The Santa Ynez Valley is a gem in Central California that locals can all agree stole our hearts the first time we experienced it. Los Olivos, specifically, is where my love and interest for viticulture and and horses originated from. How could someone who grew up in this area not be inspired by these prominent cultures and industries? It feels like you escape time the minute you step into Los Olivos. My soul feels at ease here and I finally feel free.
WHO THIS TRIP IS PERFECT FOR
Wine country is for anyone who craves a relaxing weekend in the country amongst beautiful vineyards, open land, and old oak trees.
WHERE TO STAY
- Tyler Cottage – Favorite Airbnb located in the heart of Los Olivos! Location couldn’t be better.
- The Ballard Cottage
- The Gray House
- The Genevieve
- Fess Parker Inn
- The Landsby
- The Ballard Inn
- The Big Pond Ranch
WHAT TO DO IN LOS OLIVOS
- Winetasting (see list below)
- Olive oil tasting at Olive + Lavender
- Horseback riding with Vino Vaqueros or Little Big Riding School
- Grab coffee at Felix inside Mattei’s Tavern and hang out in the sun-room
- Shopping in Santa Ynez (see list of favorite boutiques below)
- Head to the Maverick Saloon for a small-town country bar experience
- Bike ride from Los Olivos to Solvang
- Visit the Mendenhall Museum in Buellton (quirky private museum of old gasoline pumps)
- Take a drive up Figueroa Mountain
- Hike Grass Mountain when the wildflowers are blooming (more advanced hike)
- Visit Nojoqui Falls (much easier hike than Grass Mountain – waterfall at the end!)
WHERE TO EAT
- Nella Kitchen
- The Victor
- Coast Range
- S.Y. Kitchen
- The Baker’s Table
- Bob’s Well Bread (Ballard)
- Pony Espresso
- The “Bar” at Mattei’s (I’d skip the “Tavern”, personally)
WHERE TO WINETASTE
- Blair Fox (or Fess Parker)
- Piazza Family Wines and Luna Hart
- McKinney Family Vineyards
- Refugio Ranch
- Demetria
- Crown Point Vineyards
- Carhartt Family Wines
- Vega Vineyard & Farm
- Grassini Family Vineyards
- Figueroa Mountain Brewing for beer
FAVORITE BOUTIQUES
- Wildflower Boutique (currently located at Vega Vineyard & Farm)
- Favour Boutique
- Brass Tack
- Plenty Boutique
- KJ Murphy’s Custom Hatter & Mercantile
WHAT NOT TO MISS IN LOS OLIVOS
- Sunrise on Foxen Canyon Road
- Christmas Tree Lighting during the holidays
- Wildflower bloom on Figueroa Mountain
- Vineyards after harvest during the fall
