Wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley

Steve and I ventured out for some wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley this past weekend. After reading our blog for a while, you probably have guessed that we love wine tasting; you can check out our earlier post on tasting at Au Bon Climat in Santa Barbara earlier this summer.

wine tasting at Foxen Vineyards
Gorgeous day with Steve

Social distancing rules

At most wineries you need to make appointments so they can ensure social distancing.

It was a great day, and it almost felt like “normal”. Whatever that means! We’ve been wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley for years now, and it was great to see the wineries open and bustling.

winery social distancing rules
These rules are pretty straight forward…
winery social distancing rules
…while these rules are a little more involved

Foxen Vineyards

Our first stop was a visit to Foxen Vineyards – one of our all time favorites.

Foxen Vineyards
Welcome to Foxen!
Foxen Vineyards tasting menu
You’ve got a lot of options at Foxen
case of wine from Foxen Vineyards
We picked up a few bottles at Foxen

Liquid Farm

We then tasted some great Chardonnays at Liquid Farm.

tasting rose at Liquid Farm
Would you like some hand sanitizer with your rose?

Story of Soil Winery

Story of Soil in the charming town of Los Olivos is always a fun stop. And there’s McConnell’s ice cream available at the Corner House Cafe if you need a treat.

Story of Soil wine tasting
We stopped at Story of Soil

While you’re in Los Olivos, I recommend picking up salads from Los Olivos Wine Merchant to take to the winery.

picnicking in Santa Ynez Valley
No problem social distancing here
wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley
Table for two
wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley
Not sure they are 6 feet apart but they seem to be enjoying themselves
wine tasting with a mask in Santa Ynez Valley
Steve is shy…
Enjoying wine tasting
Such a wonderful day. I was feeling pretty relaxed. Plus I had a bottle of hand sanitizer right nearby 🙂

It was great to get out and visit a few wineries and tasting rooms in Santa Ynez Valley. The social distancing rules take a bit of time to get used to, but they are entirely manageable. I’d highly recommend a visit if you are in the area.

Foxen Vineyard, 7600 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454

Liquid Farm, 2445 Alamo Pintado Avenue, Los Olivos, CA, 93441

Story of Soil, 2928 San Marcos Avenue, Los Olivos CA, 93441

Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe, 2879 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441