My husband and I recently enjoyed an amazing 3 days in Santa Barbara where we stayed at the Ritz Carlton Bacara. I’d gladly argue Santa Barbara is the Napa of Southern California with all the wine tasting that can be done. We spent our entire first day wine tasting in and around the Santa Barbara Funk Zone. Here are the best Santa Barbara Wine Tasting rooms.
Wine Tasting in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone
Wine tasting in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone means having the opportunity to walk the largest part of the Urban Wine Trail. Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail is a self-guided tour of 27 tasting rooms. In the Funk Zone you can find 15 of these tasting rooms. Of those 15 we visited 4 and each one had a unique atmosphere.
Area 5.1 Winery
Area 5.1 Winery is right next to one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara, The Lark. With a play on Area 51, this wine tasting room in Santa Barbara has top secret menus and other plays on alien adventures. It’s open daily starting at 12PM.
Oreana Winery
Oreana Winery is the winery to visit if you’re looking for an upbeat atmosphere. They offer live music on weekends and you can choose to sit indoors or outdoors. The tasting room is open daily starting at 11AM.
Santa Barbara Winery
Santa Barbara Winery is the oldest winery in Santa Barbara, founded in 1962. It was my favorite winery we visited. Not only is the tasting room gorgeous with beautiful barrels of wine lining the back wall but the variety of wines was great. One important thing to note for those with severe allergies there is a cat that lives indoors and freely walks around the winery. It’s open daily starting at 10AM.
Santa Barbara Wine Tasting with a View
Want to experience Santa Barbara wine tasting with a view? A little Walk over to Stearns Wharf which is still in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone. This is where you’ll find Deep Sea Winery Tasting Room. Sitting on the pier you’ll have epic views along with great wine. Whether you choose to stare at the ocean or beautiful hills of Santa Barbara there isn’t a bad seat here.
Santa Barbara wine tasting is serious! We could have spent days wine tasting in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone! We hope to return to enjoy more of the best wineries in Santa Barbara. Did you find this article helpful? Please share it!