The Secret Cellar at San Ysidro Ranch holds 2,000 exquisite bottles from around the world.
San Ysidro Ranch debuts The Secret Cellar, a fine wine and culinary destination for the most discerning palettes.
The Hibiscus cottage is one of 38 well-appointed bungalows on the property.
There are a number of excellent hotels and resorts in Santa Barbara and Montecito, but San Ysidro Ranch stands out as the area’s crown jewel. Exquisitely appointed with antiques and custom pieces throughout the 38 bungalows and shared spaces, the resort has long been a go-to for those seeking a discreet getaway in a lush, private setting, including Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, and Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy, who famously honeymooned there in 1953.
The pool affords incredible views of the hills and the Pacific
Since Beanie Baby tycoon Ty Warner acquired the property in 2000, he’s made it his mission to create a world-class destination, from the decor, to the grounds, to the service and the culinary experience. And he’s succeeded. Th e hotel’s Stonehouse restaurant—popular with guests and locals alike—has received multiple awards, including the prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 2014. Th e wine cellar features an impressive collection of 14,000 wines, spanning 70 regions across the globe, making it one of the largest collections in the country. Th e cellar also has a 120-bottle collection of Château Pétrus with vintages dating back to 1945.
The Secret Cellar
Taking the wine and dining experience up a notch is Th e Secret Cellar, a newly introduced dining room connected to the existing cellar. Curated by Advanced Sommelier Tristan Pitre, Th e Secret Cellar features 2,000 bottles ranging from local Santa Barbara wines to fine wines found around the world. Wine lovers can work with Pitre to create a customized pairing experience for up to 14 guests, with a 4-course tasting menu by executive chef Matt Johnson. Th e three pairing menus include Wanderlust, which highlights uniqueness and diversity; Reserve, featuring classic wines emblematic of their provenance; and Warner—a balanced combination of both.
I had the pleasure of experiencing Th e Secret Cellar and was blown away by the thoughtfulness behind every choice. Starting with a tour of the extensive cellar by Pitre, the unique experience continued in the hidden dining room, where dark woods, vaulted ceilings and bespoke furnishings set an intimate old-world tone. A curated playlist added to the convivial mood, as did Pitre’s easygoing charm. While he has extensive experience and a high-ranking role at one of California’s best restaurants, his laid-back, warm attitude was anything but intimidating.
Courses included a citrus-cured steelhead trout; Santa Barbara spiny lobster; Jerusalem artichoke velouté, Japanese Kobe A5 strip loin and a Valrhona chocolate souffle. (Mind you, this was all dairy-free to accommodate an allergy and absolutely divine). Wines, such as a 2016 Von Winning Riesling, a 2018 Sadie Family Wines Palladius and a 2005 Jonata “El Desafio” were served— all delicious. Th e best part? I felt great aft er the experience. Th e courses were a just-right size—not too large—so that familiar heavy feeling aft er a long, multicourse meal was pleasantly absent.
Perfect for special occasions—and for impressing those friends who have seen and done it all—Th e Secret Cellar truly is a secret weapon, one that executes a deliciously unforgettable experience. sanysidroranch.com
Ysidro Ranch’s expansive grounds contain various lush gardens.
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