Blog Post
The Best Wineries in Santa Barbara
Hope Mountford • 10 September 2021
Santa Barbara, known for its idyllic scenery, relaxed
atmosphere and warm climate – Is unmissable for wine lovers and connoisseurs.
Santa Barbara Wine Country itself is ideally positioned amongst wide mountain
ranges, which creates cooling and ideal climates for a variety of grapes and wines
to be produced. This wine country has earned a reputation for world class pinot
noir, chardonnays and Bordeaux’s. With over 200 wineries across 16,000 acres,
Santa Barbara leaves you spoilt for choice.
The vineyards and wineries themselves offer excellent service and perfect experiences. Urban tasting rooms and scenic vineyard patios offer the perfect surroundings for your afternoon of wine tasting – sampling the very best that Santa Barbara’s wide selection has to offer. Take in the stunning surroundings and diverse architecture as you sip! Or walk through the very vineyards that produced your wine as the sun sets over the hills of wine country.
Take a look below to sample our top picks for your wine tasting trip to Santa Barbara’s wine country.
Courtesy of Presqu’ile / Avis Mandel
Presqu’ile
The first must visit is Presqu’ile – this family owned and run vineyard produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc on their rolling 73 acres of vines. Presqu’ile prides themselves on their unique cool Californian wines, while also maintaining a key focus on the experience and hospitality that they provide to guests – by offering unforgettable tasting sessions for all who visit. Enjoy the striking tasting room at Presqu’ile, which offers incredible views of both the expansive vineyard and the ocean. Savour the wide variety of Californian wines in this modern and juxtaposed architecture while taking in the astounding view .
Photo by Craft & Cluster, courtesy of Melville Winery and Visit Santa Barbara
Melville Wineries
If you are looking for an equally educational and enjoyable experience, Melville Wineries is a must visit for everyone – take a 90 minute walking tour through the lush vineyards with the expert owners and wine makers – sampling as you learn! Learn all about the different soils, grapes and sun conditions that create the impeccable wines that Melville has to offer. Melville has 120 acres under vine – offering an incredible variation of wines and experiences for everyone who visits. Melville has their own Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay, all fermented in small groups, and created with the utmost care. Their stunning tasting room is situated amongst the Pinot Noir vines – encapsulating the classic wine tasting experience, of sampling great wines whilst admiring the views of endless vines!
Photo by Blake Bronstad, Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
Carr Wineries
Take a trip to this working winery to truly understand the work and craftsman ship that goes into the art of creating a perfect wine. This tasting room called Quonset was founded in 1940 and encapsulates the authentic feel of a winery that has been operating for decades. Hear from the resident experts themselves on what sets apart their winery from other California based brands! After a tour of the 3800 sq. ft. wine cellar, where the wine is bottled and stored – relax in the rustic tasting room and savour the Pinot Noirs, Syrah’s, Pinot Gris, Grenaches, and Cabernet Francs on offer. Enjoy with the incredible food that Carr serves alongside their wines. Wine can be sampled by the glass or bottle – depending on the vibe of your visit!
Photo by Jay Sinclair, Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
SYV Yoga Winery
Experience the natural beauty of Santa Barbara’s vineyards by taking a yoga class amongst the vines! This serene experience combines meditative yoga in the stunning surroundings of rolling hills and miles of Californian vines, with the unmissable sampling of home grown wines. These yoga classes promise deep relaxation, physical balance and improved mindfulness, all while taking in the gorgeous Californian sun and vineyard views. After your yoga experience with a yoga expert, enjoy a personally crafted wine tasting experience and tour of the vineyards and barrelling rooms.
Courtesy of Pence Vineyards & Winery
Pence Vineyard
Finish your trip to Santa Barbara’s wine country with this incredible vineyard, perfect for a personable experience led by expert sommeliers and staff. Pence vineyard prides themselves on striving for the very best standards and practices within their wine production, regardless of price to them, whilst maintaining an understanding for the practicalities of producing wine in California. They do not seek to replicate any wines but in turn create their own style of Pinot noirs and Chardonnays, from their elegant 47 acre winery. Taking a tour of this vineyard will only increase your love for Californian scenery and the wonderful art of wine creation.
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