Santa Maria Valley is the Hidden Gem of California Wine Country
Santa Maria Valley offers the perfect setting for your next wine tasting weekend. With its unique east-to-west geography and cooler climate, Santa Maria Valley has one of the longest grape growing seasons in the world. It is no wonder that experts have dubbed our valley “the world’s most dynamic wine-growing region.” With several renowned wineries hidden amongst the backroads of the alluring Central California Coast, you’ll be able to ‘sip’ back and relax with ease.
We’ve rounded up a few pro itinerary tips for your next backroads wine country weekend. Whether you’re flying solo or gallivanting with the girls, read on for an insider’s list of activities and adventures to try on your wine tasting weekend.
Plan a Solo Wine Tasting Getaway
Riding solo to Santa Maria Valley for your wine tasting weekend? We’ve got just the lineup for you:
- The Best Western Big America and Candlewood Suites offer affordable, convenient and relaxing options for your home base while you’re visiting. With easy access to wine country, where else would you rather be?
- Download our backroads wine tasting map to make planning your wine tasting itinerary a breeze.
- If you’re visiting between May and October, hop on our fan-favorite Wine Trolley for a loop through the beautiful backroads of Santa Maria Valley. Throughout, you’ll tour and taste at a handful of our most well-known wineries.
Note: For the health and safety of our locals and visitors, the Wine Trolley will not operate in the 2021 season. Be sure to check back for updates! - Wrap up your wine tasting weekend with some authentic Santa Maria Style barbecue. Stop into Far Western Tavern or The Hitching Post (where our world-famous barbecue was perfected) for a mouthwatering meal you won’t forget.
Romantic Wine Weekend Activities
Is there anything more romantic than being tucked away in the backroads, sipping sensational wine and enjoying a rich meal together? Check out these must-do wine weekend activities for lovebirds:
- Snuggle up at the charming Wine Stone Inn for a luxurious getaway.
- Spend a morning taking a leisurely stroll at Oso Flaco Lake before you explore nearby wineries.
- Download our wine tasting map, and plan for a day (or two) of fabulous wine tasting on the backroads of Santa Maria Valley.
- Enjoy a tasting flight of new and seasoned estate wines paired with a Mezze Picnic at Presqu’ile. Chef Julie Simon prepares each of the five to six meals with only local ingredients, purveyors and seasonal bounty from their one-acre garden.
Partners in Wine: Plan a Girls’ Trip
If you’ve gathered all of your favorite leading ladies for a wine country weekend, be sure to check out a few of the following recommendations:
- Download our wine tasting map, and squeeze as many of our 14 wineries into your trip as you can.
- If you’re visiting between May and October, grab your girls, hop on the ever-famous Wine Trolley and loop around Santa Maria Valley’s most popular wineries. Don’t worry; you’ll get to stop and sip too.
Note: For the health and safety of our locals and visitors, the Wine Trolley will not operate in the 2021 season. Be sure to check back for updates! - What’s a girls’ trip without some shopping? Spend a few hours hunting for some must-haves in Santa Maria Valley. With shops offering one-of-a-kind finds like Old Orcutt’s antiques and the Valley Art Gallery, you’ll wish you had more space in your suitcase.
- Did it really happen if you don’t post it on the ‘gram? You’ll find the perfect spot to document your epic trip at the Historic Santa Maria Inn. Its charming aesthetic offers the best backdrop for photos with your gal-pals.
- After you’ve filled your glasses and your bellies, check out a performance at the PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theatre.
Whether you’re flying solo, traveling as a dynamic duo or grouping with your gals, Santa Maria Valley is awaiting your next backroads wine country trip. Clear some room on your schedule, and get to relaxin’ in style – Santa Maria Style.
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There’s so much to do with Santa Maria Valley as your home base. Hit the road and explore our 24 hiking trails, 34 tasting rooms, seven unique AVAs, 13 beaches, and a growing selection of local breweries, all within a beautiful, 30-minute drive. There is no need to venture far if you’re looking for serene beaches, award-winning wines and authentic Santa Maria Style dining. You’ll find it’s the best choice for your next getaway, where you can eat, drink and do more for less.
