(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — For many, a visit to wine country is something they have only dreamed about over the past 15 months. That dream is closer to reality now that leisure travel has largely resumed, and thanks to non-stop service from 11 major markets to the Santa Ynez Valley via the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport and Santa Maria Airport.
With lingering uncertainty regarding international travel to popular wine regions such as France, Italy, and New Zealand, a visit to the Santa Ynez Valley — which is home to the majority of Santa Barbara County’s 20,000+ acres of vineyards — is even more enticing. What’s more, with California’s economy fully reopened as of June 15, coupled with abundant health and safety measures still in place throughout the Santa Ynez Valley, traveling safely in the Santa Ynez Valley is second nature.
“Summer is the perfect time to escape to wine country, and the Santa Ynez Valley’s six charming communities, California Central Coast vibe, and convenient access make it the ideal getaway for couples, friends, or families,” said Shelby Sim, President & CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “With flight times ranging from 45 minutes to just under five hours gate to gate, and favorable flight times for connecting from other markets, wine lovers can be relaxing and tasting wine in the Santa Ynez Valley sooner than they think.”
Combined, American, United, Alaska, Southwest, and Allegiant operate 171 flights per week into the Santa Barbara and Santa Maria airports, with non-stop service from Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle.
For more information on traveling from Phoenix to the Santa Ynez Valley, or to research attractions, book lodging and activities, and create a custom travel itinerary, visit VisitSYV.com. For the latest updates on travel restrictions, modifications, and operations, please visit Traveling Safely in the Santa Ynez Valley.
About the Santa Ynez Valley:
Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to six distinct towns each with its own culture, vibe, and menu of experiences. Blanketed with fruitful farms and vineyards, the California Central Coast wine region’s temperate weather allows for year-round activities of all sorts, spread throughout the historical communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang. Destination dining and world-class wines await, accompanied by lodging at every level, all painted into atmospheric backdrops that colorfully mesh Old World and Old West. Visit more than 100 wineries, feast on chef-driven cuisine, and enjoy festive events and design details from Victorian-era to mid-century to modern Danish. For more information, including a listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, and events, go to VisitSYV.com.
