WHERE TO STAY, EAT AND DRINK IN THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with plenty of wine and good food, then the Santa Ynez Valley in California is a perfect destination. The region is known for its beautiful countryside, picturesque towns, and, of course, wineries. I recently visited in early April of this year and came back with some new favorite places I already can't wait to visit again

First let's start off on the most important part of any vacation, your home base!

WHERE TO STAY Hotel Ynez

This boutique hotel is located in the small town of Santa Ynez, and it offers a luxurious and serene experience. The hotel features beautifully decorated rooms, each with its unique charm and hammock out front! The rooms are spacious, and they include all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and Keurig coffee makers!

They also have a small onsite market incase you forgot any drinks or snacks. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast with fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee to start your day off right!

Hotel Ynez also has the perfect pool area that offers some much needed respite from the sun on the hot valley days, which is the perfect reset needed after lunch or wine tasting.

One of the highlights of Hotel Ynez is its beautiful courtyard where you can relax and unwind after a day of exploring the valley around one of their beautiful fire pits.

WHERE TO DRINK Sunstone Winery

Sunstone Winery is a beautiful family-owned winery located in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley. The winery was founded in 1990 by the Rice family, who were inspired by their love of the French countryside to create a winery that would reflect their passion for wine and hospitality.

The winery is located on a stunning 55-acre estate that features rolling hills, lush vineyards, and a beautiful Provencal-style chateau. Visitors to the winery can enjoy tastings of Sunstone's award-winning wines in the winery's cozy tasting room or outside on the winery's picturesque patio.

Sunstone Winery produces a range of high-quality wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The winery is known for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and for producing wines that are reflective of the unique terroir of Santa Ynez Valley. In addition to wine tastings, Sunstone Winery also offers a range of events and experiences, including winery tours, private tastings, and food and wine pairing classes. Visitors can also explore the winery's beautiful grounds and gardens, which are dotted with fountains, sculptures, and other art installations. If you forgot to grab some food before your visit, Sunstone also has a food truck on site where you can order some bites to eat while you enjoy your tasting.

We loved the wine so much here, but our favorite was the Viognier and we ended up buying three bottles to take home since you can only purchase these wines at the winery!

OTHER WINERIES TO CHECK OUT IN THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY The Santa Ynez Valley is known for being home to so many beautiful vineyards and wineries, it can be overwhelming when deciding where to go! Here are some wineries I would also suggest are worth a visit in the area!

1. Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard

2. Foxen Vineyard & Winery

3. Gainey Vineyard

4. Sanford Winery

5. Andrew Murray Vineyards

6. Roblar Winery

7. Stolpman Vineyards

8. So Fresh Tasting Room

For the best wine tasting experience, I would suggest to always try and make a reservation. If you're just popping around with no plan, call prior to your arrival and ask if they can take you and your party before you head over.

WHERE TO EAT The Lucky Hen Larder After a morning or afternoon of wine tasting, you're bound to work up an appetite. The Lucky Hen Larder in Santa Ynez is a great place to grab a quick and delicious lunch. The restaurant is known for its sandwiches and salads, which are made with fresh, local ingredients! Be sure to try the Antipasto sandwich, its made with ham, salami, prosciutto, aged provolone, sweet + hot peppers, olive tapenade, chopped lettuce and red wine vinaigrette (pictured below)

OTHER PLACES TO CHECK OUT FOR LUNCH

1. Industrial Eats

2. Panino

3. Peasants Deli

4. Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe

5. Sides Hardware and Shoes

6. The Bear and Star

No visit to the Santa Ynez Valley is complete without a trip to Solvang. This charming Danish village is full of quaint shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Take a stroll down Copenhagen Drive, the main street in Solvang, and be sure to stop by some of the town's iconic windmills and store fronts!

Solvang is known for its Danish-style pastries and it would be a waste to leave without trying at least one! Here are some of the best bakeries to check out in Solvang

1. Mortensen's Danish Bakery Mortensen's Danish Bakery is a popular spot in Solvang that serves a range of delicious pastries, breads, and cakes. The bakery is known for its famous Aebleskiver, a Danish-style pancake ball that is served with raspberry jam and powdered sugar.
   

2. Olsen's Danish Village Bakery Olsen's Danish Village Bakery is a family-owned bakery that has been serving the Solvang community since 1970. Menu highlights include the Kringle, a Danish pastry filled with almond paste and raisins.
   

3. Birkholm's Bakery and Cafe Birkholm's Bakery and Cafe is a cozy bakery and cafe in Solvang that serves a range of delicious pastries, breads, and sandwiches. The bakery is known for its delicious butter cookies and almond horns.
   

4. The Solvang Bakery The Solvang Bakery is a charming bakery located in the heart of Solvang. The bakery serves a range of Danish-style pastries, breads, and cakes. Menu highlights include the cinnamon rolls and the butter cookies.
   

5. Danish Mill Bakery Danish Mill Bakery is a family-owned bakery that has been serving the Solvang community since 1958. The bakery serves a range of Danish-style pastries, breads, and cakes. Menu highlights include the kringle, the raspberry muffins, and the cinnamon bread.

As you can see the Santa Ynez Valley is a beautiful region of California that offers a wide range of activities, from wine tasting to exploring charming small towns. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, there is something for everyone in the Santa Ynez Valley.

I hope you enjoyed this post, leave a comment down below if I missed anything or if there are other places I should check out next time im in the area!

Thanks for reading!