Share Categories Wine Country More Articles Have you heard the news? Santa Barbara County has placed fourth in the USA Today 10Best poll for best wine region in the United States. Each year, USA Today holds polls for services and attractions in the United States, from best wine region to best craft gin distillery to best apple orchard. This year, Santa Maria Valley wine was honored not once, but with two separate accolades. We were thrilled that our county was nominated, and we are especially excited that we placed in the top five regions. We are humbled to be honored among regions like the Finger Lakes in New York, Lodi in California, the Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan, and Walla Walla Walla Valley in Washington who also placed in the top five regions. Santa Maria’s very own Presqu’ile Winery was also nominated for best tasting room in the country and placed second! Presqu’ile has effectively caught the eye of many wine connoisseurs with their delicious, flavorful wines and stunning, modern architecture. Presqu’ile is just one of 34 tasting rooms in Santa Maria Valley that exemplify how unique Santa Maria Valley wine is. We are so thankful to everyone who voted for Santa Barbara County and for Presqu’ile. Without you, we wouldn’t have received these tremendous honors. Cheers! *** In Santa Maria Valley, there’s so much to do from here. Hit the road and explore it all with 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 are looking for sand dunes, cycling and authentic Santa Maria Style dining. You’ll find it’s the perfect home base, where you can eat, drink and do more for less.
History Get to know the 7 Wine-Growing Regions of Santa Barbara County Santa Barbara County, located along the beautiful, temperate, California Central Coast, is a world-renowned wine-growing region. Known for its cool, Mediterranean climate, transverse geography and Rhône varietals, Santa Barbara Country is favored among vino connoisseurs. The unique geography of the Central Coast allows for multiple American Viticultural Areas (or AVAs) that are unique in geography, […]
Visiting The Valley Prepare for California Wine Month, #SantaMariaStyle Here in Santa Maria Valley wine country, September is our favorite month of the year – California Wine Month! All September long, we celebrate the fruits of the labors of winemakers across the state. From harvest to bottle, California Wine Month is all about indulging in delicious wines and learning more about the winemaking process. […]
Recreation California Agritourism in Santa Barbara County Wine Country: Discover Santa Maria Valley Santa Maria Valley is known for exquisite cool-climate wines and traditional Santa Maria Style barbecue. But there’s a new family-friendly activity that’s growing in popularity in the valley and across California: agritourism. Agritourism is the practice of traveling to visit farms and learn more about the way produce is grown. This trend has blossomed over […]
Barbecue Pat the Plover Keeps a Bird’s Eye View on Wine Country The Western Snowy Plover may be a vulnerable bird on the Central Coast, but not Pat. While the Santa Maria Valley’s usual guests have been safely social distancing at home, Pat has spread his flappers and is keeping an eye on the vineyards, restaurants, beaches, and more while our residents and guests stay sheltered. Peel […]