Tickets are now available for purchase for the annual Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, a four-day festivity spanning six charming towns that spotlight the abundance of the local area. The announcement comes from the offices of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. Scheduled to unfold from September 28th to October 1st, this captivating event is an immersive culinary journey into the gastronomic wonders of the region, including its delectable cuisine, exquisite wines, and more, all while showcasing the individuals responsible for its creation.
This exceptional affair is the collaborative brainchild of two esteemed names in Western travel: Visit the Santa Ynez Valley and Sunset Magazine. A unique platform to celebrate the finest facets of the area, the event will bring together over 100 establishments, encompassing restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, breweries, and distilleries. These participants will unite their efforts to curate an assortment of main and supplementary events, set within and around the individualistic communities comprising the Santa Ynez Valley—namely, Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang.
The Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley showcases a distinct community each day of its duration, embarking on Thursday, September 28th, with a focus on the burgeoning haven for food enthusiasts, Los Alamos. The festivities culminate on October 1st, featuring the highlights of Solvang. Attendees are welcome to indulge in various experiences throughout this journey, such as wine and beer tastings, specialized communal and chef-driven dinners, vineyard immersions, horseback riding, crafting personalized wine tumblers, and an array of other engaging activities.
For this year’s edition, the Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley commences in late September, marking the earliest commencement in the event’s history. This period is favored by many due to the region’s pleasant weather and the spirited atmosphere of the harvest season.
Nestled merely two hours away from Los Angeles and an enchanting four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley is a realm comprising six unique towns, each boasting its own character, ambiance, and a captivating array of experiences. Blanketed by fertile farms and sprawling vineyards, the temperate climate of California’s Central Coast wine region ensures a year-round availability of diverse activities. These offerings are spread across the storied communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of this remarkable locale.
TASTE OF THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
Thursday, September 28th:
– The Maker’s Son hosts a Los Alamos Wine Tasting Reception, presenting an array of wines sourced from both Los Alamos and the Santa Maria Valley. (4-5:30 p.m.)
– Enjoy a Los Alamos Dinner, a delightful communal feast set on Bell Street, featuring culinary offerings from Full of Life Flatbread, Bell’s, PICO, Plenty, and Bob’s Well Bread Bakery. These dishes will be thoughtfully paired with wines hailing from Los Alamos and Santa Maria Valley. (6-8 p.m.)
Friday, September 29th:
– Embark on a Vino Vaqueros Horseback Riding experience. (9-11 a.m.)
– Explore the thrill of a Zipline Tour with Highline Adventures. (9-11 a.m.)
– Delight in a Vineyard Tour & Tasting hosted by Lumen Wines. (9-11 a.m.)
– Attend the Los Olivos Wine Tasting Reception at the Coquelicot Tasting Room Courtyard. Savor wines from Los Olivos, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez, and Happy Canyon, expertly complemented by local bites. (4-5:30 p.m.)
– Indulge in the Los Olivos Dinner, a communal table affair taking place at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern. Revel in cuisine from esteemed kitchens such as Mattei’s Tavern, Bar Le Cote, S.Y. Kitchen, Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café, and Enjoy Cupcakes, all paired elegantly with wines from Los Olivos and Ballard Canyon. (6-8 p.m.)
Saturday, September 30th:
– Experience a memorable Horseback Ride and Classic Cowboy Breakfast at Alisal Ranch. (7:15-11:15 a.m.)
– Opt for a Haywagon Ride and Classic Cowboy Breakfast at Alisal Ranch for a distinct morning adventure. (8:30-10:45 a.m.)
– Join a Guided Hike on the Midland School Trail System, led by students of Midland School. (9-11 a.m.)
– Engage in the excitement of a Zipline Tour with Highline Adventures. (9-11 a.m.)
– Unleash your creativity while crafting a personalized “Chato” Wine Tumbler with the guidance of Community Clayworks. (10 a.m.-noon)
– Delve into a Buellton Beer-Focused Tasting hosted at Figueroa Mountain Brewing. Revel in craft beer from Santa Ynez Valley along with Sta. Rita Hills and Buellton wines. (Noon-3 p.m.)
– Attend the Santa Ynez Tasting Reception and Dinner held at The Victor’s Coach House. Sample an array of wines from Santa Ynez and Happy Canyon, paired seamlessly with delectable dishes from The Victor and other renowned Santa Ynez eateries. (5:30-8:30 p.m.)
Sunday, October 1st:
– Take part in the Stolpman Hike with Wine Tasting for a refreshing start to the day. (9-11 a.m.)
– Feel the excitement of a Zipline Tour with Highline Adventures. (9-11 a.m.)
– Conclude the celebration with a Solvang Food and Wine Tasting at Solvang Park. Savor cuisine from Solvang’s cherished restaurants, thoughtfully paired with Santa Ynez Valley wines, local craft beer, and vibrant live music. (Noon-3 p.m.)