Santa Barbara Wine Country Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Central California featuring mountains, tranquil scenes and farmland
Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country

See how chardonnays, cabernets and pinots are made then taste the fruits of the process in Santa Barbara’s beautiful wine region.

Take a break from the rush and stress of city life and sink into the scents and tastes of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Just a short drive northeast from the city, this region provides world-class lodging and comforts to make your stay one to remember. If you are a fan of the award-winning movie Sideways, you’ll enjoy spotting locations from the film, which was shot in this area.

Santa Barbara Wine Country hosts some of California’s best tasting and most delicate wines. The region has a topography that’s ideal for producing classic wine varieties such as chardonnay, cabernet and pinot noir.

For a great wine-tasting experience, try the Sunstone Vineyards & Winery. Pair your wine with views of rolling hills covered in vines, a scene framed by the Santa Ynez River and a spectacular mountain backdrop. Head to the Kalyra Winery to taste distinctly Australian-style wines and enjoy the company of fellow grape lovers in a friendly tasting room atmosphere.

The curious will want to see the vineyard-to-bottle process on public display at the Gainey Vineyards. While here, take the opportunity to try the chardonnay.

Sample pinot noir made with the produce harvested from the vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills.

After a day of tasting wines, have dinner in one of the region’s three towns: Solvang, Los Olivos or Santa Ynez. Choose from a variety of top-class restaurants with all tastes complemented by locally sourced wines.

Each town has its own charms. Solvang has some of the region’s most romantic lodging and scenery while Los Olivos has a number of quaint art galleries. The nearby Los Alamos has some great antique stores, so be sure to explore.

To see the best of Santa Barbara Wine Country, choose from one of many affordable tours that take you to a selection of vineyards over the course of a day. The adventurous should try an unforgettable bike or horse-riding tour of the spectacular landscape.

Vineyards charge a small wine-tasting fee and are open daily.

Historic Santa Maria Inn

Historic Santa Maria Inn

3.5 out of 5
801 S Broadway, Santa Maria, CA
The price is AU$136 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
AU$136
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Maria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,745 reviews)
"Old but comfy."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Historic Santa Maria Inn
Wine Valley Inn

Wine Valley Inn

3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
The price is AU$1,040 per night from 10 Oct to 11 Oct
AU$1,040
10 Oct - 11 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,195 reviews)
"Very cute and perfect spot!"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Wine Valley Inn
Vinland Hotel and Lounge

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

3.5 out of 5
1455 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,982 reviews)
Nice stay
"We had a room with two double beds. Super spacious. The bathroom remodeled - looks great. There’s a lounge downstairs and coffee once you exit the elevator. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Vinland Hotel and Lounge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
3 bedroom 2.5 bath 2,200 SF within Solvang Danish Village

3 bedroom 2.5 bath 2,200 SF within Solvang Danish Village

Solvang
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Wildling ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (142 reviews)
"Rent three of the units so everyone close. Easy walking distance to everything."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

3 bedroom 2.5 bath 2,200 SF within Solvang Danish Village
3 bedroom 2.5 bath 2,200 SF within Solvang Danish Village

3 bedroom 2.5 bath 2,200 SF within Solvang Danish Village

Solvang
Stay at this vacation home in Solvang. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Wildling Museum are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (143 reviews)
"Location was great. House was clean, quiet"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

3 bedroom 2.5 bath 2,200 SF within Solvang Danish Village
Cute, barn studio and Rancho De Amor.

Cute, barn studio and Rancho De Amor.

Santa Ynez, CA
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Ynez. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Chumash Casino and Bridlewood Winery are located nearby.
Cute, barn studio and Rancho De Amor.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Santa Barbara Wine Country

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