X
VIEW ALL RESULTS
VIEW ALL RESULTS
    X
    X
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
      • Professional Services

      Forbes Travel Guide Stories

      Destinations, Drinks, Food and Wine, Hotels

      Day Tripping: Touring California’s Lesser-Known Wine Country
      By Correspondent Melanie Nayer

      August 7, 2013

      FTG-HeroShot-CreditFoleyFamilyWines

      Los Angeles has a lot to offer: Studio City, Sunset Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, hiking the Hollywood hills — and that’s just in the downtown area. Forgo a day of celeb-spotting and hob-knobbing, battle the traffic out of the city, and head north toward California’s lesser-known wine regions of Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez.

      The road trip can be done in a day, making it a perfect escape from the chaos of L.A. Head north on the 101 and get your camera ready.

      About an hour-and-a-half in, you’ll hit the edge of Santa Barbara, where the tired highway roads turn into a picturesque Pacific coast landscape. Follow the ocean into the city and start your day at some of the historic landmarks (Casa de la Guerra), luxury shopping (Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom) and art galleries (Artamo Gallery, Gallery 113) in the center of town. Lunch is better with a glass of wine, so don’t miss a chance to sip a few favorites at these Santa Barbara wineries:

      Firestone Vineyard is one of the more famous wineries, and one where you can take daily tours (11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.) and have a picnic on the grounds. Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard is named for the renowned actor, and is also one of the most expansive in the region. With almost 700 acres on four vineyards, you’re bound to find a varietal you like.

      Just a little further up the coast is the Santa Ynez wine region. Often overlooked by its beautiful big sister, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez is the perfect blend of simplicity and tranquility among thousands of acres of open land. Head straight into Los Olivos, a tiny town flanked with art galleries (Gallery Los Olivos), boutiques (Bonita Summerland, Los Olivos General Store) and dozens of wine-tasting rooms. It’s here you’ll find top names such as Byron Estates and smaller, independent wine stores such as Artiste, a unique boutique that blends impressionist art with limited edition wines.

      FTG-DropIn-CreditBacaraResortandSpaInstead of heading back to Los Angeles that day, treat yourself to a night in wine country. The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Bacara Resort & Spa features three heated saltwater swimming pools, an outdoor hot tub and a full-service Four-Star spa for ultimate relaxation with treatments such as healing stone therapy (using warm and cool basalt stones), Arnica massage infusion (with elements of Swedish, Shiatsu and Thai massages), and more.

      The Four-Star Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is situated on 20 acres of lush landscape along the Pacific Ocean. Dine at one of the resort’s three restaurants — the Italian Bella Vista (try the signature crispy Branzino bass with summer beans, honey red onion and sherry dressing), California-focused Tydes (order the diver scallops with couscous as a main course) and the poolside Coral Café And Bar (for your standard burgers and sandwiches) — where you can also taste-test wines from around the region.

      For something a little more authentic and intimate, check into the Four-Star San Ysidro Ranch, where former first couple John and Jackie Kennedy spent some of their honeymoon. The quaint décor set on 550 acres will make you feel like you’re in your own little Santa Barbara hideaway.

      Photos Courtesy of Foley Family Wines and Bacara Resort and Spa

      Share
      Tweet
      Pin
      Share
      Bacara Resort & Spa Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara Los Angeles San Ysidro Ranch Santa Barbara Santa Ynez wine
      by Correspondent Melanie Nayer 

      About Correspondent Melanie Nayer

      View all posts by Correspondent Melanie Nayer

      Related Posts

      • Pop-up chalets at Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles.17 Holiday Pop-Ups You Must Visit
      • Richmond, Virginia8 U.S. Train Trips You Should Take
      • A rose-gold Panerai Radiomir channels la dolce vita.7 Watches For Your Summer Adventures
      • White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection10 New Five-Star Hotels In The U.S.

      Copyright © 2023 · Prima Donna theme by Georgia Lou Studios

      Dreaming of your next trip?

      Let us inspire you with weekly special offers and stories about what's new and exciting in luxury travel.
      THANK YOU! CONFIRMATION EMAIL SENT.
      You can withdraw your consent at any time. Visit our Privacy Policy and Terms or Contact Us for more information.