.

#16 Post by **larry schaffer** » July 17th, 2019, 2:44 pm

PM sent . . .

Brian Gilp · #17 Post by **Brian Gilp** » July 17th, 2019, 4:19 pm

I love Urban Eats. I try to eat there once a day when I visit.

For wineries there are obviously lots of options and many have already been mentioned. My favorites are Tyler and Chanin out in the ghetto. Believe tastings are by appointment only.

Andrew M · #18 Post by **Andrew M** » July 17th, 2019, 4:47 pm

Went earlier this year. H/t to Brian Loring for fantastic visits at both the production facility and tasting room. Maybe the highlight of our trip. Taste of Sta Rita Hills is a great place to taste different producers (including Paul Lato and Sea Smoke) and is right next door to Gavin Chanin’s in Lompoc, which we also really enjoyed. Also really enjoyed Melville, every wine in the flight was very enjoyable, the Syrah’s really surprised me in a good way.

#19 Post by **larry schaffer** » July 17th, 2019, 4:58 pm

Brian Gilp wrote: ↑
July 17th, 2019, 4:19 pm
I love Urban Eats. I try to eat there once a day when I visit.

For wineries there are obviously lots of options and many have already been mentioned. My favorites are Tyler and Chanin out in the ghetto. Believe tastings are by appointment only.

Industrial Eats in Buellton is what I think you mean

They now have a separate 'to go' shop next door . . .

Cheers!

Brian Gilp · #20 Post by **Brian Gilp** » July 17th, 2019, 5:27 pm

larry schaffer wrote: ↑
July 17th, 2019, 4:58 pm

Brian Gilp wrote: ↑
July 17th, 2019, 4:19 pm
I love Urban Eats. I try to eat there once a day when I visit.

For wineries there are obviously lots of options and many have already been mentioned. My favorites are Tyler and Chanin out in the ghetto. Believe tastings are by appointment only.
Industrial Eats in Buellton is what I think you mean They now have a separate 'to go' shop next door . . .

Cheers!

Yes. Thanks for the correction. Not sure how I managed to screw that up.

GregT · #21 Post by **GregT** » July 17th, 2019, 6:18 pm

John - I did include Story of Soil, Tercero and Stolpman!

And Ostrichland!

#22 Post by **John Morris** » July 17th, 2019, 6:29 pm

I said above that you'd suggested Stolpman.

I'd mentioned Tercero, and I only listed additional places you had mentioned. (You aren't in favor of repetition, are you?)

Indeed, your e-mail did include Story of Soil. My bad!

#23 Post by **Gus Siokis** » July 17th, 2019, 6:31 pm

Andrew M wrote: ↑
July 17th, 2019, 4:47 pm
Went earlier this year. H/t to Brian Loring for fantastic visits at both the production facility and tasting room. Maybe the highlight of our trip. Taste of Sta Rita Hills is a great place to taste different producers (including Paul Lato and Sea Smoke) and is right next door to Gavin Chanin’s in Lompoc, which we also really enjoyed. Also really enjoyed Melville, every wine in the flight was very enjoyable, the Syrah’s really surprised me in a good way.

I did Taste of Sta Rita Hills earlier this year.....great place.

#24 Post by **John Morris** » July 17th, 2019, 7:51 pm

Ah, now I see what you were fretting about, Greg. When I said "the names above," I meant in prior posts, not the other places I'd named.

John Morris wrote: ↑
July 17th, 2019, 12:14 pm
Greg Tatar mentioned some others that he's liked or that he wants to visit. Almost no overlap with the names above!

Sanguis
Jaffurs
Kunin
Margerum
Lafond
Samsara
Stolpman
Lindquist Family Wines (Bob Lindquist, ex-Qupe)
Larner

GregT · #25 Post by **GregT** » July 17th, 2019, 10:04 pm

OK. I have three wines for you. One from a wine maker you introduced me to and I bought it some time ago specifically planning to have with you next time I saw you. The others shall remain mysteries.

Steve Crawford · #26 Post by **Steve Crawford** » July 18th, 2019, 6:20 am

if you are going north up the 101, be sure to stop in los alamos for bob's well bread.

Peter C. · #27 Post by **Peter C.** » July 18th, 2019, 6:43 am

Thanks all for the recommendations!

Stephen Pepe · #28 Post by **Stephen Pepe** » July 18th, 2019, 4:24 pm

Spear on HWY 246 in the Sta. Rita Hills.

#29 Post by **Carlton McCrindle** » July 18th, 2019, 8:17 pm

In Los Olivos, I would add the Refugio Ranch tasting room.

P Hohe · #30 Post by **P Hohe** » July 18th, 2019, 8:18 pm

Jeff Roy wrote: ↑
July 17th, 2019, 11:54 am
Great list Ken! I'd also recommend a little gem we came across in Los Olivos on our last trip.....Story of Soil.

Agreed on Story of Soil. Jessica, the winemaker, is incredibly passionate about her wine and it's delicious. Another to look for is Casa Dumetz. They have a very cool tasting room in Los Alamos. It's attached to beer bar where you can find rare beers and the tiny taco shop is amazing too.

P Hohe · #31 Post by **P Hohe** » July 18th, 2019, 8:19 pm

Jeff Roy wrote: ↑
July 17th, 2019, 11:54 am
Great list Ken! I'd also recommend a little gem we came across in Los Olivos on our last trip.....Story of Soil.

Agreed on Story of Soil. Jessica, the winemaker, is incredibly passionate about her wine and it's delicious. Another to look for is Casa Dumetz. They have a very cool tasting room in Los Alamos. It's attached to beer bar where you can find rare beers and the tiny taco shop is amazing too.

#32 Post by **Ken Zinns** » July 18th, 2019, 8:23 pm

Don’t know why I didn’t think of it before, but Ballard Inn, a little south of Los Olivos, is excellent for dinner. And the Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez is a great spot for morning coffee, pastries, and other baked goods.

#33 Post by **John Morris** » July 18th, 2019, 8:40 pm

GregT wrote: ↑
July 17th, 2019, 10:04 pm
OK. I have three wines for you. One from a wine maker you introduced me to and I bought it some time ago specifically planning to have with you next time I saw you. The others shall remain mysteries.

Keep me in suspense, will you!

P Hohe · #34 Post by **P Hohe** » July 18th, 2019, 8:43 pm

Living in the area I will share my favorites:

Food:
Root 246 in Solvang. The Chef is "Chef Pink" from Top Chef and Bar Rescue fame, and she has done amazing things there.
Willows Restaurant in the Chumash Casino Resort, Santa Ynez
S.Y. Kitchen - Santa Ynez
Industrial Eats - Buellton Alma Rosa Winery is right next door.
Firestone-Walker Barrelworks- Buellton. Awesome beer and good food. Be sure to go into the back room where they have beers aged in wine barrels.
Bob's Well Bread - Los Alamos
Full of Life Flatbread - Los Alamos
Pico - Los Alamos
The taco shop next to the Casa Dumetz tasting room - Los Alamos
The Ballard Inn Restaurant

Wine:
Dometria
Foxen - Check out both tasting rooms. They are about 1/4 mike from each other
Go to Los Olivos and walk around to the numerous tasting rooms such as Tensley, Beckman, Brewer-Clifton, Larner, Liquid Farm, Solminer, Stoplman, Story of Soil
Casa Dumetz
Crown Point - winemaker came from Harlan and you'll need a reservation but it's an awesome experience.
Paul Lato - need appointment but if you can get in, Paul will blow you away with his wine and his stories.
Jonata - Need an appointment
Au Bon Climat
Presquile - Santa Maria
Alma Rosa - Richard Sanford's wine
Star Lane

Many others and I didn't mention the Paso wineries. Have a great time.

P Hohe · #35 Post by **P Hohe** » July 18th, 2019, 8:46 pm

Ken Zinns wrote: ↑
July 18th, 2019, 8:23 pm
Don’t know why I didn’t think of it before, but Ballard Inn, a little south of Los Olivos, is excellent for dinner. And the Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez is a great spot for morning coffee, pastries, and other baked goods.

Definitely agree with both. I stop in to Baker's Table in Santa Ynez every Saturday morning to chat with the owner. Best scones you will find.

#36 Post by **Ken Zinns** » July 18th, 2019, 8:58 pm

P Hohe wrote: ↑
July 18th, 2019, 8:46 pm

Ken Zinns wrote: ↑
July 18th, 2019, 8:23 pm
Don’t know why I didn’t think of it before, but Ballard Inn, a little south of Los Olivos, is excellent for dinner. And the Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez is a great spot for morning coffee, pastries, and other baked goods.
Definitely agree with both. I stop in to Baker's Table in Santa Ynez every Saturday morning to chat with the owner. Best scones you will find.

Love Amy at Baker’s Table! And Budi at Ballard Inn is fun to talk with too. Of course both do a great job with their food.

Alex N · #37 Post by **Alex N** » July 19th, 2019, 8:59 pm

SY Kitchen and Industrial eats are both fantastic. For something a little different, if you're in the area during the weekend and want a fun, no frills lunch, you can head up to Cold Springs Tavern for a tri-tip sammy and a cold draft beer. Sit outside and listen to live music in a fun setting with a fun crowd of bikers, tourists, locals, etc.
There are so many good wineries with welcoming and entertaining people. It's really just a matter of not ending up at the crappy or mediocre ones.

#38 Post by **brigcampbell** » July 19th, 2019, 10:28 pm

GregT wrote: ↑
July 17th, 2019, 6:18 pm
John - I did include Story of Soil, Tercero and Stolpman!

And Ostrichland!

ostrich.jpg

#39 Post by **lleichtman** » July 19th, 2019, 10:49 pm

I always recommend Casa Dumetz in Los Alamos. Woman winemaker and often overlooked. Fun tasting room as well. Surrounded by breweries.

Tony Toto · #40 Post by **Tony Toto** » July 22nd, 2019, 1:59 pm

I was in the Santa Ynez Valley in March. The wineries I went to in the Valley were:

Sanford
Alma Rosa
Foxen
Turiya
Firestone
Sunstone
Andrew Murray
E11even - Andrew Murray
Fess Parker

Restaurants for dinner

Hitching Post for dinner - Their Highliner is fantastic!
The Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn
Los Olivos Merchant Cafe
S Y Kitchen
Industrial Eats in Buellton (lunch and highly recommended)

I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip. The Valley is beautiful!

#41 Post by **Mel Knox** » July 23rd, 2019, 9:53 am

John Morris asked me this question and I made up some things, like the idea Sine Qua Non had a tasting room where the Krankls poured barrel samples.
That's not true...hard to believe I know, but Ojai has a tasting room in Ojai and Bob Lindquist formerly of Qupe has a Lindquist/Verdad tasting room in Arroyo Grande, where Bob has shrines to Sandy Koufax and the Kinks.

Au BonClimat has a tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara along with a few others...Margerum??

Loads of wineries in Lompoc.

Going out on Foxen Canyon road is always a beautiful experience and you can visit Foxen!! Who knew?? Zaca Mesa is close by.

GregT · #42 Post by **GregT** » July 23rd, 2019, 10:13 am

Going out on Foxen Canyon road is always a beautiful experience and you can visit Foxen!! Who knew??

It's crazy how that works isn't it? Last month I was in British Columbia and we encountered exactly the same thing. We drove down Black Sage Road and we got to Black Hills Estate Winery. Then we drove down Ryegrass Road and we got to Silver Sage Winery!

Well, maybe it's not exactly the same but you get the idea!

#43 Post by **Mel Knox** » July 23rd, 2019, 6:20 pm

Greg,

You must have gotten very wise.

Last week I was on the Silverado Trail and drove by Silverado Cellars...but I did not end up with silver in my pocket....so sad...

#44 Post by **Scott Zimmermann** » July 23rd, 2019, 8:06 pm

While in Los Olivos:

Wineries: Liquid Farm (say hi to Jeff and/or Brian, favorite chard), Stoplman (hi say to Tom if he is there (syrahs)), and Brewer-Clifton (pinots). Stoplman and Brewer-Clifton are a block from each other.

Eats: Sides Hardware, and the Bear and Star.

#45 Post by **John Morris** » July 28th, 2019, 4:42 pm

Any suggestions for dinner in Santa Barbara? The only one I see is the Lark.

(I’m reading back over the thread, but on my phone. Forgive me if I missed suggestions.)

jhans · #46 Post by **jhans** » July 28th, 2019, 6:50 pm

Lucky's in Montecito is a can't miss

Paul Marshall · #47 Post by **Paul Marshall** » July 28th, 2019, 9:20 pm

P Hohe wrote: ↑
July 18th, 2019, 8:43 pm
Living in the area I will share my favorites:

Food:
Root 246 in Solvang. The Chef is "Chef Pink" from Top Chef and Bar Rescue fame, and she has done amazing things there.
Willows Restaurant in the Chumash Casino Resort, Santa Ynez
S.Y. Kitchen - Santa Ynez
Industrial Eats - Buellton Alma Rosa Winery is right next door.
Firestone-Walker Barrelworks- Buellton. Awesome beer and good food. Be sure to go into the back room where they have beers aged in wine barrels.
Bob's Well Bread - Los Alamos
Full of Life Flatbread - Los Alamos
Pico - Los Alamos
The taco shop next to the Casa Dumetz tasting room - Los Alamos
The Ballard Inn Restaurant

Wine:
Dometria
Foxen - Check out both tasting rooms. They are about 1/4 mike from each other
Go to Los Olivos and walk around to the numerous tasting rooms such as Tensley, Beckman, Brewer-Clifton, Larner, Liquid Farm, Solminer, Stoplman, Story of Soil
Casa Dumetz
Crown Point - winemaker came from Harlan and you'll need a reservation but it's an awesome experience.
Paul Lato - need appointment but if you can get in, Paul will blow you away with his wine and his stories.
Jonata - Need an appointment
Au Bon Climat
Presquile - Santa Maria
Alma Rosa - Richard Sanford's wine
Star Lane

Many others and I didn't mention the Paso wineries. Have a great time.

If you want the best Boudreaux style wine in the region...then Crown Point is the best...not even close.

David Baum · #48 Post by **David Baum** » July 28th, 2019, 10:08 pm

Paula's pancakes in Solvang fort breakfast if it's still there. Dinner at Hitching Post, get drunk at dinner, walk back to hotel.

David Baum · #49 Post by **David Baum** » July 28th, 2019, 10:11 pm

La Super Rica on N Miplas St in SB for lunch. Amazing open face tacos, Julia Child's favorite. There will be a line, wait in it. Order three tacos. You'll want them. Bring cash, no cards accepted.

Alex N · #50 Post by **Alex N** » July 28th, 2019, 10:16 pm

John Morris wrote: ↑
July 28th, 2019, 4:42 pm
Any suggestions for dinner in Santa Barbara? The only one I see is the Lark.

(I’m reading back over the thread, but on my phone. Forgive me if I missed suggestions.)

Toma, be sure to make reservations. Bringing a bottle of wine might be a good idea regardless of the corkage. I have been to Lark many times and while the atmosphere is great, the food... I don't get the hype, neither did anyone at the table when we went all out last visit. SB really doesn't have the kind of fine dining places you'll find in LA, SF, NYC, etc. Toma is one of the few that manages to do enough turnover night after night and remain stellar. The cioppino is out of this world.