Did you know that some of the best wineries are in Santa Maria Valley? Solvang, Santa Ynez, and Los Olivos are some fantastic wine tasting near Santa Maria, as well. However, if you drive long enough down Foxen Canyon Road you will find yourself in the heart of Santa Maria wine country. Home of some of the best wineries in Santa Maria. Look to see our bonus tip of where to stay in Santa Maria after a long day at the vineyards. You won’t be disappointed.
Presqu’ile Winery
This is a sustainably certified vineyard and small family run winery. Presqu’ile winery was chosen as one of the top 10 best tasting rooms of 2018,2019 USA Today’s readers choice awards. Also described in Conde Nast Traveler as “One of the most beautiful wineries in California.” The state of the art wine tasting room, sits upon a hill that looks out over all of Santa Maria wine country. Outside food is allowed to be brought in and their patio makes for a lovely picnic. Buy a bottle of their wine and you are all set for a relaxing afternoon with friends and family. Presqu’ile is known for their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc varietals. This makes our list of top 5 best Santa Maria valley wineries and vineyards.
5391 Presquile Drive, Santa Maria, Ca 93455
Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery
This is a small boutique vineyard and winery founded in 1988 by the Beko family. Cottonwood Canyon is known for specializing in handcrafted Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. You can opt for a tasting or share a bottle of wine on the patio. We recommend the cave tour. The wine caves were the first ever built in Santa Barbara county in the mid 1990’s. The tour includes 6 tastings paired with pickled asparagus, variety of cheeses, and chocolate, along with special barrel tastings not on the tasting room menu. Private tastings are available as well with an 8 person minimum. This makes our list of top 5 best Santa Maria valley wineries and vineyards.
3940 Dominion Road, Santa Maria, Ca 93454
Cambria Estate Winery
A family owned business for the past 30 years. Barbara Banke and daughters, Katie and Julia Jackson, continue to run the family business. Cambria Estate winery is known for their signature Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. However, they have a range of varietals, including Syrahs and Pinot Gris. They are also partners with non-profit organization SeaTrees. SeaTrees mission is dedicated to planting and protecting blue-carbon coastal ecosystems around the world. Check out Cambria Winery’s events page. They are very involved in the community and giving back. This makes our list of top 5 best Santa Maria valley wineries and vineyards.
5475 Chardonnay Lane, Santa Maria, Ca 93454
Riverbench Vineyards and Winery
The vineyard was established in 1973. Riverbench was known for selling their grapes to some of the most renowned wineries around. In 2006, Riverbench Vineyard decided to produce their own wines in limited quantities adding winery to their title. They soon started growing Pinot Menuir in 2008 and honing their skills in making sparkling wines. Today they feature a very special sparkling Pinot Menuir wine. These are exclusively available at their tasting rooms.
One of their two tasting rooms is located in The Funkzone of Santa Barbara, California. You can taste and purchase their limited wine and sparkling varietals in Santa Barbara, as well as, at the vineyard in Santa Maria. This makes our list of top 5 best Santa Maria valley wineries and vineyards.
6020 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, Ca 93454
Rancho Sisquoc Winery
The winery is part of a 37, 000 acre cattle ranch that the Floods purchased in 1952. The cattle ranch is the same as always, but Mr. Floods decided to trade in the beans and barley for grape vines and vegetables. In 1972 the first batch of wine was created and they have been producing exceptional Rieslings and Cabernets ever since. When you are on the property, you feel like you are in a serene secret valley. Yes, there are beautiful cows that line the way to the tasting room along the side of the road there and the property is a little slice of heaven tucked away. The drive is worth the wine at the end of the road. This makes our list of top 5 best Santa Maria valley wineries and vineyards.
6600 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, Ca 93454
Bonus Tip: Santa Maria Inn
Where should you stay at the end of your Santa Maria wine trail day? The historic Santa Maria Inn of course! Located in spectacular wine country, The Santa Maria Inn has been a California landmark and celebrity favorite since 1917. The inn was frequented by who else? Than Marilyn Monroe. There is a beautiful big outdoor pool, a lower level wine cellar and martini bar, multiple fine dining and bar settings, and beautiful big guest rooms and suites that are pet friendly. You can’t go wrong with your stay here at The Santa Maria Inn. If you chose to start your day here rather than end, they also offer deals on the local wineries you will be visiting. So fun!
801 South Broadway, Santa Maria, Ca 93454
Email: Innkeeper@santamariainn.com