Introducing the Santa Ynez Valley

What’s Happening in 2026

Pure SYV, With a New York State of Mind

Daisy and Greg Ryan know New York’s culinary world from the inside — the long nights, exacting standards, and creative pressure that forges top-tier talent. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, Daisy Ryan honed her craft at institutions like Gramercy Tavern, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, and Per Se, where she met her husband and collaborator, Greg. After honing their skills in New York’s restaurant scene and following stops in LA and Austin, the couple chose to return home to California’s Santa Ynez Valley, where Daisy grew up. What followed was not a step back, but a bold reimagining: applying New York-honed precision and ambition to a region rooted in agriculture, seasonality, and community. Their first restaurant, Bell’s in Los Alamos, earned the Santa Ynez Valley’s first Michelin star for its distinctive take on “Franch” cuisine. Their second, Bar Le Côte, was also added to Michelin’s California Guide. Through Companion Hospitality, the Ryans are helping shape a new chapter of the region’s food story — one where big-city technique meets small-town soul, and where a quieter setting fosters creativity, hospitality, and connection.

Where Wine Country Meets the Space Race

Just two hours north of Los Angeles, Santa Ynez Valley offers one of the most unexpected California wine country experiences: front-row views of rocket launches from nearby Vandenberg Space Force Base. From vineyard patios, boutique inns, and rolling ranchland, visitors can watch SpaceX and other commercial and government missions roar into orbit — often without warning — turning a tranquil wine-country stay into a jaw-dropping spectacle. Few places in the world pair world-class food, tasting rooms, wineries, and small-town charm with real-time access to the modern space race. The result is a rare kind of “space tourism” that requires no ticket, no crowds, and no theme-park gloss — just a clear sky, a glass of local pinot, and the unforgettable sight of history lifting off on the horizon.

Experience the Santa Ynez Valley — No Wine Glass Required

From horseback rides through rolling hills and farm-to-table culinary experiences to mocktail tastings, art-filled strolls, and cultural explorations, one doesn’t need a wine glass to savor the best of the Santa Ynez Valley. Whether taking a break, sticking to a New Year’s resolution, or skipping alcohol altogether, the region’s blend of creativity, flavor, and natural beauty never disappoints.

The Unique History and Culture of the Santa Ynez Valley

From the native Chumash people and Spanish explorers to Old West ranchers and Danish immigrants, the Santa Ynez Valley’s diverse heritage is woven into the fabric of its six distinct communities. Discover it through vibrant museums and thriving art scenes—from the new $32 million Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center to Danish bakeries in Solvang and the work of artist Thomas Dambo at the California Nature Art Museum. Here, storytelling and heritage come vividly alive.

Sustainable SYV

Rooted in agriculture, the Santa Ynez Valley has long balanced land and lifestyle in harmony. Today, visitors can connect with that legacy through farmstead tours, regenerative vineyards, family farms, and sustainable culinary experiences. As travelers seek purpose and connection, this Central Coast wine country gem stands out for its authenticity—an immersive place to travel light and taste deep.

The Influential Women of the Santa Ynez Valley

The Santa Ynez Valley is shaped by visionary women across wine, food, and hospitality. Pioneers like Lane Tanner of Lumen Wines and Iris Rideau of Rideau Vineyard paved the way for today’s generation of women winemakers, including Sunshine Doench (Future Perfect Wine), Anna Lancucki (Final Girl Wines), Sonja Magdevski (Clementine Carter/The Feminist Party), Samra Morris (Alma Rosa), and more. In the kitchen, Michelin-starred chef Daisy Ryan of Bell’s leads a culinary renaissance. Across the Valley, these innovators continue to define a destination where exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and community thrive in perfect harmony.

Wellness in the Santa Ynez Valley

Once seen as indulgent opposites, wine and wellness now pair beautifully in the Santa Ynez Valley. Home to more than 100 wineries alongside a culture of outdoor adventure, holistic retreats that incorporate everything from vineyard yoga to meditation, and farm-fresh cuisine, the region offers a wine country escape that’s equal parts restorative and refined.

Laidback Luxury, SYV Style

In the Santa Ynez Valley, luxury doesn’t announce itself — it invites you in. Whether it’s the historic elegance of The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, the timeless ranch heritage and rolling landscapes of Alisal Ranch, the intimate warmth of The Genevieve, or the Scandinavian-inspired charm of The Landsby, the region’s accommodations feel worlds away from traditional five-star formality found in Los Angeles or San Francisco. In the Santa Ynez Valley, luxury doesn’t mean ostentatious. It means space to breathe, thoughtful design rooted in local history, and service that feels personal rather than performative. Guests trade packed itineraries for slow mornings, vineyard views, and evenings that unfold organically — proof that the most compelling version of California luxury isn’t about excess, but about comfort, authenticity, and a deep sense of place.