A Blogger & Media Weekend in Santa Barbara's Wine Country

Last January Emily Martin Communications & Events curated a weekend event with Muse Wine Management  in the beautiful, but often overlooked, Santa Barbara wine country. This carefree weekend consisted of expertly selected vineyard tours, hotel visits, wine tastings, and delicious meals. Attendees spent three wine-filled days and two relaxing nights in the quaint but lively towns of Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, and Solvang, California. Throughout the trip guests deepened their wine knowledge by the courtesy of wine experts from all over the Santa Barbara wine country area.

Keep scrolling to see more of the weekend getaway!

Day 1

The first day consisted of hotel checkins at the luxurious Landsby in Solvang. Soon enough guests were off to a welcome reception at Epiphany Wine Co. & The Bubble Shack. For a perfect end to the first day guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner at The Gathering Table, a new restaurant concept at the Ballard Inn, featuring Chef Budi Kazali.

The Landsby Hotel
santa2Bbarbara2Bwine2Btasting-56.jpg
The Landsby Hotel

Some beautiful details from one of the chic rooms at The Landsby.

The Landsby Hotel
Epiphany Cellars
Epiphany Wine Co.

Drinks were perfectly paired with the food and served in beautiful wine glasses at the welcome reception!

Not to mention the yummy cheese board...

Epiphany Cellars
The Gathering Table
Epiphany Cellars

What a delightful first meal at The Gathering Table, so tasty!

The Gathering Table

Day 2

To start off day two was a winery tour and barrel tasting at the luscious Gainey Vineyard in Santa Ynez with winemaker Jeff Lebard. Guests got to tour the vineyard on a warm sunny day and of course taste a few of the wines! Next up was another beautiful vineyard tour along with a tasting and an al fresco lunch at Fess Parker Winery with Winemaker Eli Parker. After lunch, guests were brought into town to explore the wonderful downtown of Los Olivos with stops at J. Wilkes, Bien Nacido & Dragonette tasting rooms. After a little break, maybe to do some more exploring, guests reconvened for a tasting at Alma Rosa Winery, followed by another divine dinner at Sides.

Gainey Vineyard
Gainey Vineyard

Rise and shine to enchanting vineyard views and a fun Jeep tour of Gainey Vineyards!

Gainey Vineyard
Gainey Vineyard
Gainey Vineyard

So much to learn!

Guests took a hands on approach in this winery experience.

Fess Parker Winery
Fess Parker Winery

Fess Parker has such a modern yet cozy set up outside!

Fess Parker Winery

And the al fresco lunch was oh so fresh!

J. Wilkes
J. Wilkes
Bien Nacido Vineyards

Each tasting was unique and delicious!

Bien Nacido Vineyards
Bien Nacido Vineyards

Guests learned about so many different pouring techniques!

Dragonette Cellars
Dragonette Cellars
Alma Rosa Winery
Alma Rosa Winery

The rustic look inside the Alma Rosa Winery transports you right to Tuscany! 

Stories and bottles of wine were passed around for hours in such a delightful and endearing atmosphere.

Alma Rosa Winery

Blogger Elise and founder Emily smiling in front of the cozy fire place in the private tasting room. 

Sides Hardware & Shoes
Sides Hardware & Shoes
Sides Hardware & Shoes

Sides in downtown Los Olivos serves refreshing hand-crafted cocktails and shamelessly indulgent desserts.

Day 3

Guests checked out to head home and on the way there was still more to come on the last day of the weekend getaway! Guests headed out for another vineyard tour, this time with Steven Gerbac at Rusack Vineyards. To end this tasty trip guests enjoyed one final tasting and lunch in the whimsical garden at Riverbench Vineyard & Winery

Rusack Vineyards
Rusack Vineyards
Rusack Vineyards
Rusack Vineyards

Steven Gerbac enlightening guests on the process of winemaking at the Rusack vineyards.

Riverbench Vineyard & Winery
Riverbench Vineyard & Winery

What a successful and enjoyable weekend trip for all! We are happy to bring attention to the underrated Santa Barbara wine country and all of its spectacular vineyards and tasting rooms.

Thank you to all of the wonderful wineries, restaurants, and hotels that hosted us, Muse Wine Management, and everyone else involved!

Photos by Arvin Studios