J. Wilkes The J. Wilkes AVA’s have a memorable legacy. The legacy began in the hills of the Santa Maria Valley many years before it was founded in 2001. Jefferson Wilkes, a well-known grape grower, salesman and ambassador for Santa Maria and Paso Robles wine, was always highly involved in the wine trade in the Santa Maria […]
CORE Winery Visit this charming downtown Old Town Orcutt location for CORE Winery’s tasting room. While CORE features a wide range of wines, it is best known for red blends which have been made since the 2001 vintage. CORE offers a selection of specialty cheeses to enjoy with a glass of wine or to take home. The […]
Rancho Sisquoc Winery Crafting quality wines in small quantities for more than 40 years. Rancho Sisquoc’s vineyards grow some of the most sought-after grapes on the Central Coast, and only their estate-grown grapes are used in crafting their award-winning wines. Varietals include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Johannesburg Riesling, Malbec, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Petit Syrah, Petite Verdot, Pinot Noir, […]
Kenneth Volk Vineyards A true winemaker since birth. Kenneth Volk’s earliest memories trace back to the harvest in the vineyards and wineries. A third-generation Californian, Kenneth pursued a degree in Fruit Science from California Polytechnic University. During his time as a student he made his first wine with a trash can and a baseball bat, and he hasn’t […]
Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estates A family with five generations of farming under their belt. The Miller family of Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estates has a farming and ranching legacy that dates back to 1871. In 1969 the vision for the Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Estate Winery was made a reality with the help of Bob and Steve Miller […]
Zaca Mesa The first to plant Syrah in Santa Barbara County. Located in the northernmost portion of Santa Ynez Valley within Santa Barbara County, Zaca Mesa was the first to plant Syrah in Santa Barbara County in 1978. Over the years, the winery has learned that the grape varietals indigenous to the Rhône valley of France prosper […]
Tres Hermanas Vineyard & Winery Located along the famed Foxen Canyon Road, Tres Hermanas Vineyard & Winery was founded in 2001 by Marvin & Paulette Teixeira with the planting of a small vineyard on their cattle ranch. The label is a picture of the barn that exhibits the JT cattle brand, which was Marvin’s father’s brand used to identify cattle. […]
Municipal Winemakers After spending their formative years traveling and studying terroir and techniques, Municipal Winemakers is now working hard to make honest, interesting, and delicious wines. They do this with love—carefully and slowly. Their varietals include: Bright White – A bone-dry Riesling Sweetness – A sweet little Riesling Pale Pink – A rose made from Grenache and Cinsault […]
Jocko’s This Santa Maria-style steakhouse in Nipomo features amazing food in an easygoing and unpretentious atmosphere since 1926. Known for its generous portions of oak-grilled meats, the food is worth the wait. The service is friendly and the setting is casual. The food? Some of the best you will ever have.
Portabella Bar & Grill A culinary tradition rooted in the Santa Maria Valley, Santa Maria-style barbecue centers around a beef tri-tip and is a mainstay of California’s culinary heritage. Featuring local produce and locally sourced beef, Portabella Bar & Grill honors our area’s roots with a menu that celebrates the Santa Maria-style BBQ. The flagship item on our menu […]
Rancho Grill Rancho Grill features a full menu for everyone to enjoy. From Shareables to local favorites like our BBQ Burger that features our signature Mili’s BBQ Sauce! Mili’s BBQ is served and sold only here at Rancho Grill. We have pizza, salad, dessert, and kid’s options as well. Lane packages are available. Options like: Pizzas, Tacos, […]
Far Western Tavern A contemporary California ranch cuisine inspired by local traditions, Far Western Tavern is recognized as a landmark of Santa Maria-style barbecue, the renowned regional fare rooted in native tradition, first popularized by the 19th century rancheros. Meals here are prepared with fresh flavors from nearby farms, ranches and vineyards.
Woody’s Butcher Block Woody’s Butcher Block is the premier neighborhood meat market and butcher shop, providing high-end deli meats and cheeses. When you are ready to try your hand at preparing your own Santa Maria style barbecue, Woody’s Butcher Block is the place to start, with the finest cuts of meat.
The Swiss Established in 1941, The Swiss is one of Santa Maria Valley’s most popular traditional Santa Maria Style Barbecue restaurants. Food served at The Swiss comes directly off their red oak barbecue pit, giving it a classic smoky and hearty flavor. They serve beef, chicken and seafood cooked to perfection every day of the week.
The Hitching Post Located just moments from the heart of Santa Maria is Casmalia, a picturesque western town, and one of the most authentic Santa Maria-style barbecue restaurants you will encounter, The Hitching Post. This is where California-style barbecue was brought to perfection by the pioneers, bringing choice, aged beef to the ultimate of gourmet flavor and tenderness. […]
The Monarch Butterfly Groves It’s a scene worth flocking to. Every year, thousands of orange and black Monarch Butterflies spread their wings, seeking shelter from the northern winters. From late October to February, the butterflies cluster in the limbs of a grove of Eucalyptus trees at Pismo State Beach, which is located a little under 30 minutes away from […]
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes are the second-largest stretch of dunes in California and the largest intact coastal dune ecosystem on Earth. From Pismo Beach to Point Sal, the dunes span 22,000 acres across 18 miles on California’s Central Coast. This National Wildlife Refuge boasts dunes as tall as 500 feet, miles of beach, freshwater lakes, […]
Pismo State Beach - Grover Beach Grover Beach is a stretch of Pismo State Beach. Grover Beach is near the Oceano Dunes. It is extremely flat, with firm sand that can be driven on. Grover Beach also has a boardwalk that overlooks the beach and Pacific Ocean.
Pismo State Beach - North Beach North Beach is another section of Pismo State Beach. Here, Pismo Creek runs into the ocean, which often causes small pools to form. This beach is near to the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach. If you’re visiting Pismo Beach October through February, don’s miss the opportunity to see thousands of monarch butterflies in the […]
Foxen Canyon Wine Trail Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is home to some of the most accomplished winemakers in California. You’ll find a diverse selection of world class wines within our group of 14 wineries along the 30 mile stretch of Foxen Canyon Road that runs between Los Olivos and Santa Maria. Stunning sceneries, vineyards and rolling hills add to […]
Point Sal Overlook Trail This is a hard, 9.8-mile out and back trail also located near Casmalia. This trail offers hikers with amazing views, but the road to the stop is steep and winding in certain areas, so come prepared. The trail is also used for fishing and is accessible year-round. This trail leads hikers down to Point Sal […]
Orcutt Certified Farmers Market Open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Orcutt Certified Farmers Market offers produce including vegetables, citrus and strawberries, local honey, farm fresh eggs, baked goods, jams, and jellies. Find your favorite produce and local offerings and support the families of Santa Maria Valley.
Chumash Trail Chumash Trail is an easy, 1.3-mile out and back trail located in Chumash Park near Pismo Beach. The park and trail are family friendly, and leashed dogs are welcome. The trail offers great views of the surrounding region and is a popular spot for bird watchers.