Wine Tasting In Santa Barbara

Sunstone Winery & Vineyards
With its picturesque setting overlooking the Santa Ynez River and mountainous backdrop, Sunstone feels like a bit of Provence in Santa Barbara County. The winery's reputation for big, beautiful reds doesn't hurt the illusion, either. The award-winning lineup of fully organic wines includes wonderful reserve Pinot Noir and Syrah. 

The grounds feature sprawling picnic grounds and vine-covered walls. It's a slice of French Countryside life, without all the fussiness. The tasting room is welcoming and the unpretentious staff is eager to discuss the day's pouring, or the weather, or most anything at all.

Tasting fee: $10
Tasting room open daily: 10am-4pm
125 Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA
(805) 688-9463
www.sunstonewinery.com

 

Kalyra Winery
Not far from Sunstone, where one is reminded of the French countryside, you'll find a stark reminder of Australian wines. That's thanks to Kalyra's Australian-born winemaker-owner Mike Brown, who has been producing excellent wine in Santa Barbara but with a pronounced accent from Down Under. That is to say, he's fashioned a reputation for making wines typical of their terrior, but also that reflect his penchant for pushing boundaries, for being bold. In addition to sauvignon blanc and chardonnay with the Kalyra label, the winery offers interesting selections under the Brown label, including bold blends of California and Australian varietals. The tasting room, with its casual, fun atmosphere and great views of the valley, is the perfect place to sip and, in the true Aussie tradition, to bravely explore.  

Tasting room open daily, 10am-5pm
343 North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA
(805) 693-8864
www.kalyrawinery.com


Gainey Vineyards
Very popular for its picnic grounds, which afford beautiful valley views, Gainey is one of the best Santa Ynez wineries for getting a glimpse of the winemaking process. The demonstration vineyard, adjacent to the expansive tasting room, gives guests a look at the vineyard-to-bottle process. In addition to great Pinot Noirs and Syrahs, the winery offers an excellent Riesling and a tough-to-get limited-run Chardonnay that alone makes the destination to Gainey worthwhile. The winery also offers occasional concerts outdoors and hosts a series of popular food-and-wine themed events. 

Tasting fee: $10
Tasting room open daily, 10am-4pm
3950 East Hwy 246, Santa Ynez, CA
(805) 688-0558,
www.gaineyvineyard.com

 

Monterey Region Wine Tasting

If you're planning a trip to Monterey Wine Country, then Chateau Julien Wine Estate should be on your list of places to stop for wine tasting. There are a variety of themed tours to choose from, including but not limited to, "Winemaker's Tour, Chateau Tour, Le Petit Tour, Back to Basics" and many more!

Chateau Julien Wine Estate
8940 Carmel Valley Road
Carmel Valley, CA 93923
831.624.2600

 

Peninsula Tasting and Carmel Valley Village

As you approach the turnoff for the Monterey Peninsula on Highway 1, consider an easy stop at Ventana Vineyards, located close to the intersections of Highways 68 & 218.  One of the pioneering stars of the area, Ventana's wines are estate grown, offering high quality and excellent value.  There are a wide variety of whites, reds and dessert choices to enjoy. Check out the spectacular Super Tuscan Sangiovese blend Due Amici, a recent "Best of Class" winner. You will also find some excellent Meador Estate Wines here.

 

 

Paso Robles/ SLO Winery Region

 

Peachy Canyon Winery Housed at the site of the historic Old Bethel School House (built in 1886), Peachy Canyon's tasting room is know as one of the most welcoming in the Paso area. Visitors will delight in the property's signature Central Coast feel, epitomized in impressive vistas of the surrounding hills dotted with chaparral and live oaks. Whatever you do, don't miss Peachy Canyon's Zin - it's some of the most sought-after on the Central Coast.Tasting Room: 1480 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton, CA 93465; Open daily 11am-5pmTasting Fee: $5 for 6 wines; fee waived with purchase

 

Castoro Cellars Just a few minutes' drive will take you to nearby Castoro Cellars, producer of a wide variety of cuvées including some of the best white wines you'll find on the coast. Be sure to try Castoro's award-winning Viognier before heading outside the Mediterranean-style tasting room for a picnic. Guests are invited to enjoy their own food along with Castoro wines on the lush grounds surrounded by meandering grape arbors, cork trees and - what else? - Zinfandel vines.Tasting Room: 1315 North Bethel Rd., Templeton, CA 93465; Open daily 10:30am-5:30pmTasting Fee: 3 tastes complimentary or 7 tastes for $3; fee waived with purchase

 

Eagle Castle Winery Given its tagline - "a royal experience" - you know you're in for a treat when visiting Eagle Castle. Not just a castle in name, the winery boasts a real moat out front as well as turrets atop its impressive façade, though its wines - thankfully - are far more real than the stuff of fairy tales. We like the refreshing Rosé of Syrah, a wine that's just playful enough to harmonize with the fantastical atmosphere while delivering plenty of the lush fruit flavors we love in wines from Paso. Haven't got enough? The truly enchanted can opt to join the Nights & Maidens Cellar Club before leaving the castle. Tasting Room:  3090 Anderson Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446; Open daily 10:30am-5:30pmTasting Fee: 5 tastes complimentary

 

Midnight Cellars A visit to family-run Midnight Cellars is the perfect way to wrap up the day. Run by Chicago transplants who were so enchanted by California wine country they picked up and moved west (can we blame them?), Midnight Cellars offers guests a lush garden setting in which to sample the likes of full-bodied winners like Gemini, the winery's signature blend of Syrah and Zinfandel. We think you'll agree: With its beautiful yard and attentive staff, Midnight makes the perfect spot to slow down, take a seat and sip in the beauty of Paso at sundown. Tasting Room: 2925 Anderson Rd,. Paso Robles, CA 93446; Open daily 10am-5:30pmTasting Fee: $5 for 6 or $10 for 6 with a glass

Top 10 Gourmet Winery Experiences

 

1. Chalk Hill Winery, Alexander Valley: At Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley, spend the day with the winemaker for fundamentals of wine tasting, a wine blending seminar and barrel tasting as well as lunch prepared by Chalk Hill Executive Chef Didier Ageorges. Each course paired with a different wine and served in the Estate's Pavilion featuring panoramic views of Chalk Hill Valley.  This excursion is included for you in WineCountry.com's Exclusive Experience. 

 

 

2. V. Sattui Winery, St. Helena: Thousands of wine travel enthusiasts stop each month to relax on the tree shaded winery grounds, bring their dogs, taste wine and shop at the deli. This winery boasts a large gourmet deli & cheese board, gift shop, barrel aging cellars, museum & beautiful outdoor picnic area.  

 

3. Artesa Winery, Carneros: Guests reach Artesa Winery by sweeping up a staircase bordered by cascading waterfalls. The stairs ascend past beautiful fountains, reflecting pools and sculpture. At the top, be struck by the panoramic vistas of Napa Valley, Carneros and the San Francisco Bay.   A catered champagne tasting and hors'deurves with the winery's infamous artist Gordon Huether awaits you in the WineCountry.com Exclusive Experience. 

 

4. Franciscan Winery, Oakville: Look for the flowing fountain stands in front of Franciscan's winery property in Oakville, Napa Valley.  Sip wine in the sun-lit tasting room, or step outside and relax in the shade on the patio. We recommend to grab a gourmet sandwich with brie or goat cheese at the infamous nearby Oakville Grocery. 

 

5. Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves: Take in the awe-inspiring views as you enjoy a glass of wine on our Vista Terrace. Regardless of the season you'll find the ambiance is welcoming, gracious and unhurried. Cheese goodies are sold inside the tasting room to pair with your bubbly. 

 

6. Ledson Winery, Sonoma Valley: Ledson Winery invites guests to taste at one of six beautifully appointed tasting bars, stock up on local artisan foods at the gourmet marketplace and enjoy the vineyard and mountain views while picnicking in the shade of the century-old, heritage oak trees.  The Marketplace offers an extensive selection of locally produced gourmet items including condiments, oils, jams, tapanades and artisan cheeses. One whiff and you'll be hooked on the fresh baked breads and desserts.

 

7. EOS Estate Winery, San Luis Obispo: The EOS Estate Winery in San Luis Obispo features a beautiful 6,000 square foot Mediterranean Marketplace.Stroll through the rose garden or enjoy a glass of fine wine in the spacious picnic area set among classical Italian architecture. The winery and Mediterranean Marketplace are open daily between 10am and 5pm.

 

8. J Vineyards, Sonoma: The J Vineyards Bubble Room offers a sampling of J's older vintages and small production wines paired with culinary delights.  The WineCountry.com Exclusive Experience with Hotel Healdsburg offers you this VIP sparkling treatment.

 

9. Domaine Chandon, Yountville: Domain Chandon's chic Tasting Salon presents sparkling wine-friendly appetizers like smoked salmon, artisan cheeses, duck pâté, or marinated olives. Inside view stunning artwork while tasting the sparkling varieties or step outside to the sun-drenched deck to enjoy your gourmet treats with a glass or two. 

 

10. Goosecross Cellars, Napa Valley: Spend an unforgettable afternoon with Sherry Page, of Culinary Getaways, and Napa Valley's family winery Goosecross Cellars. Savor a delectable multi-course meal paired with the distinctive wines of Goosecross Cellars. Plus tour the beautiful grounds and vineyards of Goosecross following the luncheon events in this Exclusive Experience on WineCountry.com.