Fall Picks for Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tasting
LOS ALAMOS • LOS OLIVOS • SOLVANG • SANTA YNEZ • BUELLTON
Nestled along California’s Central Coast, Santa Barbara Wine Country is a mosaic of sun-drenched vineyards, rolling hills, and coastal breezes that shape some of the state’s most elegant wines. With over 15,750 harvested acres of vineyards, more than 325 wineries, and seven distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), the region produces world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache, and Sauvignon Blanc, each reflecting the nuanced coastal climate and diverse soils. From the boutique estates of Santa Ynez Valley to the scenic vineyards along the coast, this area offers a distinctive blend of elegance, variety, and approachable charm for every wine lover.
To make the most of your next wine country getaway, Nomada has designed a seasonal offer now available at Skyview in Los Alamos and Hotel Ynez in Solvang. Book with code HARVEST and enjoy 15% OFF midweek stays through November 15, 2026. Your discounted rate also includes a bottle of Skyview Rosé*. Start planning your trip with our top winery picks below.
Los Alamos & Los Olivos
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A Tribute to Grace’s Bell Street tasting room features a variety of 100% Grenache bottlings by wine maker Angela Osborne. Reservations are requested.
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Bodega is a charming Bell Street bungalow with a backyard wine & beer garden where you can explore a range of natural and organic selections.
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(Formerly Casa Dumetz) - Winemaker Sonja Magdevski’s boutique winery produces small-batch Rhône varietals grown in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Walk-ins are welcome at the Bell Street tasting room.
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Donnachadh (pronounced don-nuh-kuh) is a family-owned, organically farmed estate vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills where they produce cool-climate wines shaped by the sea like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Gamay Noir.
Visit their tasting room in Los Olivos, open Wednesdays - Mondays, 11am to 5pm. Walk-ins are welcome.
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Founder and winemaker Brit Zotovich and her husband Ryan craft small-batch, low-intervention wines — from pét-nats and Rhône-inspired blends to playful, easy-drinking reds and rosés.
Their Los Olivos tasting room is open Thursday through Monday, 11am to 5pm. Reservations for parties of 4+ guests are recommended.
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Lo-Fi specializes in easy-drinking, alcohol wines made for everyday drinking. Visit the Los Alamos tasting room for the full Lo-Fi experience — vinyl spinning, conversations flowing, and some of the best vibes in town. Open Friday through Sunday, noon til 6pm. No reservations are required.
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Deemed one of the ten most beautiful wineries in California by Conde Nast Traveler, this family-owned winery crafts cool-climate Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Syrahs.
Perched high on a hill in Santa Maria, the tasting room offers a one-of-a-kind vista of ocean and vineyard views. Reservations are required.
Santa Ynez, Solvang, Buellton
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Alma Rosa Winery is a pioneer of sustainability in the Sta. Rita Hills, producing elegant, cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their wines reflect the region’s coastal influence—fresh, balanced, and expressive—while the tasting room in Buellton offers a modern, welcoming space to explore their portfolio.
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Brave & Maiden Estate in Santa Ynez offers a luxurious, estate-driven experience with Bordeaux varietals at its core. Known for its bold Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, the winery combines striking architecture with thoughtfully curated tastings that feel both refined and inviting. Reservations required.
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Brick Barn Wine Estate in Buellton blends rustic charm with modern winemaking, set on a historic horse ranch. Specializing in Rhône and Bordeaux varietals alongside Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, their wines highlight the unique microclimate of the Santa Ynez Valley. The spacious tasting patio offers a relaxed, scenic setting to enjoy a flight.
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Esfuerzo was recently named one of the top 10 "Most Influential Latinx-Owned Wineries" in America by Wine Enthusiast. The Flores & Zepeda family business began nearly 50 years ago, when Salvador Zepeda became the first to cultivate grapes for the Firestone family in 1974. Today, his great-grandson, Fidencio Flores, carries that legacy on as winemaker.
Their new Buellton tasting room is open Friday - Sunday, 12 - 5pm, or Wednesdays from 4-8pm.
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Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards is a family-owned winery with deep roots in Santa Barbara wine country. Founded in 1996 by Louis Lucas, one of California’s premier grape growers, and wine entrepreneur Royce Lewellen, the winery farms three estate vineyards across Santa Barbara County. Fun fact: Louis planted the first commercial Pinot Noir vines in the area in 1969.
Their Solvang tasting room is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm.
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Sunstone Winery is a beloved Santa Ynez estate known for its organic Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines. Set against a backdrop of lavender fields and stone villas, the winery evokes a slice of Provence, with tastings that feel both rustic and romantic. It’s a quintessential spot to sip and linger in the valley.
Offer valid Sundays - Thursdays for travel through November 15th, 2026. Use discount code HARVEST to unlock the offer. Blackout dates apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions. New, direct bookings only. One bottle per stay. *Non-alcoholic available upon request.