Santa Ynez, the perfect weekend getaway from LA
- Aly Spear
- Oct 19, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 25, 2019
Los Angeles is an electric city, but sometimes you just need a relaxing weekend getaway. Now, imagine being in a wine haven filled with vineyard lined highways, top notch food, and tranquil day spas. Luckily, just 40 minutes past Santa Barbara, the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley makes that vision a reality. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but with plenty to do, this wine retreat makes for a great girls weekend, couples trip, or tack it on with some time in Santa Barbara.
THE SPOTS
Alma Rosa Winery
This tasting room, tucked into a corner in Buellton, offers wine drinkers the opportunity to sit down and truly savor their top notch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The natural light and modern room, accompanied by top rated and truly great wine, make this a great stop on any Santa Ynez trip.
Spear Winery
I have a bit of a bias towards this winery – note the last name. Anyone who knows my family knows my dad is a big wine lover, so when he saw a winery bearing our last name being built, he got in touch. The lovely owner gave us a tour of the vineyards before the tasting room was even built or their first vintage had been released. That was about four years ago and we’ve been back every year since, seeing the this winery at every stage – even half built. Although it may be new, they have already made a name for themselves, getting amazing reviews and creating delectable wines. From the kindness and hospitality the owner and winemaker have, to the top notch wines, and absolutely beautiful tasting room overlooking their vineyards, Spear is in a league of its own.
Foxen
Foxen consistently is home to some of my favorite wines. I have visited this winery every year for the past few years as well, and I have never been anything less than transfixed. You do have to go a little bit off the beaten path, driving about 10 miles through other vineyards, to get to their two tasting rooms. Yes, you read that right, two tasting rooms. Foxen still has their original tasting shack from the 80’s and about 10 years ago they added a newer, more modern tasting room. They offer three different tasting options, and each wine somehow seems to be better than the last.
Tensley Winery
This small tasting room, hidden in the cute town of Los Olivios, is a great winery for a deeper red. Their four wine tasting includes three Syrahs that are all pretty incredible. It is actually in the same room as another winery, so you can do a second tasting right there if you want!
The Food
SY Kitchen
Everything is good here. From the food to the cocktails to the wine, this is the restaurant I make sure I go to EVERY time I’m in the Santa Ynez area. Their food ranges from exquisite truffle pizzas to top notch pasta and even some steaks. Make a reservation a bit in advance, I'd recommend at least a week, because this place fills up!
Sides
Bacon, bacon, bacon. That is what sides is known for. Don't get me wrong, they have a lot of great dishes. However, their thick cut "bacon steak" is unlike any other bacon I've ever had before! I'd recommend going to Tensley, walking around the cute shops of Los Olivos, and then stopping into Sides for lunch!
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