Sitting just above Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to farm-fresh dining, incredible wineries, luxury accommodations and unforgettable activities from biking to hot air balloon rides. See where to head in this rustic getaway only a few hours outside of Los Angeles.
The Inn at Mattei's Tavern; PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION
A recently opened Auberge Resort, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is tucked into historical Los Olivos, combining luxury with rustic lifestyle. Guests can settle into cottages finished with gorgeous gold and black detailing and garden patios before relaxing in a cabana by the pool. Balance a deliciously filling dinner from The Tavern with a morning power yoga class and a healing hot stone massage at The Cottage Spa.
The Pool at The Inn at Mattei's Tavern; PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION
Feel miles away from the city in this premier wine country inn. The adorable homestyle stay thought of everything from daily breakfast to wine tasting for two, a heated pool, library, on-site boutique and a chic dining concept called Nella Kitchen & Bar.
If you’re looking for an upscale yet relaxed venue for your next staycation, head to this Santa Ynez and Solvang bordering property. Whether you sprawl out at the 21+ pool or leisurely take a spin on a Linus Bike, Hotel Ynez provides the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Alisal Ranch sits on 10,500 acres of sprawling land in the Santa Barbara Wine Country and is a great option for a romantic getaway, family reunion or anything in between. Outside of luxe studios and cottages and uber-fresh California cuisine, venture to the rodeo, head out on horseback, throw an axe or play a round of 18 for an all-play, no-work vacation.
The Landsby Village Courtyard; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LANDSBY
Solvang’s Danish charm is always a major draw to this tiny town above Santa Barbara. On your next visit here, book a stay at The Landsby, a contemporary Scandinavian hotel that looks as if it was ripped from the pages of a storybook with sprawling greenery, warm wood and whimsical cuisine at Mad & Vin.
Once the Santa Ynez Inn, The Genevieve encapsulates the countryside allure of California’s Central Valley while adding a touch of modernity. In-room chandeliers and velvet seating, côte de boeuf and grilled oysters at The Victor and an old-fashioned whiskey library add to the timeless feel, while state-of-the-art spa treatments, Tesla charging stations and a lobby candy bar offer a unique twist.
Firepits at The Genevieve; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GENEVIEVE
Luxury motels are all the rage these days. Roadtrip up to Skyview in Los Alamos for a retro-style vacation complete with poolside loungers, a working vineyard and Norman, the elevated comfort food restaurant with Moules Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, weekend brunch and a delightfully boozy happy hour.
Daisy Ryan’s French bistro still stays true to the ranch aesthetic. Take a seat up close to the exhibition-style kitchen as plates of seeded sourdough, squash blossom summer potage and Baja striped bass grace your table.
The Exhibition Kitchen at Bell's Restaurant; PHOTO COURTESY OF BELL'S RESTAURANT
Exquisite seafood doesn’t have to adhere to the shoreline. At this stylish seafood joint in Los Olivos, order mint and romesco dry-aged branzino, Pacific Golds oysters and live pen bay scallops that pair perfectly with the restaurant’s bountiful wine selection.
Bar Le Côte; PHOTO BY BONJWING LEE
Wild Mushroom Pappardelle from S.Y. Kitchen; PHOTO COURTESY OF S.Y. KITCHEN
In terms of cucina rustica, it doesn’t get more rustic than this. Diners can expect a simplistic menu of small plates—like crunchy, toasted ciabatta and rich wagyu meatballs, a variety of homemade pasta and two not-to-miss entrees at this Santa Ynez Italian staple.
S.Y. Kitchen; PHOTO COURTESY OF S.Y. KITCHEN
Stop by for the best carbs in the Santa Ynez Valley. This beloved bread shop in Los Alamos bakes pastries and bread to perfection, which is then used in breakfast sandwiches and lunch specials, like the piping hot Croque-Madame.
The team at S.Y. Kitchen brought their expertise to the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn with this Mediterranean-style eatery. Start with garlicky Mediterranean olives and black kale burrata before a hearty main like cioppino, Muscovy duck and five-hour tagliatelle bolognese.
For an intercontinental breakfast, swing by Paula’s Pancake House in Solvang, offering both American and Danish specialties. While some may be eager for patty melts, egg benedicts and Cobb salads, the world-famous Danish pancakes are worth a try, smothered in warm cinnamon apples and whipped cream.
Tastemakers Pearson McGee and Spencer Turnball brought this luxury destination shop to the Santa Ynez Valley in 2019, and it’s been blossoming ever since. Search for uniquely patterned sundresses, cowboy boots, scented soaps, ceramics and more in this all-encompassing store.
KJ Murphy’s Custom Cowboy Hatter
Embrace your inner country with a custom-made cowboy hat. From felt to straw, feathers and embroidery, you can build a hat from the ground up here that is perfectly suited to your taste.
This small storefront in the heart of Sant Ynez is brimming with luxe pieces. Find the perfect-fit AGOLDE jeans or a light and flowy Ulla Johnson dress. And in the colder Californian months, stock up on 360 Cashmere sweaters and beanies from One Grey Day.
After a weekend visit to Los Olivos, grab a gift for a friend—or yourself—at this eclectic outpost in the center of town. Subtly scented candles, flavorful jams and jellies, lip scrubs and lotions line the walls of the across-the-board shop.
Forget grocery store spices. At Solvang Spice Merchant, these premier spices are packaged with love, from a smokey Santa Maria traditional blend to ancho chile powder, Spanish saffron, sriracha salt, blackberry sugar and so much more.
O+L Farms is home to estate-grown and locally sourced olive oils and balsamic vinegars. What better way to experience the authentic flavors of the valley? Come and savor an array of Italian imports guaranteed to elevate your culinary experience.
Embark on an enchanting 16-mile loop along the Santa Ynez River. Whether you choose to cruise effortlessly with the E-bike or tackle the hills on a sport fitness bike, your adventure through I Bike Santa Barbara includes a guided tour, farmer’s market picnic lunch and two exquisite wine tastings.
Saddle up and immerse yourself in the valley’s beauty with a horseback ride alongside Santa Ynez’s abundant wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or just looking for a family-friendly vacation activity, there are rides suited for everyone.
Soar into the Santa Barbara sky for a new perspective of the wine country. Whether you are greeting the day with a sunrise adventure or winding down with a magical sunset flight, Sky’s The Limit Ballooning has you covered for an unforgettable experience.
Wine at The Inn at Mattei's Tavern; PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION
Picture yourself in the Provençal French countryside, surrounded by sunlit stone courtyards and picturesque vineyards, savoring the valley’s finest wine. The only difference is you’re in California! Sunstone Winery provides a memorable taste of France right in the heart of Santa Ynez’s wine country.
Discover the Central Coast’s finest wines with Dragonette Cellars, located in the charming towns of Los Olivos and Buellton. Drop by the tasting room for regular sips and exclusive wines you’ll find only at Dragonette. For a deeper exploration, head to the private winery for a tour of the vineyards and uncover the secrets behind their unique winemaking techniques.
Margerum offers two delightful tasting rooms filled with experiences to enhance your time in the wine country. Acoustic Happy Hour, Drinks at Dusk and the Wine and Food Festival are just a taste of what’s in store for your wine-filled escapade.
Located less than 30 miles from Santa Barbara, Los Olivos is a wine lover’s paradise waiting to be explored. SAMsARA Wine Co. invites you to enjoy indoor and outdoor tastings, plus convenient retail orders. Bring the whole family (dogs included!) for a relaxing and elegant visit.
Future Perfect Wine; PHOTO COURTESY OF FUTURE PERFECT WINE
Future Perfect Wine epitomizes its name, sourcing exceptional vintages from local vineyards and offering a diverse array right here in Santa Barbara. Best of all, their Diamond Sky Ranch offers tastings at the mountaintop with 365-degree views of Santa Ynez Valley—a wine experience above the rest!
Two decades ago, the discovery of one of the world’s greatest viticulture sites led to the founding of Stolpman Vineyards. Nestled in the hills of California’s Central Coast, indulge in the pristine flavors of Ballard Canyon’s best-in-county wines.
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