Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country is both robust & quaint. It is filled with beautiful wineries and hidden gems. Here's a quick glimpse of some of our favorites stops. Some of them are private but we have access to. Some of them are by appointment only but we can request reservations at when you book our all inclusive packages.
Please note some of these wineries carry an added per person fee when booking the all inclusive packages. Please let us know what wineries you are interested in and we will let you know if they are included on your selected package or if they have an added fee.
When booking the wine chauffeur option you are responsible for your own tasting fees but we can help with timing/itinerary so you can request reservations at each place. Just let us know how to make your day memorable and we are always happy to help!
6 Boutique Wineries
off the Beaten Path
Bella Cavalli Farms & Vineyard, Buellton
Renowned Red and White Wines
Albariño
Tempranillo
Biancco Rosso
Pence Vineyards and Winery, Santa Rita Hills
Renowned Red and White Wines
FUGIO Pinot Noir
Sebastiano Chardonnay
Estate Gamay
Kessler-Haak Vineyard and Wines, Lompoc
Renowned Red and White Wines
Pinot Noir
Grenache Blanc
Cabernet Franc
Spear Vineyards & Winery, Lompoc
Renowned Red and White Wines
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Syrah
Kaena Wine Company, Solvang
Renowned Red and White Wines
Buona Terra Reserve
Riesling
Tierra Alta Syrah
Peake Ranch Winery, Buellton
Renowned Red and White Wines
Bellis Noir
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Explore these hidden gems on the central coast of California with Silk Road Transportation.
Schedule an all-inclusive wine tour today!
Foxen Vineyards
Foxen Vineyards has been a landmark for years. Now they have a second location, complete with a tasting room that boasts all the necessary amenities and a spacious, well-appointed winery. There’s a relaxing patio where you can sit and sip the vineyard’s Bordeaux and Sangiovese wines.
You’ll find the tasting room on the side of the road, and it offers a unique tasting experience, in a tin-roofed old blacksmith’s shop. The winery sites a few yards back from the road and used to be the area’s stagecoach shop.
Foxen’s open-air tasting room ambles out onto a long narrow deck where you can enjoy a delicious Silk Road picnic with your family.
At this winery, you will find small-production wines that use a minimalist approach. Just across the street is the vineyard holdings, where you’ll find Chardonnay. The winery’s grapes are sorted from other vineyards in Santa Ynez to produce Sangiovese Volpino, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Rhone blends, Tuscan blends, and Bordeaux.
Sunstone Vineyards & Winery
Sunstone Vineyards & Winery sits just above the Santa Ynez Riverbend. If you want to feel as though you’ve traveled right into the French countryside, this is the winery to visit. The grounds are adorned with massive oak trees and rock walls enclose the courtyard where you can sit amongst fragrant French herbs and enjoy a family meal.The tasting room is vast but welcoming, and a kitchen and wood-burning oven complement the atmosphere. A little further back into the building you’ll find two barrel-aging caves built right into the majestic hillside. The vineyard farms organically and you’ll find both Rhone and Bordeaux varietals here to go with your delicious Silk Road lunch. Other wines you’ll find on the estate include sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah, Syrah rose, Viognier and Bordeaux blends.
Roblar Winery & Vineyards
Just off highway 154 in Santa Ynez Valley lies the magnificent Roblar Winery & Vineyards. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax with the family, you’ll love the rolling gardens, beautiful terraces, and massive fireplaces. The tasting room is dramatic and moody, complete with wood beamed ceilings, making it a fabulous setting for enjoying the vineyard’s Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Semillon, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. The main building boasts a kitchen and cooking school and there are daily wine and food pairings on offer. There are also vineyard tours, a gourmet food market, and lush picnic grounds where you can enjoy a meal from Silk Road’s kitchen.
Firestone Vineyard
Head north on Foxen Canyon Road and you’ll find yourself at Firestone Estate. The first vineyard in the area, the 8 individual vineyards planted in 1972 were the brainchild of Leonard Firestone. 3 years later, Brooks Firestone built the modern winery and tasting room and both the winery and vineyard were later bought by the Foley Wine Group in 2007. The winery welcomes you with dark wood furnishings and a picturesque view of the valley. There are large spaces outdoors for events and family picnics courtesy of Silk Road along the hillside and you can enjoy a variety of Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon during your visit.
Foley Vineyards & Winery
Head out west on Highway 246 and you’ll be able to look down at the incredible Rancho Santa Rose vineyards, better known as Foley Vineyards & Winery. This ranch spreads out over 460 acres and was once a thoroughbred horse ranch, but the elevations and cool climate make it perfect for cultivating grapes. The stables were transformed into a production facility in the late 1990s and there is now an event center and tasting room, along with expansive lawns, making it perfect for a family day out for a boxed lunch from Silk Road and unbeatable wine tasting. This vineyard specializes in a wide range of wines, including Pino Noir, Chardonnay, Rhone-style Dry Rose, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Brick Barn Wine Estate
Brick Barn Estates lies in the western frontier of the Santa Ynez Valley and lends itself to sensational tasting. The historic barn was built back in the 1970s as a home for Arabian horses. The barn and its stalls have since been transformed into a stunning tasting room. There’s also an outdoor tasting area, complete with gorgeous trees and scattered fireplaces. It’s the perfect spot to sip some beautiful wines as the sun goes down. The estate offers both private tours and tastings, which gives you the chance to explore the cellar and barrel room. The majestic oak tree is a picturesque spot for family picnics from Silk Road. Wines on offer include Rose, Albarino, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache Blanc, and Viognier.
Lincourt Vineyards
Lincourt Vineyards sits on the hillside just south of Los Olivos. Founded in 1996 by Bill Foley, the quaint tasting room is an original Sear’s Craftsman kit home. Once a dairy, the former milking barn is now a stunning winery and barrel room. Picnic tables sit under a giant California Pepper tree so you can enjoy relaxing family lunches while looking out over the estate vineyards. Wines produced at Lincourt Vineyards include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. A great place to visit for a picnic lunch straight out of Silk Road’s Kitchen.
Beckmen Vineyards
Beckmen Vineyards lies just outside of Los Olivos. The family-run vineyard is set amidst tranquil wooded surrounds and is home to a pond filled with ducks. Here, you’ll find three gazebos in which you can relax and enjoy the surroundings while indulging in a picnic from Silk Road’s kitchen. The vineyard’s traditional red barn is both the production facility and tasting room. Beckmen’s produces a wide variety of unique wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Grenache Rose. You’ll also find a few delicious Rhone blends. There are two estate vineyards at this winery, with the Purisima Mountain Vineyard boasting nearly 40 blocks of Rhone grape varieties. The smaller vineyard focuses on the Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blends.
Vincent Vineyards & Winery
The Vincent Vineyards & Winery spans over 16 acres of vineyard and is a dedicated boutique producer of amazing Bordeaux varieties. The winery’s micro-climate, soil, and farming methods produce sensational results, producing premium handcrafted wines in the Santa Ynez Valley. Currently, the winery produces Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, a Meritage blend called V Cuvee, and Cabernet Franc. This is one of the few wineries in the area that offers table service on the vineyard terrace and there’s also a fully equipped bar in the main salon. Alternatively, order a delicious picnic from the Silk Road kitchen and relax as you take in the exquisite views of the magnificent Santa Ynez mountains.
Pence Vineyards & Winery
Pence Vineyards & Winery is a neat little place located in the Santa Rita Hills areas of Santa Barbara County. This vineyard is more than merely a winery. It’s also a working ranch where you’ll find well looked after cows surveying over the vineyards of Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The owners at the winery are all about a traditional Californian lifestyle, which means they employ traditional winemaking methods and you’ll often spot them roaming the ranch with different animals among them. This is a small vineyard, so you need to make a reservation well in advance, but it’s well worth the wait. Once you get in, you can indulge in the sit-down tasting room and the ranch’s homely vibe. You can even enjoy a tasting session in the pond house, actually in the vineyards, on the dock or in the canyon before enjoying a meal from Silk Road.
Bella Cavalli Farms & Vineyard
Bella Cavalli lies in the gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley and is renowned for its world-class wines and stunning horses. With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean’s cool waters, long growing and maturing seasons and mild temperatures, this vineyard is amongst the best in the world when it comes to producing first-class wines.
Besides a full-service equestrian facility, the farm serves up delicious gourmet food products or you can order a mouthwatering Silk Road picnic to enjoy with your family in the farm’s relaxed and casual atmosphere. Top wines that you’ll find here include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
Shoestring Vineyard & Winery - CLOSED
Shoestring winery can be found at the gateway of the Santa Ynez Valley. Take the family along for a day in a gorgeous vineyard setting complete with a lawn area shaded by olive trees and a relaxing patio section. You’ll find it peaceful sitting amongst the greens with your Silk Road picnic.
The winery is open to the public on weekends and is also available for parties, weddings, corporate and private tastings. The vineyard produces international medal-winning wines, including Syrah-Rose, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese. You can buy bottles directly from the shop to enjoy with your picnic under the olive trees.
Besides a full-service equestrian facility, the farm serves up delicious gourmet food products or you can order a mouthwatering Silk Road picnic to enjoy with your family in the farm’s relaxed and casual atmosphere. Top wines that you’ll find here include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
Blackjack Ranch Winery
Blackjack Ranch is a rustic winery that boasts a tasting room constructed from the materials from the ranch’s original buildings. The tasting bar is made entirely from wood from an old bowling alley and you’ll find original Wrigley Field bleacher seats, too, creating a completely unique and memorable wine tasting experience.
The ranch has an elevated deck that’s perfect for a relaxing family picnic from Silk Road as you overlook the gorgeous vineyards. The wines at the ranch mostly focus on Bordeaux blends, but you’ll also find Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah with fun names like Harmonie, Goat Hill, Allusion, and Suicide Hill.
Dierberg Star Lane
Take a trip out to Santa Rita Hills and make a stop at Dierbergs where you’ll find an impressive variety of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. The expansive property stretches over 4,000 acres and hosts a pair of wineries, Dierberg’s Star Lane and Dierberg Vineyards. You’ll find the tasting room on Dierberg’s property, called Drum Canyon Vineyard. Here, you can taste 6 wines featuring the best of both Star Lane and Dierberg. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of the vineyard’s diversity. Dierberg represents the traditional wines of Santa Barbara County and is the perfect spot for a family day out and a delicious Silk Road picnic.The ranch has an elevated deck that’s perfect for a relaxing family picnic from Silk Road as you overlook the gorgeous vineyards. The wines at the ranch mostly focus on Bordeaux blends, but you’ll also find Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah with fun names like Harmonie, Goat Hill, Allusion, and Suicide Hill.
Melville Vineyards
Head just off Highway 246 and you’ll arrive at Melville Vineyards, a Mediterranean-style setup with gorgeous landscaping and rolling green lawns. The impressive tasting room and veranda are surrounded by lush sycamore and oak trees, making it the ideal venue for a Silk Road picnic. Head inside and you’re welcomed by a cozy fireplace and oriental rugs. The tasting bar and veranda sit adjacent to the vineyard. Here, you can try distinctive varieties of Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. This estate distributes its wine both locally and internationally, and you can purchase bottles through the tasting room to take home with you.
Fess Parker Winery
Lying on the flat valley floor among ginormous mature oaks, Fess Parker Winery and Vineyards boasts an attractive veranda that wraps all the way around the building. Tables and chairs are set out under the veranda along with traditional picnic tables where you and your family can delight in a Silk Road picnic. A quaint stone path leads you past rose gardens and to the tasting room, where you’ll find wine accessories, gourmet foods, and two tasting bars that overlook the vineyards.
Fess Parker winery is home to three vineyards, and they also source fruits from the area, like Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills. Wines produced at Fess Parker include Viognier, Chardonnay, Syrah, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and delicious several blends.
Bridlewood Estate Winery - CLOSED
Bridlewood Estate Winery was once a race-horse rehabilitation center. Today, it’s been transformed into a stunning winery with a resort-like feel. A gorgeous forest of trees stands to attention to greet you as you make your way up to the Spanish-inspired building, with tile roofs, awe-inspiring verandas, and a mission-style bell tower. Make your way past the circular drive and you’ll find yourself among olive trees and a bubbling fountain. Walk on to the large wooden doors that open onto the tasting room.
A cozy fireplace, tiled floors, and a huge tasting bar invite you to taste blends like Pinot Noir, Syrah, Rhone blends, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Grenache. The winery also makes a few small productions lots on a limited release basis. Head outdoors to the flagstone patios to enjoy a delicious Silk Road picnic with the family as you take in the views of the property. You can even have a horse-drawn carriage ride through the property to see the full-sized racetrack, horse stables, and hillside vineyards.
Rancho Sisquoc Winery
Head four miles along a narrow farm road, past fruit trees and crops, and you’ll find the laidback Rancho Sisquoc Winery. The entrance to the ranch is overlooked by the historic San Ramon Chapel, and it’s the church you will recognize on all of this winery’s labels. Rancho Sisquoc started out as Mexican grant land in the 1800s and has provided fruit for an array of wineries in California. In 1972, they pressed their first harvest and has since become famed for its delicious Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling wines. You’ll also find Sylvaner, Chardonnay, Bordeaux, Merlot, and Sangiovese blends here. Take the family along for a mouthwatering Silk Road picnic on the aged wooden deck before exploring the barn and farmhouse that date all the way back to the early 1900s. Laze about on the lush lawns or take a seat at a picnic table for a delightful day out in the sunshine.
Lafond Winery
Drive west along the beautiful Santa Rose Road and you'll find yourself within the Santa Rita Hills Appellation and the stunning Lafond Winery. The functional winery includes a vast tasting room with massive windows that allow you perfect views into the barrel room. You'll also get a glimpse of the outdoor and indoor production areas, giving you a good look at the winemaking process.
Take a seat at the sampling bar in the tasting room or browse the olive oils, pots, and specialty wine accessories. Order a delicious Silk Road picnic and then choose one of the two beautiful picnic areas on the property -- one looks out at the vineyard and valleys while the other boasts chairs, tables, and a relaxing fountain.
You'll find three wines at this winery, including Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
Babcock Vineyards
Babcock Vineyards sits atop the majestic Santa Rita Valley and boasts a tasting room in the production facility. It’s a small tasting area next to the barrel room and the tasting bar is simply a wooden plank over two oak barrels. The outside courtyard at this winery is modest and perfect for tasting delicious varieties and enjoying a Silk Road picnic with the family. There are a handful of picnic tables that look out to the vineyards and valley. Babcock Vineyards produces a delightful array of wines, including Shiraz, Pino Grigio, Pino Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bordeaux blends.
Rusack Vineyards
Travel just four miles southwest of Los Olivos along Ballard Canyon Road and you'll find yourself driving among more than 100 yards of stunning roses along the roadside's low rock walls, signaling your arrival at Rusack Vineyards.
The tasting room and winery are tucked picturesquely beneath mature pepper and oak trees, overlooking the wooded canyon and vineyards. The tiny fermenting tanks next to the tasting room entrance are a small indication of micro-vineyard at winemaking processes here.
While the tasting room offers up delicious cheeses and gourmet meals, you can enjoy a picnic on the lovely deck while taking in views of the vista.
Wines produced on the estate include Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot Blend, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. They also produce a drive Rose, Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir.
Rideau Vineyards
Rideau Vineyards is home to the renowned Alamo Pintado Adobe. The vineyards represent a variety of Burgundy, Italian, Rhone, German, and Spanish wines in the beautifully restored Victorian farmhouse. The public rooms are electrified with the owner’s New Orleans roots, while the rambling house serves as the cozy tasting parlor, complete with tasting bars, fireplaces and patios where you can enjoy a Silk Road picnic. The grounds at this winery are massive, with towering oak trees shading the beautiful lawns dotted with tables and chairs where you can sit and take in the views. You’ll find an impressive collection of wines here, including Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Viognier, Rhone, and Syrah.
The Brander Vineyard
If you like the idea of spending time at a small European wine estate with the family, you need to visit the Brander Vineyard. The landscaped grounds of cottonwood and redwood trees set amongst poplars and beautiful flowers make for the perfect backdrop for a picnic lunch from Silk Road. The rustic courtyard creates that European old-world atmosphere of complete calm.
The tasting room’s peaked wood-beamed ceilings and massive French doors add to the ambiance, providing endless views of the vineyard. This vineyard is popular for its Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sarloos & Sons Winery
Lying in the hills of Los Olivos, the Saarloos family has worked together for more than four generations. They started with just 17 acres of syrah, and year and year, the quality from this winery has continued to rise. After a wine tasting and cupcake pairing, head out to the carpet of green to enjoy a Silk Road picnic while soaking up the Californian climate with the entire family in a relaxed atmosphere. Every wine produced at this winery is a limited release, but you’ll predominantly find Syrah, Bordeaux, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon here.
Presqu'ile Winery
Located in the beautiful Santa Maria Valley, Presqui’ile has been voted one of the 10 best tasting rooms in the country by USA Today. It’s easy to see why. The homey but contemporary design of the tasting room flows perfectly from indoor to outdoors, making you feel as though you’ve landed in your friend’s backyard. There’s tasting and barrel rooms, along with pressing machines and loading docks on the property. There are plenty of seating areas at the winery, including spaces to relax with the family as you nibble on a Silk Road picnic. Presqui’ile Winery is best known for its Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, which you can try at the indoor tasting bar or grab a few bottles for your outdoor picnic. There is also a delightful selection of vintage Pinot Noirs that are a “must-try” when you visit!
Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard
Buttonwood Farm lies just off Alamo Pintado in the south of Los Olivos. Once a horse ranch, it later transformed into a farm, where almonds, peaches, and pomegranates were grown. Wine grapes were added to the mix way back in 1983 with a focus on Merlot and Sauvignon Blanch. The tasting room is airy and bright, set among the orchards. You can buy wine gifts and artwork here before strolling out through the gardens for a delicious Silk Road picnic with the family. Wines you’ll find at Buttonwood Farm include Syra Rose, Marsanne, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and several delicious Bordeaux blends.
Zaca Mesa Winery
Find the working windmill, and you’ll find Zaca Mesa Winery that stretches along a 750-acre ranch. You can park in the back and meander along the path under gorgeous oaks to the tasting room courtyard. There are picnic tables at the tasting center’s entrance, so you can grab a Silk Road picnic to enjoy with the family. Inside the tasting room is a tasting island, where you can try the different varieties sold here. Wines produced at the winery include Syrah, Chardonnay, Grenache, Roussanne, Viognier, Dry Rose, and a number of Rhone blends.
Andrew Murray Winery
Andrew Murray Vineyards is tucked away in Foxen Canyon and is famed for its Rhone-style wines, including varietals, blends, and single-vineyard offerings made from fruit from the central coast. The six-foot-tall photos of the vineyard greet you at the storefront tasting room right on the main drag of Los Olivos. Inside, you’ll find modern décor and a stainless-steel tasting bar. You can buy olive oil and several other gourmet items, taste the wines, and the pick a people-watching spot from which to enjoy a Silk Road picnic. The fruit is sourced from several vineyards in the area, which means you’ll find a list of different wines here, including Marsanne, Viognier, Grenaches, Syrah, and Roussanne.
Koehler Winery
Koehler Winery is a 100-acre ranch that lies on the east side of Foxen Canyon. The winery is home to an array of exotic birds and unusual animals, including curios emus. Four huge Sicilian olive oil jars stand guard under the veranda of the tasting room, while inside, Barnwood tables and a custom-stitched tin-covered tasting bar make for a relaxing yet elegant atmosphere.
Outside, there’s a grassy hill looking over the valley, complete with picnic tables where you and your family can indulge in a delicious Silk Road picnic.
Koehler’s vineyard is planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Riesling, and Grenache. In addition to the estate wines, Koehler sources Pino Noir from the cool Santa Rita Hills.
Demetria Estate
The Demetria Estate has to be one of the most picturesque places to taste wine in all of Santa Barbara County. You need to call ahead to make a tasting reservation, but it's worth the effort. On the day, you'll drive just a little past Los Olivos and enter a secret passcode as you arrive at the big gate. You'll then wind along a narrow lane through the gorgeous countryside while keeping an eye out for hawks, deer, and goats. You then arrive at the sprawling estate where you can enjoy a family picnic from Silk Road in the sunny courtyard. At Demetria Estate, you can enjoy sipping on beautiful variants of Syrah and Pinot Noir.