Laurel & Michael
Things To Do
Solvang
Solvang is a quaint Danish village with lots of adorable shops and restaurants.
Los Olivos
Chock-full of great wine tasting rooms (check out Kaena, Carhartt, Byron, Blair Fox, Epiphany) and restaurants (Los Olivos Wine Merchant, Mattei's Tavern, Sides Hardware & Shoes, Corner House Cafe, Our-Country Market), Los Olivos is a wine country oasis and one of Laurel & Michael's favorite stops when they're in the area.
Lake Cachuma
Lake Cachuma is where Laurel, Michael and Rosie usually camp when they visit Santa Barbara Wine Country.
Babcock Winery
Babcock Winery is just across the highway from Laurel & Michael's wedding venue and is one of their very favorite wineries. Indeed, they love Babcock so much that they'll be pouring some Babcock wines at the wedding! World class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as a wide selection of other varietals all available to taste in a cool tasting room filled to the brim with antiques and collectibles.
Lincourt Winery
Lincourt Winery, housed in an early 20th Century Craftsman house straight out of a Sears catalog, not only has great wines but a gorgeous outdoor patio overlooking the vineyard.
Zaca Mesa Winery
Nestled deep in Foxen Canyon, Zaca Mesa makes award-winning Rhone varietals out of an old barn-style building complete with a giant chess set and zero cell reception. Heaven on Earth.
Kaena Wine Co
Located in the heart of downtown Los Olivos, Kaena is another one of Michael and Laurel's favorite wineries. They specialize in Grenache but do EVERYTHING well.
Sanford Winery
Sanford is one of the oldest and most well-respected names in wine in the Santa Ynez Valley and is supplying one of Laurel & Michael's wedding wines. Whether before or after the wedding, be sure to check out Sanford's new tasting room and their always amazing lineup of premium wines.
Carhartt Vineyard
Fans of rugged clothing will recognize the Carhartt name instantly, but the Carhartt family also makes some awesome wines! Check out their tiny tasting room on the main drag in downtown Los Olivos. The back patio is great on a warm day, and they stay open later than most tasting rooms!
Foley Estates
Located just down the road from the wedding venue, Foley has a gorgeous and spacious tasting room as well as ample outdoor space to enjoy a picnic on a nice day. Oh, and their wines are great, too!!
Melville Vineyards & Winery
Located just across the road from the wedding venue (it shares a driveway with Babcock Winery), Melville's gorgeous little tasting room is a must-see, with some of the bigger, bolder Pinot Noir and Chardonnay you'll find in the Valley.
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
Fig Mountain makes Laurel and Michael's favorite local brews. If you need a break from all the great wine, be sure to check out the taprooms in Buellton AND Los Olivos!!
Firestone Walker Brewing Company
If you've had your fill of great wine, go check out the Firestone Walker Barrelworks & Taproom, just up the road from the Marriott. You can taste some of Firestone's wild ales and small batch brews and/or have lunch or dinner at the Taproom Restaurant.
Cold Spring Tavern
Established in 1865, Cold Springs Tavern is an old stagecoach stop that truly takes you back to the Gold Rush era. The restaurant is fantastic, and the bar makes you feel like an outlaw. Best yet, on Sundays they do BBQ tri tip sandwiches outside with live music. Definitely a must-see.
SY Kitchen
Check out SY Kitchen in Santa Ynez for some delicious Italian food.
Succulent Cafe
Succulent is one of Michael and Laurel's favorite breakfast spots in Solvang.
Industrial Eats
You've never had a sandwich like the one you'll have here!
Ballard Inn & Gathering Table
The Ballard Inn is not only a beautiful bed and breakfast but also home to one of the area's best restaurants.
Hitching Post
You may have seen Hitching Post II (located in Buellton) in the movie Sideways. Well, this is the original, and if you want good steak and good Pinot Noir, this is your place.
Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe
Located on the main drag in Los Olivos, you simply can't go wrong with a meal at the Wine Merchant. Their pastas and pizzas are to die for.
The Bear and Star
Located inside the Fess Parker hotel in downtown Los Olivos, the Bear and Star has an awesome farm-to-table menu.
Bottlest Winery, Bar & Bistro
With serve-yourself wine dispensers lining the walls and an excellent bistro-style menu, what more could one want?
El Rancho Market
A great stop to pick up a gourmet deli sandwich and some picnic necessities for a day of wine tasting!
Los Olivos Grocery
Another excellent choice for made-to-order sandwiches to take on your wine tasting adventures!