California - Santa Ynez Wineries

There was a dated thread that touched on this years ago when someone asked about wineries in Santa Barbara.

A buddy and I are thinking of doing a road trip this weekend from LA to Santa Ynez and staying for the night. My wife is out of town for the month with the kids at her parents, and I really don't need to go anywhere romantic with my friend.

How many wineries would one have time for in a day? Which would you recommend, and why? Where would you eat for dinner if you just had one night, and where would you stay?

I purposely kept my questions vague because I'd love to know everyone's suggestions and why those choices appeal to them. Thanks in advance.

I'm familiar with the area, however, I am probably not the best person to ask when it comes to wine tasting ;)

That being said, some of the ones that stick out are Gainey, Sunstone, Sanford, Fess Parker, Buttonwood Farm, and Rideau. How many you can get to in a day is beyond me, but he ones I listed are spread throughout the area and would probably take almost an hour for simply the drive (In other words, if you spend enough time, you could probably do all the ones I listed and more...there really is almost an endless amount).

http://gaineyvineyard.com/
http://www.sunstonewinery.com/
http://www.sanfordwinery.com/
http://www.fessparker.com/
http://www.buttonwoodwinery.com/
http://www.rideauvineyard.com/

When it comes to food, there are a few excellent choices. As you probably know, this is where Sideways was filmed, and the restaurant/bar that is featured is The Hitching Post. There are also some nice places in Santa Ynez or Los Olivos, but for the price, I prefer Hitching Post. If you are really hungry, there is a nightly all you can eat buffet at the Chumash Casino with excellent food. There is also an upscale five star restaurant there.

http://www.hitchingpost2.com/
http://www.chumashcasino.com/Home.aspx

As for where to stay...there is a Marriott, but other than that, a Best Western or two, a Days Inn, the rest are not chains. The aforementioned Casino has a resort which is nice, as well as a really nice hotel located off site, Hotel Corque. I also believe Fess Parker has a resort at the winery, but the price may be steep. I'd probably stay at the Casino, and if you get the urge for a little gambling overnight, it's right there!

Anyways, hope this helps. Have fun!

You've probably already done the trip, but I would say skip the Hitching Post. In my opinion the best restaurants in the area are the Ballard Inn in Ballard (a few miles north of Solvang) and Trattorio Grappolo in Santa Ynez.

Bradley Ogden's new restaurant - Route 246 in Solvang - was a big disappointment and the expensive restaurant at Chumash Casino is more pomp than substance - food is very mediocre.

You've probably already done the trip, but I would say skip the Hitching Post. In my opinion
the best restaurants in the area are the Ballard Inn in Ballard (a few miles north of Solvang) and Trattorio Grappolo in Santa Ynez.

Bradley Ogden's new restaurant - Route 246 in Solvang - was a big disappointment and the expensive restaurant at Chumash Casino is more pomp than substance - food is very mediocre.

Grappolo is good. I've been to the Ballard Inn once, but didn't care for the food much at all. As for Root 246, I agree, not really worth it. Haven't been to the upscale place at the casino, because IMO the buffet will always be the best deal (especially if they keep sending out 50% off cards for club members). Other choices I didn't mention are Mattei's Tavern in Los Olivos (there are also some other good choices in Los Olivos), AJ Spurs (it's good but personally, I would say skip this place in favor of others), and then up the road a bit is Cold Springs, a pretty neat place overall.

If Mexican is more your flavor, there is a new gourmet type Mexican place in Santa Ynez, Dos Carlitos. But I still must say
my favorite in the area is Hitching Post. Plus, it's kinda the touristy thing to do. ;) (For better or for worse)

Agree about Matthei's Tavern. I've wanted to go to Cold Spring Tavern - drove by one Sunday afternoon and my wife was intimidated by the 100 or so bikes parked outside, so we didn't stop.

Agree about Matthei's Tavern. I've wanted to go to Cold Spring Tavern - drove by one Sunday afternoon and my wife was intimidated by the 100 or so bikes parked outside, so we didn't stop.

I'm pretty sure there are separate bar and restaurant facilities, and all the bikers seem to hang out in the bar area. In any case, it's a pretty fun place, especially if you have never been.

Great thread ... thanks guys. Thinking about going up to the Santa Ynez Valley over the Labor Day weekend and imagine a guided Wine Tours (ie The Grapeline or Wine Edventures) would make things easier?

They're around $95 and provide the shuttle service, admission tickets, and a picnic lunch. Seems to be well worth it especially if everyone is "tasting".

Never did go with my friend that weekend, however I am going with my wife next month. It turns out that it's the Vintner's Festival that weekend. Getting a room was not easy. I landed up using points at the Fess Parker DT in SB.

For SB, I made a dinner res a Da Cario because it sounded good on Zagat and our day in SY, I reserved Mattei's based on recommendations in this thread. Now I just have to figure out which wineries to hit. So far, a family member recommended Saarloos & Sons.

If anybody has been to the region recently or has any input, please feel free to chime in about anything. Thanks.

Never did go with my friend that weekend, however I am going with my wife next month. It turns out that it's the Vintner's Festival that weekend. Getting a room was not easy. I landed up using points at the Fess Parker DT in SB.

For SB, I made a dinner res a Da Cario because it sounded good on Zagat and our day in SY, I reserved Mattei's based on recommendations in this thread. Now I just have to figure out which wineries to hit. So far, a family member recommended Saarloos & Sons.

If anybody has been to the region recently or has any input, please feel free to chime in about anything. Thanks.

I think you mean C'Dario, but it does have excellent food. Be prepared for a somewhat crowded and noisy environment.

We found an excellent restaurant in Solvang - called Mirabelle in the Mirabelle Inn. We had one of the best meals ever in the area. If we go back and it's just as good the 2nd time, I think it will become our favorite in the area.

I think you mean C'Dario, but it does have excellent food. Be prepared for a somewhat crowded and noisy environment.

We found an excellent restaurant in Solvang - called Mirabelle in the Mirabelle Inn. We had one of the best meals ever in the area. If we go back and it's just as good the 2nd time, I think it will become our favorite in the area.

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure we are talking about the same restaurant, but there is definitely an "a" after the "C".
http://cadario.net/

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure we are talking about the same restaurant, but there is definitely an "a" after the "C".
http://cadario.net/

You are right - thanks for the correction

Ca'dario is amazing- great choice! My favorite winery in the area is Alma Rosa:http://www.almarosawinery.com/ If you are already in SB, there is a local "wine trail" with a number of good tasting rooms. This is a great resource:http://www.sbcountywines.com/wineries/wineries.html

For food in Santa Ynez area, I recommend Los Olivos Cafe for lunch.

Have fun!

Ca'dario is amazing- great choice! My favorite winery in the area is Alma Rosa:http://www.almarosawinery.com/ If you are already in SB, there is a local "wine trail" with a number of good tasting rooms. This is a great resource:http://www.sbcountywines.com/wineries/wineries.html

For food in Santa Ynez area, I recommend Los Olivos Cafe for lunch.

Have fun!

I would add my agreement to Los Olivos Cafe as we had a very good dinner there.

I would also like to amend my previous comments about the Willows Restaurant at Chumash Casino. We have been there several times recently, and the food has improved dramatically. Still expensive and a bit overpriced, but if you do any gambling at all, you can get comps or points toward a dinner there.

In Santa Barbara, we recently had an outstanding meal at Downey's, possibly the best we've ever had anywhere in Santa Barbara.

Just returned from a long week end in the Santa Ynez area. Hands down our favorite winery was Saarloos & Sons. They paired the wines with gourmet cupcakes. What an experience! We also enjoyed Lincourt and Gainey. We visited Firestone, but all six agreed that the wines were uninspiring. Beautiful area with new wineries springing up all the time.

My favorite wineries in the area are Foxen and Foley for ultimate quality, with Lafond and Zaca Mesa leading the way in terms of value-priced wines

Reviving this thread in hopes of getting some updated info about restaurants in Solvang. We are going to be staying there Christmas night and am having trouble finding anyplace that will work for dinner! Here are my result so far:

Not open on Christmas:
Hitching Post
Ballard Inn
Root 246 (still pending and have call in but Open Table not taking reservation)

Apparently closed for good:
Cabernet Bistro
Mathei Tavern

We will have done quite a bit of driving by the time we get there so am hoping for someplace in Solvang or Buellton - walking or a very short drive.

Thanks for any suggestions.

I think you mean C'Dario, but it does have excellent food. Be prepared for a somewhat crowded and noisy environment.

We found an excellent restaurant in Solvang - called Mirabelle in the Mirabelle Inn. We had one of the best meals ever in the area. If we go back and it's just as good the 2nd time, I think it will become our favorite in the area.


Mirabelle is indeed fantastic -- went with my wife for a very intimate dinner. If you're going with a buddy, Firestone Brewery & Solvang Brewing Co. aren't bad spots to grab food.

Add my vote for Rideau & Roblar winery-wise -- I've had great experiences at Bridlewood as well (although it's more commercial than R&R).

Mirabelle is indeed fantastic -- went with my wife for a very intimate dinner. If you're going with a buddy, Firestone Brewery & Solvang Brewing Co. aren't bad spots to grab food.

Add my vote for Rideau & Roblar winery-wise -- I've had great experiences at Bridlewood as well (although it's more commercial than R&R).

Thanks 318i (and SO sorry I sold my 1987 325i). They do not seem to have online reservations but will call tomorrow. Christmas Day seems to be trickier than I expected for restaurants. Probably a little too used to San Francisco; lots of the nicer restaurants open on major holidays here. Wineries, fortunately, we will be visiting the next day when they will probably all be open again.

Reviving this thread in hopes of getting some updated info about restaurants in Solvang. We are going to be staying there Christmas night and am having trouble finding anyplace that will work for dinner! Here are my result so far:

Not open on Christmas:
Hitching Post
Ballard Inn
Root 246 (still pending and have call in but Open Table not taking reservation)

Apparently closed for good:
Cabernet Bistro
Mathei Tavern

We will have done quite a bit of driving by the time we get there so am hoping for someplace in Solvang or Buellton - walking or a very short drive.

Thanks for any suggestions.

The Brothers at Matthei Tavern has reopened at another location about 2 blocks away -

http://syvnews.com/news/local/brothers-restaurant-reopens-in-los-olivos/article_05ad7a5a-98ac-11e1-89b7-0019bb2963f4.html

http://www.brothersrestaurant.com/

However, I do not believe they are open on Christmas Day.

I am pretty sure the Willows at Chumash Casino will be open on Christmas. It is only a 5 minute drive from Solvang.

Cabernet Bistro has indeed closed.

Check and see if Los Olivos Café will be open. Always liked going there after a round of golf. Pretty good food and excellent wine selection.

[QUOTE=JerryFF;19602209]The Brothers at Matthei Tavern has reopened at another location about 2 blocks away -

http://syvnews.com/news/local/brothers-restaurant-reopens-in-los-olivos/article_05ad7a5a-98ac-11e1-89b7-0019bb2963f4.html

http://www.brothersrestaurant.com/

However, I do not believe they are open on Christmas Day.

I am pretty sure the Willows at Chumash Casino will be open on Christmas. It is only a 5 minute drive from Solvang.


Looks like we will not starve. Root 246 and Willows are both open. Brothers and Los Olivos are not. Thanks to all for the helpful info.

Hi MSTraveler;

If you are staying in Solvang there is a free shuttle to Chumash from Hotel Corque on Alisal Drive. The Willows will be open, as well at the Chumash Cafe (24 hours) and Creekside Buffet (until 11pm). The restaurant at Hadsten House in Solvang will also be open for dinner in you are staying on the west side of Solvang.

If you come back another time or are looking for dinner recommendations after the holiday a few other places you might consider are The Ballard Inn Restaurant in Ballard, Avant Tapas & Wine or Hitching Post II in Buellton, or Dos Carlitos, The Vineyard House or Ranch & Reata in Santa Ynez. A little farther north but worth the drive is Full of Life Flatbread in Los Alamos, open Fri-Sun for dinner only.

Enjoy your trip to Santa Ynez Valley and travel safe!

Hi MSTraveler;

If you are staying in Solvang there is a free shuttle to Chumash from Hotel Corque on Alisal Drive. The Willows will be open, as well at the Chumash Cafe (24 hours) and Creekside Buffet (until 11pm). The restaurant at Hadsten House in Solvang will also be open for dinner in you are staying on the west side of Solvang.

If you come back another time or are looking for dinner recommendations after the holiday a few other places you might consider are The Ballard Inn Restaurant in Ballard, Avant Tapas & Wine or Hitching Post II in Buellton, or Dos Carlitos, The Vineyard House or Ranch & Reata in Santa Ynez. A little farther north but worth the drive is Full of Life Flatbread in Los Alamos, open Fri-Sun for dinner only.

Enjoy your trip to Santa Ynez Valley and travel safe!

Just curious - are you an employee at Chumash Casino? "Win Country" is their slogan.

Follow up report: Root 246 turned out only to have a set menu for Christmas (undoubtedly wonderful, but not what we wanted a after two family holiday dinners) so we ate at Cafe Provence which is the dining room at the Petersen Inn.

They only serve hotel guests (and wedding and private parties) and I am usually beyond skeptical of such venues, but it was really VERY good. I am from San Francisco and don't please easily but we had a great meal. Service was good and it was a nice setting. Only useful for Petersen Inn guests, but we also thought the Inn was perfect. Great location, wonderful [included] breakfast, attentive staff etc. Both recommended.

Follow up report: Root 246 turned out only to have a set menu for Christmas (undoubtedly wonderful, but not what we wanted a after two family holiday dinners) so we ate at Cafe Provence which is the dining room at the Petersen Inn.

They only serve hotel guests (and wedding and private parties) and I am usually beyond skeptical of such venues, but it was really VERY good. I am from San Francisco and don't please easily but we had a great meal. Service was good and it was a nice setting. Only useful for Petersen Inn guests, but we also thought the Inn was perfect. Great location, wonderful [included] breakfast, attentive staff etc. Both recommended.

I think you made an excellent decision. I have not been impressed with Root 246 despite the reputation of its "celebrity" chef - and we have tried it several times, for both dinner and brunch. My favorite restaurant in the area is still Los Olivos Cafe.

I think you made an excellent decision. I have not been impressed with Root 246 despite the reputation of its "celebrity" chef - and we have tried it several times, for both dinner and brunch. My favorite restaurant in the area is still Los Olivos Cafe.

That was on my list, but unfortunately not open on Christmas Day (the only day we were in the area). Root 246 was about all that was open, although pleasantly surprised to fine Cafe Provence to be such a great alternative. I hear the Hitching Post has good food/steaks also.

I think you made an excellent decision. I have not been impressed with Root 246 despite the reputation of its "celebrity" chef - and we have tried it several times, for both dinner and brunch. My favorite restaurant in the area is still Los Olivos Cafe.

That was on my list, but unfortunately not open on Christmas Day (the only day we were in the area). Root 246 was about all that was open, although pleasantly surprised to fine Cafe Provence to be such a great alternative. I hear the Hitching Post has good food/steaks also.
Yeah, it's a shame that Los Olivos Cafe wasn't open- I too love that place, although haven't been there for a couple years now. I wonder if Robin, the bartender, is still there. Such a sweetie.

Re: Hitching Post
Yes, very good steaks although I think it's become a bit too popular due to 'Sideways'. They raised prices a bit with their newfound popularity. I always liked their original location in Casmalia better. Great atmosphere there.