Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez
Day Note:
Roll into Los Olivos for a cozy stay and spa treatment at Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn & Spa, then kick off a day of wine tasting with a hearty short stack breakfast at Paula's Pancake House in Solvang. Oak-lined roads lead you to vineyards and tasting rooms where you can sample the region's famous varietals. Be sure to break up wine tastings with a Mexican lunch at San Ynez Carlito's and dinner at the famous Mattei's Tavern.
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Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn & Spa
Contact:
- 800/446-2455
- visit website
Location:
- 2860 Grand Ave
- At Hollister St
- Los Olivos,CA93441
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Map
Description:
Yes, that Fess Parker -- Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett, both. But when he's not playing pioneer legends, he's a big local developer. This sprawling eponymous inn is a deep lap of luxury, with each room uniquely decorated by "Mrs. Marcy Parker" herself. The rooms are certainly pristine and comfortable, and each comes with a fireplace and cushy beds with down comforters. Other welcoming perks include a complimentary full American breakfast, a bottle of Fess Parker wine upon arrival, and a free wine tasting for two at two local tasting rooms. There is also a full spa, a pool, and Jacuzzi. And if you haven't already, buy property in these parts -- this region is exploding.
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Paula's Pancake House
Contact:
- 805/688-2867
Location:
- 1531 Mission Dr
- Solvang
- Solvang,CA93463
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Map
Description:
Morning means one thing in Solvang -- Paula's three-page menu of breakfast treats. Paula's is friendly and casual, in the heart of town where patio diners can watch the world go by. So, should we order the wafer-thin Danish pancakes served plain and simple or sweet and fruity? Better include some sausage and eggs with that, and a side of buttermilk pancakes. No, make that a side of whole-wheat honey pancakes, a waffle, and sourdough French toast. Hmmm, an omelet sounds pretty good too. More coffee, please.
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Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
Contact:
- 800/841-1104
- visit website
Location:
- 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd
- Los Olivos
- Los Olivos,CA93441
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Map
Description:
You loved him as a child, now see what Hollywood's Davy Crockett/Daniel Boone is up to. Fess Parker has made a name for himself in Santa Barbara County, with resort hotels, cattle ranches, and now an eponymous winery that's turning out some critically acclaimed Syrahs, among other varietals. Look for the Syrah and chardonnay American Tradition Reserve vintages in the tasting room. Parker's grandiose complex, shaded by the largest oak tree I've ever seen, also features picnic tables on a terrace and an extensive gift shop where you can even buy (you guessed it) coonskin caps.
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Zaca Mesa Winery
Contact:
- 805/688-9339
- visit website
Location:
- 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd
- Los Olivos
- Los Olivos,CA93441
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Map
Description:
One of the region's old-timers, Zaca Mesa has been in business since 1972, so one can forgive the hippie/New Age mumbo-jumbo pleasantly interwoven with the well-honed vintages. Situated on a unique plateau that the Spanish named la zaca mesa (the restful place), this winery's 750 acres are uniquely beautiful, with two easy nature trails for visitors. You'll also find picnic tables and a giant lawn chessboard. Inside, look for the usual Syrah and chardonnay offerings jazzed up with experimental Rhone varietals such as grenache, roussanne, and viognier.
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Carlito's Cava Restaurant & Bar
Contact:
- +1 805 969 8500
Location:
- 1212 Coast Village Road
- Santa Barbara,CA93108
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Map
Description:
Carlito's offers authentic and mouth-watering tacos, burritos, enchiladas and fajitas, in a cozy and laid-back atmosphere. Spanish delights also feature on the menu. Chill out in the quiet and calm surroundings of the inside restaurant or choose to enjoy the outdoor seating. For all those music lovers who like to listen to some melodies as they dine, a local artiste plays the guitar everyday. Reservations are recommended.
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The Gainey Vineyard
Contact:
- 888/424-6398
- visit website
Location:
- 3950 E. Hwy. 246
- Santa Ynez
- Santa Ynez,CA93460
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Map
Description:
This slick operation is one of the most visited wineries in the valley, thanks to its prime location on Highway 246 and its in-depth tours, offered daily. It has every hallmark of a visitor-oriented winery: a terra-cotta-tiled tasting room, plenty of logo merchandise, and a deli case for impromptu lunches at the picnic tables in a secluded vineyard garden. It bottles the most popular varietals -- chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc -- and offers them at moderate prices.
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Sunstone Vineyards and Winery
Contact:
- 800/313-WINE
- visit website
Location:
- 125 Refugio Rd
- Santa Ynez
- Santa Ynez,CA93460
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Map
Description:
Take a rambling drive down to this locally known winery, whose wisteria-wrapped stone tasting room belies the dirt road you take to reach it. Sunstone sits in an oak grove overlooking the river, boasting a splendid view from the lavender-fringed picnic courtyard. Inside, try its flagship merlot or treasured reserve vintages; there's also a fine selection of gourmet foods, logo ware, and cigars. The pretty setting and attractive tasting room, combined with excellent products, make this a quintessentially enjoyable wine-touring experience.
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Brothers Restaurant at Mattei's Tavern
Contact:
- 805/688-4820
- visit website
Location:
- 2350 Railway Ave
- Just east of Grand Ave. on Hwy. 154, Los Olivos
- Los Olivos,CA93441
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Map
Description:
Mattei's is proud of its stagecoach past. Built in 1886 by Swiss-born Felix Mattei to service waiting stagecoach passengers, the tavern remained in business until 1914 when the Model-A Ford put the coaches out of business. Rumors abound of high-stakes poker games in Mattei's back room, where many an early rancher literally "lost the farm." As soon as you step inside this rambling white Victorian submerged in wisteria you'll be impressed by how successfully it has retained its historic charm. The restaurant is known throughout the county for its signature reduction sauces and house-made ice cream. You'll find thick steaks on the menu, along with honey-glazed Iowa pork chops, prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes, and Australian lobster tail. Bust a pant button with the sinful fudge brownie sundae with banana ice cream, and then saddle up and mosey along.
