Living at Vintage Ranch in northern Santa Barbara County gives folks many benefits: a brand new modern farm home, 580 acres of open space for an active lifestyle and country feel, expansive views, and proximity to the charming town of Orcutt. But best of all may be the nearby wine towns, various wine trails of great renown, and award-winning wineries, all within a 5-to 30-minute drive!
Whether you like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and other red wines, or fun varieties like Albariño (Spanish white variety) or sparkling Pét-Nats (fun, affordable sparkling wines), there’s something for all wine lovers.
Santa Maria Valley
The closest wine region is Santa Maria Valley, which is home to 34 wineries and tasting rooms, and is known for cool-climate wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as famous vineyards and wineries on historic sites.
Photo by Santa Maria Valley
“Here, our winemakers aren’t just names on a label. They’re authentic, approachable and ready to pour you a glass. They know that Santa Maria wine pairs with blue jeans, barbecue and an honest-to-goodness smile. Head toward the valley of vineyards, where grapes are allowed to take their sweet time on the vine. Pedal, ride or cruise through the hillsides to the wine getaway you need.” –Santa Maria Valley
Photo by Santa Maria Valley
There is also a convenient – and super cute – Santa Maria wine trolley that takes tasters on a 6-minute route, visiting some of the coolest shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, and wineries in the area. This includes Amplify Wines, Old Orcutt, Costa de Oro Winery, Cool Hand Luke's, and Cottonwood Canyon Winery. Jump on and off as you please! Tickets are available at various locations.
Go to SantaMariaValley.com.
Arroyo Grande
Head North to Arroyo Grande wineries, where you are surrounded with views of the rustic California hills and Pacific. From sparkling to Sauvignon Blanc, this trail is one of the most varied in terms of style and wine varieties, showcasing the mighty Arroyo Grande Valley.
Photo by SLO Coast Wine
Total drive time is just 15 mins among the wineries on this trail, Timbre and Verdad & Lindquist Family Wines walkable from the Arroyo Grande village, where you can also explore this charming downtown. Laetitia specializes in Sparkling Wine and Talley is a beautiful vineyard and vegetable farm located on a historic adobe site.
See this SLO Coast Wine region trail.
Los Alamos
Los Alamos is the gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley and is a 15-minute drive down from our homes at Rice Ranch on highway 101.
“It’s only seven blocks long yet reflects as much Old West heritage as any small town on California’s Central Coast. Founded in 1876, two ranchers each donated part of their land to create the town site. Named Los Alamos (Spanish for “the cottonwoods” that still grace the area) it looks and feels vintage yet with a burgeoning food, wine, arts & antiques scene. One-of-a-kind lodging includes the historic 1880 Union Hotel, a Victorian-style bed & breakfast with six incredible theme suites, an inn with a view and a classic motor court. Buildings old and new house art galleries, antique shops, food and wine tasting rooms and a surprising variety of restaurants for every type of diner from locavore to carnivore.” –Visit SYV
Go to Los Alamos on VisitSYV.
Lompoc & Sta. Rita Hills
Lompoc is home to renown growing region, Sta. Rita Hills. You can find fun tasting rooms in the “wine ghetto” of Lompoc, plus spectacular vineyards and estate wineries just outside town in the Sta. Rita Hills wine appellation.
Photo by Explore Lompoc
“Lompoc area wineries were praised by Sunset Magazine as the “New Wine Country” – and are known for exceptional pinot, chardonnay, and other cool climate wines. Many of our local winemakers, who specialize in producing wines from the grapes grown in Sta. Rita Hills vineyards, have won prestigious awards and 91+ or higher ratings from Wine Spectator Magazine. So expect the best… you won’t be disappointed.“ –Explore Lompoc
Los Olivos
One of the most famous wine towns in the southern half of California, Los Olivos has more than 40 tasting rooms in this walkable town with a flagpole right in the middle.
Photos by Los Olivos, CA
“Located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, the charming historic town of Los Olivos is a rewarding and relaxing weekend getaway or fun-filled day. Whether you want award-winning wine tasting, fine or casual dining, great shopping, fine art and plenty of artisans, renting bicycles to take in the sights – there is plenty to do in Los Olivos for the whole family! Boasting expansive views of Santa Barbara County’s vineyards and horse ranches, Los Olivos is noted for its love of the arts, wine tasting opportunities, unique shopping, epicurean restaurants, fun festivals, antiques, recreational landscapes, and friendly residents found throughout the village.“ –Los Olivos, CA
