The Best Wineries in Santa Barbara
Hope Mountford • 10 September 2021
Santa Barbara, known for its idyllic scenery, relaxed
atmosphere and warm climate – Is unmissable for wine lovers and connoisseurs.
Santa Barbara Wine Country itself is ideally positioned amongst wide mountain
ranges, which creates cooling and ideal climates for a variety of grapes and wines
to be produced. This wine country has earned a reputation for world class pinot
noir, chardonnays and Bordeaux’s. With over 200 wineries across 16,000 acres,
Santa Barbara leaves you spoilt for choice.
The vineyards and wineries themselves offer excellent service and perfect experiences. Urban tasting rooms and scenic vineyard patios offer the perfect surroundings for your afternoon of wine tasting – sampling the very best that Santa Barbara’s wide selection has to offer. Take in the stunning surroundings and diverse architecture as you sip! Or walk through the very vineyards that produced your wine as the sun sets over the hills of wine country.
Take a look below to sample our top picks for your wine tasting trip to Santa Barbara’s wine country.
Courtesy of Presqu’ile / Avis Mandel
Presqu’ile
The first must visit is Presqu’ile – this family owned and run vineyard produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc on their rolling 73 acres of vines. Presqu’ile prides themselves on their unique cool Californian wines, while also maintaining a key focus on the experience and hospitality that they provide to guests – by offering unforgettable tasting sessions for all who visit. Enjoy the striking tasting room at Presqu’ile, which offers incredible views of both the expansive vineyard and the ocean. Savour the wide variety of Californian wines in this modern and juxtaposed architecture while taking in the astounding view .
Photo by Craft & Cluster, courtesy of Melville Winery and Visit Santa Barbara
Melville Wineries
If you are looking for an equally educational and enjoyable experience, Melville Wineries is a must visit for everyone – take a 90 minute walking tour through the lush vineyards with the expert owners and wine makers – sampling as you learn! Learn all about the different soils, grapes and sun conditions that create the impeccable wines that Melville has to offer. Melville has 120 acres under vine – offering an incredible variation of wines and experiences for everyone who visits. Melville has their own Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay, all fermented in small groups, and created with the utmost care. Their stunning tasting room is situated amongst the Pinot Noir vines – encapsulating the classic wine tasting experience, of sampling great wines whilst admiring the views of endless vines!
Photo by Blake Bronstad, Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
Carr Wineries
Take a trip to this working winery to truly understand the work and craftsman ship that goes into the art of creating a perfect wine. This tasting room called Quonset was founded in 1940 and encapsulates the authentic feel of a winery that has been operating for decades. Hear from the resident experts themselves on what sets apart their winery from other California based brands! After a tour of the 3800 sq. ft. wine cellar, where the wine is bottled and stored – relax in the rustic tasting room and savour the Pinot Noirs, Syrah’s, Pinot Gris, Grenaches, and Cabernet Francs on offer. Enjoy with the incredible food that Carr serves alongside their wines. Wine can be sampled by the glass or bottle – depending on the vibe of your visit!
Photo by Jay Sinclair, Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
SYV Yoga Winery
Experience the natural beauty of Santa Barbara’s vineyards by taking a yoga class amongst the vines! This serene experience combines meditative yoga in the stunning surroundings of rolling hills and miles of Californian vines, with the unmissable sampling of home grown wines. These yoga classes promise deep relaxation, physical balance and improved mindfulness, all while taking in the gorgeous Californian sun and vineyard views. After your yoga experience with a yoga expert, enjoy a personally crafted wine tasting experience and tour of the vineyards and barrelling rooms.
Courtesy of Pence Vineyards & Winery
Pence Vineyard
Finish your trip to Santa Barbara’s wine country with this incredible vineyard, perfect for a personable experience led by expert sommeliers and staff. Pence vineyard prides themselves on striving for the very best standards and practices within their wine production, regardless of price to them, whilst maintaining an understanding for the practicalities of producing wine in California. They do not seek to replicate any wines but in turn create their own style of Pinot noirs and Chardonnays, from their elegant 47 acre winery. Taking a tour of this vineyard will only increase your love for Californian scenery and the wonderful art of wine creation.
Mississippi is a destination that combines the charm of seaside relaxation with cultural and historical richness. Quiet beaches and vibrant towns, boutique shopping, freshly caught seafood, and scenic landscapes. Mississippi is steeped in history, from Native American heritage to Civil War landmarks, and is renowned for its musical legacy. Its architecture includes impressive antebellum mansions, particularly in Natchez, providing a glimpse into the state’s elegant past. Amtrak rail services along the coast stop in Biloxi and Bay St. Louis, making it easy to explore without hiring a car. For those who do wish to venture further, a fly-drive holiday through the state reveals a wealth of attractions.
Cleveland, Ohio is located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, close to the Canadian border and approximately 60 miles west of the Ohio–Pennsylvania state line. Enjoy its beautiful waterfronts, vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and a range of family-friendly experiences. Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the West Side Market and catch the excitement of an NBA Cavaliers game, NFL Browns match or an MLB Guardians game.
Tucked into the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is a place where breathtaking landscapes meet warm, welcoming communities. From rugged coastlines and fertile valleys to creative cities and small town charm, the state’s beauty is matched only by its vibrant food and drink culture. Oregon is celebrated for its world-class wines and renowned wineries, fresh coastal seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and iconic food truck scene. In this blog, we invite you to savour these flavours and discover the tastes, stories, and experiences that make Oregon an unforgettable destination.
Welcome to Oklahoma City, a vibrant destination that blends Western heritage, modern culture and lively urban energy. Whether you are planning a fly-drive adventure or a weekend getaway, the city offers a rich mix of attractions, from historic stockyards and Route 66 landmarks to thriving arts districts and bustling nightlife. This blog will take you through the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods, helping you plan a truly memorable visit.
In this blog, we introduce you to the rich spirit of Oklahoma , a south–central state deeply rooted in Native American heritage and Old West tradition. Here, you can explore world-class Indigenous museums, historic tribal sites and vibrant powwows that celebrate centuries of culture. Oklahoma also offers striking landscapes, from rolling plains to dramatic cliffs, providing the perfect backdrop for a journey through America’s storied past. Make Oklahoma your next fly drive holiday destination, where history, culture and wide-open adventure come together.
With a spirit both timeless and ahead of the curve, the city of Boston offers an irresistible blend of revolutionary history and contemporary energy, a historic city but not the same old story as you will soon find! Learn more about the historic side of Boston and tour the world-famous Freedom Trail or see a different perspective from the Revolutionary Women tour or take a beautiful evening lantern tour. Seek out new initiatives on offer including the Chinatown Immigrant History Trail and Afrimerican Academy’s tours to discover yet more untold stories of Boston’s past. Walking tours of Harvard and MIT perfectly showcase the blend of history with the forward thinking and innovative nature of the city. Boston is the perfect city to explore year-round, with beauty to be found in every season from the elegance of Beacon Hill and Back Bay to the creative flair of Fort Point, the cultural mosaic of South End, Roxbury, Dorchester, and Chinatown, Boston’s neighbourhoods’ pulse with diversity. Outdoor concerts, seasonal Holiday stroll tours, pop-up markets, sporting events galore, green spaces and much more……here is just a taste of things to come…….
If you’ve never been to the American South then you are in for a treat! From Atlanta to Nashville to New Orleans , Southern cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavours, blending traditional recipes with French, Creole, and regional influences. Each city offers its own culinary treasures, from smoky barbecue to sweet, indulgent desserts. Read on to discover iconic dishes, local favourites, and the perfect spots to enjoy them on your next fly-drive adventure.
When you think of Alabama, warm Southern hospitality, and melt-in-your-mouth comfort food instantly spring to mind. Here, food isn’t just sustenance, it’s a deep-rooted connection to culture, community, and tradition. So, what is Alabama known for? From the smoky perfection of Alabama-style barbecue with its signature tangy white sauce to sweet, flaky pastries bursting with local flavour, the state offers a truly rich and diverse culinary experience. Whether you’re dining at a five-star restaurant in Birmingham or enjoying craft beer at a cosy small-town brewery, Alabama serves up a feast for all the senses. Bring a hearty appetite and meet the award-winning chefs who transform local ingredients into edible works of art. From world-class goat’s cheese and fresh Gulf seafood to home-grown collards, sweet potatoes, and mouth-watering barbecue, you’re sure to find your personal favourites. Join us as we explore the bold, soulful flavours that make this Southern region truly unforgettable.
Iconic Landmarks and Architectural Wonders
Welcome to Kentucky , where bold adventures meet rich traditions. From sipping world-famous bourbon to watching thundering hooves at legendary racetracks. From ziplining through ancient caves to hiking through lush gorges, the Bluegrass State offers unforgettable moments for every kind of holiday.