Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara - Santa Ynez Valley

Recently I was asked for advice about the Santa Barbara Wine Country. Readers of this blog will know that many posts have been written about Wine Tasting and that Wine is close to my heart. The best advice I can give to anyone planning a trip is the following:
1. Go early 2. Designate a Driver, or better yet get a Limo 3. Go over Hwy 154 and stop at Cold Springs Tavern on the way home for dinner. 4. Take your time.
The most beautiful wineries are: 1. Sunstone, 2. Melville Vineyards 3. Sanford
Quaint stops that are memorable are: 1. Foxen, 2. Longoria (Great outdoor patio for lunch) 3. Mosby.

A fun way to do it is to plan your route with the wine map:
http://www.sbcountywines.com/visit/map.html

Or if you are very adventurous take a few days and use the Sideways map:
http://www.santabarbaraca.com/includes/media/docs/Sideways-Map.pdf

Be sure to enjoy the Pinot that Santa Barbara is known for and seek out Seasmoke which is one my absolute favorites.
https://www.seasmokecellars.com/index.asp

You can order a bottle like Miles and Jack (Sideways) at the Hitching Post II.
Tell them Senor Savvy sent you. "The most interesting man in Santa Barbara!"
http://www.hitchingpost2.com/restaurant.html

(** For my list of Top things to do in Santa Barbara visit my Tripadvisor.com list here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i18213-Santa_Barbara_Savvy_only_for_the_Savvy.html **)