Our Favorite Santa Barbara County Wineries

There are so many reasons to visit Santa Barabara, but the top attractions that keep travelers coming back year after year are: sun, sea, and wine. Santa Barbara is a wine lover’s paradise as the region produces delicious varietals with a great reputation. The city surrounding Hotel Milo is well situated with a lot of great wine tasting rooms, especially in the nearby Funk Zone neighborhood. And throughout Santa Barbara county, we have a seemingly endless selection of fantastic wineries, each worth visiting for the picturesque atmosphere and amazing tasting experiences. 

A great place to start your wine tasting journey is our Sip & Stay Package, which features a complimentary bottle of house wine on the first night of your stay. Additionally, we have a curated selection of local wines in our Milo Market, located right on our property. From there, we recommend heading out into the county to check out these well-known wineries. 

Zaca Mesa & TREAD

Zaca Mesa introduced Syrah to the region in the late 70s, and the brand has since developed a reputation for delicious Rhone-style wines. TREAD is a newer label started by its head winemaker with new craft wines that are specific to the winery. Check out the gorgeous tasting room and vineyards, where you can sample different wines while enjoying the gorgeous scenery. 

Zaca Mesa & Tread. Foxen Canyon Rd. Los Olivos, CA

Brewer-Clifton

Founded by winemaker Greg Brewer, this highly regarded winery features bottles designed with his three decades of studying how to craft cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are the highlights here. Designed to showcase what the winery describes as “the true essence of our Sta. Rita Hills vineyards in Santa Barbara County.” 

Brewer-Clifton Winery. 329 N F St. Lompoc, CA

Sanford

Self-described as pioneers of the Sta. Rita Hills, Sanford Winery also says it planted the first Pinot Noir vines in Santa Barbara County. The estate tastings are by appointment only and absolutely worth the trip. You can also book a variety of other experiences here including an ATV tour of the vineyard, and a Founder Tasting featuring selections from their Founders Vine portfolio. 

Sanford Winery. 5010 Santa Rosa Rd. Lompoc, CA 

Happy Canyon Vineyard

Happy Canyon Vineyard is nearby in the hills of Piocho Ranch. They’re known for a champion wine named Piocho, which is a Bordeaux. Happy Canyon does tastings in downtown Santa Barbara’s Presidio neighborhood and at its estate vineyard at the ranch. Book an appointment at least two weeks ahead for an intimate tour with tastings and amazing views. 

Happy Canyon Vineyard. 30 El Paseo, Santa Barbara, CA 

Tasting with the Santa Barbara Wine Collective

If you’re more interested in tasting a variety, then you can stay right in town and head to the Santa Barbara Wine Collective for some amazing wine tasting. Featuring the finest wines grown and developed throughout Santa Barbara County, this is a great place to sample local wineries in a shared tasting room atmosphere. 

Santa Barbara Wine Collective. 131 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, CA