***** (5 stars)
A beautiful property, well worth the search to find it! With two major properties and ten varietals there is a lot going on here. Most important is the great winemaking.
Our favorites were the Syrah, especially the PMV Clone 1.
Great hospitality from Neil. Be sure to ask about their library wines.
Beckmen Vineyards
2670 Ontiveros Rd
Los Olivos, CA
93441
(805) 688-8664
https://www.yelp.com/biz/beckmen-vineyards-los-olivos-2
**** (4 stars)
This is a good stop in downtown Los Olivos. The emphasis is on Rhone varietals, especially Syrah. The style tends toward the fruity end of the spectrum rather than the charred game end. They also make an interesting white Rhone blend.
Tensley Wines Tasting Room
2900 Grand Ave
Los Olivos, CA
93441
(805) 688-6761
https://www.yelp.com/biz/tensley-wines-tasting-room-los-olivos
**** (4 stars)
This is a lovely hilltop tasting room. The winery specializes in sparkling wines, and the ones we tried were crisp and well made. Their wine club is a particularly good deal. Our server was friendly and very enthusiast.
Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
453 Laetitia Vineyard Dr
Arroyo Grande, CA
93420
(805) 481-1772
https://www.yelp.com/biz/laetitia-vineyard-and-winery-arroyo-grande-2
*** (3 stars)
This small tasting room also has a nice outside seating area. The server was friendly and informative. The wines are not from the immediate area of the tasting room, as they specialize in zinfandel.
Saucelito Canyon Vineyards
3080 Biddle Ranch Rd
San Luis Obispo, CA
93403
(805) 543-2111
https://www.yelp.com/biz/saucelito-canyon-vineyards-san-luis-obispo
***** (5 stars)
This was the best producer we visited during our day in the Arroyo Grande area. Their Chardonnays and Sirah were particular standouts. The tasting room has a marvelous view of the vineyards, and there is a nice outside area for relaxing with a bottle. We voted by joining their club!
Talley Vineyards
3031 Lopez Dr
Arroyo Grande, CA
93420
(805) 270-7505
https://www.yelp.com/biz/talley-vineyards-arroyo-grande
*** (3 stars)
Lovely combination wine tasting room and farmers’ market. Be sure to pet the cat, Merlot, when you visit! Service was friendly and there are some very appealing wine choices.
Peacock Cellars
1543 Los Berros RdLos Berros Country Market
Arroyo Grande, CA
93420
(805) 473-9463
https://www.yelp.com/biz/peacock-cellars-arroyo-grande
**** (4 stars)
This small, one-room restaurant offers fine dining in a home-spun atmosphere. Many of the dishes are definitely noteworthy. We particularly enjoyed both of our appetizers, the oysters, and the rabbit tacos. Flavors and textures were perfect in both dishes.
The entrees were fine, but not as impressive.
Desserts were nicely done, with a homemade honeycomb being the standout.
The weakness is the wine list, particularly the wines by the glass, which are heavily reliant upon a single so-so producer. This is odd, since the restaurant is in the middle of wine country.
Service was friendly, but the single server struggled to keep up with the three occupied tables, which were unfortunately simultaneously seated.
The menu allows you to select the number of courses you like, and we felt the price for three courses was extremely reasonable.
First & Oak
409 1st St
Solvang, CA
93463
(805) 688-1703
https://www.yelp.com/biz/first-and-oak-solvang-3
***** (5 stars)
This beautiful property offers spacious rooms with traditional (and posh) decor in a very convenient location.
The decor incorporates fine woodwork and beautiful tile and mosaic floors into a blending of modern floorplans and colonial ambiance.
Prepared to order breakfast, evening wine, and nighttime desserts are included in the room price.
The staff are friendly hosts, and you feel as if they are inviting you into their home. While this imparts a bed and breakfast feel, the service level is what you would expect from a five-star resort.
Many good restaurants are within easy walking distance, and dozens of wineries and tasting rooms are just a few minutes away by car.
Santa Ynez Inn
3627 Sagunto St
Santa Ynez, CA
93460
(805) 688-5588
https://www.yelp.com/biz/santa-ynez-inn-santa-ynez
**** (4 stars)
Good Mexican food and a delightful outside dining area. The bartender seemed overwhelmed, but was turning out good stuff. Ceviche was huge and delicious.
Dos Carlitos
3544 Sagunto St
Santa Ynez, CA
93460
(805) 688-0033
https://www.yelp.com/biz/dos-carlitos-santa-ynez
***** (5 stars)
Top notch winemaking, in sharp contrast to some nearby wineries. Pinot Noir and Syrah are standouts here, and you can really see the difference in complexity between the estate and block designated wines. The top end wines are not cheap, but are worth it. Beautiful facility and grounds.
Melville Vineyards & Winery
5185 E Hwy 246
Lompoc, CA
93436
(805) 735-7030
https://www.yelp.com/biz/melville-vineyards-and-winery-lompoc