Santa Barbara County, known for its scenic landscapes and exceptional wine production, is a prime destination for wine enthusiasts. This list of the 15 best winery tours was curated based on the quality of wines, unique tasting experiences, estate beauty, and customer reviews. Information was gathered from sources like California Winery Advisor, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Country to provide a comprehensive guide.
1. Sunstone Vineyards & Winery
Location: 125 Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Website: sunstonewinery.com
Best Known For: Organic wines, beautiful estate
Wine Tastings: Reservations required
Accolades: Beautiful stone barrel-aging caves, lavender and rosemary-filled courtyard
Google Reviews: High ratings for its scenic views and relaxing atmosphere
Why Visit: Sunstone offers a tranquil retreat with spacious grounds, a large lawn for picnics, and an old-world vibe. It also features a luxurious villa for private events.
2. Fess Parker Winery
Location: 6200 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Website: fessparker.com
Best Known For: Rhône varietals, Pinot Noir
Wine Tastings: Seated tastings with food pairings
Accolades: Educational and fun tasting experiences
Google Reviews: Positive reviews for its educational tours and excellent wines
Why Visit: Fess Parker provides a mix of fun and education with its private seated tastings and food pairings, making it a delightful visit for wine lovers.
3. Melville Winery
Location: 5185 E. Hwy 246, Lompoc, CA 93436
Website: melvillewinery.com
Best Known For: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay
Wine Tastings: Available at their estate and downtown Santa Barbara locations
Accolades: Established presence in Sta. Rita Hills
Google Reviews: High praise for wine quality and tasting experience
Why Visit: Melville offers thrilling wines in a convenient downtown location and a scenic estate setting, perfect for both casual visits and dedicated tastings.
4. Bridlewood Estate Winery
Location: 3555 Roblar Avenue, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Website: bridlewoodwinery.com
Best Known For: Syrah, Rhône blends
Wine Tastings: Available with beautiful picnic spots
Accolades: Scenic estate with a mission-style winery
Google Reviews: Excellent service and picturesque grounds
Why Visit: Bridlewood provides an idyllic setting for picnics and tastings, with exclusive wines available only at the winery.
5. Au Bon Climat
Location: 813 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Website: aubonclimat.com
Best Known For: Library wines, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Wine Tastings: Available at their historic tasting room
Accolades: Deep collection of library wines
Google Reviews: Appreciated for its historical wine collection and knowledgeable staff
Why Visit: Au Bon Climat offers a unique historical perspective on Santa Barbara wines, featuring an extensive collection from founder Jim Clendenen.
6. Rusack Vineyards
Location: 1819 Ballard Canyon Road, Solvang, CA 93463
Website: rusack.com
Best Known For: Pinot Noir, Syrah
Wine Tastings: Scenic deck for tastings
Accolades: Beautiful rural setting
Google Reviews: Praised for its serene atmosphere and excellent wines
Why Visit: Rusack provides stunning views and high-quality wines, making it an excellent spot for a relaxing afternoon.
7. Margerum Wine Company
Location: 19 E. Mason Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Website: margerumwines.com
Best Known For: Rhône varietals
Wine Tastings: Located in the Presidio neighborhood
Accolades: Influential in Santa Barbara’s Rhône movement
Google Reviews: High ratings for its quality wines and friendly atmosphere
Why Visit: Margerum offers top-notch Rhône varietals in a cozy tasting room, ideal for an intimate wine experience.
8. Foxen Vineyard & Winery
Location: 7200 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Website: foxenvineyard.com
Best Known For: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Wine Tastings: Two separate tasting rooms for different experiences
Accolades: Known for its commitment to sustainable practices
Google Reviews: Praised for its scenic locations and knowledgeable staff
Why Visit: Foxen offers a unique dual-tasting experience with sustainable wines, providing a comprehensive look at Santa Barbara winemaking.
9. Beckmen Vineyards
Location: 2670 Ontiveros Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Website: beckmenvineyards.com
Best Known For: Rhône varietals, biodynamic farming
Wine Tastings: Available by reservation
Accolades: Pioneers in biodynamic farming in the region
Google Reviews: Highly rated for its sustainable practices and quality wines
Why Visit: Beckmen offers a unique opportunity to taste wines from a biodynamic vineyard, enhancing the tasting experience with a focus on sustainability.
10. Riverbench Vineyard & Winery
Location: 6020 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Website: riverbench.com
Best Known For: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Wine Tastings: Reservations required
Accolades: Beautiful restored 1920s craftsman house
Google Reviews: Praised for its picturesque setting and friendly staff
Why Visit: Riverbench provides a charming setting for tastings, with beautiful vineyard views and a relaxed atmosphere.
11. Sunstone Vineyards & Winery
Location: 125 Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Website: sunstonewinery.com
Best Known For: Organic wines, beautiful estate
Wine Tastings: Reservations required
Accolades: Beautiful stone barrel-aging caves, lavender and rosemary-filled courtyard
Google Reviews: High ratings for its scenic views and relaxing atmosphere
Why Visit: Sunstone offers a tranquil retreat with spacious grounds, a large lawn for picnics, and an old-world vibe. It also features a luxurious villa for private events.
12. Grassini Family Vineyards
Location: 813 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Website: grassinifamilyvineyards.com
Best Known For: Bordeaux varietals
Wine Tastings: Available by appointment
Accolades: Beautiful downtown tasting room
Google Reviews: Positive reviews for its Bordeaux-style wines and intimate setting
Why Visit: Grassini offers high-quality Bordeaux varietals in a convenient downtown location, perfect for an elegant tasting experience.
13. Blair Fox Cellars
Location: 2902 San Marcos Ave. Suite B., Los Olivos, CA 93441
Website: blairfoxcellars.com
Best Known For: Rhône varietals
Wine Tastings: Available by appointment
Accolades: Small lot, handcrafted wines
Google Reviews: Highly praised for its quality wines and intimate setting
Why Visit: Blair Fox Cellars provides a focused and personal wine tasting experience, showcasing handcrafted Rhône varietals.
14. Brander Vineyard
Location: 2401 N Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Website: brandervineyard.com
Best Known For: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Tastings: Available by appointment
Accolades: Known for its high-quality Sauvignon Blanc
Google Reviews: Positive reviews for its old-world charm and excellent wines
Why Visit: Brander Vineyard offers a charming old-world atmosphere with a focus on producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
15. Andrew Murray Vineyards
Location: 5249 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Website: andrewmurrayvineyards.com
Best Known For: Rhône varietals
Wine Tastings: Available by appointment
Accolades: Known for innovative winemaking
Google Reviews: Praised for its innovative wines and beautiful setting
Why Visit: Andrew Murray Vineyards is known for its commitment to producing high-quality Rhône varietals, offering a beautiful and educational tasting experience.
Conclusion
Santa Barbara County boasts a diverse range of wineries, each offering unique experiences and exceptional wines. Whether you’re looking for sustainable practices, historical significance, or simply beautiful settings, this list of the 15 best winery tours provides a comprehensive guide for wine enthusiasts looking to explore the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer.