Wine CountryThe Santa Maria Valley Wine Region & AVASanta Maria Valley Wineries & WinemakersA Guide to Wine Tasting in Santa Maria ValleySanta Maria Wine VarietalsSanta Maria Wine TrolleyFoxen Canyon Wine Trail$500 3-Day Getaway Book A RoomIn the Heart of the Santa Barbara County Wine RegionThe Santa Maria Valley occupies the northern perimeter of Santa Barbara County on California’s Central Coast, which is today recognized as one of the world’s most dynamic wine-growing regions. With an encompassed 7,500 vineyard acres, the Santa Maria Valley is also the Central Coast’s first officially approved American Viticultural Area (AVA).The Santa Maria Valley boasts a rare “transverse” geography, an east-west orientation that channels cool ocean air directly into the valley. The result is a Mediterranean climate that produces one of California’s longest growing seasons. The unique growing environment ensures the development of complex, flavorful and exquisitely balanced grapes. Grapes in the region are either grown on the Santa Maria Bench or off the Bench, both wine grapes with completely different and unique flavor profiles. Grape growing in the Santa Maria Valley can be traced back to the early Mexican Colonial period in the 1800s. In 2011, there were 18,790 acres and nine vineyards added to the Santa Maria Valley AVA.With its geological oddity and natural funnel-shape, the Santa Maria Valley AVA is bounded by the San Rafael Mountains and Los Padres National Forest to the east and by the Solomon Hills and the city of Santa Maria to the West. The Santa Maria Valley AVA can be explored easily, with 34 tasting rooms within a 30-minute drive. The Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley is one of the most popular ways to taste the region’s wines. The Trolley makes a loop to some of the area’s tasting rooms every weekend from May to October. Winos can also cruise through the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, which is home to 14 tasting rooms.The wines of the Santa Maria Valley, especially the award-winning Pinot Noir, have also proven to be a perfect match for Santa Maria Style Barbecue, adding a fresh dimension to this local culinary tradition. The vineyards and wineries of the Santa Maria Valley were featured prominently in the hit movie Sideways, and two wines from the region were named to the Wine Spectator’s prestigious list of Top 100 out of more than 19,000 wines from around the world. Santa Barbara County placed in the top five of USA Today 10 Best’s Best Wine Region in 2018. Santa Maria was also named the Most Underrated Town in California by House Method, and Travel Channel named Santa Maria Valley a Top 10 City for Wine Snobs (but you won’t find any snobbery here). With more than 30 winery tasting rooms welcoming you to the region, it’s no wonder the Santa Maria Valley is a favorite among wine lovers throughout the world. Here, you will taste exquisite Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and many other varietals that excel in our extraordinary coastal climate and beautiful countryside. See all the ways you can experience a wine tasting weekend in the Santa Maria Valley and plan your wine getaway now.
Willows Our Four Diamond rated restaurant, Willows, specializes in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood, together with an extensive selection of local and imported wines. The menu features fresh and flavorful ingredients from local farms, ranches and gardens. Come experience all Willows has to offer in a comfortably elegant setting. For reservations, please call 805.686.0855 or follow […]
Taqueria Carmelita #1 We are a family owned Mexican restaurant serving weekly specials. On Sundays you can always look forward to Menudo and handmade tortillas! Be sure to stop next door and visit our El Oaxaqueno Market for fresh meats, vegetables, misc items and last but not least, our fresh homemade Mexican pastries!
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.
Rice Ranch Trail Also located near Orcutt Community Park is this easy, 3.2-mile loop trail, which features opportunities to see beautiful wild flowers and wildlife. The trail offers a number of nearby activity options and is accessible all year. Leashed dogs are also welcome on this trail.
October 20The Great American Melodrama: Frakenstein's Bride This horror story spoof hilariously reconstructs the classic tale by injecting it with musical parodies, pop culture references, and witty one-liners. 15 years after the death of Frankenstein’s creation, a mad scientist attempts to reanimate the Creature. What could possibly go wrong? Outrageous characters and devilishly clever performances create a monstrously good time that will […]
October 21Elks Recreation: Haunted Hills The frightful drive-thru event, Haunted Hills, returns in 2021. You will embark on an over 2 mile journey through nightmarish visions from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle. Just keep an eye open, you never know who… or what… may jump at you! October 1st- October 30th Cowboys of Rodeos past and restless […]
October 22West Coast Kustoms 40th Annual Cruisin' Nationals Don’t Miss The West Coast Kustoms 40th Annual Cruisin’ Nationals October 22, 23, & 24th, 2021! We will start the event on Friday Oct 22, 2021 with the world famous Friday night City Cruise in front of the host hotel the Historic Santa Maria Inn on Broadway between Stowell and Cook St. from 7 pm […]
October 22Santa Maria Downtown Fridays 2021 Downtown Fridays are Back! This family-friendly event for Santa Maria’s downtown will occur every Friday beginning on May 28th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Town Center West parking lot near Broadway (Highway 135) and Cook Street, all the way to October 29th, weather permitting. Admission and parking are free. There will be live […]