The land of cowboys and surfers, where rolling vineyards meet rugged coastlines, and the spirit of the Old West lingers in the salty ocean breeze. The Santa Barbara Wine Country is a place where sun-soaked days are spent between wine tastings and exploring charming towns, blending laid back lifestyles with rustic elegance.
Consider this your curated roadmap to the best of Santa Barbara Wine Country—where to eat, sleep, and, most importantly, vino!
STAY:
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern - This Auberge Resort hotel is pure luxury. This stunning escape is located in the heart of historical Los Olivos and is the most romantic getaway. You could arrive and happily never leave the property till check-out. Enjoy the pool and spa, dine at The Tavern, sip on drinks at The Bar, and indulge in a hot toddy whenever you pass by then front desk.
Fess Parker - An intimate 19-room boutique hotel in Los Olivos. The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn has fireplaces in every room for the colder months, and a heated pool for sunny days. The hotel also has one of my favorite restaurants inside, Nella Kitchen & Bar.
Alisal Ranch - Spanning 10,500 acres in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal Ranch offers a refined take on the Old West. This is luxury ranch living at its finest. With this stay, the nightly rate includes breakfast and dinner and feature local ingredients, as well as beer, wine and more! Come thirsty and work up an appetite with your daily adventures. And don’t forget to dress the part in the evening—dinner at Alisal is a time-honored tradition, calling for “country formal” attire since the ranch first opened in 1946. Giddy up!
The Genevieve - Formerly the Santa Ynez Inn, The Genevieve is a sophisticated retreat that exudes timeless elegance. Located in the heart of Santa Ynez, this boutique stay offers plush linens, inviting fire pits, a serene spa, and a gourmet breakfast to start your day. For an elevated dining experience, The Victor Restaurant & Bar serves up elevated dishes focused on live fire, land, and sea. Come as you are – there's no dress code. Boots, buckles, and big hats welcome!
The Landsby - Nestled in the heart of Solvang, The Landsby blends contemporary Danish design with a chic Scandinavian aesthetic. This boutique hotel features 51 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, charming courtyards, and cozy fire pits, along with its signature restaurant Mad & Vin. One of the best parts? Its prime location makes it effortless to explore downtown Solvang on foot, letting you soak in the charm of this Danish-inspired town at your own pace.
Hotel Ynez - Tucked away on two private acres in Solvang, Hotel Ynez offers a tranquil escape surrounded by lush gardens and towering oak trees. Unwind by the heated, adults-only pool or gather around the bonfire pits for a cozy evening under the stars. The rustic outdoor pavilion adds to the charm, making every moment feel effortlessly relaxed. With just 22 spacious guest rooms, this intimate retreat invites you to slow down and soak in the laid-back beauty of California wine country.
Skyview - Perched on a hilltop, overlooking Los Alamos, Skyview is an iconic mid-century motel turned into a stylish modern-day oasis. Stay on one of the 33 rooms at this five-acre outpost and enjoy the many amenities such as Norman restaurant & bar, adult-only pool, and a vineyard producing the house rosé. What more could you ask for?
The Bodega House - A renovated 1920s farmhouse on site at Bodega in Los Alamos.
To finish planning the perfect trip to wine country, have a glass of vino and continue on Substack!
The rest of the guide includes:
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Where to enjoy the best breakfast, lunch & dinner.
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Food + wine pairings - the Los Olivos way.
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Tasting rooms that can’t be missed.
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The most dreamy rolling vineyards.
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Where to shop for the best souvenirs.
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A crazy taxi driver to call at the end of the night.
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A photo gallery to inspire you for your upcoming getaway!
