Santa Barbara Wine Country Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Central California showing landscape views, mountains and farmland
Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country

See how chardonnays, cabernets and pinots are made then taste the fruits of the process in Santa Barbara’s beautiful wine region.

Take a break from the rush and stress of city life and sink into the scents and tastes of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Just a short drive northeast from the city, this region provides world-class lodging and comforts to make your stay one to remember. If you are a fan of the award-winning movie Sideways, you’ll enjoy spotting locations from the film, which was shot in this area.

Santa Barbara Wine Country hosts some of California’s best tasting and most delicate wines. The region has a topography that’s ideal for producing classic wine varieties such as chardonnay, cabernet and pinot noir. 

For a great wine-tasting experience, try the Sunstone Vineyards & Winery. Pair your wine with views of rolling hills covered in vines, a scene framed by the Santa Ynez River and a spectacular mountain backdrop. Head to the Kalyra Winery to taste distinctly Australian-style wines and enjoy the company of fellow grape lovers in a friendly tasting room atmosphere.

The curious will want to see the vineyard-to-bottle process on public display at the Gainey Vineyards. While here, take the opportunity to try the chardonnay. 

Sample pinot noir made with the produce harvested from the vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills.

After a day of tasting wines, have dinner in one of the region’s three towns: Solvang, Los Olivos or Santa Ynez. Choose from a variety of top-class restaurants with all tastes complemented by locally sourced wines. 

Each town has its own charms. Solvang has some of the region’s most romantic lodging and scenery while Los Olivos has a number of quaint art galleries. The nearby Los Alamos has some great antique stores, so be sure to explore. 

To see the best of Santa Barbara Wine Country, choose from one of many affordable tours that take you to a selection of vineyards over the course of a day. The adventurous should try an unforgettable bike or horse-riding tour of the spectacular landscape. 

Vineyards charge a small wine-tasting fee and are open daily. 

Where to stay in Santa Barbara Wine Country

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Downtown Solvang

While visiting Downtown Solvang, you might make a stop by sights like Solvang Festival Theater and Solvang Brewing Company.

Downtown Solvang
Vinland Hotel and Lounge

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

3.5 out of 5
1455 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,002 reviews)
Great hotel
"Walking distance from everything. Staff was very friendly."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Vinland Hotel and Lounge
King Frederik Inn

King Frederik Inn

2.5 out of 5
1617 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA
Stay at this golf motel in Solvang. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,777 reviews)
"Great location within walking distance of everything in town. Plenty of parking and"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

King Frederik Inn
Wine Valley Inn

Wine Valley Inn

3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
The price is ₹24,181 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
₹24,181
₹27,878 total
21 Nov - 22 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,227 reviews)
"Easy check in. Clean. Walking distance to everything."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Wine Valley Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin

2.5 out of 5
1018 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (211 reviews)
"I will definitely be staying at this place again anytime I visit Santa Barbara."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Casa Jardin
Flying Flags Avila Beach

Flying Flags Avila Beach

3 out of 5
6450 Babe Ln, Avila Beach, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Avila Beach. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities and a gift shop. Popular attractions Avila Beach and Avila Hot Springs ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (106 reviews)
"Most ideal for us so we keep coming back."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Flying Flags Avila Beach
Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground

Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground

3 out of 5
7075 Ontario Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Avila Hot Springs and Avila Beach are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (39 reviews)
"This is our second stay. The cabin / trailer we stayed in had everything we needed. Add, the Avila Beach area location is/was a perfect travel balance for our day trips to Santa Barbara and San Simeon, in addition to exploring the Pismo / Avila areas. Reception staff make check in and check out a ..."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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