We have really made the most of our proximity to Santa Ynez Valley during COVID times. Yes we went again for a weekend in Santa Ynez! I decided to take off the Friday of President’s Day weekend, and Steve and I spent one night out there.
Where to stay for your weekend in Santa Ynez
We stayed at the Ballard Inn which is a small bed and breakfast but without the small talk. I am not a fan of the B&B small talk! There are several inns that I considered.
Santa Ynez Inn – similar to the Ballard Inn and I have heard great things but they had a 2 night minimum for the long weekend.
Landsby Hotel in Solvang – I have also heard good things about this one and the rates were slightly lower than the Ballard Inn but it is in the heart of Solvang – the most touristy area of the Santa Ynez Wine Area.
Also we decided to have dinner at the Gathering Table again which is located at the Ballard Inn… an easy decision for our one dinner during our weekend in Santa Ynez.
Maximizing the fun in Santa Ynez Valley
We drove 45 minutes from Santa Barbara and arrived in Ballard. It is an extremely small town but Bob’s Well Bread just opened a second location across the street from our hotel so we stopped in for breakfast before our first tasting appointment. They make incredible croissants and breads, plus they have fun breakfast items like Egg-In-A-Frame and Egg-in-a-Jar.
We headed out to Los Alamos to try a couple wineries that we haven’t visited before – both with female winemakers. Los Alamos is a sleepy little town but has gotten built up a bit over the last few years with tasting rooms, antique stores and a couple good restaurants. Bell’s and Pico are supposed to be fabulous restaurants but we have not tried them yet!
We started at Casa Dumetz Wines. They focus on Rhone Wines – think Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre. The wines were good, but the food offerings were delicious. They offer a small but tasty menu of dim sum. They brought our wine tastings out in a basket and let us self pour which honestly I really enjoyed.
We then walked a block to Tribute to Grace. The winemaker used to make wine for Folded Hlls Winery that we enjoy so we went to try out her wines. Tribute to Grace focuses on Grenache wines and wow are they delicious. So delicious we joined the wine club! The winemaker is originally from New Zealand so with each wine club shipment we receive one specially chosen New Zealand wine. Kind of fun!
Appetizers and dinner at the Gathering Table
We then headed back to our hotel for the wine and cheese hour. We like to take advantage of all amenities offered! The weather was nice so we sat out on the lawn and enjoyed a tasting from Gainey Ranch and a charcuterie plate.
We didn’t have dinner reservations until 8:15 so we headed up to the room for a nap. I must admit that 8:15pm is a late dinner for us. I am normally in my PJs by then, but since we were on vacation, we went for it! The food at the Gathering Table is divine, but we ate quickly since it was pretty chilly out by then and obviously we had to eat outside. We did have a heater by our table but it only warmed the lower half of our bodies.
Saturday relaxation
The next morning, we enjoyed our breakfast on the front porch. I have never been a server, but I have to guess breakfast is the worst meal to serve! Especially when it is included in the room rate so of course we wanted to try everything offered!
We didn’t have a tasting appointment until 11am so had time in the morning for a leisurely walk in the quaint farm streets of Ballard. I have decided if I get really rich and buy a home out in the Santa Ynez Valley, I want to live on Still Meadows Road.
We packed up the car and headed into Los Olivos to visit a couple of our favorites Storm Wines and Liquid Farm and then headed home to Santa Barbara.
It felt like a real vacation and escape. Maybe it was taking a day off of work or all the great wine. But it was just what we needed. I highly recommend a weekend away in Santa Ynez!
