In addition to nearly destroying the Merlot industry, the movie ‘Sideways’ put the Santa Ynez Valley on the map. The region is overshadowed by Napa Valley, but offers similarly gorgeous scenery and delicious wines, with a bit more laid-back atmosphere. And unlike the 2004 Best Picture nominee, which is pretty cringeworthy 16 years later, the Santa Ynez Valley has only gotten better with age.
We were lucky to be able to head up on a Thursday in August, so we experienced almost no crowds anywhere we went. We were also thrilled at what a Covid-friendly activity wine tasting turned out to be – ample outdoor space at all the wineries, masks required everywhere but your seat, and tables/chairs clearly sanitized after each group. Ah, the things we’ve come to appreciate in 2020!
First stop, we had to check out Bob’s Well Bread Bakery in Los Alamos, to fuel up for the day. It added about 15 minutes to the drive both ways, but was well-worth it for its delicious pastries, hearty breakfast items, and wonderful outdoor seating area – complete with live music at 10 a.m. on a Thursday! We loved the orange rosemary scone and mushroom ‘toast’ (really a biscuit); we also got the chocolate croissant and eggs in a frame.
Koehler Winery
Nice property complete with emus! But would not go back for the wine. The whites were really harsh – maybe because it was our first tasting and it was 11 a.m., but I really think they just weren’t all that great. Tasting: $20 for 6 generous pours, selection of any wines you want.
Roblar Winery
Beautiful winery – I’m sure it’s the scene of many weddings – and really tasty wines all over the map (Sav blancs, chardonnays, pinots, GSMs…) Tasting: $15 or $20 for 4 wines.
Dragonette Winery
These were Jenny’s favorite wines – I loved the Sauvignon Blanc and the two Pinot Noirs. Half a star knocked off for ambiance, because it was just a tasting room in Los Olivos, where they had to put a few tables outside on a breezeway because of Covid. But even in regular times, I’d enjoy a better outdoor space. However, their barrel room in Buellton is open for visitors as well. Tasting: $20 for 5 wines.
Stolpman Vineyards
Stolpman’s tasting room in Los Olivos is split up into two sections – the Estate side (traditional wines), and the natural ‘biodynamic’ side. We chose biodynamic because we’re walking millennial stereotypes, but also the seating area was sunnier.
They were good wines – though not our favorites – and the tastings were generous. But the place felt like it was started by two ex-Snapchat employees who cashed out and now dabble in the wine industry just so they can come up with vintage names like “Syrah so hot” and “GDG (God Damn Gamay).” The whole swath of natural wines was referred to as the “So Fresh” collection. Our annoyance at this is evidence that living in Santa Barbara for 6 weeks has already aged us 50+ years.
Tasting: $15 for 6 official pours, and 2 extras.
