Santa Ynez Valley, perhaps Southern California’s most popular wine region, is a frequent destination for limo services. This valley in Santa Barbara County, which contains the largest concentration of wineries in the county, is home to 67 sq. mi. of vineyards and wine country. Besides dozens of wineries, the valley is also home to a number of quaint small towns worth visiting: Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Buellton, Solvang, Ballard, and Santa Ynez proper. Here are our best tips for an unforgettable trip to wine country.
5) OstrichLand USA
OstrichLand USA offers an exciting and up-close encounter with two of the world’s largest and flightless birds, ostriches, and emus. This unique attraction is particularly ideal for families with children, as kids get the chance to hand-feed over 100 emus and ostriches. As a beloved spot in Santa Ynez Valley, OstrichLand gained recognition through its appearance in the 2004 film Sideways. The park’s fame soared when it was featured in an episode of the popular TV show, The Simpsons. Established in the 1990s by a couple from South Africa, OstrichLand was thoughtfully placed in this location due to its striking resemblance to the African landscape.
4) Horseback Riding
One of the most popular activities in Santa Ynez is horseback riding tours. Circle Bar B. Stables provides a variety of riding experiences to suit your preferences, including morning, sunrise, afternoon, and sunset rides, as well as half-day lunch rides. Horseback riding offers a more authentic and traditional way to explore Santa Ynez. It provides a relaxing and tranquil experience, making it perfect for those looking to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are an experienced rider or a novice, horseback riding tours in Santa Ynez cater to all skill levels.
3) Los Olivos
Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, Los Olivos is a charming and picturesque destination that offers a delightful escape for visitors. From its idyllic vineyard-draped landscapes to its welcoming small-town atmosphere, Los Olivos has much to offer. Los Olivos is home to a myriad of boutique wineries and tasting rooms and is therefore a popular destination for wine-tasting tours. The downtown area of Los Olivos exudes a rustic charm, featuring historic buildings, quaint shops, and art galleries. Lastly, Los Olivos boasts an array of culinary delights that cater to all tastes. Some great restaurants worth a visit are Nella Kitchen & Bar, Mattei’s Tavern, Bar Le Cote, and the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe.
2) Hot Air Balloon Rides
In business for over twenty years, Sky’s the Limit Ballooning offers balloon tours over the Santa Ynez wine country. Indulge in a romantic sunset flyover as you savor a glass or two of wine, all while gazing upon endless acres of lush vineyards. Soaring high above the Santa Ynez Valley in a hot air balloon offers unparalleled panoramic views of the stunning landscapes below. Witness the vineyards, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside from a whole new perspective. A hot air balloon ride is a bucket-list experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
1) Wine Tours
Undoubtedly, the top priority when visiting wine country is to embark on a wine-tasting tour. This region boasts some of California’s finest wineries, such as Sunstone Winery, Gainey Vineyard, Kalyra, and Roblar Vineyards. For over two decades, our award-winning American Luxury Wine Tours have been operating in this area, offering a range of exquisite experiences. Whether you desire a private wine-making tour, a visit to the vineyards, wine, and food pairing, a dinner in the heart of wine country, or any other personalized tour, contact us to schedule your unforgettable wine tour escape. There are more than 70 vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, and most are open to the public, either for wine tasting or wine tours.
SEE ALSO: Top 3 Wineries in Santa Barbara
