Santa Barbara County Wine Tasting Secrets

When wine tasting in Santa Ynez valley, many of the local secrets are missed by the day tripper. One hidden gem is Nielsen's Market in Santa Ynez where you can get your picnic lunch at their deli and get a six pack of your favorite wines with a 10% discount. Mix and match after you have visited the wineries and tasting rooms. Ask Rodney Nielsen for help with selections. You won't be disappointed. Besides, you can revel in the fact that you are doing as the locals do.

http://nielsensmarket.com/wine_dept.htm

For dinner afterwards, stop in Trattoria Grappolo at 3687C Sagunto St. for dinner.
They have amazing food and the folks who dine here are those who know food. Try their house wine or look for D'Bruno Sangiovese to round out your dinner. This is a hot spot so call for reservations or sit at the bar: 805-688-6899. Reserve a table at:
http://www.opentable.com/single.aspx?pc=&ref=198&ur=&restref=&rid=20107

This is a locals favorite. Enjoy.