Day One: Taste Your Way Through Wine Country
Morning
So, how does the ultimate girls’ weekend in California’s wine country start? In Old Town Orcutt at Kay’s Country Kitchen for breakfast (we recommend the biscuits and gravy paired with a strawberry mimosa), it’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet. Kay’s has been voted Best Breakfast in Orcutt 18 years in a row and truly is a local favorite.
If you’re looking for breakfast with a Santa Maria Style twist, try the Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip & Eggs—it’s a serious crowd-pleaser. After breakfast, spend some time during your girlfriend getaway checking out some boutique antique shops throughout the area, like Déjà Vu Antiques. This absolute antique mecca houses over 35 premier antique dealers who curate unique items from all over the United States, making it a perfect stop during your girls' weekend in California wine country.
Afternoon
You’re not done with Old Town Orcutt just yet. Once you get your fill at Deja Vu, stop by Steller's Cellar wine bar. They have volumes of wine choices from the central coast you can sip while you're there and bottles you can take home! (A perfect souvenir to enjoy later from your girls' trip in California.) If you're more of a beer-drinker, they've got that covered, too. While you're there, pick up a ticket for the Santa Maria Wine Trolley!
As you make your way through this breathtaking wine region on your girls’ weekend in California's wine country, make sure to stop by Cottonwood Canyon Winery and Vineyard to enjoy some magnificently crafted boutique wines. Santa Maria Valley’s cool growing environment coupled with Cottonwood’s hands-off approach to winemaking produces age-worthy wines. This 78-acre estate specializes in hand-crafted Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay.
Pro tip: Cottonwood Canyon Winery and Vineyard is only 19 miles from the Pacific. If you have the time, we recommend making your way down to the beach. There’s nothing quite like letting your hair down to dance with a cool ocean breeze next to your favorite people.
From Cottonwood Canyon Winery, continue your adventure at Costa de Oro, a vineyard that leverages the old-world style of winemaking with new-world grape-growing methods to make their complex and harmonious Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Named “the Most Unique Tasting Room on the Central Coast,” Costa de Oro Winery believes good wine, music, and food brings people together—and we couldn’t agree more. So grab your besties and start your girls' weekend in California wine country!
Early Evening
As you and the girls sip and swirl your way through the weekend, hopefully snacking on some form of charcuterie at every winery you possibly can, we recommend the Vintage Room for just a couple more glasses of wine and a few more snacks before dinner. The Vintage Room serves wines from all around Santa Maria Valley and beyond, as well as a selection of mouth-watering appetizers and deli-style treats.
Evening & Dinner
For dinner, the first night of your girls’ weekend in California should be spent savoring the timeless and traditional flavors of true Santa Maria Style barbecue. This 150-year-old tradition, born on the ranches of this beautiful valley, is a simple and delicious way to bring people together. Check out one of our classic barbecue joints, like Far Western Tavern, to delight in meals prepared with fresh flavors from nearby farms, ranches, and local vineyards.
Pro tip: What to expect— Santa Maria Style barbecue consists of meat, usually tri-tip or top block sirloin, grilled over native red oak coals and served with pinquito beans, buttery garlic bread, a fresh green salad, and chunky salsa.