Aug 06 2012
Santa Barbara’s ultimate wineries
The best wineries in Santa Barbara.
For great shopping, great food, great culture and wineries, Santa Barbara has it all. Unlike the commercialism of Napa, try escaping to Santa Barbara. With the beaches, the eateries and resorts, I think Santa Barbara is the most unique wine region in California.
Santa Barbara is a pedestrian-friendly community with miles of exotic beaches, beautiful mountains, incredible architecture, and rolling valleys. community
The 3 top wineries are Santa Barbara Winery, Kalyra Winery and Oreana Winery.
Located at at 202 Ancapa Street in Santa Barbara, sits Santa Barbara Winery. Started by Pierre Lafond in 1962, the first winery since prohibition which helped spark the Santa Ynez Valley wine industry. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Syrah, Petite Syrah, Pinot Noir and other wines are produced by the Santa Barbara Winery.
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.
A great experience overall, very enjoyable, drinkable wine, a great experience even for those not used to wine tasting, or those for whom this may be your first tasting. We will certainly visit Santa Barbara winery again.
Secondly, located 212 State Street is Kalyra winery. Their main winery is in the Santa Ynez valley and this is their second location. Just two blocks from the beach, Kalyra has a cool, fun, adventurous wine experience. The winemaker is from Australia and has been making wine in Australia and California for over 20 years which gives the winery an Australian vibe. The winery also has free movie nights periodically.
We tasted 3 whites, 3 reds, and 2 dessert wines for a wine tasting fee of $10. If you are into the sweeter variety, their specialty is dessert wines and this spot is incredible.
Overall, I must say that I had a fantastic wine experience here, and will gladly return in the near future. 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!
Last but not least is Oreana Winery. Oreana Winery is located at 205 Anacapa Street. This winery was redeveloped from an old gas station and using its bones, transformed it into an incredible winery tasting room. 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.
When visiting Santa Barbara, these are 3 wineries that you need to visit.
Learn more about wineries. Stop by the Ultimate Winereries.com site where you can find out all about wine tasting directory and what it can do for you.
