Looking to Take a Trip Wine Tasting Near Bakersfield? Santa Maria Valley is the Perfect Spot
Just two hours southwest of Bakersfield, Santa Maria Valley offers an extensive variety of wines and a charming atmosphere to accompany your tasting experience.
If you’re looking for quaint yet charming wine tasting near Bakersfield, look no further. Santa Maria Valley wineries offer the perfect mix of charismatic people and full-bodied wines. Pair your tasting with delicious, award-winning Santa Maria Style Barbecue, and you’ve got the whole Santa Maria Valley experience.
Rich wine and gastronomy aren’t the only things you’ll experience here! Take a long stroll around Oso Flaco Lake, visit the most extensive sand dunes in the world and breathe in the fresh Pacific air as you ‘sip’ back and relax in Santa Maria Valley.
Swirl, Sip, Repeat – Santa Maria Valley Wines
Wine lovers, come one, come all! Santa Maria Valley is one of the Central California Coast’s best-kept secrets when it comes to wine, but don’t worry, we’ll share our wines and charm with you when you stop over.
Prepare to be wowed by our rich Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Syrahs and more. The Valley’s temperate, Mediterranean climate means it’s the perfect place to let the grapes hang out on the vine for a little while longer. This allows them to produce the oh-so-wonderful notes our wines pride themselves on.
Stop into some of our most beloved tasting rooms, including Riverbench, Presqu’ile and Cottonwood Cayon, and visit more than a dozen wineries just along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. With 34 total winery vineyards here, Santa Maria Valley is sure to keep you preoccupied if you’re looking for a quick getaway from Bakersfield.
Pinot and Chard and Syrah, Oh My!
The Santa Maria Valley AVA (American Viticulture Area) is the second oldest in California. It is one of seven total AVAs in Santa Barbara County. Established in 1981, grape growing here can be traced back to the early Mexican Colonial period in the 1800s.
Our unique geography and cool Pacific air make for three exquisite flagship varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Perhaps you need a break from the cabs and zins that Bakersfield is known for – here, fall in love with Santa Maria Valley’s wines. Each of them bodes subtle hints of unique flavors exclusive to the region:
- Chardonnay: tropical and floral undertones
- Pinot Noir: berry undertones with a touch of spice
- Syrah: blackberry and peppery undertones
You’ll also find Pinot Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir and even Blanc de Blanc here. Plus, you can’t beat the price. Take home a bottle for just $20!
Plan your wine tasting itinerary and learn more about wine tasting near Bakersfield, in Santa Maria Valley.
Feast Your Taste Buds on Santa Maria Style Barbecue
Not only is there amazing wine tasting near Bakersfield, but mouth-watering barbecue is also close by. Santa Maria Valley knows how to welcome their guests and understands that sometimes wine getaways are best enjoyed in your favorite pair of jeans, surrounded by a lively atmosphere. Come, enjoy our award-winning Santa Maria Style Barbecue in an unpretentious, laidback setting.
Similar to the way Bakersfield is known for its Basque cuisine, Santa Maria Valley has made a name for itself with this culinary barbecue masterpiece: meat, usually tri-tip or top block sirloin, grilled over red oak coals, a side of pinquito beans, a fresh green salad, buttered garlic bread and red salsa… and don’t forget to ask for a glass of Pinot Noir to pair with your meal.
Explore Our Expansive Outdoors
Once you’ve had your share of food and drink, check out some of Santa Maria Valley’s most acclaimed outdoor destinations – another perk of wine tasting near Bakersfield. With 24 beaches, 15 hiking trails and 100s of miles of cycling trails, you’ll never be bored!
Take a stroll to Oso Flaco Lake and stop off at the Pacific Ocean for a bit. Just 1.7 miles away from the lake, the Pacific breeze lures you to dip your toes in. Bring a few bottles of wine and some barbecue, and enjoy a scenic picnic on the beach.
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes is the largest dunes ecosystem in the world. Home to many outdoor activities, this preserve invites you to enjoy the coast, take in some of its history and discover the many forms of wildlife that inhabit the area.
Stay in one of our hotels, and find out what deals they can offer you in the area. Ask about free tastings, discounted wine and more.
From wine tastings to family-friendly events to live music, you can eat, drink and do more for less #SantaMariaStyle. Take the scenic route and come enjoy everything Santa Maria Valley has to offer alongside wine tasting near Bakersfield.
***
With Santa Maria Valley as your home base, you’ll never be bored. Hit the road and explore everything we have to offer, from our 24 hiking trails, 34 tasting rooms, seven unique AVAs, 15 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, wine tasting, and authentic Santa Maria Style dining. You’ll find it’s the perfect choice for your wine country weekend getaway, where you can eat, drink, and do more for less. Trust us; you’ll want to stay for longer than a weekend.
