As harvest season offers wine and culinary immersion, this fall and winter in the Santa Ynez Valley will be a truly peaceful experience
(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — The long road of 2020 deserves a better ending, and the Santa Ynez Valley is just the place to turn the calendar on a higher note. The transition from late fall to early winter has always been a special time in the wine country gem of California’s Central Coast region, but with health and wellness on just about everybody’s mind, it’s taken on just a bit more importance.
“Harvest has a way of injecting a little extra life into just about everything in the Santa Ynez Valley, and because of that, fall in the region has always provided a welcome diversion,” said Shelby Sim, CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “Autumn is a time to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life at a time that is just a bit quieter than the summer. But this year, when most everybody is trying to find opportunities to get away safely, a diversion such as a trip to wine country has never felt so needed.”
The Santa Ynez Valley provides a much-needed getaway and a distinct change of scenery that is welcoming, safe and spacious—just two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from the Bay Area. Now is a time when the peak tourism season slows, and the freshness of harvest brings an energy all its own, before an altogether new energy is brought with a holiday celebration unlike any in California.
Most of the attributes that have long made a fall visit to the Santa Ynez Valley so alluring are still on full display.
The region’s local farms, ranches, and the bounty of the Pacific Ocean, energize the farm-to-table cuisine that has long made the Santa Ynez Valley a haven for foodies. And with mild fall temperatures, many of the region’s top restaurants continue to serve their imaginative culinary creations to diners safely outside.
Of course, cycling along a country road, riding horseback through a vineyard, or a rewarding hike that peaks with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean all have a way of melting away the worries. Or simply unwind with the fall releases of the more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms, nearly all of which are open to tasting.
As the holidays get closer, enjoy celebrations such as Solvang’s Julefest, a favorite tradition that will return this year, even if it looks a little different.
“The typically robust fall and winter calendar of events may have given way to a more calming experience this year, and that’s exactly what so many people want and need right now,” Sim said. “The peacefulness of the vineyards — to meditate, practice yoga, horseback ride, or even paint — the hundreds of miles of hiking trails, the winding country roads, and the mild fall weather can make a visitor feel a world away. It’s an opportunity to turn the page on 2020, and end it on the highest note of the year.”
Planning a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley is simple at visitsyv.com, where visitors can research events and attractions, book lodging and activities, and create custom travel itineraries. For further details on traveling safely in the Santa Ynez Valley, visit www.visitsyv.com/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 feels worlds apart from both. With six distinct communities encompassing everything from classic California wine country to Northern European traditions to the very best of the Old West, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to endless possibilities. Here in and around the towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang visitors will find more than 100 wineries, incredible food, special events and a unique, rich heritage. For more information, including a complete listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms and events, go to VisitSYV.com.
Thompson is being recognized for his achievements in virtual currency and augmented reality during his time as President of Paso Robles winery, Rabble Wine Company. Thompson led the winery to accept over 40 forms of virtual currency in 2019. In 2018 the winery launched an augmented reality app that brought to life the historic woodblock carving labels from the 1400th century Nuremberg Chronicles, being one of the first US owned wineries to do so.
“I can think of no better way to honor wines from Washington state in general, and Walla Walla Valley wines specifically, than being recognized as America’s Best Wine Region by a vote of the public,” said Robert Hansen, executive director of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance. “It’s a testament to the outstanding terroir, meticulous craftsmanship, and to the men and women who are committed to elevating the Walla Walla Valley from both a wine production and tourism perspective.”
Starting with Ampelos we met with Matt, a “cellar rat” at the winery and tasting room staffer. We went through their current lineup of wines to taste, but only after first noting the unique tasting notes done by their marketing director. Instead of the usual aromas and flavors, these tasting notes also called up more memories, or visions, of where each wine could take you. For example, the 2019 Santa Barbara County Viognier was described as, “The click clack of rails, puffs of jasmine glinted steam, the sneaky smile of a Mandarin orange sun. Teak wood bar, juicy pineapple rings, shaved coconut flesh, the sway of palm trees passing quickly by. A new day swaggers through the lounge car with unlimited possibilities while I ride alongside ‘phi’ the ‘golden girl’ of my dreams.” These kind of tasting notes, albeit not for everyone, makes the writer in me want to strive much harder. It’s boring to read, “jasmine, orange, teak, pineapple” alone. Now, moving on and back to the tasting, and my tasting notes, I found the fruit in the Viognier to be fresh with a lovely mouthfeel. A great start to our tasting.
We began with the 2018 “Zoto” Chardonnay that Jason said had “marginally less oak” than their Estate Chardonnay. I found it slightly acidic, akin to a Sauvignon Blanc, with both tart and buttery notes. Then we tried three more Chards, all very good. We preferred the 2017 Estate Chardonnay for its notes of Meyer lemon, white peach, pear and a hint of strawberry in a delicate balance, for only $28 a bottle. We liked the 2017 Reserve Chardonnay, from the 809 clone, and 50% new French oak, with tropical fruit including pineapple, papaya and a floral nose. The last white we tried was the 2018 Estate Viognier. The wine called up memories of lemon-lime soda, stone fruit, wet stones with a nice low acidity.
The Toast of the Coast Wine Competition, which recognizes and promotes wineries producing the finest quality wines, took place February 29 to March 1 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, Calif. A total of 633 wines were judged by 15 prominent wine industry professionals – a group that included winemakers, sommeliers, wine journalists and wine business managers.
The idyllic location overlooking Dry Creek Valley is the destination for an exceptional wine education experience hosted by The Pour House collective team, with future winemaker tasting seminars to be led by Nick Goldschmidt. Reservations are requested in order to safely monitor and accommodate each guest. Tastings are $10.00 per person for four (4) wines; tasting fee is refundable with a bottle purchase. Visit 