“I’m getting hints of a nutty, edam cheese” – nobody tastes wine quite like Giamatti. Sideways is a perfect movie and literally makes me want to hop in the car and drive north immediately. Now, I know what I’m about to say is going to be controversial but, here it goes: I believe the Santa Ynez Valley wine country is more charming and more fun than… Napa. There I said it. if you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway from LA involving all things wine and food, then this is it! Just don’t order the merlot…

Santa Ynez is about a half an hour north of Santa Barbra and, boy oh boy, is it gorgeous. Each winery is more quaint, romantic and beautiful than the next and the people are so warm and inviting and down to earth – zero pretentiousness here – and this is coming from someone that “mistakenly” rented a stretch limo for a tasting tour – more on that later.

Stay

We stayed at the iconic Fess Parker Inn in the adorable town of Los Olivos. This town is almost too cute, but then, there is no such thing. And the Fess Parker brings a high-end, elegant flavor that this tiny one stop town needs. The rooms are soooooo romantic – complete with sweet town views and fireplaces – almost assuring that all that wine tasting pays off with a romantic interlude!

The Fess Parker also has a brand new high end restaurant, Nella, and a gloriously elegant bar to saddle up to. Nella was in previews when we visited, so our experience was a little bumpy (ok, a lot bumpy) but they kindly took care of us and I’m sure they will quickly find their footing (I’ll be back).

Eat

First off, and this is important, stop in Solvang and fill your face with as many German sausages and German pastries as you can find. You’re welcome. Then make your way to Los Olivos and pull into the first place you see: The Wine Merchant Cafe, otherwise known as the Sideways Cafe (because it was in the movie and the alley way is still there for you to reenact the “I’m not having any merlot” scene. Please go for it. We all do it.)

This place is so fun! The mushroom ravioli is amazing, and the charcuterie is off the charts – but do not even think about leaving this establishment with ordering one thing – the baked brie appetizer. OH. YEAH.

Do: Wineries!

On your way to wine country, the first thing you will be faced with is the angriest, most dangerous and terrifying creature known to man… the ostrich. The iconic ostrich farm is a right of passage when headed to Solvang – it’s kind of like stopping at the Barstow In-N-Out on the way to Vegas – you simply must (I actually think they stop you at the Nevada state line if your car doesn’t contain In-N-Out empties). Anyhoo, I digress. Please stop and visit the absolute bitchiest animal on the planet – with the full on attitude and plumes flouncing about. And, OMG, give them food – but watch those hands. This is not a joke – they are mean.

Now, wine time! So, I decided to get a driver for our wine tour and, yes, he came with a stretch limo. Ok, I know it’s not 1998 and I’m not wearing a corsage but it was the only thing available – and, ok, let’s face it – it’s SUPER fun. Please rent a car to tour wineries – it’s how you do it right. And, yes, we had the disco lights on. I’m not ashamed.

Beckman: charming, quaint and absolutely picture perfect – everywhere you look is quintessential vineyard – this is the BEST place for photos. Oh, and the wine is yum yum too.

Sunstone: perfect for the girl’s weekend, partaaaayy time! This large winery has some cool spots, but it is definitely a loud, boisterous type of atmosphere (read: not very romantic – but that may have been because of the horrendous 90’s music they were blaring – why? why?).

Roblar: Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. This is a great place to get a bite to eat as well – cute little appetizers. Great photo ops of pure vineyard heaven!

Babcock: Lovey and charming in every way. And I loved the way they served the vino in tiny carafes – so dainty and classy.

And there are soooooo many more. So, dang it, I guess we will have to go back.

Looking for more getaway spots from Los Angeles? Check out my post on the best weekend getaway spots from LA here!

xoxoxoxo,