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Santa Barbara's Best-Kept Wineries

By Philip von Wrede


The best wineries in Santa Barbara.

With great wineries, Santa Barbara has it all not including the great culture, great food and great shopping. Santa Barbara is the way to go if you are looking to escape the commercialism of Napa. I think Santa Barbara is the most unique wine region in California because of the resorts, eateries and beaches.

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

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

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.

Wine tasting is 5 bucks. For $5, you get to taste 6 different wines AND keep the glass. The value is amazing, friendly staff, and great atmosphere! The Riesling was incredible and the others notably exceptional. The winery is within walking distance to the beach, so plan on stopping by this winery after a great day of wine tasting and stroll out onto the beach.

Overall this was a great experience, very enjoyable, and drinkable wine, even for those not used to it, or those for whom this may be your first tasting. We will certainly be back to visit Santa Barbara Winery.

Secondly, located 212 State Street is Kalyra winery. Their main winery is in the Santa Ynez valley and this is their second location. Just two blocks from the beach, Kalyra has a cool, fun, adventurous wine experience. The winemaker is from Australia and has been making wine in Australia and California for over 20 years which gives the winery 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.

Overall, I must say that I had a fantastic wine experience here, and will gladly return in the near future. 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!

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.

When visiting Santa Barbara, these are 3 wineries that you need to visit.




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