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Santa Barbara Wine Country: A Refined Escape Through the Santa Ynez Valley

Condé Nast Traveler is a luxury travel magazine known for rigorous editorial standards and destination expertise.

The route

12 stops·6 wineries · 3 restaurants · 1 cafe · 1 hotel · 1 activity

1. 01

   Hotel

   Arrival & Check-In at Alisal Ranch

   Settle into 10,000 acres of rolling ranchland at this legendary Solvang resort, your luxurious launchpad for Santa Barbara wine country.

2. 02

   WinerySouth West

   Sanford Winery

   Sanford helped put Santa Barbara on the map for stunning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their historic Rancho La Rinconada estate.

3. 03

   Restaurant

   Lunch at The Bear and Star

   Chef John Cox's wood-fired ranch-to-table spot delivers locally sourced excellence in charming Los Olivos.

4. 04

   WineryLos Olivos District

   Brewer-Clifton

   Sommeliers swoon over their single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that capture Sta. Rita Hills terroir beautifully.

5. 05

   WinerySta. Rita Hills

   Melville Winery

   Sta. Rita Hills' restrained Pinot Noir and Chardonnay shine here, paired with a stunning tasting room overlooking the estate vineyard.

6. 06

   Activity

   Explore the Los Olivos Village

   Stroll past tasting rooms, galleries, and boutique shops in this charming Santa Barbara village, the perfect palate cleanser between wineries.

7. 07

   WineryYamhill-Carlton

   Firestone Vineyard

   Firestone Vineyard has been pouring approachable wines and views since 1972, when Santa Ynez Valley was just getting started.

8. 08

   Restaurant

   Dinner at S.Y. Kitchen

   Sophisticated Italian-California cooking meets an exceptional regional wine list in a warm, rustic setting locals adore.

9. 09

   WineryCentral Coast

   Au Bon Climat

   Jim Clendenen's Santa Barbara legend crafts Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that have wowed the world for decades.

10. 10

    Cafe

    Morning Coffee at Succulent Café

    Kickstart day two with espresso and pastries at this local-loved Solvang spot that gets the vibe just right.

11. 11

    WinerySanta Barbara County

    Fess Parker Winery

    Los Olivos institution where Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay shine on a grand estate with genuinely warm hospitality.

12. 12

    Restaurant

    Lunch at Los Alamos General Store

    Wood-fired cooking and globally inspired dishes make this beloved Los Alamos spot worth the detour between tastings.