Top Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Ynez Valley
Discover the best top things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, United States including Shoestring Winery, Mendenhall's Museum, Sunstone Winery, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Elverhoj Museum, Rideau Vineyard, Gainey Vineyard, The Brander Vineyard, Zaca Mesa Winery, Wildling Museum of Art and Nature.
Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley
1. Shoestring Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
A family run boutique vineyard and winery in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. 800 E Hwy 246 Solvang, CA~Open Wed - Sun 10AM -4PM To reserve a table for lunch, charcuterie or cheese plates, we kindly request at least 3 days advance notice- first come first served.
Reviewed By MooshLA - Calabasas, United States
Nice setting off the main road through Solvang. We visited during covid and had a nice time although they were not offering wine tasting - rather, they required that you either purchase a glass or bottle which you were welcome to consume outside on the property. The did however offer you a taste of any selection to ensure you're making the right choice. That was appreciated as I was unfamiliar with their wine variety. Their pricing per glass was fair and the selection offered was plentiful. The grounds are very serene complimented by ample seating of every type (picnic table both high and low, paired chairs with a view, shaded or in the sun, etc). They have a coral of cute and friendly goats as well to keep you entertained.
2. Mendenhall's Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Jim_Abney - Los Angeles, United States
It is no surprise to me that this place has such a high rating. It is only open for tours by reservation, so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, give them a call a set up a time to tour this fabulous collection. There is so much to see, it boggles the mind and brings back great memories of your childhood. There were 6 of us that signed up and the tour was private. The guide was the daughter-in-law of Jack Mendenhall, who amassed the collection and she gave us a wonderful tour. She never rushed us and gave us all the time we needed to fully appreciate the collection, while supplying great anecdotes and interesting information. The cost is $15.00 per person and worth every penny. My only regret was that they were out of my size in a souvenir T-Shirt that I had my eye on.
3. Sunstone Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Sunstone Winery is an organic vineyard retreat, located just 35-minutes north of Santa Barbara, in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy Sunstone wines in our Provençal French courtyards, stone barrel-aging caves or picnic grounds, and enjoy our flight of 6 wines for $20 per person. We are open from 11am - 5pm daily, with last seating at 4:00pm. Reservations are highly recommended on weekends.
Reviewed By SueK167 - Laguna Woods, United States
Beautiful grounds. Several property tasting locations with comfortable seating and lively ambiance. Outstanding friendly staff. Oh, and very generous pours of their great wine. Always appreciate cab francs and grenache.
4. Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By OutandaboutSandy - Nipomo, United States
Atmosphere: large shady lawns with comfy couches; tables and chairs near tasting room Service: friendly Wine: excellent. We especially liked the 2017 barrel aged Pinot noir. These are quality wines - recommend sharing them with family and friends who truly appreciate fine wines. Be aware: reservations required for tastings; however, wine may be purchased by the bottle or glass without a reservation.
5. Elverhoj Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Housed in the former home of a Solvang family, this musuem is devoted solely to Danish culture and the Danish-American experience.
Reviewed By DWoerner - Georgetown, United States
This charming small museum is located in what was the home of a local artist. The artist built the house 1949-53 and lived there for several decades until his death. The house was built in Danish style and has many interesting details, such as the hand painted cabinets in the former kitchen. The museum features the history of Solvang, which was founded in 1911. A real highlight is a very large scale model of the Solvang village as it was shortly after founding, circa 1914. Another highlight is video reminisces of local people telling stories about Solvang. The backyard and exterior is also very pretty. The museum asks for a donation of $5 for the visit.
6. Rideau Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By ScottsdaleDave - Phoenix, United States
Beautiful grounds and delicious wines. Great service but Risa (Might be miss-spelled) refused to give me his hat. LOL!!! Really nice place. Super relaxing. Everything you want from a winery.
7. Gainey Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By camartin0807 - Indio, United States
Hospitality abound when you step into the lovely tasting room of Gainey Vineyard. The wine is lovely and the setting is beautiful. Well worth a stop and tasting.
8. The Brander Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Diana903 - Agoura Hills, United States
Must commend Brander and how we love the tasting room, ambiance and product. Sitting outside on a garden deck next to a waterfall, sipping a great wine and enjoying the view. Could it be any better? Go see Carlos in the tasting room manager who is impeccable in his presentation of the wine making process and tasting notes! Lovely relaxing and simply the best????????
9. Zaca Mesa Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Established in 1973, Zaca Mesa is a family-owned and operated winery with a long-standing history in Santa Barbara County. As the first vineyard to plant Syrah in the area in 1978, Zaca Mesa has since helped pioneer the Santa Barbara Rhône movement through an unwavering dedication to Syrah and Rhône varietals. Combining traditional old-world winemaking practices with innovative farming and vineyard techniques, Zaca Mesa continues its legacy as a producer of high-quality California Rhône-style wines that are true reflections of the vineyard and appellation. We invite you to enjoy a tasting or glass of wine in our courtyard to experience the true beauty of our estate overlooking our vineyards and the San Rafael Mountains. Reservations may be booked by visiting https://www.exploretock.com/zacamesawinery.
Reviewed By deffenboo - Los Angeles, United States
Definitely recommend zaca Mesa for wine tasting in the Santa Ynez valley. Love their vognier and rose. A must do.
10. Wildling Museum of Art and Nature
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
The Wildling Museum is where art and nature meet! Through beautiful art exhibitions and programs, we hope to inspire the next generation of artists and conservationists. We feature 3-4 art exhibitions at any one time as well as offer many art classes and lectures for all ages throughout the year. Our hand-painted Valley Oak wall mural is a beautiful way to become acquainted with our local landscape and wildlife. We also have a wonderful gift shop full of unique gifts and nature and hiking guides and maps (proceeds support the museum). The Wildling is a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) organization.
Reviewed By consolef - San Diego, United States
On the main street near Holiday Inn, this 2 story, accessible museum is a treasure of photography, art and special events and exhibits. Admission cost is small, kids admitted free. There's a splendid little gift shop. Mon. Wed. Thu. Fri. 11-5 Sat. Sun. 10-5 Closed Tuesday.
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