There are 350 wineries in Santa Barbara County and 30 tasting rooms in Los Olivos alone. Hard to pick which ones but if you go to the Foxen Canyon wine trail, a few to definitely consider are: Fess Parker (great pinots and a blend called The Big Easy) Demetria: need an appointment but stunning views) Andrew Murray: good Syrah, Sunstone in Santa Ynez We’ve never been to Brick Barn, or Folded Hills but it gets good reviews There are also wine valley tours. And if you have time about an hour 15 minutes north is Paso Robles with another 300 wineries. Highly recommended are Austin Hope, Jacob Toft and Daou (get lunch there and best view one can imagine). Some need reservations. On the way north are a number of great little beach towns Pismo and Avila are two of the best
Our favorite restaurant is Nella’s in Los Olivos. If you go mention our names and Chris the bartender is a legend. Also good is Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos. In Santa Ynez is SY Kitchen, also great. Italian--Leonardo’s in Solvang is good & Trattoria Grappolo in Santa Ynez Breakfast: We like Leo’s Café in Solvang. Brekkies in Solvang also, Bakers Table in Santa Ynez Lunch: a million places but for barbecue, Whisky and Rye in Solvang, Mexican Dos Carlitos in Santa Ynez, Sandwiches are great in Gandolfo in Los Olivos
Ostrichland--the name says it all, Buellton Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez: cowboy honkytonk If you like Lavender there is Clairmont Lavender Farm in Los Olivos And if you like miniature horses, you can stop on the road and watch them play 1555 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA If interested in horseback riding or biking let us know; electric bikes are fun and can be rented in Los Olivos and also Solvang Chumash casino Chumash museum in Santa Ynez Great drives: Foxen Canyon wine trail Ballard Canyon Road