Santa Barbara wine country. Sounds peaceful doesn't it? Not on any given weekend I can tell you. Just getting there can be a headache. So what's the advice?
One - start early. If you're leaving from LA and it's environs get on the road early in the morning and get to Santa Barbara in time for breakfast. Yep - breakfast.
Two - don't rush. The roads - no matter which way you go - will be pretty open in the morning and besides, most wineries don't open until 10am for tasting.
Three - consider taking highway 154 just as you get through Santa Barbara. Why? The highway winds it's way up the mountain through the Los Padres National Forest. As you gain elevation take the temptation to pull off the road at one of the overlooks. It's a breath-taking view back toward the Pacific Ocean and Refugio State Beach.
Continue on up the mountain - watching for bicycles - and consider a side trip to Chumash Painted Cave just a mile or so off the highway on Painted Cave Road. Besides the cave - the views are staggering. Once done, head back north on hwy 154 and the next thing you'll see as you start down the back side is Lake Cachuma.
Lake Cachuma is 3100 acres of water, camping and recreation. Look carefully at the lake and you might see the UCSB rowing team practicing. There is ample opportunity to pull off and get a closer look at the lake. Who know - you might even see one of the American Bald Eagles that frequent the area.
But - back to our destination: wine tasting. It's now only 10 miles or so to the left turn on Mission Drive (Hwy 246) that will take you almost immediately to Gainey Vineyards. We think it's quite arguably The Best of wine country in this area. If you like Chardonnay or Pinot Noir - you may just find yourself joining their wine club. #gainey, #santabarbarawine, #pinotnoir, #winecountrytravel
Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment