Santa Barbara Wine Country

12 anos ago

Far away from the blue sea, the white fluffy sand and young beach city, in the other side of the mountains, there is this special place known for the incredible and beautiful wineries.

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Even if you expect to go to Santa Barbara to see the beach, surfers, boards, stores, sports and people, the country side of the city is as popular and nice as the coast. The Santa Barbara Wine Country is divided in four main regions: Santa Maria Valley (Orcutt and Santa Maria cities), Lompoc/Los Alamos Valley, Santa Ynez Valley (Ballard, Buellton, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Ventucopa cities) and Santa Barbara (Carpinteria, Goleta, Montecito, Santa Barbara and Summerland cities). The most popular ones are Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. Each region has their one cuteness and specialities and off course, a diversity world of vineyards, one more beautiful than the other.

I would say that a weekend in the wine regions of Santa Barbara will make you feel relax because of the freshness of the air, the beauty of the country side and flavor of the delicious food available and the taste of a variety of rich and distinguish wines. You will close the weekend felling renewed.

I stayed two nights in the small Solvang, a calm and viking-style city. It is a great place to stay, because is close to the wineries, but is in the city where the hotels are located and the restaurants are close by. We visited some interesting wineries that I recommend:

Sunstone

Fess Parker

Bridlewood

Firestone

Since the perfect combination with a good wine is a good food, we ate in delicious restaurants. I have three great recommendations:

– Los Olivos Cafe: Charming restaurant in the heart of Los Olivos. Great food and a big selection of wines. Great for lunch time or dinner.

– Trattoria Grappolo : Typical italian restaurant: small house, few tables, and d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s food. Good place to go for lunch.

– Brothers Restaurant at Mattei’s Tavern: Really good food in a dark old-style restaurant. Best option for dinner. But remember, in the wine country people usually have dinner early. We went to the restaurant around 9pm and it was pretty empty.

Santa Barbara Wine Country it is a romantic gateway for couples and can also be a fun trip for a big group. Have fun!