The Most Underrated Wine Region You'll Find In California

California draws visitors in with its world-renowned beaches and seemingly eternal sunshine. The Golden State is also an icon in the film industry. But did you know that California makes more than movies? According to the Wine Institute, California is one of the most significant wine producers in the country, accounting for 81% of wine made in the United States. California's most notable wine destinations include Napa Valley and Sonoma County, both in Northern California. However, head to Santa Barbara Wine Country in Central California to discover an underrated wine region home to the Santa Ynez Valley. 

Located about 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, the Santa Ynez Valley is a lesser-known area in Santa Barbara County near the Santa Ynez, San Rafael, and Sierra Madre Mountains. As such, it has optimal weather conditions for growing grapes that produce wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to name a few. Furthermore, the Santa Ynez Valley has some of the best towns for wine lovers, like Santa Ynez, Solvang, and Los Olivos.

Santa Ynez Valley has over 100 wineries. Travelers can visit three of these wineries via Stagecoach Co. Wine Tours. It offers a 5.5-hour Wine Lovers Tour for under $200. Lunch is included in this price, and you can book the experience online. Of course, you can always discover one of the many wineries in Santa Ynez Valley on your own.

The Santa Ynez Valley has lush mountain scenery and seemingly endless wineries. Need help narrowing down options? Check out Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez, which is top-rated on Tripadvisor. The winery (seen in the Tiktok above) will make you feel like you've been transported to another time and place, namely, the French countryside. Five-flight wine tastings are offered daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and cost $25. Reservations are recommended and can be made online. Guests have the option to bring food to enjoy a picnic lunch on the stunning grounds. However, food trucks are available during the weekends.

In Solvang, travelers will find Rideau Vineyard, which features a picturesque tasting room surrounded by flora. Wine tastings are available daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It offers a Signature Flight and an Adobe Flight for $25. Also available is a wine-tasting experience paired with food and a vineyard tour. This is only offered Wednesday through Friday at 12:00 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. and is $125 per person. You can make a reservation for Rideau Vineyard online.

Another quaint alternative is Stolpman Vineyards in Los Olivos. Tastings on its patio are offered daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for $25. In addition, it has tastings in a garage setting for $20 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday to Monday. Online reservations are available.

Available experiences extend well beyond wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley. Arguably, it's one of the perfect getaways hidden on the West Coast, especially for those who prefer a lowkey vacation. Solvang, for example, is a fairy-tale-like town with a Danish influence. It has several delicious eateries, including Paula's Pancake House, the Solvang Bakery, and the Copenhagen Sausage Garden. Moreover, visitors can learn more about Solvang's Danish roots at the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art. It's open Thursday to Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Los Alamos is about 20 minutes away from Solvang. Also, part of the Santa Ynez Valley, it was formerly a stagecoach stop and has retained much of its vintage charm. Visitors can stay at the Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos, which dates back to 1864. What makes this hotel so unique is not its age but rather its six-themed suites. They include a pirate suite, an Egyptian suite, a '50s suite, and more. Prices at the Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos start at $245 a night and can be booked online. Likewise, Los Alamos is perfect for foodies. One popular eatery is Bob's Well Bread Bakery. It serves breakfast and lunch, and menu items include an array of sandwiches and pastries. Bob's Well Bread Bakery is open Thursday to Monday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Looking to follow your love of vino beyond the West Coast? Check out the best towns for wine lovers in the Midwest.