Wine Taster's Handbook
Itineraries / Best Outdoor Patios

Best Outdoor Patios

Three tasting rooms built around great outdoor seating, timed so you’re never rushing between them, with an al-fresco lunch.

This plan keeps to 3 tastings with real drive times and a lunch break, because more than 3-4 in a day means rushing. Times are a suggested pace; call ahead, as many rooms take reservations.
Before you go. This is a plan for a day of drinking. Line up a designated driver, a car service or a tour operator before you leave. Drive times assume a sober driver. Spitting and dumping is normal at every room on this list.
10:30 AM
Foxen Vineyard
Santa Maria Valley · Santa Barbara. $20 tasting · Outdoor · Dog-friendly · Sustainable
Drive ~26 min to the next stop
12:11 PM
Melville Winery
Sta. Rita Hills · Santa Barbara. $35 tasting · Outdoor · Sustainable
1:26 PM
Lunch break
We have not picked a spot for you here. Many rooms on this route allow picnics, and Santa Maria Valley (Foxen Canyon) has places to eat. Budget about 75 minutes so the afternoon stays relaxed.
Drive ~25 min to the next stop
3:06 PM
Folded Hills Winery
Santa Ynez Valley · Santa Barbara. Fee varies · Outdoor · Dog-friendly · Sustainable
After
Dinner
Most rooms close by 5:00 to 5:30, so plan dinner in Santa Barbara once you are done tasting.
See these on the map