Top Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley
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What to do and see in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Ynez Valley: The Best Wineries & Vineyards
Discover the best top things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, United States including Casa Cassara Winery Tasting Room, Shoestring Winery, PENCE, Sunstone Winery, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Rideau Vineyard, Gainey Vineyard, The Brander Vineyard, Zaca Mesa Winery, Rusack Vineyards.
Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley
1. Casa Cassara Winery Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
2. Shoestring Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
A family run boutique vineyard and winery in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. 800 E Hwy 246 Solvang, CA~Open Wed - Sun 10AM -4PM To reserve a table for lunch, charcuterie or cheese plates, we kindly request at least 3 days advance notice- first come first served.
Reviewed By MooshLA - Calabasas, United States
Nice setting off the main road through Solvang. We visited during covid and had a nice time although they were not offering wine tasting - rather, they required that you either purchase a glass or bottle which you were welcome to consume outside on the property. The did however offer you a taste of any selection to ensure you're making the right choice. That was appreciated as I was unfamiliar with their wine variety. Their pricing per glass was fair and the selection offered was plentiful. The grounds are very serene complimented by ample seating of every type (picnic table both high and low, paired chairs with a view, shaded or in the sun, etc). They have a coral of cute and friendly goats as well to keep you entertained.
3. PENCE
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
We are a small, artisinal winery specializing in Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Gamay. We farm organically & produce wines and will be making bread from our own Italian rye. Our winemaker and breadmaker is Sashi Moorman, and we are planting olive trees, stone fruit trees and more. We have chickens and livestock that feed the ranch workers who live on the property.
Reviewed By Wine_Kitten1 - Los Angeles, United States
An ATV ride through the vineyard shows off the landscape. Then, enjoy a private tasting with the excellent Pence staff. Burgundian wine lovers (Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay) this is your spot. Not overly oaked, some fruit without any loss of structure in the pinots. The Unum and Fugio (Estate grown Pinot Noir) show off the winemaker's talent for creating two drastically different expressions of Pinot from such a small parcel of land. Cozy, yet classy ranch vibe. I brought my parents who are new to wine (midwestern folks, visiting) and they loved it as well.
4. Sunstone Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Sunstone Winery is an organic vineyard retreat, located just 35-minutes north of Santa Barbara, in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy Sunstone wines in our Provençal French courtyards, stone barrel-aging caves or picnic grounds, and enjoy our flight of 6 wines for $20 per person. We are open from 11am - 5pm daily, with last seating at 4:00pm. Reservations are highly recommended on weekends.
Reviewed By SueK167 - Laguna Woods, United States
Beautiful grounds. Several property tasting locations with comfortable seating and lively ambiance. Outstanding friendly staff. Oh, and very generous pours of their great wine. Always appreciate cab francs and grenache.
5. Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By OutandaboutSandy - Nipomo, United States
Atmosphere: large shady lawns with comfy couches; tables and chairs near tasting room Service: friendly Wine: excellent. We especially liked the 2017 barrel aged Pinot noir. These are quality wines - recommend sharing them with family and friends who truly appreciate fine wines. Be aware: reservations required for tastings; however, wine may be purchased by the bottle or glass without a reservation.
6. Rideau Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By ScottsdaleDave - Phoenix, United States
Beautiful grounds and delicious wines. Great service but Risa (Might be miss-spelled) refused to give me his hat. LOL!!! Really nice place. Super relaxing. Everything you want from a winery.
7. Gainey Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By camartin0807 - Indio, United States
Hospitality abound when you step into the lovely tasting room of Gainey Vineyard. The wine is lovely and the setting is beautiful. Well worth a stop and tasting.
8. The Brander Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Diana903 - Agoura Hills, United States
Must commend Brander and how we love the tasting room, ambiance and product. Sitting outside on a garden deck next to a waterfall, sipping a great wine and enjoying the view. Could it be any better? Go see Carlos in the tasting room manager who is impeccable in his presentation of the wine making process and tasting notes! Lovely relaxing and simply the best????????
9. Zaca Mesa Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Established in 1973, Zaca Mesa is a family-owned and operated winery with a long-standing history in Santa Barbara County. As the first vineyard to plant Syrah in the area in 1978, Zaca Mesa has since helped pioneer the Santa Barbara Rhône movement through an unwavering dedication to Syrah and Rhône varietals. Combining traditional old-world winemaking practices with innovative farming and vineyard techniques, Zaca Mesa continues its legacy as a producer of high-quality California Rhône-style wines that are true reflections of the vineyard and appellation. We invite you to enjoy a tasting or glass of wine in our courtyard to experience the true beauty of our estate overlooking our vineyards and the San Rafael Mountains. Reservations may be booked by visiting https://www.exploretock.com/zacamesawinery.
Reviewed By deffenboo - Los Angeles, United States
Definitely recommend zaca Mesa for wine tasting in the Santa Ynez valley. Love their vognier and rose. A must do.
10. Rusack Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
We are a boutique winery and vineyard, nestled among the oak-studded rolling hills of Ballard Canyon. Our mission is to create world-class, handcrafted wines that reflect our commitment to excellence and our love for this region. That commitment begins in our Estate Vineyard, which we re-planted in 2003 in order to capture the true character of Ballard Canyon, and which we meticulously farm in small lots. It extends to the winemaking process, during which we go to every possible length to achieve the delicate balance of "elegance & power" (Robert Parker, August 2010) for which our wines have become known around the world. Finally, it extends to our label, a Catalina tile, a family legacy symbol of our belief in the beauty of what arises from blending craft, earth, art and family.
Reviewed By mlwatton - Pittsburgh, United States
Had a wonderful experience here! We had a wine tasting and enjoyed a bottle on the patio which had spectacular views.They also had a friendly kitty in the tasting room which was great. Wines were delicious and definitely top quality, I would highly recommend!
