G-Talk: The Best Wineries In Santa Barbara

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

The Best Wineries In Santa Barbara

The Best Wineries In Santa Barbara

The Best Wineries In Santa Barbara

By Philip von Wrede

The best wineries in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara has it all, great food, great shopping, great culture and great wineries. If you are looking to escape the commercialism of Napa, Santa Barbara is the way to go. I think Santa Barbara is the most unique wine region in California because of the beaches, eateries and resorts.

Santa Barbara is a pedestrian-friendly community with miles of exotic beaches, beautiful mountains, incredible architecture, and rolling valleys. community

Santa Barbara Winery, Kalyra Winery and Oreana Winery are the top 3 wineries.

Located at at 202 Ancapa Street in Santa Barbara, sits Santa Barbara Winery. Started by Pierre Lafond in 1962, the first winery since prohibition which helped spark the Santa Ynez Valley wine industry. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Syrah, Petite Syrah, Pinot Noir and other wines are produced by the Santa Barbara Winery.

Only $5 bucks for wine tasting. 6 different wines and you get to keep the glass for only $5! Amazing value, great atmosphere and friendly staff! Notably exceptional wines and the Riesling is incredible! After a great day of wine tasting, plan on stopping by this winery and stroll out onto the beach since the beach is within walking distance to the winery.

A great experience overall, very enjoyable, drinkable wine, a great experience even for those not used to wine tasting, or those for whom this may be your first tasting. We will certainly visit Santa Barbara winery again.

Second is Kalyra winery. Their second location is located 212 State street with their main winery in the Santa Ynez valley. Kalyra has an adventurous, cool, fun wine experience and is just two blocks from the beach. The winemaker is from Australia and has been making wine in Australia and California for over 20 years, which gives an Australian vibe. The winery also has free movie nights periodically.

For a $10 wine tasting fee, we tasted 3 reds, 3 whites and 2 dessert wines. Their specialty is dessert wines, this spot is incredible if you are into the sweeter variety.

If you were into the movie, “Sideways” (2004), try to spot where Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) meet Stephanie (Sandra Oh) at the bar. It was here at Kalyra! Overall, I must say that I had a fantastic wine experience here, and will gladly return in the near future.

Last but not least and located at 205 Anacapa street is is Oreana Winery. With creative wines such as “bacon wine”, this winery is a must try. When visiting Oreana, they were very generous with their tasting. This winery did not skimp on the tastings. A definite plus especially when it’s great wine. This winery was redeveloped from an old gas station and using its bones, transformed it into an incredible winery tasting room.

Visit these three wineries when visiting Santa Barbara.

About the Author:

Learn more about wineries. Stop by the Ultimate Winereries.com site where you can find out all about wine tasting directory and what it can do for you.

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