Checking Out All Wine Country Has to Offer
Solvang has numerous quaint squares perfect for wandering.
Now that we’ve got the beauty of S.B. covered, just a short trip over to the Santa Ynez Valley revels a whole heap of lush landscapes and tasty wines. Just north and east of Santa Barbara is the amazing small winery town of Solvang. The town is best known recently for being the backdrop to the movie Sideways, and for being an area packed with charm and character.
To get there from Santa Barbara, you hop back on the 101N, take exit 101B toward the 154/Cachuma Lake, turn right on the 154 San Marcos Pass Road and continue on the 154 for about 24 miles and finally turn left onto 246/Mission Drive. The whole trip should take you a painless 45 minutes. Yet, if you want an even more painless trip, tour vans leave from various locations in Santa Barbara for day excursions to the Valley. Check out Go Grape for more information or to make a booking.
You’ll know you’ve entered Solvang by the European feel of the town. It feels as if you’ve left the U.S. and landed in a Dutch community complete with windmill. The quaint shops and storefronts, nook-like restaurants and bevy of inns make this town so warm and comforting. This isn’t by any means a party town. It’s a place to escape, relax and get comfy with several glasses of premium wine.
With over 70 wineries in the Valley, you will not be short on options of where to get your grape on. If you plan to visit many vineyards in the area, Survive the City recommends traveling it safe, and joining a wine tour. There are tons of companies offering a variety of tour packages. Be prepared to pay a bit more for the safety and ease as tours range from $99 to $150 a person, but for a chance to explore this countryside hassle free, it’s worth every penny. Many tours offer vans or buses, but some more unconventional tours travel by Hummer, limo or even bicycle.
If you wanna adventure out on your own, STC has a few suggestions for wineries
Firestone has lush grounds and tasty wines.
that should not be missed. Fans of “The Bachelor” will remember Andrew Firestone as the selective hunk in a past season, but the Firestone family is known for more than romantic reality television, they are known for producing some tasty wines. The Firestone Vineyard located at 5000 Zaca Station Road in Los Olivos is a sprawling vineyard and tasting room tucked in the Valley. Tours of the vineyard are available, as well as tastings for about $10. STC was impressed by the size and well-maintained grounds at Firestone. For more information, go to Firestone Wine.
Another famous family owns the Fess Parker Vineyard at 6200 Foxen Canyon Road also in Los Olivos. Fess Parker played Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone in the 50s and 60s, and part of his legend remains in the family-run lush grounds at the Fess Parker Winery. Tours of the winery are also available here, as well as, $10 tastings. For more info on this winery, go to Fess Parker.
The unforgettable green landscape of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Back in Solvang, the Dutch town offers numerous places to stay and eat. STC had an absolutely outstanding sandwich from a tiny deli named Panino. The no frills shop produces quality sammies for less than $10. For fancier fare, STC recommends the restaurant at The Ballard Inn. With just 12 tables, this romantic nook will wow with their impressive wine list and rustic American menu. See all the menu items here .
Our favorite thing to do in Solvang is just to walk the tiny streets, pop in and out of shops, indulge in some de-lish baked goods or ice cream and wander through the gardens. Solvang is just one of those places that reminds you it’s o.k. to stop and smell the roses. – Lori Bartlett
