Information About The Central Coast
Our Strawberries
Santa Maria Style BBQ
Why come to Santa Maria? You may ask. Well, Santa Maria is well known for its Santa Maria Style BBQ, its Strawberries, the historic Santa Maria Inn, and its location in the Santa Barbara Wine Country.
A few things we are famous for
This is a regional culinary tradition rooted in the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County. Santa Maria-style barbecue centers around a beef tri-tip, seasoned with black pepper, salt, and garlic salt before grilling over coals of native coast live oak, often referred to as 'Red Oak' wood. The traditional accompaniments are pinquito beans, fresh salsa, tossed green salad, and grilled French bread dipped in sweet melted butter.
Strawberries are the most celebrated agriculture export of the Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria Valley strawberries are renowned for their juicy, flavorful character and there is nothing like enjoying them fresh out of the field and available April through June at local grocery stores, fruit stands, restaurants and farmer’s markets. Peak season is between April and June when all of the growing districts are in full production. Strawberries find their ultimate showcase usually on the fourth weekend each April at the Santa Maria Fairpark. The berry bash features strawberry varietal sampling, strawberry desserts, educational exhibits, carnival rides and live entertainment.
Famous for ripe, yet elegant, Chardonnay and Pinot noir, the County is also gaining a reputation for Rhone varietals including Syrah and Viognier. Santa Barbara wine grapes now command among the highest prices anywhere in the state.
Many of the areas planted with wine grapes are mixed in with the rolling hills, ancient oak trees, oil fields, cattle ranches, and natural areas in the central part of the county. The county now claims more than 115 wineries and 21,000 acres (85 km2) of vine, with the vast majority of the vineyards in the county's Central Coast American Viticultural Areas: Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Sta. Rita Hills AVA, and Happy Canyon AVA each with its own distinct terroir. The county continues to split into AVAs, with Los Olivos AVA and Ballard Canyon AVA currently going through necessary procedures to become their own official AVAs.
For more information go to: http://www.santamariavalleywinecountry.com/
The Historic Santa Maria Inn is located in the heart of Santa Maria, this Inn has been a Central Coast landmark since 1917. This lovely Santa Maria lodging blends the style of an English country inn with the elegance of a bygone era and offers gracious hospitality. Located Just Minutes From the spectacular central coast wine country, the inn is an oasis of charm and luxury, offering a unique experience and the sophisticated amenities business and leisure travelers expect.
For more information go to:
Wine Country
