Food destinations within easy reach of Santa Barbara, worth the early start.
Food destinations within easy reach of Santa Barbara. worth the train, the rental car or the early start.
Famous for: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhone varieties across Los Olivos, Ballard Canyon, and Solvang tasting rooms
Santa Barbara County's inland wine region holds four AVAs: Happy Canyon, Los Olivos District, Santa Ynez Valley, Ballard Canyon. Under 45 minutes by car.
Famous for: 30-plus tasting rooms in a walkable village, Michelin-listed Sides Hardware and Shoes restaurant
Compact wine village in the Santa Ynez Valley. A dozen tasting rooms on and around Grand Avenue. Day-trip from Santa Barbara under 50 minutes north.
Famous for: Cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; Sanford, Sea Smoke, Brewer-Clifton, Flying Goat
Sta. Rita Hills AVA produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay praised by critics. The Lompoc Wine Ghetto clusters 20 tasting rooms within walking distance.
Famous for: Aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls), kringle pastries, Danish sausage, and wine tasting rooms
Danish-founded village in the Santa Ynez Valley. Aebleskiver, open-faced sandwiches, Danish bakeries, and wine tasting rooms on Copenhagen Drive.
Famous for: Santa Maria-style BBQ: tri-tip over coast live oak coals, pinquito beans, salsa, and grilled French bread
City 60 miles north where Santa Maria-style barbecue was codified: red oak-grilled tri-tip, pinquito beans, salsa, garlic bread. Jocko's is the landmark.