The annual extravaganza in Southern California’s Santa Ynez Valley features the towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang (where the movie Sideways was filmed) just north of Santa Barbara.
The event, put on by Visit the Santa Ynez Valley and Sunset Magazine, is Sept. 28-Oct. 1. Tickets are now on sale for the various events – which include tasting receptions and dinners, horseback riding, a zipline adventure and other unique activities – on the event’s website, Taste of Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley.
More than 100 restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, breweries, and distilleries collaborate for more than a dozen main and ancillary events.
“Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley offers an intimate and immersive view of what makes this region so appealing, in a way that is both memorable and fun,” said Shelby Sim, President/CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, which is overseeing the event’s production. “Whether you are a local or a visitor, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley is a can’t-miss opportunity for anyone who wants to savor the region’s wine, food, and experiences.”
Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley explores specific communities each day, beginning with a day in Los Alamos, the region’s burgeoning haven for foodies, on Thursday, Sept. 28. The celebration ends on Oct. 1, with the best of Solvang. Along the way, attendees are invited to enjoy wine and beer tastings, special communal and chef-driven dinners, vineyard experiences, horseback riding, wine tumbler making, and much more.
This year’s late-September start for Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley also represents the earliest start for the event, during what many consider to be a favorite time of year in the region for the season’s mild temperatures and the buzz of harvest.
“Early fall’s combination of ideal weather and the excitement of harvest has always brought an alluring energy to the region,” Sim said. “There may be no better way to harness that energy than by celebrating over the four days of Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley.”
This year, 5% of all ticket sales for every Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley event benefits People Helping People, a local nonprofit that is a primary provider of human and social services in the region.
TASTE OF THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY DAILY SCHEDULE
Thursday, Sept. 28
Los Alamos Wine Tasting Reception at The Maker’s Son, featuring wines from Los Alamos and the Santa Maria Valley: 4-5:30 p.m.
Los Alamos Dinner, served on a communal table on Bell Street and showcasing Full of Life Flatbread, Bell’s, PICO, Plenty, and Bob’s Well Bread Bakery and paired with Los Alamos and Santa Maria Valley wines: 6-8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 29
Vino Vaqueros Horseback Riding: 9-11 a.m.
Zipline Tour with Highline Adventures: 9-11 a.m.
Vineyard Tour & Tasting with Lumen Wines: 9-11 a.m.
Los Olivos Wine Tasting Reception at the Coquelicot Tasting Room Courtyard, featuring wines from Los Olivos, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez, and Happy Canyon served with local bites: 4-5:30 p.m.
Los Olivos Dinner, served on a communal table at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern. Featuring cuisine from the kitchens of Mattei’s Tavern, Bar Le Cote, S.Y. Kitchen, Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café, and Enjoy Cupcakes, and paired with wines from Los Olivos and Ballard Canyon: 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 30
Horseback Ride and Classic Cowboy Breakfast at Alisal Ranch: 7:15-11:15 a.m.
Haywagon Ride and Classic Cowboy Breakfast at Alisal Ranch: 8:30-10:45 a.m.
Guided Hike on the Midland School Trail System, led by Midland students: 9-11 a.m.
Zipline Tour with Highline Adventures: 9-11 a.m.
Create Your Own “Chato” Wine Tumbler with Community Clayworks: 10 a.m.-noon.
Buellton Beer-Focused Tasting at Figueroa Mountain Brewing, featuring Santa Ynez Valley craft beer and Sta. Rita Hills and Buellton wines: Noon-3 p.m.
Santa Ynez Tasting Reception and Dinner at The Victor’s Coach House. Sample wines from Santa
Ynez and Happy Canyon and cuisine from the kitchens of The Victor and other favorite Santa Ynez restaurants: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 1
Stolpman Hike with Wine Tasting: 9-11 a.m.
Zipline Tour with Highline Adventures: 9-11 a.m.
Solvang Food and Wine Tasting at Solvang Park, featuring cuisine from the kitchens of Solvang’s favorite restaurants and paired with Santa Ynez Valley wines, local craft beer, and live music: Noon-3 p.m.
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