Two different wine experiences: urban tasting rooms near the Santa Barbara waterfront and a dedicated inland trip to Santa Ynez Valley wineries and tasting towns. Do not combine them casually if everyone plans to drink.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Two different wine experiences: urban tasting rooms near the Santa Barbara waterfront and a dedicated inland trip to Santa Ynez Valley wineries and tasting towns. Do not combine them casually if everyone plans to drink. Check official reservations, road conditions, water quality, accessibility, seasonal closures, fire weather, and event schedules shortly before visiting.
What Stands Out
- Santa Barbara Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: California's most critically respected expressions of Burgundy varieties
- Au Bon Climat: the founding winery of the county's reputation — tasting room in the Presidio neighborhood
- Funk Zone tasting rooms: a dozen producers within two walkable blocks — the best urban wine crawl in California
- Foxen Canyon Road: a day trip through eucalyptus and wine estates to Sanford, Beckmen, and Zaca Mesa
- Highway 154 over San Marcos Pass: one of California's most beautiful driving roads