By Philip von Wrede
Santa Barbara's best-kept wineries
With great wineries, Santa Barbara has it all not including the great culture, great food and great shopping. Santa Barbara is the way to go if you are looking to escape the commercialism of Napa. I think Santa Barbara is the most unique wine region in California because of the resorts, eateries and beaches.
Santa Barbara is a pedestrian-friendly community with incredible architecture, beautiful mountains, rolling valleys and miles of exotic beaches.
Santa Barbara Winery, Kalyra Winery and Oreana Winery are the top 3 wineries.
Santa Barbara Winery is located in Santa Barbara at 202 Ancapa street. Started in 1962 by Pierre Lafond, the winery helped spark the wine industry of the Santa Ynez Valley and was the first since prohibition.
Wine tasting is 5 bucks. For $5, you get to taste 6 different wines AND keep the glass. The value is amazing, friendly staff, and great atmosphere! The Riesling was incredible and the others notably exceptional. The winery is within walking distance to the beach, so plan on stopping by this winery after a great day of wine tasting and stroll out onto the beach.
Overall this was a great experience, very enjoyable, and drinkable wine, even for those not used to it, or those for whom this may be your first tasting. We will certainly be back to visit Santa Barbara Winery.
Second is Kalyra winery. Their second location is located 212 State street with their main winery in the Santa Ynez valley. Kalyra has an adventurous, cool, fun wine experience and is just two blocks from the beach. The winemaker is from Australia and has been making wine in Australia and California for over 20 years, which gives an Australian vibe. The winery also has free movie nights periodically.
For wine tasting the fee is $10, we tasted 3 whites, 3 reds, and 2 dessert wines. Their specialty is dessert wines, so if you are into the sweeter variety, this spot is incredible.
If you were into the movie, "Sideways" (2004), try to spot where Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) meet Stephanie (Sandra Oh) at the bar. It was here at Kalyra! Overall, I must say that I had a fantastic wine experience here, and will gladly return in the near future.
Last but not least and located at 205 Anacapa street is is Oreana Winery. With creative wines such as "bacon wine", this winery is a must try. When visiting Oreana, they were very generous with their tasting. This winery did not skimp on the tastings. A definite plus especially when it's great wine. This winery was redeveloped from an old gas station and using its bones, transformed it into an incredible winery tasting room.
When visiting Santa Barbara, these are 3 wineries that you need to visit.
With great wineries, Santa Barbara has it all not including the great culture, great food and great shopping. Santa Barbara is the way to go if you are looking to escape the commercialism of Napa. I think Santa Barbara is the most unique wine region in California because of the resorts, eateries and beaches.
Santa Barbara is a pedestrian-friendly community with incredible architecture, beautiful mountains, rolling valleys and miles of exotic beaches.
Santa Barbara Winery, Kalyra Winery and Oreana Winery are the top 3 wineries.
Santa Barbara Winery is located in Santa Barbara at 202 Ancapa street. Started in 1962 by Pierre Lafond, the winery helped spark the wine industry of the Santa Ynez Valley and was the first since prohibition.
Wine tasting is 5 bucks. For $5, you get to taste 6 different wines AND keep the glass. The value is amazing, friendly staff, and great atmosphere! The Riesling was incredible and the others notably exceptional. The winery is within walking distance to the beach, so plan on stopping by this winery after a great day of wine tasting and stroll out onto the beach.
Overall this was a great experience, very enjoyable, and drinkable wine, even for those not used to it, or those for whom this may be your first tasting. We will certainly be back to visit Santa Barbara Winery.
Second is Kalyra winery. Their second location is located 212 State street with their main winery in the Santa Ynez valley. Kalyra has an adventurous, cool, fun wine experience and is just two blocks from the beach. The winemaker is from Australia and has been making wine in Australia and California for over 20 years, which gives an Australian vibe. The winery also has free movie nights periodically.
For wine tasting the fee is $10, we tasted 3 whites, 3 reds, and 2 dessert wines. Their specialty is dessert wines, so if you are into the sweeter variety, this spot is incredible.
If you were into the movie, "Sideways" (2004), try to spot where Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) meet Stephanie (Sandra Oh) at the bar. It was here at Kalyra! Overall, I must say that I had a fantastic wine experience here, and will gladly return in the near future.
Last but not least and located at 205 Anacapa street is is Oreana Winery. With creative wines such as "bacon wine", this winery is a must try. When visiting Oreana, they were very generous with their tasting. This winery did not skimp on the tastings. A definite plus especially when it's great wine. This winery was redeveloped from an old gas station and using its bones, transformed it into an incredible winery tasting room.
When visiting Santa Barbara, these are 3 wineries that you need to visit.
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Want to find out more about wineries, then visit the Ultimate Winereries.com site on how to choose the best wine tasting directory for your needs.
