dimanche 5 mai 2013

Santa Barbara's best-kept wineries

By Philip von Wrede


The best kept wineries of Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara has it all, great food, great shopping, great culture and great wineries. If you are looking to escape the commercialism of Napa, Santa Barbara is the way to go. I think Santa Barbara is the most unique wine region in California because of the beaches, eateries and resorts.

Santa Barbara is a friendly pedestrian community with miles of beautiful mountains, rolling valleys, incredible architecture and miles of exotic beaches.

The 3 top wineries are Kalyra Winery, Santa Barbara Winery and Oreana Winery.

Located at at 202 Ancapa Street in Santa Barbara, sits Santa Barbara Winery. Started by Pierre Lafond in 1962, the first winery since prohibition which helped spark the Santa Ynez Valley wine industry. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Syrah, Petite Syrah, Pinot Noir and other wines are produced by the Santa Barbara Winery.

5 bucks wine tasting. For $5, you get to keep the glass and taste 6 different wines. Great atmosphere, amazing value and friendly staff! Incredible Riesling and others were notably exceptional. The beach is within walking distance to the winery, so after a great day of wine tasting, plan on stopping by this winery and stroll out onto the beach.

For those not used to it, or those for whom this may be your first tasting, this was overall a great experience,very enjoyable and drinkable wine. We will certainly be back to visit Santa Barbara Winery

Secondly, located 212 State Street is Kalyra winery. Their main winery is in the Santa Ynez valley and this is their second location. Just two blocks from the beach, Kalyra has a cool, fun, adventurous wine experience. The winemaker is from Australia and has been making wine in Australia and California for over 20 years which gives the winery an Australian vibe. The winery also has free movie nights periodically.

We tasted 3 whites, 3 reds, and 2 dessert wines for a wine tasting fee of $10. If you are into the sweeter variety, their specialty is dessert wines and this spot is incredible.

Overall, I will gladly return in the near future, I had a fantastic wine experience here. If you were into the movie, "Sideways" (2004), It was here at Kalyra! Try to spot where Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) meet Stephanie (Sandra Oh) at the bar.

Last but not least and located at 205 Anacapa street is is Oreana Winery. With creative wines such as "bacon wine", this winery is a must try. When visiting Oreana, they were very generous with their tasting. This winery did not skimp on the tastings. A definite plus especially when it's great wine. This winery was redeveloped from an old gas station and using its bones, transformed it into an incredible winery tasting room.

When visiting Santa Barbara, these are 3 wineries that you need to visit.




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