Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez AVA

Oriented along a East West corridor with Cool Temperatures that get warmer as you move inland.  Pinot seems to do well in the west, with Cabernet and Merlot in the east. Rhone and Italian varietals have gained in popularity in this region.
Santa Ynez Valley and it’s Wineries.

The four AVA included in the Santa Ynez AVA are

Sta. Rita Hills AVA

Los Olivos AVA

Ballard Canyon AVA

Happy Canyon AVA

Wide range over this vast region from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir all the way to Cabernet Sauvignon

As I mentioned, these AVAs are nested within the Santa Ynez Valley AVA.  Outside the other AVAs, you still find vineyards and wineries.

If you are heading North of Los Olivos into the Santa Maria Valley, a drive up Foxen Canyon Road is a must.  You will find some legendary vineyards here.  If you are coming from the freeway, the road begins with the Saarloos and Sons El Camino Real Vineyard.  Further up, you find Firestone, Andrew Murray Wines on the Curtis Vineyard, Koehler, Fess Parker’s Rodney’s Vineyard, Demetria, and Zaca Mesa.  All of these are worthy of stops, but I’ll admit that Zaca Mesa, with its history, is my favorite.  Once you have explored these wineries, continue on this twisty road into the Santa Maria Valley.

Located on the West end of the Santa Barbara Corridor, its cool region generally is the home for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

First, let’s address the name.  The name of the AVA is written “Sta.” but pronounced “Santa.” The reason for this?  A Chilean wine producer called Vina Santa Rita took exception to them using the name.  The AVA adjusted the name to avoid any confusion.  The story behind how this change came about is fascinating, with Richard Sanford reaching out to create a peaceful solution.  You can read about that here.

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cool Climate Syrah

Head up Grand Avenue to Saarloos & Sons.  If it is the weekend, they will have cupcake pairings.  Then if things are winding down and tasting rooms are closing, head to Carhartt Family Wines.  They have a beautiful back patio where you can relax and wind down before heading to dinner

the Grapes

Los Olivos District AVA

The Cabs, plus Rhones, Pinot, Chard and Spanish and Italian varieties including Sangiovese and Tempranillo.

There are a couple of great places for dinner, but I will recommend the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café.

They carry a number of local wines in their shop and on their wine list

and the food is fresh from local farms.

Solvang

No discussion of this region would be complete without the inclusion of Solvang.  This little Danish-like city is full of charm with its Danish-style architecture and wide availability of Danish Pancakes and Aebleskivers.  There are plenty of places to stay, from the Hotel Corque to the Vinland Hotel (that used to be a holiday inn express) to the humble Hamlet Inn.  The Solvang Theatre fest is open during the summer, and there are concerts in the park, plenty of restaurants, and some wine tasting rooms.