Top Things to do in Santa Ynez Valley
What to do and see in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Ynez Valley: The Best Things to do Good for Couples
Discover the best top things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, United States including Solvang Festival Theater, Shoestring Winery, PENCE, Sunstone Winery, Old Mission Santa Ines, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley, Rideau Vineyard, Gainey Vineyard, Zaca Mesa Winery.
Restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley
1. Solvang Festival Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 136 reviews
2. 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.
3. PENCE
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
We are a small, artisinal winery specializing in Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Gamay. We farm organically & produce wines and will be making bread from our own Italian rye. Our winemaker and breadmaker is Sashi Moorman, and we are planting olive trees, stone fruit trees and more. We have chickens and livestock that feed the ranch workers who live on the property.
Reviewed By Wine_Kitten1 - Los Angeles, United States
An ATV ride through the vineyard shows off the landscape. Then, enjoy a private tasting with the excellent Pence staff. Burgundian wine lovers (Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay) this is your spot. Not overly oaked, some fruit without any loss of structure in the pinots. The Unum and Fugio (Estate grown Pinot Noir) show off the winemaker's talent for creating two drastically different expressions of Pinot from such a small parcel of land. Cozy, yet classy ranch vibe. I brought my parents who are new to wine (midwestern folks, visiting) and they loved it as well.
4. 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.
5. Old Mission Santa Ines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 520 reviews
Reviewed By CleopatraBunny - Flagstaff, United States
This active Catholic Church has a well-curated collection of old mission tools, vestments, furnishings and other items from the 1800s mission life. Cemetery has over 1000 people buried here but most graves are not marked. What’s worthwhile is the self-guided audio tour. You push little buttons on the wall in seven areas to hear the history and backstory on each room and the church itself. Plenty of free parking and charming gift shop staff.
6. 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.
7. Santa Ynez Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
This burgeoning wine region is located just north of Santa Barbara and is home to more than 60 vineyards.
Reviewed By E9536ZUcristinac - Laguna Beach, United States
We discovered the Santa Ynez Valley a couple of years ago and have now been there 7 times! The scenery is lovely; great hiking such as Lovers Loop, the winetasting is plentiful and excellent, ForFriends Inn has become a second home for us; Ellie's Tap & Vine is our favorite restaurant along with The Gathering Table, Brothers Red Barn and so many others!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
