Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Santa Maria; tastings $10; 11am-4pm)
On what was once a working cattle ranch, Foxen crafts warm Syrah, steel-cut Chardonnay,
full-fruited Pinot Noir and rich Rhône-style wines, all sourced from standout vineyards.
The newer tasting room is solar-powered, while the old 'shack' - a dressed-down space
with a corrugated-metal roof, funky-cool decor and leafy patio - pours Bordeaux-style and
Cal-Ital varietals under the 'Foxen 7200' label.
Demetria Estate
WINERY
Olivos; tastings $20; by appt only)
This hilltop retreat has the curving arches and thick wooden doors of your hospitable
Greek uncle's country house, with epic views of vineyards and rolling hillsides. Tastings
are by appointment only, but worth it just to sample the biodynamically farmed Chardon-
nay, Syrah and Viognier, plus rave-worthy Rhône-style red blends.
Zaca Mesa Winery
WINERY
10am-4pm daily year-round, to 5pm Fri & Sat late May-early Sep)
Stop by this barn-style tasting room for a rustic, sipping-on-the-farm ambience. Santa Bar-
bara's highest-elevation winery, Zaca Mesa is known not only for its estate-grown Rhône
varietals and signature Z Cuvée red blend and Z Blanc white blend, but also a life-sized
outdoor chessboard, a tree-shaded picnic area that's dog-friendly and a short, scenic trail
overlooking the vineyards.
Firestone Vineyards
WINERY
tastings $15, incl tour $20; 10am-5pm)
Founded in the 1970s, Firestone is Santa Barbara's oldest estate winery. Sweeping views
of the vineyard from the sleek, wood-paneled tasting room are nearly as satisfying as the
value-priced Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Bordeaux-style blends. Arrive in
