*** (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
*** (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
**** (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
***** (5 stars)
This terrific restaurant in The Ballard Inn is very popular, so be sure to make reservations. The atmosphere is a cross between modern and colonial, and the food is 100% creative.The Gathering Table
2436 Baseline AveThe Ballard Inn
Solvang (Ballard), CA
93463
(805) 688-7770
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-gathering-table-solvang-ballard
**** (4 stars)
This is a small restaurant in a strip mall. The sushi is well-prepared, and there were an interesting assortment of specials including kanpachi (amber jack), my favorite. We also tried the tempura, which was nice and light. Service was friendly.Yamato Japanese Restaurant
1741 W Grand AveSte E
Grover Beach, CA
93433
(805) 481-3986
https://www.yelp.com/biz/yamato-japanese-restaurant-grover-beach
***** (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)
Solid winemaking, with the Pinot Noir being the standout. It’s a nice facility and the tasting room staff is informative. Not the most complex wines you’ll find in the area, but a good starting point.
Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery
6121 E Hwy 246
Lompoc, CA
93436
(805) 819-3815
https://www.yelp.com/biz/foley-estates-vineyard-and-winery-lompoc
**** (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
*** (3 stars)
A flashback to the 50s in every way from decor to menu to the cracker basket on the table. Even the placements are unchanged! Anderson’s has never been my favorite soup, but the other food on the menu is quite good. My tuna sandwich was just like Mom used to make, and the quesadilla (which I’m pretty sure wasn’t on the menu in the 50s) was huge.
Pea Soup Andersen’s Restaurant
376 Avenue Of
Buellton, CA
93427
(805) 688-5581
https://www.yelp.com/biz/pea-soup-andersens-restaurant-buellton-3