Off the Beaten Path – Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country is slowly making its place in the wine market and vacation destination on the West Coast. If you have seen the movie Sideways, you already know a bit about the Santa Barbara Whine Country: the Pinot Noir Country ( well aside from France of course!). So why not try something different and visit Santa Barbara Wine Country and forget about Napa Valley for once?
The 4 Wine-growing Areas
Santa Barbara Wine Country is divided in 4 different areas. In the Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the main productions. This area is also popular for golfing escapes. Cambria Winery is very popular for its wines selection and especially for the view. If you are looking for a more off the beaten path winery in Santa Barbara, you should visit the Kenneth Volk Vineyard in Foxen Cayon for a unique experience. Santa Inez Valley is home to most of the wineries of Santa Barbara Wine Country. If you like Cabernet and Merlot, you will enjoy this wine-growing area. The Santa Maria and Santa Inez Valley are the most important vineyard areas. Sta Rita Hills, which is on the Santa Inez Valley appellation, and Los Alamos Valley also grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. For a great picnic spot and a Pinot Noir degustation, Melville Vineyard in Sta Rita Hills offers you a great mediterranean touch. In Los Alamos, come enjoy your wine between the cattle ranches and farms at the Bedford Thompson Winery. As one of the largest in the region, this winery offers a interesting wine experience in a rustic setting.
The towns you can’t miss
If you are looking for a culture shock visit Solvang. Known as the “Danish Capital” of the USA, Slovang is a charming little town with windmills, great Danish restaurants and bakeries, small shops and friendly people. If you are looking for some off the beaten path adventure, Solvang is a great destination. Go for a short hike at the Nojoqui Falls Park, or even drive to Buelton and go feed the ostrich! Solvang has 2 great wine tasting rooms that you’ve got to try: The Presidio Winery is known for its friendly staff and their choice of organic wines; and The Royal Oak Winery for their great selection of semi sweet and sweet wine such as Muscat or Riesling.
Los Olivos is your next stop! Though it is small,this tucked away town is a great place to stop for art galleries and … wine tasting of course! After enjoying the grapes you can take a walk and discover the Lavender Farm and its beautiful scent and colors. Los Olivos Grocery seems to be popular for its patio where you can enjoy a yummy lunch and wine you just bought there, but also for a great choice of fresh produce to plan your picnic.
Come discover what Sideways made so appealing! Leave the city behind and get in touch with your palate to discover and savour all the greatest tastes you can on your wine tour!
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