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Santa Barbara Wine Country: A Weekend Among the Vines

The Los Angeles Times is the leading newspaper of Southern California, with extensive wine and travel coverage.

The route

12 stops·5 wineries · 3 restaurants · 1 cafe · 2 hotels · 1 activity

1. 01

   Hotel

   Arrival in Santa Barbara & Check-In

   Perch yourself atop downtown Santa Barbara at the Kimpton Canary Hotel, where mountain views and wine country access await.

2. 02

   Cafe

   Breakfast at Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro

   Buttery croissants and pull-shot espresso fuel your Santa Barbara wine day at this State Street French institution.

3. 03

   WinerySouth West

   Sanford Winery

   Sanford helped put Santa Barbara's Sta. Rita Hills on the Pinot Noir map from their gorgeous adobe tasting room.

4. 04

   WineryCentral Coast

   Sea Smoke Cellars

   Highly sought-after Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from an estate vineyard mere miles from the Pacific, among Sta. Rita Hills' most acclaimed.

5. 05

   Restaurant

   Lunch at Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café

   Grab a California-Mediterranean lunch here and sip from one of Santa Barbara County's best local wine selections.

6. 06

   WinerySanta Maria Valley

   Foxen Winery & Vineyard

   This cult-favorite tucked in a tin-roofed shack makes exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that justifies its devoted national following.

7. 07

   WinerySanta Ynez Valley

   Zaca Mesa Winery

   Santa Barbara's laid-back Rhône specialist pairs excellent Syrah and blends with shaded picnic tables and chess, perfect for lingering.

8. 08

   Activity

   Stroll Through Los Olivos Village

   Wander Los Olivos' charming two blocks to taste wines, browse galleries, and shop boutiques all in one leisurely stroll.

9. 09

   Restaurant

   Dinner at The Bear and Star

   Chef John Cox's ranch-to-table kitchen and an epic Santa Barbara County wine list make this elegant Los Olivos spot irresistible.

10. 10

    Hotel

    Fess Parker Wine Country Inn

    Stay put in Los Olivos at this refined vineyard-view inn, conveniently positioned for morning walks to world-class tasting rooms.

11. 11

    WineryLos Olivos District

    Brewer-Clifton

    Burgundian-style Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from Sta. Rita Hills that consistently earn the critical love they deserve.

12. 12

    Restaurant

    Hitching Post II

    Oak-grilled Santa Maria meats and barrel-poured Highliner Pinot Noir at the Sideways-famous Buellton institution.