Option 1: The Urban Wine Trail (no car needed)
The Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail links about 20 wineries and tasting rooms in town and in Goleta. The busiest cluster is in the Funk Zone, between the beach and the freeway, where you can easily walk from one tasting room to the next. There are more around the Presidio neighborhood and downtown. Most tasting rooms have a free printed trail map.
Good for: a relaxed afternoon, travelers without a car, and pairing wine with dinner and a sunset walk.
Option 2: A day in Santa Barbara wine country
Santa Barbara County has seven official wine regions (American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs). The valleys here run east to west, an unusual layout that pulls cool ocean air inland. That's why the area can grow everything from cool-climate Pinot Noir to warm-climate Rhône varieties.
For a day trip, most visitors head to the Santa Ynez Valley. You can drive there over the mountains on Highway 154 or along the coast on Highway 101. Check a map app for the current drive time, and plan on a designated driver or a tour.
| Area | Why go |
|---|---|
| Los Olivos | A small town packed with tasting rooms you can walk between |
| Solvang | A Danish-style village with tasting rooms, bakeries, and plenty to see if you need a break from wine |
| Sta. Rita Hills | Cooler, closer to the coast, and known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay |
| Ballard Canyon & Happy Canyon | Warmer inland areas, great for Syrah and Bordeaux-style reds |
| Los Alamos / Alisos Canyon | The newest AVA, by a small, laid-back town |
Prices and hours change. Tasting fees, hours, and reservation rules differ by winery, and many require a reservation on weekends. Always check the winery's own website before you go.
Taste smart, get home safe
- Don't drink and drive. Pick a designated driver, book a tour, or use a car service. Wine country roads are winding and dark at night.
- Plan on three or four stops. More than that, and it all starts to taste the same.
- Eat a real lunch and drink plenty of water. Most tasting rooms let you use the spit bucket, and nobody minds.
- Ship wine home rather than leaving bottles in a hot car.
FAQ
Can you go wine tasting in Santa Barbara without a car?
Yes. The Urban Wine Trail has tasting rooms within walking distance of each other, especially in the Funk Zone near the beach.
How far is Santa Ynez Valley wine country from Santa Barbara?
It's a drive over the mountains on Highway 154 or along the coast on Highway 101. Check a map app for current drive times, since traffic varies.
How many wine regions does Santa Barbara County have?
Seven official wine regions (American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs): Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, and Alisos Canyon.
Do I need reservations for wine tasting?
It depends on the winery. Many recommend or require reservations, especially for groups and on weekends, so check each winery's website first.
Is a wine tour worth it?
If nobody in your group wants to be the designated driver, yes. A tour or private driver lets everyone taste and get home safely.
Keep exploring
Pair your tasting with a sunset sail, a date night, or a stroll through the Funk Zone. Short on time? Our one-day itinerary fits a little of everything in.