Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara
August is a lovely time for wine tasting! And that's exactly what we did with a brunch of our friends this past Saturday.
We started the day in Santa Barbara where we caught the party bus up to the Santa Ynez Valley. Champagne, mimosas, and beer (for the gentlemen) were served on the ride up. Our first stop was Buttonwood Farm and Winery. We arrived at noon, just in time for tasting and lunch. Our personal chef crafted some gourmet sandwiches and kale salad. Delicious!
After our picnic lunch under the trees, our next stop was at Rideau Winery, which was right next to Buttonwood. We felt like celebrities when we were led to the "back room" for our tasting. We had some of their reserve wines along with their regular flight. The grounds were beautiful with many sitting areas perched on a little hill overlooking the valley. Highly recommended and overall, our group's favorite winery.
Back on the bus, our personal chef wowed us again with her beautiful cheese platter filled with white cheddar, triple cream brie, buttery crackers and glazed pecans. It was a perfect finish to the wine we just had. A short hike up the valley and we were at our next stop.
The final winery for the day was Zaca Mesa. After our grand welcome at Rideau, Zaca Mesa brought us back to reality as we stood around the their large bar. Aren't we spoiled! Still, we had a wonderful time watch others play life-size chess under the shady trees. Known for their Syrah, Zaca Mesa didn't disappoint in the red wine department. In fact, we all thought the red pours were better than the whites at all the wineries we visited today.
As if we didn't have enough alcohol, we made a trip to Buellton for the Ascendant Distillery. We toured the facilities and were educated on the method of making boutique liquor. After the tour, we tasted the vodka, moonshine and bourbon - all of which are made right on site. The report was that all three tastings were "good and strong."
Figueroa Brewery is located right next to the distillery and we stopped there next. Many beers to try and everyone had a pint or two of their favorite after tasting all they had to offer. With all the tipsy-juice combined throughout the entire day, any concoction with carbs and meat was welcomed. Luckily there was a weekend food stand that served BBQ sandwiches. The saucy sandwiches paired perfectly with the brewery's red ale.
It was nearly 7:00PM by the time we got back on the limo and head back towards Santa Barbara. The group was feeling good and sang tunes from the 60's, 70's, and 80's all the way back.
Our Sunday was reserved for rest and relaxation...and for some, recuperating.
Let New Horizons Travel set up a fun-filled day in Santa Barbara for you and your friends! Similar itineraries are available.
We started the day in Santa Barbara where we caught the party bus up to the Santa Ynez Valley. Champagne, mimosas, and beer (for the gentlemen) were served on the ride up. Our first stop was Buttonwood Farm and Winery. We arrived at noon, just in time for tasting and lunch. Our personal chef crafted some gourmet sandwiches and kale salad. Delicious!
After our picnic lunch under the trees, our next stop was at Rideau Winery, which was right next to Buttonwood. We felt like celebrities when we were led to the "back room" for our tasting. We had some of their reserve wines along with their regular flight. The grounds were beautiful with many sitting areas perched on a little hill overlooking the valley. Highly recommended and overall, our group's favorite winery.
Back on the bus, our personal chef wowed us again with her beautiful cheese platter filled with white cheddar, triple cream brie, buttery crackers and glazed pecans. It was a perfect finish to the wine we just had. A short hike up the valley and we were at our next stop.
The final winery for the day was Zaca Mesa. After our grand welcome at Rideau, Zaca Mesa brought us back to reality as we stood around the their large bar. Aren't we spoiled! Still, we had a wonderful time watch others play life-size chess under the shady trees. Known for their Syrah, Zaca Mesa didn't disappoint in the red wine department. In fact, we all thought the red pours were better than the whites at all the wineries we visited today.
As if we didn't have enough alcohol, we made a trip to Buellton for the Ascendant Distillery. We toured the facilities and were educated on the method of making boutique liquor. After the tour, we tasted the vodka, moonshine and bourbon - all of which are made right on site. The report was that all three tastings were "good and strong."
Figueroa Brewery is located right next to the distillery and we stopped there next. Many beers to try and everyone had a pint or two of their favorite after tasting all they had to offer. With all the tipsy-juice combined throughout the entire day, any concoction with carbs and meat was welcomed. Luckily there was a weekend food stand that served BBQ sandwiches. The saucy sandwiches paired perfectly with the brewery's red ale.
It was nearly 7:00PM by the time we got back on the limo and head back towards Santa Barbara. The group was feeling good and sang tunes from the 60's, 70's, and 80's all the way back.
Our Sunday was reserved for rest and relaxation...and for some, recuperating.
Let New Horizons Travel set up a fun-filled day in Santa Barbara for you and your friends! Similar itineraries are available.
Photos courtesy of Nari
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| At Rideau Winery - beautiful grounds with a splash of New Orleans flair |
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| At Rideau |
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| We felt so special as our group did a tasting in the Reserve Room |
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| Cheese platter once we were back on the party bus |
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| Zaca Mesa |
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| Wines at Zaca Mesa |
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