5 Reasons Santa Ynez Valley is the Ultimate Girls’ Getaway

Are you looking for a fun girls’ getaway destination where you and your girlfriends can relax, enjoy, sip some wine, and have some fun? Then, I highly recommend Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County to you. I just got back from a fantastic weekend there, and it checked all the boxes for a fun winecation with the girls.

Santa Ynez Valley is a wine region just north of Santa Barbara. There are five adorable small towns, all with a unique charm and flair. The biggest and most popular one is Solvang, a town with many shops and restaurants and a strong Danish influence. If you love windmills and pastries and lots of things to do, then this cute town is probably your best bet.

The other towns, Santa Ynez, Buellton, Los Olivos, and Ballard, are smaller and quieter, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Santa Ynez and Los Olivos are my two favorites of the four smaller towns. There, you will still find a handful of restaurants and shops and a hotel or two, but it isn’t quite as busy as Solvang. They are all within a few minute’s drive from each other, and there is even a shuttle bus that you can take between the small towns.

1. The Wine and Women Winemakers in Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez Women Winemakers

Did you know Santa Barbara County has the highest percentage (10%) of female winemakers in the world? A group of us was invited to Santa Ynez to explore the International Women’s Day festivities, which highlighted some amazing women and their wines.

My favorite event was the Grand Tasting, which will happen again next year in March (check the SBWomenWineMakers Website for tickets). Set at a stunning outdoor event space, I met 40 female winemakers and 25 female chefs and culinarians showcasing their best sips and bites.

I loved listening to their stories and backgrounds, their wine-making process, and how they got into wine. Each story was fascinating, whether they were born into a winery-family, followed their dreams and worked their way up, or decided to start their own winery as a second career. They all had a few things in common: passion about wine, incredible work ethic and most importantly: fantastic wines.

Santa Ynez Wine

The wine in Santa Ynez really surprised me. While I didn’t see too many unusual or uncommon grape varietals, the wines still felt fresh and modern. Most wineries focus on small and even micro productions that let them focus on quality over quantity. The wines I tasted throughout my stay were balanced and not overworked. The winemakers let the grapes be the star of the show (as it should be).

The cool nights and sunny days are perfect for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, a bit of Grenache and Viognier and other Rhône varietals. I personally was very drawn to the Grenache and its fruity bouquet and spicy notes. Surprisingly, I also liked many of the Chardonnays. The trend here seemed to go away from the heavy oak and buttery Chardonnays to a more refreshing and light steel-aged or light oak finish like the crisp Chablis I love so much.

If you are more into full-bodied wines, try the Syrah. The cooler climate allows the grapes to ripen more slowly and brings out the deep, dark berry notes, a peppery savoriness and earthyness that plays well with the stronger tannins.

Santa Ynez Valley Tasting Rooms

While I love going to wineries, sipping my wines overlooking the vineyards and letting the world go by, there is usually one problem: transportation. When I am winetasting, I want to enjoy and not count my sips or worry about other consequences.

Thats why I love the tasting rooms in Santa Ynez Valley (and the shuttle). Especially Solvang is teeming with tasting rooms and you and your girlfriends can sip your way through the whole wine region just within a few block radius.

Ok, you lose the dreamy views over the grapevines, but it also makes it a whole lot more affordable. Most half-day wine tours are $150+ per person and Taxis/Uber/Lyft can add up very quickly as well. So this is a perfect and very tasty solution that won’t break the bank! Here are some of my favorite tasting rooms in Santa Ynez Valley:

Final Girl Wines

Address: 467 Atterdag Road, Solvang
Phone:  805-691-9125

This has to be one of the most unique tasting rooms in the world. Having a wine tasting in a Quentin-Tarrentino-inspired, Halloween-decorated tasting room was not on my bingo card for this year, ha! From Ouija-board side tables to ghostly-creepy fireplaces, and horror movie props, I really loved the flair and ambiance at Final Girls Wines.

The winemaker Anna Lancucki has been making wines for over 20 years. Her career took her to famous wineries in Napa, Sonoma and even New Zealand. She focuses on small batch, minimalistic production and her wines are really something special. I really enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc, which had beautiful citrus-y aroma with hints of sweet melon and perfectly balanced acidity. A really nice summer wine!

Crawford Family Wines

Address: 1661 Mission Drive, Solvang
Phone:  805-69-3889

As the name suggests, Crawford Family Wines is a family run winery with a beautiful tasting room in the heart of Solvang. The beach cottage house double as an art gallery for talented local artist Aubrey Ashburn. Art and wine, what could be a better mix?

I had the pleasure to meet Michaela, the daughter of the Crawford Family, and she did an amazing job guiding me through my tasting and sharing about her family’s business.

Maybe it was the summery day, but I really loved their Grenache Rosé. It reminded me of smelling the first fresh strawberries of the season at the farmers market and the feeling that summer is finally here. Nice and chilled, this is the perfect wine to enjoy with the girls as you sit and enjoy a sunny day.

Kings Carey Wine

Address: 1210 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
Phone: (877) 327-2656

Kings Carey Wine is the wine label by winemaker James Sparks, a micro-producer in Solvang. We went there for a private tasting and it was fantastic. The tasting room is inside the production facility inside an industrial park. It’s nothing fancy, but this was one of my favorite wine experiences in Santa Ynez Valley.

We sat down with James for almost 1 hour and he shared everything about his wines, where he gets his grapes, and his small-scale production methods. He only produces single varietal, single vineyard wines. I love the focus on the quality of the grape vs convoluted production methods. Keep it simple and don’t mess with perfection.

It was great to get this inside view of a winery. All while sampling fantastic wines. I really love visiting these small winemakers and get a behind the scenes look, talking to them and asking questions. That just doesn’t happen at big wineries.

My favorite sip of the tasting was (GASP!!!) the Chardonnay. It was refreshingly citrusy and had a balanced acidity with just a hint of buttery-soft mouthfeel from the neutral oak. I brought back a bottle to share with my husband and paired it with roast chicken with homemade peach salsa, and it was phenomenal!

2. Amazing Food in Every Corner

A girls’ weekend getaway would not be a success if the food in the area was bad, right? You definitely don’t have to worry about that in Santa Ynez. There was not a single bad bite to be found and I loved the creativity and ambiance at the restaurants as well. The food scene in Santa Ynez Valley really offers something for everyone, whether you want a hearty burger, a delicate caviar cone, or some of the most innovative and delectable desserts.

Peasants Feast & Peasants Deli

Address: 487 Atterdag Road, Solvang 
Phone: 805-686-4555

A stop at Peasants Feast is a must when you are in Solvang. This casual farm-to-table bistro serves simple dishes done exceptionally well. The pickled veggies tasted like spring on a plate and the Thai-inspired mussels were so good I wanted to drink that broth by the gallon! For my main, I ordered one of their most popular menu items: The Solvang Hot Chicken. It was delicious! Crunchy, juicy, and with a little kick.

I am usually not a dessert person, but the Executive Pastry Chef, Taylor Tate, is a true master of her craft. Her latest creation was a delicate dessert cone topped with caviar. Caviar in a desert sounds so bizarre, but it works, and I still dream about it. Taylor also took part in the Grand Tasting and her panna cotta was phenomenal. So silky and light, yet creamy and rich. It was like a buttery cloud bursting with flavor.

The dessert is a play on the famous Caviar Cone offered (off-menu, ask for it) at the Peasants Deli. It is amazing. A crispy cone filled with Manchego cheese espuma, slices of Iberico Ham, and a dollop of caviar. AMAZING!!! Peasants Deli is just around the corner and offers Italian-style sandwiches stuffed with the finest hams, prosciutto, and salamis.

PONY – Cocktails & Kitchen

Address: 3558 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez
Phone: 805-691-9187

PONY is a brand-new spot in Santa Ynez. What used to be a beloved breakfast and coffee spot has re-emerged as a sophisticated cocktail bar and restaurant that serves up delicious cocktails, fun shareables, and delicious mains. Locals and long-time fans can still enjoy a delicious breakfast, though.

When it comes to cocktails, I usually gravitate towards gin drinks that are less sweet and more refreshing, and the “Damn Bird” cocktail hit the spot. However, as we tried each other’s cocktails, they were all super delicious, not overly sweet and well-balanced. The mixologists at this place know what they are doing and you can look forward to a well-crafted cocktail.

For food, we tried the porcini donuts, which were incredible. Why are there not more savory donuts? Can we make that a trend? Please??? We also had the Prosciutto-wrapped Tomino cheese with kimchi jam, another perfect mix of sweet and savory. But my favorite was the mushroom risotto. It was so creamy and flavorful. Yum!

Motley Crew Ranch Market Place

Address: 225 McMurray Road, Buellton (Suite F)
Phone: 805-325-6274

If you love to cook and have access to a kitchen during your stay in Santa Ynez, you HAVE to stop at Motley Crew Ranch Market Place. The concept is like a permanent Farmer’s Market, where local farmers can sell their products. Right now, the focus is mainly on shelf-stable products, eggs, as well as locally raised meats. On Saturdays, they also have a little fish market where you can grab the bounty of the local fishermen.

Cassidy and Markos Alexandrou also run the Motley Crew Ranch as first-generation farmers, focusing on humanely raised meats that they supply to local restaurants. They wanted to make their products available to home cooks and foodies as well and decided to open the Market Place.

The two are an absolute power couple, and you can feel the passion they have for what they do and the quality of their products. But many farmers are like that. What makes Cassidy and Markos so special is that they lift up other farmers and their products, share their knowledge, and build a community of farmers and locals who care about where their food comes from and that it is the highest quality possible. THAT is SPECIAL! I wish I could have packed up that store, the Alexandrous, and their farm and brought them all with me to San Diego. Next time I am in the area, I will bring a cooler and some goodies back home with me!

The Victor

Address: 3631 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez
Phone: 805-695-2999

Usually, I am not a big fan of hotel restaurants, but The Victor might have changed my mind. It is located adjacent to the Victorian Genevieve boutique hotel, where I was staying (read below how much I loved it!!!). Very convenient. But there are more reasons why I really enjoyed my dinner there.

The ambiance is simply stunning. We sat on the outside patio, which is secluded by hedges and features a cozy fireplace. So beautiful. The restaurant is classy and elevated, perfect for a special occasion, but it isn’t stuffy or pretentious.

For appetizers, we shared olive bread, wagyu steak tartare with bone marrow, and farmer’s salad. Since I started baking my own bread, I have been a bit of a bread snob, but the olive bread held up to my high expectations. The tartare was soft and delicious, and the indulgent butteriness of the bone marrow made it even better. The salad’s vinaigrette cut the fattiness perfectly and added a nice balance to the start of our meal.

For our mains, we decided to eat family-style so we could try more things. We ordered the Côte de Boeuf, a 30 oz bone-in, dry-aged ribeye, and the duck confit on a bed of pearl couscous, one of the daily specials. We went a little crazy on the sides and ordered the duck-fat fries, harissa-roasted carrots, and the mushroom medley. For our wine, we decided to go with a Bordeaux blend by a local producer, Dreamcôte.

Thankfully, we are past the age where we had to finish all this food first before being allowed to order dessert. We ordered the butterscotch creme brulée and a glass of 30-year-old tawny port. The caramelized sugars of the dessert, together with the fruitiness of the port, are one of my favorite flavor combinations. So good!

The Gathering Table

Address: 1555 Mission Drive, Solvang 
Phone: 805-259-1101

The Gathering Table is in the heart of Solvang and the perfect spot to grab a bite. We went there for brunch and loved it. French bistro meats Asian spice.

I loved that the brunch menu leaned more towards the savory side, which is always my favorite. However, they do have pancakes, cinnamon-roll french toast, and beignets if you prefer something sweet.

After all the wine tasting the day before at the Grand Tasting, we decided against cocktails and opted for freshly pressed juice instead. It wasn’t just absolutely delicious but also humongous. I had to use two hands to pick up my glass, ha!

I love Asian breakfasts a lot. So when I saw Nasi Goreng, an Indonesian fried rice with fried egg on top and loads of veggies, my choice was made. This dish is such a flavor bomb. Amazing. It was served with chili oil on the side, but to be honest, it wasn’t too spicy. So we asked the chef if he had something spicier, and he shared with us his secret stash of chili sauce. That sauce was amazing and so flavorful. The spice level was maybe slightly higher than Siracha but without the sweetness. Sooo good.

Whiskey ‘N Rye

Address: 442 Atterdag Rd, Solvang
Phone: 805-688-4227

Sometimes, a girl just needs a juicy burger and a beer. On my last night in Solvang, that was exactly what I was in the mood for. Whiskey ‘N Rye is a carnivore’s dream. From smoked meats to burgers, steaks and chili, this place makes you think you are in the heart of Texas.

As I said, it was a burger kind of night, and I decided to go with the BBQ Beast Burger. As the name suggests, the meat was a blend of elk, bison, and wild boar. It’s definitely not something you see on many menus. I loved it. It was cooked to perfection and not as gamey as I thought it would be. Sides are usually a source of disappointment for me at BBQ places, but I loved my chipotle mixed veggies, which were kind of like fajitas veggies but with a kick.

Even though the burger was definitely enough to fill me up, I couldn’t resist the sweet potato maple cheesecake. The cheese of the cheesecake was mixed with sour cream, which made it a little lighter and gave it a little bit of a tang. So so good!

Coast * Range

Address: 1635 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
Phone: (805) 624-5420

During my weekend in Santa Ynez, people kept mentioning Coast Range restaurant, so I decided to try it before returning home. With a heavy focus on seafood and steak, this place has been mentioned in the Michelin guide for several years in a row now. When I saw the Alexandrous’ from Motley Crew Ranch sitting on one of the tables, I knew that the food quality would be top-notch.

The inside features a butcher shop in the front (the first hint of a quality steak house) and cozy booths with plenty of privacy further back, perfect for a date or a business lunch. The weather was perfect, so I opted to sit outside to enjoy the sun and enjoy some people-watching.

I ordered the fish and chips; boy, was that a worthy goodbye meal. The batter came out and, more importantly, stayed super crunchy while the fish was perfectly cooked and moist. The chips were double-fried and crispy on the outside while pillowy soft on the inside. This was better fish and chips than I had at some supposedly renown places in London. Sooo good!

3. Stay at the Cutest Boutique Hotels

What I really love about the Santa Ynez Valley region is that there are so many cute boutique hotels, and there is something for everyone and every budget (especially in the off-season).

The Genevieve

I stayed at The Genevieve Hotel in Santa Ynez, a stunning Victorian villa that feels like you’ve walked into a film set of Bridgerton. The decor is stunning, and everything is put together with great attention to detail. Just off the main entrance is the library, which features a great selection of books, a cozy fireplace, and a chess table. If you want to feel like a Viscount from the Regency area, you can order a whiskey flight and sip it by the fire (just no cigar smoking, ha).

My corner room had a fireplace, a huge corner bathtub, a rain head shower with 360° shower jets and the most comfortable mattress and pillows. I usually don’t sleep well in hotels, but at the Genevieve, I had the most blissful sleep.

While I wish I could have stayed in bed and my beautiful room all day, I was glad I made it down in time for breakfast. A nice selection of fruits and yogurt, as well as some delicious pastries, filled a corner buffet. Their breakfast menu is small but offers some great options that change daily. I enjoyed the ham—and cheese-filled crepes with poached eggs. Delicious.

There is also a spa, including a dry sauna and massages and facials. I didn’t have time to try it this time, but hopefully, I will be at my next stay! Book fast, as this boutique hotel books out fast and long in advance! Check here for prices>>

4. Shopping at Little Boutiques and Local Shops

Did you know that there are no chain stores and (almost) no chain restaurants in Solvang? Instead, you will find the cutest little shops and boutiques, wine bars, coffee shops, and restaurants all over town.

While there are a few souvenir shops, most of them focus on locally produced products or quality imports, and thankfully, only a handful offer the cheap and cheese Made-in-China type souvenirs and “I <3 Solvang” T-shirts.

Here are some of the cutest coffee shops, boutiques, and stores I came across as I strolled through Solvang:

Cute Stores: Wishing Well Candy Store | Off The Record – Vinyl & Vintage | Lavender Societé | The Book Loft | Cailloux Cheese Shop | Solvang Spice Merchant | Picket Fences | Jule Hus | Mystic Merchant | The Copenhagen House

Coffee Shops: Joy Coffee (fun fact: the owner just relocated to Solvang from San Diego) | Good Seed Coffee | Little King Coffee

5. So Easy To Get To

Santa Ynez Valley is about 40 minutes north of Santa Barbara, 2 hours from Los Angeles, and about 5 hours from San Diego by car, as always, depending on traffic.

From San Diego, you have quite a few other options for getting to Santa Ynez Valley. You could fly to Santa Barbara, but then you’d have a layover in Los Angeles and then make your way to Santa Ynez by bus or rental car. I wouldn’t recommend it.

I decided to take the train, and that worked out perfectly. The Pacific Surfliner goes directly from San Diego to Santa Barbara, and then you hop on a bus that takes you straight to Solvang, all for less than $50. And I didn’t have to drive through LA!!!

Instead, I spent a couple of hours watching the beautiful scenery as the train went mainly right along the ocean. So stunning and relaxing. I also worked a little bit, read, knitted, and took a nap. All things I couldn’t have done while being stuck in LA traffic. It’s the perfect way to get to your girlfriends’ getaway already relaxed.

Disclaimer: As customary in the travel industry, I was invited to Santa Ynez by Visit Santa Ynez, Visit Solvang, and Santa Barbara Women Winemakers & Culinarians Foundation. A big thank you to them for organizing and planning this fabulous trip. My transportation, hotel stay, as well as some activities and meals were covered by these organizations. Please note that this did not influence my opinion on this destination.

Last Updated on March 26, 2025 by Maria Haase

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