The area known as Santa Ynez holds a special place in Mindy’s heart — not only is it where she (just!) got married, but it’s been her go-to spot to visit for a long weekend in wine country. With a bunch of different small towns that make up this region, it’s chock-full of so many amazing things to do, eat, and stay. Follow along with our Santa Ynez travel guide below and join our journey!
Santa Ynez
Our Santa Ynez travel guide wouldn’t be complete without the town itself! A self-described “sophisticated cowboy town,” Santa Ynez is a great spot to begin your exploration of the valley. Home to a handful of lovely restaurants, shops, and vineyards — beginning here will start your trip off on the best note!
Where to Eat
Pony Espresso / Newly opened, adjacent to Santa Ynez General. Stop in for morning treats or lunch time snacks and coffee.
S.Y. Kitchen / Most everyone who visits Santa Ynez always seems to end up at this well-loved restaurant. The food is incredible and the ambiance is hard to beat. Make sure to get a reservation, though, as it’s popular for a reason!
The Lucky Hen Larder / This is the perfect spot to stop in mid-day to grab a picnic lunch to go, sandwiches, and all of the larder essentials for wine tasting. They have amazing cheese and charcuterie boards!
Where to Shop
Santa Ynez General / This is one of Mindy’s favorite shops with endless home goods, wares, and gifts. Not to mention, it was started by the nicest owners who curate the shop perfectly — sourcing items from all over the world.
Forage Florals / This is the most beautiful flower shop that also holds workshops, and just so happens to be Mindy’s wedding florist. You will be swooning over all of the blooms here!
Where to Wine Taste
Brave and Maiden / This is, hands down, the most beautiful winery we think we’ve encountered thanks to architects Backen & Gillam. For that reason, we couldn’t leave it out of our Santa Ynez travel guide. Head here for the most thoughtful wine tasting that will have you feeling like you’re in the Italian countryside.
Bridlewood Estate Winery / This is a great spot to stop at before dinner at S.Y. Kitchen — they have some amazing red varieties that are worth trying and it’s a great place to spend the late afternoon. Don’t miss out on grabbing a bottle of their olive oil available to take home… you’ll use it all the time!
Sunstone Winery / There’s nothing quite like enjoying a late afternoon picnic lunch in one of Sunstone’s Provencal French courtyards. It’s a dream!
Vino Vaqueros / If you’re looking for a unique day in the valley, head to Vino Vaqueros. They have an incredible horseback riding experience that culminates in a wine tasting. (We can’t think of a better combo!)
Los Olivos
The town of Los Olivos is one of our all time favorite areas to spend time in. Not only is it filled with endless tasting rooms, but it has great food, shops, and an overall lovely ambience. You’ll love it, promise!
Where to Stay
The Inn and Mattei’s Tavern / The newest hotel on the block, and we can’t wait to go stay there. Walking distance to downtown and beautifully imagined. it’s sure to be the best thing to happen to the valley in a long time.
Where to Eat
Bar le Cote / We’ve heard so many good things about this little gem, owned by the culinary mavens behind Bell’s in Los Alamos. Stop in for lunch or dinner.
Panino / If there’s one spot that never fails in our book, it’s Panino. There’s no better place to grab a sandwich or salad to take on your wine tasting journey!
Global Gardens / If you’re looking for a little break from wine — head here for a delish olive oil tasting.
The Nella Kitchen & Bar / This new dinner-only spot was created by the same duo behind S.Y. Kitchen… which makes it a must-visit in our book!
Where to Shop
Coco Belle / A fun women’s store owned by a local beauty, located next door to Nella Kitchen. Perfect for picking up a cute dress or a little something for your closet.
Los Olivos General Store / Located right next to Panino, this is the cutest little general store that’s perfect for picking up local goods to bring home.
Global Eye Art / This is one of Mindy’s favorite home goods store, for good reason. Kristen, the owner, is also a ceramicist and makes the most beautiful pottery — you’ll want every single one of her pieces!
Where to Wine Taste
Carucci Wines / A family winery and tasting room in downtown Los Olivos. Pop by for an afternoon tasting after lunch!
The Hideaway / This is our favorite tasting room to tuck away at and end the day. They have the most amazing wines, and Jeremy and Tim (the owners!) will take great care of you.
Saarloos and Sons / Stop by here for a cozy front patio with a fire pit and some amazing wine.
Zinke Wines / This tasting room is the kind of spot you want to spend all afternoon at. With great wine, outdoor seating, and lawn games — the hours will fly by here.
Stolpman Vineyards / This locally-loved winery has the cutest outdoor tasting room and a recently opened garage area next door to hang at. Do yourself a favor and take home a case of their “Love You Bunches” red variety — we just can’t seem to get enough of it!
Taste of Santa Rita Hills / This tasting room highlights and hand-selects wine varieties from all over the Santa Rita Hills — come do a tasting here to see all that the region has to offer!
Dragonette Cellars / You can’t go wrong with any of the wines at their tasting room (especially the rosé!)
Demetria Estate / This vineyard is one of the highest in the appellation, and is family-owned and run. A must visit!
Beckmen Vineyards / Home to biodynamic farming, this vineyard is the kind of place you never want to leave.
Koehler Vineyards / If you’re looking for a great glass of white wine, head here!
Lompoc
Enjoy a scenic drive along the wine country roads into the coastal town of Lompoc. It’s a scenic and charming town with ocean views that won’t disappoint.
Where to Wine Taste
The Hilt / Tucked just off of a winding road, and situated a few miles from the ocean and the valley, it’s perfectly situated in a unique location and is a destination in and of itself. Recently opened and flawlessly designed by Howard Backen and Amber Interiors. We had the best experience here and can’t wait to come back with friends.
Ballard
With only a few hundred people who officially live here, Ballard is the smallest town in the Santa Ynez region. It’s charming, little, and cute!
Where to Eat
The Gathering Table at the Ballard Inn / With an inviting and cozy atmosphere, this restaurant located in the historic Ballard Inn is the perfect spot for a late lunch.
Bob’s Well Bread / The very best breakfast spot. Get here early to avoid the crowds and bring a basket of baked goods home with you. (Also, doesn’t hurt to grab a sandwich to go for an afternoon wine tasting day!)
Solvang
The Danish village of Solvang will have you feeling like you’re taking part in a European vacay. Every bit of architecture is one of a kind, and it’s full of cute restaurants, Danish bakeries, breweries, and of course — tasting rooms. It’s pretty central, so it’s a great spot to have as your landing pad for the weekend!
Where to Stay
The Landsby / This boutique hotel is right in the middle of the town, making it a great place to stay for the weekend. It has an on-site courtyard restaurant that is a great place to spend happy hour, and the rooms are simple and comfy.
Hotel Ynez / Soon to be the newest kid on the block, this hotel is due to open this fall. You better bet we’ll be lining up to book our stay once the doors open!
Where to Eat
Cailloux Cheese Shop / We’ll forever be smitten over a cute cheese shop, and this one is no exception. Stop by here to grab a few charcuterie essentials for an afternoon wine tasting!
Peasants Feast / Great for lunch or dinner, this locally-loved restaurant makes fantastic sandwiches, fried chicken, and more. Plus, it has a great patio to enjoy your meal on!
Buttonwood Winery / This farm, winery, and vineyard has an amazing tasting and operates their vineyard with the highest of ethics.
Where to Shop
Heritage Goods & Supply / This shop holds an array of goods from local artisans, from herbal supply to specialty foods and clothing! You’re sure to find goodies to sneak back home here.
What to Do
Moke / These British military vehicles turned beach cruisers are the perfect way to explore wine country. They’re completely electric, street legal, and give you a taste of the California sunshine as you explore around town!
Buellton
This small town right off the highway is a great stopover point to explore in the valley. With one of our favorite restaurants and a few great wineries, we know you’ll love it as much as we do!
Where to Eat
Industrial Eats / This restaurant and butcher shop sits in a repurposed warehouse and is home to some of the best lunch you can find.
Where to Wine Taste
Peake Ranch / The tasting room at this property had its debut in the film “Sideways” and is home to amazing wine that showcases the magic of this region.
Alma Rosa Winery / This winery is one not to miss with the most beautiful tree in the middle of the space — it’s a unique and beautiful place to enjoy a glass (or two!) of their Pinot.
Pence Vineyards / With the option to choose between a personal tasting in their canyon, lakeside dock, or tasting room — an afternoon at Pence will be one you won’t forget.
Los Alamos
Next up in our Santa Ynez travel guide is the town of Los Alamos. It is the definition of an up-and-coming gem: it’s the kind of place you want to wander through all day long. Here’s our best recs!
Where to Stay
Alamo Motel – Head here for happy hour, or book a room here for more modest lodging. It’s part of the Shelter Social Club collection of properties, so it has a cult following for travelers and is walking distance to everything.
Skyview Los Alamos / Situated on a hill that overlooks Los Alamos, Skyview is the perfect place to anchor your stay. It has a heated pool, great restaurant, and bikes that you can borrow to stroll into town. Can’t go wrong here!
Bodega House / This cutie of an Airbnb is on the Bodega property (see below!) so staying here is a guarantee that you’ll have endless things to do.
Where to Eat
Pico Los Alamos / This restaurant that aims to elevate wine country food — dine in on their outdoor patio for an experience that can’t be beat.
Bell’s Restaurant / Head here for dinner where you can enjoy their pre-set five course menu, or go for more of an à la carte experience at lunch.
Bob’s Well Bread / The very best breakfast spot. Get here early to avoid the crowds and bring a basket of baked goods home with you. (Also, doesn’t hurt to grab a sandwich to go for an afternoon wine tasting day!)
Full of Life Flatbread / This charming restaurant is known for their flatbreads and is a favorite among many. Get here early, though, as it’s definitely a popular place!
Where to Shop
Elder Flat / the newest darling on Bell St. in Los Alamos. We could’ve bought the entire shop out. The best pantry and dry goods, fresh florals, locally grown produce and housewares.
Where to Wine Taste
Bodega Los Alamos / This gathering place is our favorite spot in town. It’s filled with lots of seating, patio games, and of course — delicious wine. Come spend all afternoon here before a nearby dinner res! (But also, we won’t blame you if you never want to leave.)
Casa Dumetz / This female-founded and run winery/tasting room is the coolest spot in town. Not only are their wines amazing (don’t miss out on the Feminist Party varietal) but the interiors are unique and exciting — it’s a 10/10 in our book.
Foxen Vineyard / This small-batch, solar powered winery is a great place to spend an afternoon at. Between their sprawling ranch and sweeping views, it’s one to add to your list.
Gaviota
Located just outside of Santa Barbara (and therefore on the drive in or out of the valley!) this small town is home to one of our favorite vineyards — Folded Hills.
Where to Go
Folded Hills / This farmhouse, ranch, and vineyard is the definition of an escape — whether it be browsing their farm store, petting the animals onsite, or sitting down at the homestead for a wine tasting… a day here will be one you remember for many years to come!
This really is one of the most beautiful areas of California, and we can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself. If you do visit any of these recs in our Santa Ynez travel guide, tag us in your photos — we’d love to follow along & see! For more California travel content, check out our favorite Airbnbs across the state and the cutest boutique hotels we love to stay at. Thanks for following along!