Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, Calif., is home to more than 100 wineries, plus romantic rolling hills, an ever-growing and impressive food scene and boutique hotels to adore. Even during a pandemic, there were changes afoot in the Central Coast enclave, with local businesses looking to the future and the return of visiting crowds.
At the heart of the valley are the undeniably charming towns of Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Buellton — all within short drives of one another. For clients looking for a getaway in this area, consider these notable additions for their itineraries.
Where to Stay in Santa Ynez Valley
Accommodation options in the region grew in the last couple of years, but we are partial to Hotel Ynez, which began welcoming guests in early 2021. The property offers just 18 guestrooms, all encircling a spacious central pavilion with bonfire pits, lounge areas and gorgeous gardens. Decor is chic and thoughtful in rooms, and each one has a hammock that can be strung up with ease just outside its door.
Hotel Ynez opened last year and offers 18 chic guestrooms surrounding an outdoor pavilion.
Credit: 2022 IMG Hotel YnezA heated, adults-only pool is also on-site, plus bocce ball courts, bikes for guest use and a sweet gift shop near check-in. The hotel is just 2 miles down the road from the shops and restaurants of Solvang proper.
Other properties new to the hospitality scene here are The Winston, a charming 14-room inn that opened in mid 2020; The Landsby, with 51 rooms and suites (and likely the best choice for traveling families); and The Inn at Zaca Creek, a Buellton property that debuted six moody suites in mid-2020.
This intimate property is an excellent choice for group bookings or wedding parties, with a waterfall, pool deck and bar ready for private events. The on-site tavern makes delicious cocktails and a steakhouse-like menu; tell clients not to skip the skillet cookie, which is hot, gooey and topped with ice cream.
What to Do In Solvang
Solvang’s Danish history and matching architecture is one of a kind. Established in 1911 by Danish immigrants, this picturesque and pedestrian-friendly town has lots of fresh things to see and do. And though not new at all, trying “ebelskivers” (hot Danish pancakes) is a must, and clients have five Danish bakeries to choose from, the oldest being Birkholm’s Bakery and Cafe.
New to the food scene as of mid-2020 is restaurant Peasants Feast, helmed by veteran industry duo Michael and Sarah Cherney. Everything is made from scratch here and reflects seasonal, regional produce. On my visit this summer, my friends and I followed fennel soup and spicy chicken sandwiches with a giant slice of homemade frozen key lime pie — a delightful trio if there ever was one. (Fish or mushroom tacos are also highly regarded.)
In Solvang, send clients to Peasants Feast for a great meal.
Credit: 2022 Lena BrittShould clients want a deli sandwich or other gourmet grocery items, try the restaurant’s affiliated deli and market across the street, which opened early this year.
Another option for a great sit-down meal is Coast Range and Vaquero Bar, which opened in mid-2021 with a powerhouse team behind it, including chefs Lincoln Carson and Anthony Carron.
For something entirely not Danish, clients might grab a drink at High Roller Tiki Lounge, now in a new and larger location. Tiki drinks here are wine-based, so if you’re a tiki purist, come with an open mind and palette. The tiki vibes are strong inside — owner Michael Cobb started his hospitality career at Disneyland, so the attention to detail and decor is there — and live music entertains weekend guests.
New to the retail scene is the shopping center known as Parc Place. Grab provisions at Cailloux Cheese Shop or peruse stunning florals and curated home goods at shops Heritage Goods & Supply and Forage Florals. There’s also Via Gelateria and multiple wine tasting rooms to consider.
What to Do in Los Olivos
The town center of Los Olivos may run just two blocks east to west by three blocks north to south, but there’s a lot offered in that diminutive space, including more than two dozen tasting rooms. Have clients wine taste on the lively back patio at Carhartt Family Wines, or in the wildly cheerful tasting room of Future Perfect, which opened last year. Even the wine bottle labels are adorned with rainbows here, and ever-gregarious founder Sunny Doench Stricker may even be doing the pouring and chatting behind the counter.
Just around the bend, there’s Bar Le Cote, a now 1-year-old restaurant that impresses with its fresh seafood and vibrant interior. My friends and I arrived for happy hour and shared a platter of oysters and peel-and-eat shrimp, plus garlic fries and a bowl of impeccable dayboat scallops prepared by executive chef Brad Mathews. There’s no way to go wrong at Bar Le Cote, except maybe to not score a dinner reservation on a weekend evening.
Also new in town since the pandemic is Nella Kitchen and Bar, another great option for a sit-down meal. Try its “pinsa” (Roman-style crust) creations, and take a break from wine with a cocktail at the gorgeous bar.
Other ways to while away the hours here is to shop at Los Olivos General Store and neighboring boutiques, or to conversate with friends and locals on the shaded patio at the new Lefty’s Coffee Company.
What To Do in Santa Ynez
Shopping in the town of Santa Ynez is another way to walk off some wine. The retail stop Santa Ynez General offers high-end homewares, then check out Brass Tack or a nearby antique shop. Breakfast and coffee at Pony Espresso is worth the time, too.
Sample wines over farm-to-table snacks at Roblar Winery.
Credit: 2022 Roblar WineryAnd for the ultimate wine-tasting destination, point clients down the road to 40-acre property Roblar Winery and Roblar Farm. The spacious wine-tasting patio is ideal for lounging, partially shaded by pergolas and beautiful oak trees, and there’s an incredible food menu by new executive chef Peter Cham, who has the good fortune to gather much of his ingredients right here on the grounds for true farm-to-table dishes. There are also beautiful venues on-site for wedding celebrations and private events.
All of the above recommendations are easily reached from one another — proof that the Santa Ynez Valley has plenty to fill up a fun-filled weekend for clients.
