Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country ★ 4.6
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.
Santa Maria is a food day trips in Santa Barbara.
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.
Editorially verified June 26, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
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.
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.
Sta. Rita Hills AVA produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay praised by critics. The Lompoc Wine Ghetto clusters 20 tasting rooms within walking distance.
Danish-founded village in the Santa Ynez Valley. Aebleskiver, open-faced sandwiches, Danish bakeries, and wine tasting rooms on Copenhagen Drive.