Wineries and wine tasting……
The Santa Ynez Valley has become a premier wine producing region in California. With warm days and cool nights, our climate is perfect for growing grapes. There are many tasting rooms concentrated in the town of Los Olivos and scattered throughout Solvang. Tasting rooms have also opened in Los Alamos. Also, there are fine local selections of wines for purchase at Los Olivos Grocery and Nielsen’s market (Solvang).
For abundant information on our wineries, we suggest you go to
Some wineries that we enjoy:
- Foxen Vineyards.....all around great wine in rustic tasting room
- Rusack Vineyards.....located on magical Ballard Canyon, this is a lovely winery and one of the best spots to picnic with a fine bottle of wine (see vineyard photo on home page taken at Rusack Vineyards).
- Andrew Murray.....is one of our Rhone Rangers and produces some of the finest Rhone varietals. Tasting room in Los Olivos, next to our office
- Sunstone Winery...a beautiful winery in the Tuscan style well known for its Merlot; a beautiful spot for a wedding.
- Gainey Winery....another beautiful winery which offers great concerts throughout the summer; check on schedule.
- Lucas and Lewellyn....lovely tasting room in Solvang....ask for Andy and tell him we sent you.
- Melville Winery.....a gorgeous newcomer in the latest appellation....Santa Rita....which is producing amazing Rhone varietals.
- Firestone Vineyards ....another lovely spot offering winery tours...a good spot to learn something about the art and craft of wine making.
Wine tasting rooms abound in both Los Olivos and Solvang. We recommend that you pace yourself. There are a couple of wine tasting spots that offer a selection of wines by smaller wineries. There are:
- Los Olivos Tasting Room...wide range of great wines
- The Ballard Inn....offers a lovely selection from a number of premier local wineries. You might try this before dinner.
- Los Olivos Cafe....offers a fine selection of wine by the glass...they may do tastings
Bicycling………
The Santa Ynez Valley is a true biker’s destination. With rolling, country roads, hills and beautiful mountains, there are rides for all levels of riders. The Valley is a training site for US Olympic bicycling team, and hosts the annual Century Ride for bikers throughout the country.
For information on biking and bike tours:
For the more serious types, FasTrack Bicycles in Santa Barbara might have some tempting equipment www.fastrackbicycles.com.
Horseback riding and equestrian activities……
Horse breeding, training and riding is a core passion in the Santa Ynez Valley. The County allows one horse or hoofed animals per half acre, and it is not unusual to find horses on properties throughout the Valley.
For more information on Arabian Horses, contact the Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association www.syvaha.com
Golf……..
The Valley is a wonderful spot for golfing, with excellent weather and beautiful scenery. There are three courses nearby:
River Course at the Alisal (public) www.rivercourse.com
Course at the Alisal Guest Ranch (private, for hotel guests; check with them for reciprocity). www.alisal.com
Rancho San Marco Golf Course www.rsm1804.com
La Purisima www.lapurisimagolf.com
Fishing and boating ….
One of the most breathtaking sites in the Santa Ynez Valley is Lake Cachuma, which is visable and accessed from the San Marcos Pass (scenic hwy 154). Contact the Cachuma Lake Nature Center for details on boating, fishing, camping and other activities at (805) 686-5050.
Art Galleries…..
For information on the arts in the Santa Ynez Valley, contact Arts Outreach at (805) 688-5933
Selected galleries, featuring local artists include:
Judith Hale Gallery (Los Olivos) www.judithalegallery.com
Cody Gallery (Solvang)
Gallery Los Olivos
Morley Bryant & Co. (Los Alamos) also lovely casual restaurant
Casino………
The Chumash Casino Resort & Spa is located on Hwy 246 near the town of Santa Ynez. For information on the casino, resort, spa, restaurants, concerts www.chumashcasino.com
FOR VISITOR INFORMATION, WE SUGGEST YOU CONTACT:
Santa Ynez Valley Visitor’s Association www.syvva.com
Solvang Conference & Visitors’ Bureau www.solvangusa.com
For a personalized local itinerary, contact Doris Banchik through the contact form at at top of this page.
Come and Enjoy the Beautiful Santa Ynez Valley
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