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Girls trip to Santa Barbara County
My latest travels took me just a couple hours down the road to Santa Barbara wine country. Every year my college girlfriends and I take a girls trip to somewhere. This year we decided we wanted to go wine tasting just like in the movie Sideways:) With everything going on right now, not going to lie we were a little nervous of how this trip would turn out.
The first night we stayed at the Ritz Carlton, Bacara in Santa Barbara, which I highly recommend. It was right on the beach, and had several nice restaurants to choose from if you didn't want to leave the property. We ended up eating at The Lark in The Funk Zone, which is always a must on my stop list. The next few nights we stayed in a cute little rental on a vineyard in Santa Ynez, CA. I rented it from Paradise Retreats if you are interested.
The lineup of Vineyards and dinner over the next few days was pretty darn great...
The first day we started at Foxens main tasting room (the Shack is currently closed) and ended at Firestone. Both Vineyards have a nice variety of wines that I highly recommend. I actually cooked dinner this night and picked up some fresh halibut from a cute little local place called El Rancho Market. Recipe to follow!
The second day, we picked up sandwiched as Panino's in Los Olivos, CA town and started at a tasting room called Solimar. This is where we first discovered all about Biodynamic wines. We then hit Demetria Vineyard, which is one of my favorites( I even joined the wine club). Logan, the wine expert was so interactive and knowledgeable. Last, we ended at Roblar Vineyard where we were greeted by Kevin, one of the owners. The Sparkling Rose was amazing, and I left with full hands(I bought a Voigner). We ended the day eating dinner at SY Kitchen, and I definitely plan on recreating one of the many dishes we had here. Check out the grilled octopus and green bean salad in the pics!
The last day we actually went on a wine van tour with StageCoach wine tours. We were able to check out some smaller winemakers which was a completely different experience in itself! Most of these places only allow you to visit through this tour, which was cool. We finished the day with dinner at The Gathering Room at The Ballard Inn.
We were super sad to leave on Sunday, but got to fit in breakfast at The Succulant Cafe and check out the super cute Danish Village of Solvang, CA while we were there!
As a tip, all vineyards are only taking tastings by appointment, so it is definitely with planning ahead. Check out some of my highlights and pictures below!
Looking for a great wine tour....
Look no further! Stagecoach wine tour was such a fun time. We hit up super local, smaller vineyards that we would have definitely missed without their help. Our guide, Tom, was super knowledgeable and he even went out of his way to show us a little "Sideways" tour at the end of the day!
CHeck OUt Where we ATE and the Foods I want to recreate
The LARK
Located in the heart of the FUNK Zone in Santa Barbara, CA. this New American fare restaurant is my go to when in this area. Plenty of outdoor space(in a former fish market), and the menu changes seasonally. Definitely worth checking out!
SY Kitchen
This isn't my first time hitting up this trendy Italian Cali spot in Santa Ynez, CA. The menu consistently has daily specials of seasonal ingredients all hand picked by Chef Luca. The food and drinks are always on point.
The Gathering Room at The Ballard Inn
This Inn/Restaurant is located in the middle of quaint Ballard. Chef Budi Kazali fuses Asian and French cuisine with locally sourced produce, seafood, and meats.
Paninos
Always on my stop list to pick up gourmet sandwiches before heading to the vineyards!
The Succulent Cafe
One of my favorite breakfast spots in Solvang! Amazing short rib Hash n Eggs! Definitely want to try and make this one at home:)
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