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Santa Barbara Wine Country: A Weekend Guide to the Funk Zone and Santa Ynez Valley

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The route

12 stops·7 wineries · 3 restaurants · 1 cafe · 1 hotel

1. 01

   Cafe

   Breakfast at Helena Avenue Bakery

   Grab a flaky pastry and stellar espresso in the Funk Zone before hitting Santa Barbara's wineries.

2. 02

   WineryLos Olivos District

   Brewer-Clifton

   Santa Rita Hills' cool climate shines through Brewer-Clifton's expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, making it essential for serious wine lovers.

3. 03

   WinerySouth West

   Sanford Winery

   Sanford pioneered Santa Barbara's wine reputation with elegantly Burgundian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their Santa Rita Hills estate.

4. 04

   Restaurant

   Lunch at Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café

   Grab California-inspired lunch while browsing an impressive local wine selection in the heart of charming Los Olivos.

5. 05

   WinerySanta Maria Valley

   Foxen Winery

   Dual tasting rooms showcase Foxen's range of Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Italian varietals from Santa Barbara County vineyards.

6. 06

   Winery

   Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estates

   California's most legendary fruit supplier finally pours its own sublime Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the vineyard that built empires.

7. 07

   Hotel

   Check-in at The Ballard Inn

   Settle into this charming Santa Ynez Valley boutique inn, where a highly regarded restaurant makes skipping dinner plans easy.

8. 08

   Restaurant

   Dinner at The Gathering Table at The Ballard Inn

   End your wine day with seasonally driven farm-to-table cooking and a thoughtfully curated Santa Barbara County wine list.

9. 09

   WineryCentral Coast

   Au Bon Climat

   Jim Clendenen's Santa Barbara institution crafts Burgundy-inspired Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that consistently punch above their weight.

10. 10

    WineryLos Olivos District

    Stolpman Vineyards

    Biodynamically farmed Syrah and Sangiovese shine at this Ballard Canyon standout with a lively tasting room and natural winemaking ethos.

11. 11

    Restaurant

    Lunch at Industrial Eats

    Wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie pair beautifully with thoughtfully chosen local and international wines in this casual Buellton favorite.

12. 12

    WineryLos Olivos District

    Alma Rosa Winery

    Richard and Thekla Sanford's organic Santa Rita Hills vineyard showcases elegant Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris from one of California's coolest regions.