Think your wine club is good? Ours is better. Join Now Winery of the Week: 20% off Dynamis Estate Wines Shop Now Enjoy Complimentary Ground Shipping On Us Shop Now

Lifestyle

Sommsation Travel Guides: Santa Barbara County

September 26, 2025

Blog Post Header Image

Similar to popping the cork on a special bottle of wine, travel awakens the soul and invigorates our senses, inviting us on a journey of excitement and discovery. However, not all wine-focused travel requires jetting off to an international location; in fact, some of the most stimulating and sensorial wine country experiences are found right in our very own backyards, with Santa Barbara County being the most enticing. Looking to jump start your next wine-focused getaway in sunny, central California but not sure where to begin? Our experts have done the hard work for you. Follow our guide to Santa Barbara wine country below, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. 

A perfect view from a stay at Villa Calcinaia, Grieve in Chianti, Italy
A perfect view from a stay at Villa Calcinaia, Grieve in Chianti, Italy

Santa Barbara County: Overview

Located about 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles County, Santa Barbara County is known for cliffside views, laid-back attitude, and burgeoning wine scene. While the town itself is home to a small-yet-robust bar and restaurant scene, the magic is truly found in the area’s local wine-producing scene, which spans from the Santa Maria Valley in the north to the Santa Ynez Valley further south. In terms of getting there, Santa Barbara has its own airport (SBA), though arriving via LAX and taking a shuttle coach bus, renting a car, or hiring a car service are routes that many visitors take—and if gorgeous beaches, world-class dining, and cool-climate wines are your thing, then a visit to the area is an absolute must.

About Santa Barbara County Wine

Winemaking and viticulture in Santa Barbara County date back to the late 18th century, when Father Junipero Serra brought vine cuttings from Mexico to the area for sacramental purposes. Today, the area is planted to more than 4,500 hectares of vines, and is home to 300+ wineries ranging from small, family-owned properties to larger estates. Although more than 75 grape varieties are planted in this special corner of the world, the area is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which thrive in the region’s cooler-climate conditions. There are seven main AVAs nestled within the Santa Barbara County appellation: Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA, Ballard Canyon AVA, Los Olivos District AVA, and Alisos Canyon AVA.

With regards to terroir, Santa Barbara is unique from other California wine growing regions, in that its topography is shaped by the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains, which run east to west (as opposed to north to south). This shaping creates a funnel-like effect, bringing desirable fog and cooling air from the nearby Pacific Ocean, which allows the region to maintain its signature cool temperatures. These cooler conditions also extend the region’s growing season, allowing fruit to optimally ripen and achieve ideal levels of acidity / tannins without becoming overripe.  

Things to Do / Sights to See

Beyond eating and drinking, there are a ton of additional activities to partake in when visiting Santa Barbara County. A jaunt around Santa Barbara proper to check out the Spanish Colonial architecture is a must, including a stop at the Old Mission. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art features a globally curated collection of pieces, making it a perfect pit stop for art lovers. Elsewhere, the Danish-inspired town of Solvang is perfect for exploring a handful of local boutiques and bakeries; similarly, Los Alamos in the Santa Ynez Valley is home to a slew of culinary delights, as well as the Los Alamos History Museum and Bradbury Science Museum. Last but not least, those traveling with furry friends should absolutely make time to stop at Arroyo Burro Beach, otherwise known as Hendry’s Beach, which is dog-friendly and features an on-site restaurant.  

Where to Eat

Up in Santa Maria, Swiss Restaurant is known for its steaks, chops, and seafood, as well as its impeccable service, and their family-style meals are great for feeding a crowd. Over in Los Alamos, Bell’s Restaurant is an unmissable French-inspired bistro that highlights local and seasonal ingredients, and also boasts one of the best wine lists in the area. In Santa Barbara, Barbareño is known for its local wine selection and eclectic small plates, whereas Bibi Ji is an industry favorite, beloved for its authentic Indian food and epic wine offerings. For creative, family-style dishes made from local ingredients, head down to the Funk Zone arts district and book a table at The Lark, located in a former fish market. 

Where to Stay

For 5-star digs just steps from the beach, look no further than the classic Hotel Californian, located in downtown Santa Barbara; additionally, the old school charm and ocean views at the “original Hollywood hideaway” of El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, never disappoint. In Los Alamos, the Victorian Mansion is a great option for those looking for more of a bed and breakfast feel—and for retro vibes complete with an on-site tasting room, The Alamo Motel is where it’s at. 

Blog Post Header Image
Lead Sommelier Elyse Lovenworth & Halter Ranch Winemaker Kevin Sass overlooking Vineyard

Unmissable Wineries to Visit 

SAMsARA Wine Co. (Sta. Rita Hills)

At SAMsARA Wine Co., sustainability, authenticity, and environmental stewardship guide every decision. The team believes great wine starts in the vineyard, selecting special blocks where soils, slopes, and elevations bring out the best in the fruit. Committed to minimal intervention and 100% sustainably farmed grapes (a goal achieved in 2023), SAMsARA pairs thoughtful vineyard work with native yeast fermentation and restrained use of oak. The winery and tasting rooms run on 100% solar power, and new California-made, lightweight bottles further reduce the carbon footprint—reflecting a deep respect for land, craft, and future generations.
Tasting Room Address: 6485 Calle Real, Suite E Goleta, CA 93117

Talley Vineyards (Arroyo Grande)

Talley Vineyards is a multi-generational family-owned winery with deep roots in the San Luis Obispo Coast. The Talley family is dedicated to making exceptional estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir through sustainable farming practices and furthering the culture of wine through one-of-a-kind hospitality experiences that capture the character of the region.
Tasting Room Address: 3031 Lopez Dr, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Grimm’s Bluff (Santa Ynez)

Grimm's Bluff upholds environmental stewardship and organic vineyard management nurturing soil health and biodiversity. The winery values authenticity and strives to express the uniqueness of Santa Ynez Valley in each bottle. The team combines traditional craft practices, including hand harvesting, whole cluster pressing and French oak barrel aging with innovation to highlight purity and balance. Sustainability guides every operation through water conservation, renewable energy and intervention winemaking. Community engagement includes supporting local artisans and charitable initiatives. Hospitality is central, offering guests intimate tastings enriched by transparency, education and connection. Integrity, quality and respect for the land form the core principles guiding Grimm's Bluff every day.
Tasting Room Address: 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave. Suite #102, Los Olivos, CA

Paradise Springs Winery (Santa Barbara County)

Paradise Springs is the first bi-coastal winery brand in the United States with operations in both Santa Barbara, California, and Virginia. Their west coast operation concentrates on wines grown in the Sta. Rita Hills and Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVAs. They produce around 3,000 cases annually including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and the Bordeaux varietals. The tasting room is in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara's The Funk Zone.
Tasting Room Address: 210 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101


To discover our full lineup of artisanal wineries,
click here. To explore Sommsation’s luxury wine travel experiences and offerings, click here

Related Stories