Exploring the Santa Ynez Valley: A Charming Wine Destination

The Santa Ynez Valley is known for their vineyards and wineries as the temperate climate offers the perfect conditions to produce world-class wines. There are 7 AVAs located in the region that produce 9.5 million gallons (!) of wine annually. Even if you’re not a wine lover, you can still enjoy the beautiful views, architecture, and events at these establishments. Besides touring the vineyards and doing wine tastings, there are also amazing hiking locations, olive oil and lavender farms, shopping, dining and other events happening year-round to fill up your itinerary.

VINEYARDS

Foxen Canyon Wine Trail

Alma Rosa

Fess Parker

Presquile

TASTING ROOMS

Stolpman

E11ven by Andrew Murray

Story of Soil

Brave & Maiden

OLIVE OIL TASTING

Olive + Lavender Farms

Olive Hill Farm

Rancho Olivos

DANISH BAKERY HOPPING IN SOLVANG

Brød & Kage

Birkholms

Mortensen’s

Olsen’s

Danish Mill

SHOPPING

Los Olivos General Store

Santa Ynez General Store

Honey Paper

Wildflower Women

EXPLORE NATURE

Nojoqui Falls

Ostrichland

Clairmont Farms

BREAKFAST

Whether you are looking for a fantastic cup of coffee, Danish pastries, pancakes, or a hearty omelet before you venture to the vineyards, there is no shortage of amazing breakfast options in the area to start your day.

Good Seed (Solvang) - Recommendation: Lavender Latte

The Coffee House (Solvang)

Brekkies (Solvang) - Recommendation: Omelet with tots

Paula’s Pancake House (Solvang)

The Baker’s Table (Santa Ynez)

LUNCH

SYV has no shortage of great lunch options. Whether you’re looking for a more upscale, sit-down or a place to grab a quick bite in between activities, there is something for every occasion in every small town.

Industrial Eats (Buellton) - Portions are huge

Vega Vineyard & Farm (Buellton)

Bar Le Côte (Los Olivos) - Recommendation: fried chicken sandwich

Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe (Los Olivos)

R Country Market (Los Olivos) - Great option to pick up picnic supplies before heading to a BYOF(ood) vineyard.

DINNER

California prides itself on farm-fresh ingredients and eating local. This area really takes that to heart when it comes to their evening dining. All restaurants offer a homemade menu and an extensive wine list (filled with tons of local options, of course). Their service is warm and inviting, and really makes you feel like a local.

Mattei's Tavern (Los Olivos) - This restaurant sits on the stunning Auberge property and serves up local wines, innovative cocktails and farm-fresh dishes in a cozy, earthy atmosphere with fireplaces. Recommendation: Duck Confit and Okinawan Sweet Potatoes.

SY Kitchen (Santa Ynez) - Here you’ll find an extensive beverage menu to pair with modern spins on fantastic Italian fare showcasing local produce. - Recommendation: Fantastic homemade gluten free pasta!

Mad & Vin (Solvang) - Farm to table restaurant with a great happy hour bar menu.

First & Oak (Solvang) - A rotating seasonal menu offering guests unique 3- or 5-course prefix tasting options.

Nella (Los Olivos) - Sister restaurant to SY Kitchen, Nella sits alongside the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn. This outpost features a California twist on Italian classics like burrata, meatballs, pizza, pasta and meat entrees.