Santa Barbara Wine Country Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Central California featuring mountains, tranquil scenes and farmland
Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country

See how chardonnays, cabernets and pinots are made then taste the fruits of the process in Santa Barbara’s beautiful wine region.

Take a break from the rush and stress of city life and sink into the scents and tastes of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Just a short drive northeast from the city, this region provides world-class lodging and comforts to make your stay one to remember. If you are a fan of the award-winning movie Sideways, you’ll enjoy spotting locations from the film, which was shot in this area.

Santa Barbara Wine Country hosts some of California’s best tasting and most delicate wines. The region has a topography that’s ideal for producing classic wine varieties such as chardonnay, cabernet and pinot noir.

For a great wine-tasting experience, try the Sunstone Vineyards & Winery. Pair your wine with views of rolling hills covered in vines, a scene framed by the Santa Ynez River and a spectacular mountain backdrop. Head to the Kalyra Winery to taste distinctly Australian-style wines and enjoy the company of fellow grape lovers in a friendly tasting room atmosphere.

The curious will want to see the vineyard-to-bottle process on public display at the Gainey Vineyards. While here, take the opportunity to try the chardonnay.

Sample pinot noir made with the produce harvested from the vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills.

After a day of tasting wines, have dinner in one of the region’s three towns: Solvang, Los Olivos or Santa Ynez. Choose from a variety of top-class restaurants with all tastes complemented by locally sourced wines.

Each town has its own charms. Solvang has some of the region’s most romantic lodging and scenery while Los Olivos has a number of quaint art galleries. The nearby Los Alamos has some great antique stores, so be sure to explore.

To see the best of Santa Barbara Wine Country, choose from one of many affordable tours that take you to a selection of vineyards over the course of a day. The adventurous should try an unforgettable bike or horse-riding tour of the spectacular landscape.

Vineyards charge a small wine-tasting fee and are open daily.

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

3.5 out of 5
1455 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,933 reviews)
"Perfect location! Walking distance to everything! Will definitely come back! It’ll be better if EV charger was a universal kind, to cater all EV and not just one make. Other than that, its a great and safe place to stay!"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Vinland Hotel and Lounge
Wine Valley Inn

Wine Valley Inn

3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,183 reviews)
Great value for an amazing location
"Comfortbale beds, amazing location in the middle of Solvang."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Wine Valley Inn
Chumash Casino Resort

Chumash Casino Resort

4 out of 5
3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA
The price is NZ$219 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
NZ$219
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Santa Ynez. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,728 reviews)
"Chumash exceeded my expectations. I was a little hesitant with reading other reviews but we were pleasantly surprised. Everything was exceptionally clean and lovely. The room was spacious, comfortable and beautiful. The casino was large and had a lot of options. Although there is smoking permitted, ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Chumash Casino Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lavender Hill Ranch Santa Ynez: 7 Acre Estate Epic Hilltop Views Near Shops/Wine

Lavender Hill Ranch Santa Ynez: 7 Acre Estate Epic Hilltop Views Near Shops/Wine

Solvang
Stay at this vacation home in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Apple Lane Solvang are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (147 reviews)
"Comfortable and clean 6 bedroom home with gorgeous vista views. Well appointed. Beautiful landscaping. Great location for visiting Solvang and Santa Ynez."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Lavender Hill Ranch Santa Ynez: 7 Acre Estate Epic Hilltop Views Near Shops/Wine
Newly renovated boutique hotel in heart of Solvang, California - dog friendly

Newly renovated boutique hotel in heart of Solvang, California - dog friendly

Solvang
Stay at this vacation home in Solvang. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum ...
Newly renovated boutique hotel in heart of Solvang, California - dog friendly
The Oakley at the Los Alamos Mercantile

The Oakley at the Los Alamos Mercantile

Los Alamos
Stay at this apartment in Los Alamos. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions A Tribute to Grace Wine Company and Bedford Winery are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Great Place!
"The condo was better than expected- great location in town, modern, clean and had everything we needed."

Reviewed on 27 Apr. 2025

The Oakley at the Los Alamos Mercantile
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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