Santa Ynez Valley Blog


Adventure and Travel Inspiration

Plus Culture, History and Entertainment

Local stories, experiences, news, and more about Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang, small towns located in the beautiful Santa Barbara country wine country. Read it all in the official Santa Ynez Valley blog.


Best Stops for a Solo Traveler in the Santa Ynez Valley, California

Santa Ynez Valley, California Best Stops for a Solo Traveler From “Eat, Pray, Love” and “Under the Tuscan Sun” to … Continue reading Best Stops for a Solo Traveler in the Santa Ynez Valley, California

Sideways’ At 20: The Santa Ynez Valley Is No Longer A Secret

20 Years Later: Rediscovering the Santa Ynez Valley Through the Legacy of “Sideways“ It’s been two decades since Miles and … Continue reading Sideways’ At 20: The Santa Ynez Valley Is No Longer A Secret

Saddle Up! Be a Coastal Cowgirl in the Santa Ynez Valley

Saddle Up! Be a California Coastal Cowgirl Santa Ynez Valley Saddle Up! Picture a place where the wide-open spaces of the … Continue reading Saddle Up! Be a Coastal Cowgirl in the Santa Ynez Valley

Fall Activities in Santa Ynez Valley

Fall Events – Santa Barbara Wine Country – Fall Activities in Santa Ynez Valley – As autumn comes to the … Continue reading Fall Activities in Santa Ynez Valley

Thanksgiving in the Santa Ynez Valley

Experience Thanksgiving  ~ in the Santa Ynez Valley ~ Thanksgiving Day - November 28, 2024 As the traditional start to … Continue reading Thanksgiving in the Santa Ynez Valley

6 Best Farms & Markets to Visit

6 Best Farms & Markets to Visit In the Santa Ynez Valley, CA Farm-to-table is not just a buzzword with … Continue reading 6 Best Farms & Markets to Visit

The Best Live Music Venues in the Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Enjoy Santa Ynez Valley Concerts Live Music What screams summer more than live music, enjoy Santa Ynez Valley Concerts? There … Continue reading The Best Live Music Venues in the Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Christmas in the Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Events – Ballard | Buellton | Los Alamos | Los Olivos | Santa Ynez | Solvang PLEASE RETURN TO THIS PAGE OFTEN AS WE UPDATE … Continue reading Christmas in the Santa Ynez Valley

Dog-Friendly Spots in the Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Pet Friendly Places in Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley Being a pet owner means taking the best care of … Continue reading Dog-Friendly Spots in the Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Your Guide to the Most Luxurious Getaway in the Santa Ynez Valley, California

Your Guide to the Most Luxurious Getaway in the Santa Ynez Valley, California In a world where you’re constantly on … Continue reading Your Guide to the Most Luxurious Getaway in the Santa Ynez Valley, California

Plan a Family-Friendly Trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Santa Barbara Family Friendly Activities Abound in the Santa Ynez Valley Find family-friendly hotels, restaurants, wineries and activities Plan a … Continue reading Plan a Family-Friendly Trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Fine Dining in the Santa Ynez Valley

Fine Dining in the Santa Ynez Valley One of our favorite things about the Santa Ynez Valley is dressing up … Continue reading Fine Dining in the Santa Ynez Valley

Top Ten Things to Do in the Santa Ynez Valley

The Santa Ynez Valley Top 10 Things to Do With more than 100 wineries, incredible food, and special events, you … Continue reading Top Ten Things to Do in the Santa Ynez Valley

Scenic Drives to the Santa Ynez Valley

California Road Trips - Scenic Drives to the Santa Ynez Valley When taking Scenic Drives to the Santa Ynez Valley … Continue reading Scenic Drives to the Santa Ynez Valley

Nightlife: Santa Barbara Wine Country Heats Up

I Love the Santa Ynez Valley Nightlife - Nightlife in Santa Barbara Wine Country Whether we’re your vacation or wedding … Continue reading Nightlife: Santa Barbara Wine Country Heats Up

Santa Ynez Valley Cocktail Trail

Discover Artfully Crafted Cocktails – On the Santa Ynez Valley Cocktail Trail –  We might be best known as wine … Continue reading Santa Ynez Valley Cocktail Trail

Experience the Great Outdoors – Santa Ynez Valley

Hikes in Santa Ynez Valley – Things to Do – California’s Central Coast – We’re all looking for a way … Continue reading Experience the Great Outdoors – Santa Ynez Valley

Cycling in the Santa Ynez Valley

Bicycle Friendly - Cycling is a serious business here at The Santa Ynez Valley. The variety of terrains in the … Continue reading Cycling in the Santa Ynez Valley

Noteworthy: World’s Must-Visit Travel Destinations

Best Travel Destinations The Santa Ynez Valley  - There’s a feeling you get in the Santa Ynez Valley — call … Continue reading Noteworthy: World’s Must-Visit Travel Destinations

Women in Wine

Women Winemakers to Know -  In the Santa Ynez Valley - Written and photographed by Heather Daenitz of Craft & … Continue reading Women in Wine

Movies Filmed In The Santa Ynez Valley

Hollywood in Santa Ynez Valley – Movies Filmed In The Santa Ynez Valley. Hollywood knows that our six towns of … Continue reading Movies Filmed In The Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Barbara County Sparkling Wine Map

Santa Ynez Valley, Known for Excellent Wines – Santa Barbara County Sparkling Wine Map This region is one of the … Continue reading Santa Barbara County Sparkling Wine Map

Top 5 Things To Do In Solvang

The Danish Capital of America -  Top 5 Things To Do In Solvang  We share information about the entire Santa … Continue reading Top 5 Things To Do In Solvang

Top 5 Things To Do in Buellton

One of six distinct communities in the Santa Ynez Valley, there is far more to Buellton than what first meets … Continue reading Top 5 Things To Do in Buellton

Top 10 Reasons To Visit Santa Ynez Valley

Weekend Getaway - Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in the Santa Ynez Valley. The six distinct communities offer a … Continue reading Top 10 Reasons To Visit Santa Ynez Valley

Car Memorabilia & Vintage Signs in Buellton, CA

Mendenhall Museum – Car Memorabilia & Vintage Signs in Buellton, CA Car Memorabilia & Vintage Signs in Buellton, CA, is … Continue reading Car Memorabilia & Vintage Signs in Buellton, CA

Santa Ynez Valley Wine and Families

A Perfect, if Unexpected, Pairing – Santa Ynez Valley Wine and Families With kid-friendly attractions, family-friendly wineries –  Much to … Continue reading Santa Ynez Valley Wine and Families

Santa Ynez Valley’s Spirited Side

What’s Brewing in the Santa Ynez Valley – Santa Ynez Valley’s Spirited Side – Wine and Halloween go hand-in-hand, right? … Continue reading Santa Ynez Valley’s Spirited Side

Getaway Natural Wine Buying Guide -Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country

Wine Buying Choices - Biodynamically Made Wine What constitutes a “natural wine”? How do I know if this wine is … Continue reading Getaway Natural Wine Buying Guide -Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country

Santa Ynez Valley’s Great Horseback Riding Experiences

Horseback Riding in the Santa Ynez Valley Maybe it’s the connection to the horse, to nature, and to Santa Ynez … Continue reading Santa Ynez Valley’s Great Horseback Riding Experiences

TRAVEL + LEISURE, World’s 50 Best Places To Travel In 2022

The Santa Ynez Valley - If you’ve visited the Santa Ynez Valley before, you know what a truly special place  … Continue reading TRAVEL + LEISURE, World’s 50 Best Places To Travel In 2022

How to Enjoy Aprés-Ski Festivities in the Santa Ynez Valley, California

No Snow, No Problem: How to Enjoy Aprés-Ski Festivities in the Santa Ynez Valley, California No Snow No Problem: How … Continue reading How to Enjoy Aprés-Ski Festivities in the Santa Ynez Valley, California

7 Unforgettable Summer Adventures in Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Santa Ynez Valley, California ~ 7 Unforgettable Summer Adventures ~ Craving a summer getaway you’ll never forget? Think warm sunshine, … Continue reading 7 Unforgettable Summer Adventures in Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Summer Vacations in the Santa Ynez Valley

Summer Fun in the Santa Ynez Valley  Vacation Adventure Time There is still plenty of time for Summer Vacations in … Continue reading Summer Vacations in the Santa Ynez Valley

Solvang Danish Days Celebration

2024 Update: Get Ready for Solvang Danish Days! California’s Premier Danish Heritage Festival Join the Annual Solvang Danish Days Celebration of … Continue reading Solvang Danish Days Celebration

CELEBRATE:
Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley

Celebrate Harvest 2024 ~ Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, September 28 – October 1   This year’s event starts … Continue reading CELEBRATE:
Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley


Ballard | Buellton | Los Alamos | Los Olivos | Santa Ynez | Solvang


#SYVibes

There’s a feeling you get in the Santa Ynez Valley – a vibe. Gather inspiration for your next trip from our blog, and then share how you experience the SYV by tagging your photos on social with #SYVibes.