Wine tasting is meant to be a relaxing experience, one that enriches the mind and spirit. So, too, is a session at a spa or wellness center.
Which is why Santa Ynez Valley in California’s central wine country has blended the two activities and here are several places to enjoy both. Santa Ynez Valley, which is in the wine region in Santa Barbara County and includes the towns of Buellton and Solvang, has more than 150 wineries. It was featured in the movie Sideways.
“People want more from their vacations today—they’re seeking balance,” said Shelby Sim, president and CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “They want to explore, indulge, and relax, but also move, connect, and return home feeling better than when they arrived. Here, you can sip a world-class pinot one moment and hike among wildflowers or flow through a vineyard yoga class the next.”
Inspired by Los Olivos’ lavender fields, rich soil, and twilight skies, the Lavender Barn at the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern blends timeless healing traditions with the art of slow wellness. At the Spa at Chumash Casino Resort, enjoy a full-service spa menu that includes hot stone massages, hydrating facials, and access to a rooftop pool with sweeping valley views. The Alisal Ranch Spa focuses on restorative treatments designed to complement the ranch’s outdoor activities, including yoga, sound healing, and personal training, while The Genevieve’s boutique Splendour Spa offers luxury wellness treatments like massage and facials.
Combine yoga, wine, and a bucolic setting at Olde Oak Meadow Yoga. Buellton, SHiFT Studio offers a holistic wellness experience with yoga classes for all levels. Or immerse yourself in the regular yoga classes held for guests at the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern.
More Things To Do In Santa Ynez Valley
Vino Vaqueros has Its guided horseback rides through private vineyards and ranchland.
Bicycle riding among the vineyards is an outdoor activity that combines exercise along with good scenery, often topped with wine tasting. Rentals and guided rides from outfitters such as Dr. J’s Bicycle Shop and Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours make it easy to explore on two wheels.
There are dozens of scenic hikes and nature walks among them the gentle loops around Lake Cachuma to wildflower-strewn climbs up Figueroa Mountain. Many trails reward with sweeping valley views, peaceful solitude and a glass of wine is never far away.
The restaurants are also of high quality Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café and Bell’s in Los Alamos is the Santa Ynez Valley’s lone MICHELIN-starred restaurant and serves seasonal produce from nearby farms or even from their own gardens. There is also California cuisine at Pico in Los Alamos, the modern Italian of SY Kitchen, the casual deliciousness of Solvang’s peasant’s FEAST—a Bib Gourmand winner and one of six area restaurants with a MICHELIN rating and Roblar Winery and Vineyards with and its own regenerative farm. At Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard, you enjoy estate-grown wines while sampling fruit harvested just steps away. At Vega Vineyard & Farm, agriculture, ranching, and wine combine for a true Santa Ynex experience.
The Santa Ynez Valley website has information on booking a trip as well as these and more wine and wellness activities.
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