Santa Barbara is a paradise for wine tasting. Located around 90 miles up the Ventura Freeway from L.A., it is definitely one of the most picturesque cities in the state. Besides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara provides travelers access to the fantastic wineries located in the adjacent Santa Ynez Valley, in the southern most part of the Central Coast viticultural region, which plays host to a large number of outstanding wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms.
Central Coast wines, especially wines produced in the Santa Barbara area, have steadily won recognition and high marks for their consistently high quality. But it is not only the quality of the wine that has been raised, there has also been dramatic growth in the number of wineries in the locale. Santa Barbara County now boasts over 100 wineries, in four appellations : Santa Ynez Valley, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley. The vast variety of wineries presents a tough question for the wine lover: with such a variety of wineries to chose from, which ones should I visit?
To simplify things, I'll limit my recommendations to Santa Ynez Valley wineries because, of the four appellations in Santa Barbara County, it has the highest density of wineries and is located the nearest Santa Barbara City.
The 2004 flick Sideways put the Santa Ynez Valley on the map for a large number of movie goers. There is even a literal "Sideways map," available online or from the local tourist information office, which guides you to all of the locations that Miles and Jack made on their mad road trip of wine tasting and midlife angst. But, even though the Sideways locations made for fantastic theater and cinematography, it doesn't follow that they are the most favorable places to drink bang-up wines.
So, If you can't wait to slake your thirst with the great wines the region produces, who should you turn to for tips on which wineries make the most satisfying blood of the grape? The most likely informant, undoubtedly, would be a well-versed inhabitant of the local area. By happenstance, I know just such a native. It just so happens that my father--for quite a few years the president of the Santa Barbara Wine Society--has been visiting the area's wineries to tipple their merchandise for the past 45 years, during which time the local wine industry grew from practically nonexistent to being the major player it is today. His recommendations follow:
"The very best winery in Santa Barbara city is Jaffurs Wine Cellars, on Montecito Street near Milpas. It is kind of funky, but they make truly great syrah and you will often be able to talk to the winemakers. The rest are over in Santa Ynez Valley, and for ambiance and good wine I would suggest Gainey Vineyards (both reds and whites), Sunstone Winery (reds), Blackjack Ranch Vineyards (reds), and Rideau Vineyard (reds and whites). These wineries are all situated reasonably near each other. The best places for wine and a picnic are Beckman Vineyards (reds) and Rideau. I would suggest Kalyra (reds and whites) in the valley (it's near Sunstone) to the younger set because it's fun, but a bit noisy. For somebody who wants to drive further out, I would recommend Brander Vineyard (whites), Curtis Winery (whites), Fess Parker Winery (reds and whites), and Zaca Mesa (reds)."
Central Coast wines, especially wines produced in the Santa Barbara area, have steadily won recognition and high marks for their consistently high quality. But it is not only the quality of the wine that has been raised, there has also been dramatic growth in the number of wineries in the locale. Santa Barbara County now boasts over 100 wineries, in four appellations : Santa Ynez Valley, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley. The vast variety of wineries presents a tough question for the wine lover: with such a variety of wineries to chose from, which ones should I visit?
To simplify things, I'll limit my recommendations to Santa Ynez Valley wineries because, of the four appellations in Santa Barbara County, it has the highest density of wineries and is located the nearest Santa Barbara City.
The 2004 flick Sideways put the Santa Ynez Valley on the map for a large number of movie goers. There is even a literal "Sideways map," available online or from the local tourist information office, which guides you to all of the locations that Miles and Jack made on their mad road trip of wine tasting and midlife angst. But, even though the Sideways locations made for fantastic theater and cinematography, it doesn't follow that they are the most favorable places to drink bang-up wines.
So, If you can't wait to slake your thirst with the great wines the region produces, who should you turn to for tips on which wineries make the most satisfying blood of the grape? The most likely informant, undoubtedly, would be a well-versed inhabitant of the local area. By happenstance, I know just such a native. It just so happens that my father--for quite a few years the president of the Santa Barbara Wine Society--has been visiting the area's wineries to tipple their merchandise for the past 45 years, during which time the local wine industry grew from practically nonexistent to being the major player it is today. His recommendations follow:
"The very best winery in Santa Barbara city is Jaffurs Wine Cellars, on Montecito Street near Milpas. It is kind of funky, but they make truly great syrah and you will often be able to talk to the winemakers. The rest are over in Santa Ynez Valley, and for ambiance and good wine I would suggest Gainey Vineyards (both reds and whites), Sunstone Winery (reds), Blackjack Ranch Vineyards (reds), and Rideau Vineyard (reds and whites). These wineries are all situated reasonably near each other. The best places for wine and a picnic are Beckman Vineyards (reds) and Rideau. I would suggest Kalyra (reds and whites) in the valley (it's near Sunstone) to the younger set because it's fun, but a bit noisy. For somebody who wants to drive further out, I would recommend Brander Vineyard (whites), Curtis Winery (whites), Fess Parker Winery (reds and whites), and Zaca Mesa (reds)."
About the Author:
Are you thinking about taking your own Santa Barbara wine tasting tour? Then check out Eric Hilton's website: http://santabarbarawinetasting.net for the best advice about wine tasting in Santa BarbaraCalifornia.