Santa Barbara Winery

The Santa Barbara Winery is a "must see" destination for locals and visitors alike. The staff members are super knowledgeable and friendly and the wine is good. Keep in mind, you are not coming here for ambiance... the standing only storefront (no chairs), can't match Sterling or Rutherford Hills (how cool are those caves?!? -- another must-see!) in Napa, but it is on a side street with a patio set outside if you prefer to lounge. Their tasting menu is great and provides one of the best values in town (an added bonus is the fact that as of this writing, you get to keep the Santa Barbara Winery engraved glass you use for the tasting). Go today and Enjoy! Pros: Super-friendly and helpful staff Cons: Parking can be difficult more

While in Santa Barbara, we figured we would make it to at least one winery while we were there. We tasted a few good wines and also got to step into the barrel room. They had a nice little gift shop attached with all kinds of wine goodies. more

Based on their website I was excited to drive up from L.A. to SB to this winery, it was a real disappointment when we arrived. This "winery" is a small store turned wine tasting room in a little back street of SB. It's quite nice really, just nowhere near what their website depicts. The Chardonnay is great and the service is friendly and relaxed. My only concern is their misinformation via phone. We were the second couple from LA that was told the winery closed at 7 (which I did find kind of odd) when we showed up at 6:30 we discovered they had closed at 6 but would make the exception for us anyway. I felt bad for a group of women who drove up from Orange County and were coldly turned away even after they confirmed they too were told the winery closed at 7-So, please do call ahead of time and reconfirm what time they close and open and ask to speak to a manager for valid information. Cheers! more

An afternoon in the tasting room is a great way to spend the day. They are very welcoming to novices and will spend time educating you on tasting and wine in general. Although afficianados may not think their wine competes with Napa labels, it is very drinkable. Their late harvest (when available) is a treat. more