Your Itinerary for Santa Barbara's Wine Country

A LOT of customers and friends ask us for suggestions for a perfect day of visiting vineyards – and we’re always happy to oblige. Below are our recommendations for a great day in Santa Barbara’s wine country (click here for map):

First, we grab a carb heavy breakfast and hit the road (always with a designated driver or hired service)…

Stop 1: Star Lane/Dierberg Vineyards

Our favorite wine in the area, especially their “Astral” Cabernet. We like to drink the best wines early in the day because our palates get destroyed after a couple of tastings.

Stop 2: Foley Vineyards

Foley makes remarkable Pinot Noir and Chardonnays. We like this place because of its sweeping views of the valley, a very comfortable tasting bar, and a remarkable barrel room that’s sometimes open to visitors. Granted, we have a soft spot for Foley because we got married here!

(Disclaimer: They sell Little Barrel)

LUNCH

We always grab a sandwich at Panino, in downtown Los Olivos, and take it on the road. It’s more fun to eat out at the vineyards.

Stop 3: Lincourt Vineyard

Our favorite place to eat our picnic lunch. The tasting room is an old farmhouse that overlooks one of their vineyards. Best wine in the area for the price. Their peppery Syrah is our favorite.

(Disclaimer: They sell Little Barrel)

Stop 4: Qupe Tasting Room

It’s in downtown Los Olivos and it’s on our way between Lincourt and Demetria. Their wines are some of the best and most famous from the area. Selection always changes.

Stop 5: Demetria Estate

Our new favorite “find.” The 10 minute drive from the Foxen Canyon Trail to the tasting room is absolutely breathtaking. You drink and eat around the island of the villa’s kitchen, usually with the owners and winemaker.

Stop 6: Firestone

By this point our palates are shot, so we usually finish our day here. It’s typically the most crowded, especially with young people, and certainly the most festive.

DINNER

We always eat at one of the following...

Mattei's Tavern - Foodie favorite since 1886 (and the location of our rehearsal dinner). Good celeb spotting.
Los Olivos Cafe - Made famous by "Sideways" but a favorite among the locals.
Trattoria Grappolo - Amazing Italian food. Very romantic.