WEEKEND IN THE VALLEY GUIDE
Santa Ynez Valley
A charming, historic town, in Santa Barbara Wine Country
The beautiful Santa Ynez Valley is a rewarding and relaxing destination for a weekend getaway or fun-filled day trip. Whether you seek award-winning wines, fine or casual dining, great shopping, fine art or artisan wares, there is plenty to do, especially in Bar Le Côte’s home Los Olivos!
Boasting expansive views of Santa Barbara County’s vineyards and horse ranches, Los Olivos is noted for its love of the arts, fun festivals, recreational landscapes and friendly residents found throughout the village. The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail starts in Los Olivos and stretches north, winding its way through beautiful wineries and vineyards. Visitors might consider rental bicycles to explore more of the region!
Where to stay in Santa Ynez Valley
Fess Parker Winery & Inn
Located on Grand Avenue in the township of Los Olivos, the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn is the premier address for weekend getaways, romantic retreats, and destination weddings. The Inn features thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, a stunning outdoor event space, modern Italian dining, an onsite boutique and a fitness center. This 19-room boutique hotel provides the perfect setting to keep the conversation going long after the winery closes its doors.
The Landsby
Solvang's The Landsby offers 51 boutique guest rooms with warm hospitality and stylish accommodations. The intimate hotel embraces contemporary design and Scandinavian aesthetic, inviting guests to a one-of-a-kind stay in California wine country. The Landsby is located in the heart of Solvang, just steps away from some of the best tasting rooms, bakeries, and shopping in the area.
The Ballard Inn
Just minutes from Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang, The Ballard Inn delivers an award-winning wine country experience by combining warm and inviting accommodations, attentive staff, and gourmet cuisine. Set against scenic vineyards and orchards, this AAA four diamond rated property is the perfect weekend getaway or business retreat.
Hotel Ynez
Located at the intersection of Santa Ynez and Solvang, Hotel Ynez sits on two acres of secluded land with gardens, a heated pool for guests aged 21 and over, bonfire pits, and a rustic outdoor pavilion perfect for starlit evenings. Here, contemporary travelers can unwind in the midst of oak trees or by the pool, all while surrounded by the scenic beauty of Santa Barbara wine country.
The Genevieve
Formerly known as the Santa Ynez Inn, The Genevieve is a 20-room boutique hotel in Santa Ynez. The Genevieve offers amenities such as The Victor Restaurant and Bar, an event space for weddings and events, and a day spa.
The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection
Rich with rustic sophistication and legitimate history, Mattei's Tavern effectively fuses old with new. The Tavern Building dates back to 1886 and the original cottages have been painstakingly restored to preserve their distinctive details, while new buildings sit alongside them, seamlessly blending with the authentic structures.
Alisal Ranch
Alisal Ranch is situated in the center of Santa Barbara Wine Country, and offers a contemporary take on the Old West. Spanning across 10,500 acres, Alisal Ranch provides abundant inspiration for family-oriented activities, romantic retreats, special occasions, and beyond. Discover the rich history of this timeless location before immersing yourself in its expansive beauty and letting your inner adventurer run wild.
Where to drink in Santa Ynez Valley
The Other Room
The Other Room is local’s beer bar in the heart of Los Olivos, made in collaboration between Companion Hospitality and the founders of The Backroom at Valley Brewers. The Other Room’s rotating tap and bottle list features California’s finest independent brewers alongside hard-to-find imports, thoughtfully curated wines and savory snacks. A sister bar to The Backroom in Solvang, The Other Room was designed as an antidote to the countless wine tasting rooms across the Valley.
This vision has been brought to life with the expertise of Emily Blackman and Kim Garcia, the beverage directors and right-hand women who have helped shape the success of Bell’s and Bar Le Côte’s programs, as well as The Backroom’s program.
The Other Room
The Backroom at Valley Brewers
Created by Chris Kelly and Sandy Harrison, The Backroom at Valley Brewers is a craft beer and wine bar in Solvang. Located behind Valley Brewers, make sure to stop in for homebrew and winemaking supply. Valley Brewers has everything you need to make your own beer, wine and cheese.
Storm Wines
Founded by South African Ernst Storm, Storm Wines is focused on making classically styled wines from proven sites—wines with personality, where elegance is favored.
Carhartt Family Wines
Mike Carhartt grew up raising cattle and horses on the historic Rancho Santa Ynez. Years later, on that same ranch, he and his wife Brooke planted seven acres of Merlot and three acres of Syrah. Over 25 years, the estate has since grown to encompass three separate vineyards, all with their own distinctive set of varietals and characteristics.
Dafoe
Founded by Santa Barbara native Rob Dafoe, Dafoe Wines centers on purity, focus and intention, endeavoring to honor and continue the hard work accomplished in the vineyard. The results are expressive and honest wines—wines of substance, texture and valor.
Brewer Clifton
Founded by Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton, Brewer-Clifton Winery boasts two decades of history in the Sta. Rita Hills. Their wines capture the terroir of the region’s pure crystalline sand soils and the salty air from the rugged nearby sea.
Solminer
Good wine starts with good dirt. Since 2012 Anna and David Delaski have been producing natural, organic and biodynamic wines featuring traditional Austrian varietals.
Maverick Saloon
Since 1906, Santa Ynez was home to four bustling bars that kept both locals and visitors entertained. These drinking establishments went by the names Last Chance, the Bum Steer, Parker's, and the Maverick Saloon. Although three out of the original quartet have long vanished into obscurity, the fabled Maverick Saloon endures and remains a cornerstone of the Santa Ynez valley. Offering cocktails, wines and dinner fare, The Maverick Saloon is also a music venue, hosting a variety of bands each week.
Liquid Farm
With a straightforward name that describes the authentic nature of wine (liquid from farming), you can bet that the Liquid Farm team believes all great wine starts in the vineyard. Their sunny farmhouse-style tasting room is right in the center of town.
Dragonette
Founded by brothers John and Steve Dragonette, as well as Brandon Sparks-Gillis, Dragonette specializes in the farming of low yield, high-quality varietals in the wild, windy landscape of northern Santa Barbara County. At their tasting room, you’ll discover Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah that represent the remarkable climatic and soil diversity of the region.
Waylan Wine Co.
Handmade wines made by two brothers Brad WAYne and Greg aLAN...WAYLAN. It’s a family affair, and a fun place to hang out with incredible pours. They cast a wide net making 25-30 wines a year. They do a lighter, fresher take of familiar varietals. Whites include chenins, chards, albariños, semillons,grenache blancs and more. Reds include would be cinsaults, cab sauvs, gamays, grenaches, syrahs, malbecs, mencias and more.
Story of Soil
Focused on single vineyard and single varietal wines, The Story of Soil crafts small lot wines that capture the influences of soil and microclimate.
Stolpman Vineyards
Dedicated to sensible farming and winemaking, Stolpman’s team crafts vibrant, site-specific wines that reflect the terroir of the Ballard Canyon AVA (American Viticultural Area) in California.
Where to eat in Santa Ynez Valley:
Bar Le Côte
Los Olivos, CA
Lunch + Dinner
Our other restaurant, Bar Le Côte, is a stylish seafood tavern inspired by the daily catch of the Central Coast and the modern cuisine of Europe’s seaside capitals. Our team prepares thoughtful maritime fare in a casual, social atmosphere.
Bar Le Côte
Ramen Kotori
Solvang, CA
Lunch + Dinner
Operated by husband and wife team Francisco "Kiko" Velazquez and Erica "Ikuko" Velaquez, Kotori is, by our measure, one of the best, most creative restaurants in the valley. Beyond ramen, you’ll find Japanese-inspired dishes featuring local ingredients, as well as the fresh catch of the region’s finest fish mongers.
Ramen Kotori is the first and only ramen shop in Solvang or better known as the Danish Capital of America.
Nella Kitchen & Bar
Los Olivos, CA
Lunch + Dinner
This restaurant, inside the Fess Parker Inn, is a favorite spot for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. As for the food, you’ll discover expertly made pinsas (a cloud-like, Roman-style pizza), as well as other Italian and Mediterranean dishes, all served with a Santa Ynez country feel.
The Lucky Hen
The Lucky Hen emphasizes food that's meticulously researched to its source and crafted by people who share the same values. All menu items are carefully prepared in small batches, with each rendition tasted and adjusted to ensure consistent quality. From its larder and cheese shop to cafe and bakery and catering offerings, expect top-quality lunch, dinner, and catering.
Hitching Post II
Buellton, CA
Dinner
On the central coast of California, BBQ has always meant grilling over an open fire of red oak, a style of cooking that is native to the area and goes back to the days of the Spanish Rancheros. About 30 miles north of Santa Barbara, The Hitching Post II blends traditional Santa Maria Barbecue with eclectic local ingredients and award winning wines for an exciting cuisine that is uniquely its own.
Peasant's Feast
Solvang, CA
Lunch + Dinner
Hospitality industry duo, chef Michael Cherney and wife, Sarah, brought more than three decades of restaurant experience to Peasants FEAST and Peasants DELI & MARKET. As independent, family- and woman-owned and operated food businesses, both businesses strive to feature every part of each plant and animal destined for their menus, through deliberate dishes meant to highlight the local agricultural community.
Peasant’s Deli & Market
From specialty and deli meats to housemade sandwiches and provisions, Peasant’s DELI & MARKET is inspired by the earth and rooted in community. Don’t miss their Caviar Cone—made with Jamon Iberico, Regiis Ova caviar, manchego cheese, chevril, and a feuille de brick cone.
Scotty-Boy!
Scott Sampler, the winemaker and proprietor of Central Coast Group Project (CCGP), created Scotty-Boy! wines with inspiration drawn from the easy-drinking country wines that are traditionally produced in neighborhood garages and served in large carafes, nicely chilled, on sweltering days at the local cantina.
The winemaking mission of Scotty-Boy! wines is to offer wine in its purest and most unadulterated form - with nothing added and nothing taken away. The wines are wild, alive, mostly savage, and ready to be slurped!
Santa Ynez Billiards
Santa Ynez, CA
Lunch + Dinner
Owned by our friends Amal, Ray and Matt, this family-run billiards room features some of the freshest Mediterranean food in the valley. Their house made hummus, tabouli and shawarmas are the move at this off-the-beaten path spot—which also happens to be open on Tuesdays, when some other local restaurants are closed.s, Sandwiches, Chicken & Beef Shawarma, Hummus & Tabouli and Falafel.
S.Y. Kitchen
S.Y. Kitchen serves up Italian cuisine made with premium ingredients. Opened in 2013 by Kathie and Mike Gordon, the two also operate Toscana and Bar Toscana in Brentwood. At S.Y. Kitchen, Verona-born chefs Luca and Francesco Crestanelli are the masterminds behind a menu featuring pizzas, seasonal vegetables, and house-made pastas such as ricotta and marjoram gnocchi served with Bordier butter and roasted cherry tomatoes. Guests have the option to enjoy their meal inside for a chic farmhouse ambiance or dine on their shaded patio during lunch or dinner.
Industrial Eats
Housed in a repurposed warehouse, Industrial Eats is adorned with produce and grocery graffiti on its exterior wall and features a craft butcher counter stocked with house-made treats. Two wood-fired ovens churn out seasonal dishes, all sourced from sustainable farms and food pioneers. Jeff and Janet Olsson, the owners, along with their expert crew, place a high value on bringing people together through a shared feasting environment by serving delicious, honest food.
Coast Range
Coast Range & Vaquero Bar is a steakhouse and seafood restaurant with a full cocktail bar, deli counter, and pastry program. Award-winning chefs Anthony Carron, Lincoln Carson, and Steven Fretz, along with renowned sommelier and winemaker Rajat Parr, combine their expertise to offer an all-day dining concept that highlights the Central Coast's best offerings. Coast Range & Vaquero Bar incorporates proprietary products from its owner's Santa Ynez ranch, Coast Range Ranch.
Vineyards
Advance reservations required
Tyler Vineyard, Mae Estate
Sta. Rita Hills
Founded by (then 24-year old) Justin Tyler Willett in 2005, Tyler began with just a few barrels tucked away in the corner of a Sta. Rita Hills cellar. He has since emerged as a regional champion of old vines, with the Mae Vineyard marking the latest chapter in Tyler Winery’s evolution.
Kids allowed: No
Dogs allowed: No
CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCES;
PRIVATE TASTING FOR 1-6 GUESTS
Enjoy a private, seated experience at our Mae Estate Vineyard House. Guests will have the opportunity to sample wines from our limited, Single Vineyard and Estate programs. Due to the private nature of our vineyard house, we do not accept groups larger than six for this experience. If you are interested in bringing a larger group, please reach out and we can work on special accommodations.
We are proud to have partnered with Tyler Winery to announce a bi-weekly, five-course lunch series with wine pairings to benefit a local charitable organization, Feed the Valley. 100% of event proceeds contribute to fighting food insecurity in our community.
Demetria
Demetria winery offers two distinct wine portfolios: each sourced from premium growing regions on the Central Coast, renowned for their exceptional terroir. The 213-acre property boasts rolling hills, with 38 acres of high elevation hillside vineyards currently under cultivation. Demetria specializes in producing biodynamically grown Rhone-style wines from our Estate in Santa Ynez Valley, along with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from some of the finest vineyards situated in Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley AVAs.
The Hilt
Rancho Salsipuedes, the residence of The Hilt wines, features vineyards that are situated on expansive land located almost 13 miles from the Pacific. The property spans a vast area and comprises various elevations, orientations, soil compositions, and microclimates. As a result, winemaker Matt Dees has access to an assortment of vineyard plots, allowing him to handpick grapes and produce wines with unique character and style.
Spear Winery
Sta. Rita Hills
Spear Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned, sustainable and certified organic vineyard nestled in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills Appellation. The family’s hope is to craft wines that transparently communicate our estate vineyard’s voice with the utmost lucidity and sincerity.
Kids allowed: No
Presqu’ile Vineyard
Santa Maria
A family-owned winery in the Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile (“almost island” in French) is dedicated to crafting exceptional, cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah from Santa Barbara County.
Kids allowed: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes
Shokrian Vineyard
Los Alamos
Focused on the farming of wine grapes in an eco-friendly environment, Shokrian strives to nurture the balance between the fruit, the soil and the vines, using sustainable as well as organic and biodynamic farming practices.
Kids allowed: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes
Tatomer
Founded in 2008, Tatomer specializes in the production of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, inspired by the Austrian tradition of production of both wines. According to founder Graham Tatomer: “No other grape conveys its region's character and varietal flavor with the power, focus, and beauty the way Riesling does.”
Roblar Winery
Roblar Winery and Vineyards is situated in the heart of Santa Barbara County, amidst a 40-acre vineyard dotted with oak trees. The winery embodies the essence of Santa Ynez Wineries - genuine, unpretentious, and daring. The core principle at Roblar is to highlight the distinctiveness and splendor of Santa Ynez vineyards. The winery boasts an array of delectable wines, locally sourced food menu, and truly farm-to-table paired delicacies, along with estate-driven experiences, making it a unique destination amongst Santa Ynez wineries.
Foxen Winery
Bill Wathen and Dick Doré, also known as the "Foxen Boys", established Foxen on the historic Rancho Tinaquaic in northern Santa Barbara County in 1985. Since then, their commitment to producing small-batch, vineyard-centric wines through sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking has remained steadfast. The winery's initial vintage was created in 1985 within the premises of the old blacksmith shop on the ranch, now affectionately referred to as "The Shack". For over two decades, The Shack and the adjacent barn served as Foxen's winery and tasting room.
Other Recommendations
Hikes in SYV
Long (6 miles):
Gaviota Loop/Peak
Click here for directions
Interactive Trail Map
Short:
(Green Gate) off Figueroa Road
Interactive Trail Map
Retail
Forage Florals is a unique shop that has more than just flowers. Beyond hyper-local blooms and foliages from farms within a five mile radius, they also stock fine gifts from around the globe. No two arrangements are alike and availability of blooms is directly up to Mother Nature and the current season.
Husband duo Pearson and Spencer are friends of Bell’s, and run the incredible Santa Ynez General. They have two stores- one focused on homegoods and one focused on clothing. They share both California and global artisans and have incredible taste.
A staple store in Santa Ynez, KJ Murphy’s Hat Shop sells handmade custom hats and western goods. Crafted in California in the tradition of early Americana, these hats are hand-made works of art. As KJ says, “a fine hat fits like a good friend.”
Transportation Services
805 Wine Tours & Taxi Cab Service
(805) 325-3787
While Uber & Lyft are available at times, they can often require hour + waits. We recommend using local services.
Coffee
Solvang, CA
This boutique roaster takes incredible care of the product they serve and offers some of the most thoughtful, consistent coffee in the Valley. Their pastry selection is also amazing, and their central location makes it easy to prioritize a quality cup while you’re traveling.
Los Olivos, CA
Inspired by the ideals of the hippy and punk movement, Lefty’s promotes acceptance and respect for every human being, regardless of age, race, gender, orientation, background of physical ability. The coffee shop also serves original artisan baked goods from Sandra Adu Zelli, a Santa Barbara based chef, baker, and owner of Gipsy Hill Bakery.
Santa Ynez, CA
Founded in 2020 by Skyler & Alyce, a husband + wife team, Queen Cup Coffee represents equality reflected in the integrity of our product. As a queen cup is the symbol of the foundation of a larger colony, they promise to serve ethically sourced products and encourage our local shop to serve as an inviting atmosphere with your friends and family as you enjoy exceptional quality service.